Tools · Config
JSON ↔ YAML Converter
Vanilla files use JSON; plugins use YAML. Paste either format, edit, copy the other — JSON changes sync to YAML live.
JSON edits on the left update YAML on the right live. Edit YAML directly only when converting YAML → JSON — then click the button below.
Common Minecraft admin conversion tasks
Translate whitelist exports between formats. Convert LuckPerms YAML snippets to JSON for scripts. Read minified ops.json as indented YAML for hand-editing.
Vanilla Minecraft JSON files
| File | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| whitelist.json | Server root | Allowed players (uuid + name) |
| ops.json | Server root | Operator list |
| banned-players.json | Server root | Banned players |
| banned-ips.json | Server root | Banned IP addresses |
YAML editing tips for plugin configs
Use spaces not tabs. Two-space indent is standard. Quote strings containing colons or special characters. After converting, restart the plugin or server and watch console for config load errors.
How to use this tool
- 1
Paste JSON or YAML
Load the whitelist example or paste from a plugin config. JSON on the left syncs to YAML on the right automatically as you edit.
- 2
Fix any parse errors
Invalid JSON shows inline errors on the left. YAML syntax errors appear when clicking YAML → JSON. YAML indentation must use spaces consistently.
- 3
Copy the output
Copy JSON or YAML from the header button. Back up original config files before replacing them on your server.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Minecraft servers use both JSON and YAML?
Vanilla uses JSON for whitelist.json, ops.json, and bans. Most Paper plugins use YAML configs. Converting lets you reuse data when switching tools or editing by hand.
Is whitelist.json JSON or YAML?
JSON — an array of objects with uuid and name keys. Use the whitelist creator to generate valid JSON rather than hand-editing.
Does editing YAML break my config?
YAML is whitespace-sensitive. Parse errors show inline. Always backup plugin configs before bulk conversion.
Can I convert plugin config files with this tool?
Yes for pure data structures. YAML comments strip when converting to JSON. Complex anchor syntax may need manual cleanup.
Which Minecraft files are JSON vs YAML?
JSON: whitelist.json, ops.json, banned-players.json, usercache.json. YAML: most plugin configs in plugins/PluginName/config.yml.
Why does my converted YAML look different?
YAML stringify order and formatting may differ from the original file. Data values are equivalent — test the plugin after replacing the config.
Can I convert banned-players.json with this tool?
Yes — paste the JSON array and convert to YAML if a tool requires YAML import, or edit the JSON directly on the left panel.