About the JSON to Text Converter
JSON is great for programs but hard for people to read, with its quotes, braces and brackets. This converter turns any JSON into plain text in three ways: just the values, one per line; key paths with values, such as address.city: Leeds, which flattens nested data; or an indented outline that keeps the structure without the punctuation. You can leave out empty values and nulls. Paste JSON from an API, a config file or a log and copy readable text in a second.
Updated October 2026
How to use the JSON to Text Converter
- 1Paste your JSON in the left box.
- 2Choose values only, key paths or an outline.
- 3Tick the box to leave out empty values if you like.
- 4Check the plain text on the right.
- 5Copy it or download it as a .txt file.
When plain text is better than JSON
Use it to read an API response quickly, paste data into a document or email, search for values with your eyes, or hand a list to someone who doesn't read code. Key paths are also handy for comparing two JSON files line by line with a diff tool, because every value sits on its own line with its full location.
The three styles side by side
For {"name": "Ann", "tags": ["a", "b"]} the styles give the following.
- Values only: Ann, a, b on three lines
- Key paths: name: Ann, tags[0]: a, tags[1]: b
- Outline: name: Ann, then tags: with - a and - b indented underneath
Large and deeply nested data
The converter handles thousands of values. Very deep nesting produces long key paths, which is exactly what makes them useful for finding where a value lives. If the result is too long to read, leave out empty values or switch to values only.
Numbers, booleans and null
Numbers and true or false are written as they are. Null is written as null unless you choose to leave empty values out. Strings lose their quotes, which is the point: the result is meant for reading, not for parsing again.
Getting JSON out of a website or app
Most browsers show API responses in the Network panel of their developer tools: open it, click a request and copy the response. Many apps also export settings as JSON. Paste the whole thing here; you don't need to tidy it first, because the converter reads compact and formatted JSON alike.
Phone and computer
On a phone the result appears under the input; on a computer they sit side by side. Copy and Download work the same everywhere. To make a table use JSON to CSV Converter, and for XML files use XML to Text Converter.
Features
- Three output styles
- Flattens nested objects and arrays
- Key paths like items[0].name
- Skips empty values on request
- Clear message with the line of any JSON error
- Works offline in your browser
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert JSON to text?
Paste the JSON and pick a style. Values only lists every value; key paths shows where each value lives; outline keeps the shape with indentation.
What does a key path look like?
Nested keys are joined with dots and array positions use brackets, such as order.items[2].price: 9.99.
What happens to arrays?
In values and key path mode each item becomes its own line. In outline mode items are shown with a dash, like a bulleted list.
My JSON has an error. What now?
The tool tells you the line and column where reading stopped. Common causes are a missing comma, a trailing comma or single quotes instead of double quotes. Our JSON Validator gives more detail.
Can I convert the text back to JSON?
Not automatically from values only, because the keys are gone. Key paths keep enough information to rebuild it by hand.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. JSON is parsed and converted in your browser.