How to Format JSON in Notepad++ (Step-by-Step Guide)

Format JSON in Notepad++ to make your data easier to read and work with. You have looked at a garbled piece of JSON code and understand how exasperating this can be. Notepad++ is a free text editor that is not based on size or capability but rather on punch. And with the appropriate plug-in you can convert that jumbled text into a well-shaped, indented format with a few clicks. I shall take you through the process step by step in this guide. No elaborate technical expertise is required – just go along.

First things first. Why bother formatting JSON? Raw JSON can be a single line, however, which is excellent with machines and awful with humans. Formatting includes spaces, line breaks and indents. This will enable you to identify mistakes fast such as forgotten commas or misplaced brackets. It also simplifies the process of collaboration during the sharing of code with others.

Table of Contents

Getting Started: Install the JSON Viewer Plugin

Notepad++ does not format the JSON per se. You need a plugin for that. The JSON Viewer plug-in is trendy and easy. Here’s how to get it set up.

Open Notepad++ on your computer. If you don’t have it yet, download it from the official website – it’s free and quick to install.
Click on the “Plugins” menu at the top.
Select “Plugins Admin” from the dropdown. This opens a window with a list of available plugins.
In the search box, type “JSON Viewer.”
Check the box next to it when it appears.
Hit “Install.” Notepad++ might restart during this process. That’s normal.
Once it’s back up, verify the installation. Go back to Plugins, and you should see JSON Viewer listed there.

Got it? Great. If the plugin doesn’t show up, double-check your internet connection or try restarting the editor.

Opening and Formatting Your JSON File

Now that the plugin is ready, let’s dive into the main task: formatting your JSON.

Launch Notepad++ if it’s not already open.
Go to “File” > “Open” and select your JSON file. Or just drag and drop it into the editor window.
Once the file loads, it might look like one long string. Don’t worry.
Select all the text by pressing Ctrl+A.
Head to the Plugins menu again.
Hover over JSON Viewer.
Choose “Format JSON.” Boom. Your code transforms into a readable format with proper indents.

See how simple that is? The plugin automatically adds line breaks and spaces. If your JSON has issues, like syntax errors, the plugin might highlight them or refuse to format. That’s a handy bonus for debugging.

Also Read – How to Convert a JSON File to Microsoft Excel

Validating Your JSON

Formatting is one thing, but making sure your JSON is valid is another. Invalid JSON can cause headaches down the line.

After formatting, stay in the JSON Viewer submenu.
Click “Validate JSON.”
If everything checks out, you’ll get a confirmation message.
If not, it points out the problem areas. Fix those errors right in the editor.

This step saves time, especially when working on larger projects.

Tips for Working with JSON in Notepad++

Want to level up? Here are some quick tips to make formatting JSON in Notepad++ even smoother.

Use keyboard shortcuts. Once the plugin is installed, you can assign shortcuts for faster access. Go to Settings > Shortcut Mapper > Plugin commands.
Handle large files. Notepad++ is likely to become slow with a large JSON. Attempt to split the file or enable the option of the Pretty Print under JSON Viewer to have a brief look.
Customize the view. The plugin will allow the collapsing and expansion of sections. When you do not need the details of objects or arrays, you can click the small arrows that are located beside them.
Export formatted JSON. Once formatted, save the file using File > Save As. It is recommended to keep the .json extension to be compatible.

These are modifications that make you work more effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you run into snags while trying to format JSON in Notepad++, try these fixes.

Plugin not installing? Make sure you’re using the latest version of Notepad++. Older ones might have compatibility issues.
Formatting fails? Check for invalid characters or incomplete structures in your JSON. Use an online validator as a backup.
No JSON Viewer in menu? Restart Notepad++ or reinstall the plugin through Plugins Admin.

Most problems boil down to simple oversights.

Conclusion

There you have it. Formatting JSON in Notepad++ is a breeze once you know the ropes. Give it a try on your next project, and you’ll wonder how you managed without it. Happy coding!

FAQs

What if I don’t see the JSON Viewer plugin in Plugins Admin?

It could be a temporary glitch. Close Notepad++, reopen it, and try searching again. If that fails, download the plugin manually from a trusted source and install it via the Plugins menu.

Can I format JSON without a plugin?

Not really in Notepad++ alone. You’d have to do it manually, which is tedious for big files. Stick with the plugin for efficiency.

Does formatting change the JSON data?

No, it only adds whitespace for readability. The actual data stays the same, so it’s safe for production use.

Is there a way to minify JSON in Notepad++?

Yes! In the JSON Viewer submenu, look for “Compress JSON” or similar options to remove all extra spaces.