Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about the JSON to YAML Converter tool.
General Questions
What is the JSON to YAML Converter?
The JSON to YAML Converter is a web-based tool that converts JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data to YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) format. It's designed for developers, DevOps engineers, and anyone who needs to transform data between these two popular formats.
Is the tool free to use?
Yes, the JSON to YAML Converter is completely free to use. There are no registration requirements, usage limits, or hidden costs.
Do I need to install anything?
No installation is required. The tool runs entirely in your web browser and doesn't require any software installation or browser extensions.
What browsers are supported?
The tool works with all modern browsers including:
- Chrome 90+
- Firefox 88+
- Safari 14+
- Edge 90+
Usage Questions
How do I use the tool?
- Paste your JSON data into the input area
- The tool automatically converts it to YAML
- Copy or download the converted YAML
Can I convert large JSON files?
Yes, the tool can handle large JSON files, but very large files (over 10MB) may cause performance issues. For very large files, consider breaking them into smaller chunks.
What happens if my JSON is invalid?
The tool will display an error message indicating what's wrong with your JSON. Fix the syntax errors and the conversion will resume automatically.
Can I edit the output YAML?
Yes, you can manually edit the YAML output if needed. However, the tool provides formatted output that should be ready to use.
How do I save my converted YAML?
You can:
- Copy the YAML to your clipboard
- Download it as a .yaml file
- Save it manually from the output area
Technical Questions
Is my data secure?
Yes, your data is completely secure. All processing happens locally in your browser - no data is sent to our servers or stored anywhere.
How does the conversion work?
The tool uses the js-yaml library to parse JSON and convert it to YAML format. All processing happens client-side in your browser.
What YAML options are used?
The tool uses these default options:
- 2-space indentation
- No line wrapping
- No reference duplication
- Maintains original key order
Can I customize the YAML output?
The tool provides basic formatting options (format/minify), but for advanced customization, you may need to edit the output manually or use external tools.
Data Handling Questions
Is my data stored anywhere?
No, your data is not stored anywhere. It exists only in your browser during the conversion process and is cleared when you close the page.
What about the history feature?
The history feature stores conversion records locally in your browser's local storage. This data never leaves your device and can be cleared at any time.
Can I clear my history?
Yes, you can clear individual history entries or all history at once using the clear buttons in the history section.
How long is history kept?
History is kept until you manually clear it or clear your browser's local storage. There's no automatic expiration.
Error Handling Questions
What if I get a conversion error?
Check your JSON syntax for common issues:
- Missing commas between properties
- Unmatched brackets or braces
- Invalid string quotes
- Trailing commas
Why is my YAML output different than expected?
YAML formatting may differ from JSON in several ways:
- Indentation-based structure
- Different array formatting
- String quoting differences
- Boolean value representation
How do I fix JSON syntax errors?
Common fixes include:
- Add missing commas between properties
- Match all brackets and braces
- Use double quotes for strings
- Remove trailing commas
Performance Questions
Is the tool fast?
Yes, the tool provides real-time conversion as you type, making it very fast for most use cases.
What affects performance?
Performance can be affected by:
- File size (very large files may be slower)
- Browser capabilities
- System resources
- Network connection (for loading the tool)
Can I convert multiple files at once?
Currently, the tool converts one JSON document at a time. For multiple files, you'll need to convert them individually.
Integration Questions
Can I integrate this tool into my application?
The tool is designed as a standalone web application. For integration, you'd need to implement similar functionality using the js-yaml library.
Is there an API available?
Currently, there's no API available. The tool is designed for direct web browser use.
Can I use this tool offline?
The tool requires an internet connection to load initially, but once loaded, it can work offline for basic conversions.
Troubleshooting Questions
The tool isn't working. What should I do?
Try these steps:
- Refresh the page
- Clear your browser cache
- Try a different browser
- Check your internet connection
- Disable browser extensions temporarily
Why is my YAML output empty?
This usually happens when:
- The input JSON is empty
- There's a JSON syntax error
- The conversion failed silently
Check your input and try again.
The tool is slow. What can I do?
For better performance:
- Use a modern browser
- Close unnecessary browser tabs
- Clear your browser cache
- Break large files into smaller chunks
Feature Questions
Can I convert YAML back to JSON?
This tool only converts JSON to YAML. For YAML to JSON conversion, use the YAML to JSON Converter tool.
Are there formatting options?
Yes, the tool provides:
- Format button for pretty-printing
- Minify button for compact output
- Copy and download options
Can I see conversion history?
Yes, the tool automatically saves your conversion history locally. You can view, restore, or clear history entries.
Support Questions
How do I report a bug?
If you encounter a bug, please:
- Note the exact steps to reproduce it
- Include your browser and version
- Describe what you expected vs. what happened
- Contact us with this information
Can I request new features?
Yes, we welcome feature requests. Please contact us with your suggestions and we'll consider them for future updates.
Where can I get help?
You can:
- Check this FAQ for common questions
- Review the documentation sections
- Contact us directly for support
Privacy Questions
Is my data private?
Yes, your data is completely private. All processing happens locally in your browser, and no data is transmitted to our servers.
Do you track my usage?
No, we don't track your usage or collect any personal information. The tool works entirely client-side.
Can I use this tool for sensitive data?
While the tool is secure and processes data locally, we recommend being cautious with highly sensitive data and following your organization's data handling policies.
Browser-Specific Questions
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes, the tool works on mobile devices, but the experience may be better on desktop browsers due to screen size and input methods.
Do I need JavaScript enabled?
Yes, JavaScript is required for the tool to function. Make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
Are there any browser extensions required?
No browser extensions are required. The tool works with standard browser features.
Data Format Questions
What JSON formats are supported?
The tool supports standard JSON format as defined by RFC 7159, including:
- Objects and arrays
- Strings, numbers, booleans, null
- Nested structures
- Unicode characters
What YAML versions are supported?
The tool generates YAML 1.2 compatible output, which is the most widely supported version.
Are there any JSON features not supported?
The tool supports all standard JSON features. Custom extensions or non-standard JSON may not convert correctly.
Still Have Questions?
If you don't see your question answered here, please contact us directly. We're happy to help with any questions or issues you may have.