What is JSON Clarity?

JSON Clarity is a powerful Chrome extension that automatically detects and transforms raw JSON data into a beautifully formatted, interactive viewer. Whether you're working with API responses, configuration files, or data exports, JSON Clarity makes JSON readable and navigable with just one click.

See the Magic in Action

Before JSON Clarity:

{"name":"John","age":30,"city":"New York","hobbies":["reading","gaming"],"address":{"street":"123 Main St","zip":"10001"}}

After JSON Clarity:

{ "name": "John", "age": 30, "city": "New York", "hobbies": [ "reading", "gaming" ], "address": { "street": "123 Main St", "zip": "10001" } }

Why Use JSON Clarity?

🚀 Instant Formatting

No more squinting at unreadable JSON. Get beautiful formatting instantly on any page.

🔒 Privacy First

Runs entirely in your browser. No data collection, no external requests, no tracking.

⚡ Lightweight

Zero external dependencies. Fast, efficient, and doesn't slow down your browser.

🎯 Universal

Works on local files, API endpoints, web pages, and any JSON content.

Core Features

🔍 Auto-Detection

Automatically detects JSON on any webpage or local file. No manual setup required.

🎨 Syntax Highlighting

Color-coded data types: purple keys, green strings, red numbers, orange booleans.

📦 Collapsible Sections

Expand and collapse nested objects and arrays. Navigate large structures easily.

🔎 Search & Filter

Real-time search through JSON keys and values with live highlighting.

📋 Copy to Clipboard

One-click copy of formatted JSON with proper indentation preserved.

🌙 Dark Mode

Toggle between light and dark themes. Reduces eye strain during long sessions.

📊 Line Numbers

Easy reference with left-side line numbers that update dynamically.

⚙️ Smart Settings

Toggle auto-format, manual format button, and persistent preferences.

Supported Formats

  • Local JSON files (file:// URLs)
  • API endpoints and web services
  • Configuration files
  • Data exports and backups
  • Objects, arrays, and all JSON data types
  • Nested structures of any depth

How to Use JSON Clarity

1. Installation

  1. Install JSON Clarity from the Chrome Web Store
  2. The extension will automatically activate
  3. No additional setup required!

2. Automatic Formatting

JSON Clarity automatically detects and formats JSON on most pages:

  • Navigate to any page with JSON content
  • The extension detects JSON automatically
  • Raw JSON is replaced with the beautiful formatted view
  • Use the toolbar controls to navigate and search

3. Manual Formatting

If automatic formatting doesn't work:

  1. Click the JSON Clarity extension icon in your toolbar
  2. Click the "Format JSON Now" button
  3. The extension will attempt to format any JSON on the page

4. Using the Toolbar

🔍 Search Box

Type to search through JSON keys and values. Matching results are highlighted in yellow.

📖 Expand All

Click to expand all collapsed sections at once.

📚 Collapse All

Click to collapse all sections for a compact view.

📋 Copy JSON

Click to copy the formatted JSON to your clipboard.

🌙 Dark Mode

Click the moon icon to toggle between light and dark themes.

5. Settings

Click the extension icon to access settings:

  • Auto-Format JSON: Toggle automatic formatting on/off
  • Dark Mode: Set your preferred theme
  • Status Display: Shows if JSON is currently formatted

Example Use Cases

API Development

// Before: Unreadable API response {"users":[{"id":1,"name":"John","email":"john@example.com","profile":{"age":30,"city":"NYC"}}]} // After: Beautiful formatted view with collapsible sections { "users": [ { "id": 1, "name": "John", "email": "john@example.com", "profile": { "age": 30, "city": "NYC" } } ] }

Local File Viewing

Open any local JSON file in Chrome (file:// URLs) and JSON Clarity will automatically format it.

Configuration Files

View package.json, tsconfig.json, or any configuration file with beautiful formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

JSON Clarity works best with raw JSON content. If it's not working:

  • Try the manual format button in the extension popup
  • Ensure the page contains valid JSON
  • Check if auto-format is enabled in settings
  • Refresh the page and try again

Yes! JSON Clarity works with local JSON files. Simply open any .json file in Chrome using file:// URLs and the extension will automatically format it.

Absolutely! JSON Clarity:

  • Runs entirely in your browser
  • Does not send data to external servers
  • Does not track your browsing
  • Only processes JSON locally for formatting
  • Stores only your preferences locally

You can disable auto-formatting in the extension settings. Click the extension icon and toggle "Auto-Format JSON" off. You can still use the manual format button when needed.

Yes! JSON Clarity is optimized for performance and can handle large JSON files. Use the collapse/expand features to navigate large structures efficiently.

Troubleshooting Steps

If the extension isn't working:

  1. Check if the extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/
  2. Try refreshing the page
  3. Use the manual format button in the extension popup
  4. Check if auto-format is enabled in settings
  5. Ensure the page contains valid JSON

If you see CSP errors:

JSON Clarity is fully CSP compliant. If you see Content Security Policy errors, they're likely from the website itself, not the extension.

Performance issues:

  • Use collapse/expand to manage large JSON structures
  • Disable auto-format on pages where you don't need it
  • Clear your browser cache if needed

Get Support

Need help with JSON Clarity? We're here to assist you!

Send us a message

Other Ways to Get Help

📚 Documentation

Check this support page for detailed information about features and usage.

🐛 Bug Reports

Found a bug? Report it through the contact form above with details about the issue.

💡 Feature Requests

Have an idea for a new feature? We'd love to hear from you!

⭐ Reviews

Love JSON Clarity? Leave a review on the Chrome Web Store to help others discover it!