Shrinkrs / Documents and data
Compare two JSON documents
Paste two versions of a JSON document and see exactly what was added, removed or changed, with the path to each difference. It runs in your browser, so API responses and config files stay private.
How to use the JSON Compare tool
- STEP 1
Paste both versions
Put the original on the left and the changed version on the right. Invalid JSON is flagged with its position.
- STEP 2
Set the options
Choose whether array order matters. Key order never does.
- STEP 3
Read the differences
Each change lists its path, with the old and new values side by side.
A comparison of meaning, not text
A plain text diff flags every reordered key and reformatted line, which makes real changes hard to spot. This tool parses both documents first and compares the data. Whitespace, indentation and the order of keys in an object are ignored, so two documents that mean the same thing show no differences.
Each difference is reported with its path, such as $.user.roles[1].name, and labelled as added, removed or changed.
Arrays: by position or as a set
By default arrays are compared item by item, in order, which is what you want for ordered data like steps or coordinates. Tick Ignore array order when the order carries no meaning, for example a list of tags or permissions, and two arrays with the same items in a different order will count as equal.
Typical uses: checking what an API response changed between versions, reviewing a configuration edit, or confirming that a data migration did not alter anything.
Questions people ask
Does key order matter?
No. {"a":1,"b":2} and {"b":2,"a":1} are treated as identical.
Can I ignore the order of array items?
Yes. Tick Ignore array order and arrays are compared as sets of items.
Is my JSON sent anywhere?
No. Both documents are parsed and compared in your browser. This makes it safe for API responses and configuration that include private values.
What happens with invalid JSON?
The invalid side is outlined and the error message shows what went wrong and where, so you can fix it.
How large can the documents be?
A few megabytes work comfortably. Very large files depend on your device's memory.