JSON ⇄ XML Converter

Overview

This JSON to XML converter transforms JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data into valid XML (eXtensible Markup Language) markup. It also works as an XML to JSON converter, letting you convert in both directions.

JSON is the dominant format for web APIs and modern applications. XML remains essential in enterprise systems, SOAP web services, document processing and legacy integrations. This tool bridges the gap when you need to transform data between these formats.

When to Use This Tool

Use this JSON XML converter to transform data between modern and legacy systems. Validate your JSON with our JSON Validator before converting.

Common use cases:

• Integrating a modern REST API with a legacy SOAP-based system
• Converting API responses for systems that only accept XML input
• Migrating configuration files between JSON and XML formats
• Debugging XML payloads by converting them to more readable JSON
• Preparing test data in different formats for integration testing
• Transforming export data for import into different platforms

How to Use

1. Select the conversion direction - Choose "JSON to XML" or "XML to JSON" using the toggle buttons at the top of the converter.
2. Paste your input data - Enter your JSON or XML in the left input area. The converter accepts any valid JSON object, array or primitive and any well-formed XML document.
3. Click Convert - Press the Convert button to transform your data. The result appears in the right output area.
4. Copy the result - Use the Copy button to copy the converted output to your clipboard.
5. Swap and convert back - If needed, click "Swap & Convert Back" to reverse the conversion using the output as new input.

How It Works

The converter reads your input and applies these transformation rules:

JSON to XML Conversion

• Objects become XML elements with child elements for each property
• Arrays become repeated XML elements with the same tag name
• Strings, numbers, booleans become text content within elements
• Null values become empty elements
• Special characters are automatically escaped (<, >, &, etc.)

XML to JSON Conversion

• Elements become JSON object properties
• Repeated elements are automatically grouped into arrays
• Text content is parsed into appropriate types (numbers, booleans, strings)
• Empty elements become null values

Limitations and Considerations

• XML Attributes - JSON has no direct equivalent. Attributes are converted to properties, but the distinction is lost.
• Mixed Content - XML elements containing both text and child elements may not convert perfectly.
• Namespaces - XML namespaces are preserved in element names but simplified in JSON structure.
• Comments - XML comments are not preserved during conversion.
• Processing Instructions - XML processing instructions (except the declaration) are ignored.
• Document Order - JSON object properties may not preserve the exact order of XML elements.

Examples

JSON to XML Example

Converting a user profile from JSON to XML:

{
  "user": {
    "name": "John Doe",
    "age": 30,
    "active": true,
    "emails": [
      "john@example.com",
      "jdoe@work.com"
    ]
  }
}

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<user>
  <name>John Doe</name>
  <age>30</age>
  <active>true</active>
  <emails>john@example.com</emails>
  <emails>jdoe@work.com</emails>
</user>

XML to JSON Example

Converting a product catalog from XML to JSON:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<catalog>
  <product>
    <id>1</id>
    <name>Widget</name>
    <price>29.99</price>
  </product>
  <product>
    <id>2</id>
    <name>Gadget</name>
    <price>49.99</price>
  </product>
</catalog>

{
  "catalog": {
    "product": [
      {
        "id": 1,
        "name": "Widget",
        "price": 29.99
      },
      {
        "id": 2,
        "name": "Gadget",
        "price": 49.99
      }
    ]
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions