How to Format JSON in Notepad++ — Plugin Setup & Keyboard Shortcut Guide

Minified JSON is unreadable. One plugin and one keyboard shortcut fixes that in Notepad++.

Step 1: Install Notepad++ (if you haven't)

Download from notepad-plus-plus.org. Run the installer — under a minute.

Step 2: Install the JSTool plugin

1. Open Notepad++
2. Go to Plugins → Plugins Admin
3. Search for JSTool
4. Check the box → click Install
5. Restart Notepad++

Step 3: Format your JSON

1. Open or paste your JSON into Notepad++
2. Select all: Ctrl + A
3. Go to Plugins → JSTool → JSFormat
4. Done — your JSON is now indented and readable

Optional: Set a keyboard shortcut

Go to Settings → Shortcut Mapper → Plugin commands → find JSFormat → assign Ctrl + Alt + M or whatever you prefer.

What JSTool does

• Formats minified JSON into readable indented output
• Basic syntax validation
• Works on JavaScript too

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
JSTool not in menu after install	Restart Notepad++ completely
No color highlighting	Language menu → select JSON
Plugin missing from search	Update Notepad++ to latest version

Full setup guide with screenshots and tips: How to Format JSON in Notepad++

Need to merge or split JSON files after formatting? Use the free JSON Merger — no code required.