JSON Sorter

How to Sort JSON Online

Our free online JSON sorter tool helps you organize and sort JSON data with ease. Whether you need to sort object keys alphabetically, arrange array values in order, or organize nested JSON structures, our tool provides all the functionality you need in one place.

Key Features

• Sort Object Keys: Automatically sort JSON object keys alphabetically in ascending or descending order
• Sort Arrays: Sort array values numerically or alphabetically
• Nested Sorting: Recursively sort nested objects and arrays throughout your JSON structure
• Customizable Order: Choose between ascending (A-Z, 0-9) or descending (Z-A, 9-0) sorting
• Real-time Processing: See sorted results instantly as you type
• Syntax Validation: Check if your JSON is valid before sorting
• Indentation Control: Format output with customizable indentation (1-8 spaces or tabs)
• Copy to Clipboard: Easy one-click copying of sorted results
• File Upload: Upload JSON files directly from your device

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Input Your JSON

Paste your JSON data into the input area, upload a JSON file, or use our sample data to get started. The tool accepts any valid JSON format, including objects, arrays, and nested structures.

2. Configure Sorting Options

Choose your preferred sorting options:

• Sort Order: Select ascending (A-Z, 0-9) or descending (Z-A, 9-0) order
• Sort Object Keys: Enable to sort object keys alphabetically
• Sort Arrays: Enable to sort array values
• Indent Size: Select 1, 2, 4, 8 spaces, or tabs for output formatting

3. View Sorted Results

The sorted JSON will appear in the output area with syntax highlighting. You'll also see validation status and error messages (if any) to help you identify and fix issues.

4. Copy or Download

Use the copy button to copy the sorted JSON to your clipboard, or download it as a file for use in your projects.

JSON Sorting Use Cases

1. Organizing Configuration Files

Sort JSON configuration files to make them more readable and maintainable. Alphabetically sorted keys make it easier to find specific settings and compare different configuration versions.

2. Data Normalization

Normalize JSON data by sorting keys consistently. This is especially useful when comparing JSON objects or merging data from different sources, as sorted keys ensure consistent structure.

3. API Response Organization

Sort API responses to create predictable output formats. This helps with debugging, testing, and documentation, as the order of properties remains consistent.

4. Database Export Organization

When exporting data to JSON format, sorting can help organize the output. Sorted keys make it easier to review exported data and identify patterns or issues.

5. Version Control

Sorted JSON files produce cleaner diffs in version control systems. When keys are sorted, changes are easier to track and merge, reducing conflicts and improving collaboration.

Sorting Best Practices

1. Choose Appropriate Sort Order

Select the sort order that best fits your use case:

• Ascending (A-Z): Best for alphabetical organization and standard conventions
• Descending (Z-A): Useful for reverse alphabetical order or specific display requirements

2. Object Key Sorting

Enable object key sorting when you need consistent key ordering. This is particularly useful for:

• Configuration files that need to be human-readable
• API responses that should have predictable structure
• Data exports that need to be organized

3. Array Sorting

Use array sorting carefully, as it changes the order of array elements:

• Enable for arrays where order doesn't matter (e.g., tags, categories)
• Disable for arrays where order is significant (e.g., timeline data, sequences)
• Consider the data type when sorting (strings vs. numbers)

4. Nested Structures

Our tool automatically handles nested objects and arrays. When sorting is enabled, all nested structures are sorted recursively, ensuring consistent organization throughout your JSON.

Common Sorting Scenarios

Scenario 1: Sorting Configuration Files

Input: Unsorted configuration with mixed key order
Action: Enable "Sort object keys" with ascending order
Result: All keys sorted alphabetically for easy navigation

Scenario 2: Organizing API Data

Input: API response with unsorted properties
Action: Enable "Sort object keys" to create consistent structure
Result: Predictable key order for easier debugging and testing

Scenario 3: Sorting Array Values

Input: JSON with unsorted array values
Action: Enable "Sort arrays" with appropriate sort order
Result: Array values sorted numerically or alphabetically

Technical Details

Sorting Algorithm

Our JSON sorter uses a recursive algorithm that:

• Traverses the entire JSON structure
• Sorts object keys alphabetically (case-sensitive)
• Sorts array values based on their data type (string or number)
• Preserves the structure and data types of all values
• Handles nested objects and arrays at any depth

Data Type Handling

The tool handles different data types appropriately:

• Strings: Sorted alphabetically using locale-aware comparison
• Numbers: Sorted numerically (1, 2, 10, not 1, 10, 2)
• Mixed Types: Converted to strings for comparison when mixed
• Objects: Keys are sorted, values are recursively processed
• Arrays: Values are sorted, nested structures are recursively processed

Privacy and Security

Our JSON sorter tool processes all data locally in your browser. Your JSON data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security. No data is sent to our servers, and no information is stored or logged.

Browser Compatibility

Our tool works in all modern browsers including:

• Google Chrome (latest version)
• Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
• Microsoft Edge (latest version)
• Safari (latest version)
• Opera (latest version)