How XML to JSON conversion works
This tool parses your XML into a document tree and converts it into JSON using predictable rules. Elements become objects, attributes can be preserved, and repeated sibling elements become arrays. Everything runs directly in your browser, so nothing is uploaded or stored.
When to use this tool
XML is widely used for feeds, exports, and enterprise integrations. JSON is simpler to work with in modern apps. XML to JSON helps when you need clean imports, API payloads, or developer-friendly data.
- APIs: convert XML responses into JSON objects for scripts and services.
- Feeds: transform RSS-like or product feeds into JSON data structures.
- Legacy exports: migrate XML exports into tools that accept JSON.
- Automation: parse XML once and use JSON in pipelines.
Need the “reverse” direction (JSON → XML)? Try our JSON to XML Converter. If you need a CSV format instead, use this XML to CSV Converter.
Conversion rules
- Elements: become JSON objects keyed by tag name.
- Attributes: stored under
@(for example{"@":{"id":"123"}}) if enabled. - Text: stored under
#textif enabled. With “Smart” text mode, text-only elements become strings. - Repeated siblings: become arrays automatically (or forced) for predictable output.
- Namespaces: tag names are kept as-is (including prefixes).
Step-by-step: from XML to JSON
Converting your XML takes just a few seconds:
- Add your XML files. Drag and drop files into the box above, or click to choose from your device.
- Choose options. Decide how to treat attributes, text nodes, and arrays.
- Convert to JSON. Click Convert to JSON. The tool processes everything locally.
- Save your output. Save files one by one or use “Save all” once ready.
Privacy, limits and how this tool treats your files
FileYoga is built around a simple rule: your files stay with you. XML to JSON conversion runs locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded to FileYoga servers.
Local-only conversion
Conversion runs locally in your browser on your device. Your XML is not uploaded, and the JSON output is generated on your side.
No hidden copies
When you clear the list or close the tab, the tool stops using your files and does not save copies on a server.
No artificial limits
No paywalls or quotas. The only limits come from your device’s memory and your browser.
No account required
Use the converter without signing up. Open the page, convert your files, and leave when you are done.
Tips for best results
- If your XML uses repeated tags, leave arrays on “Auto” so siblings become arrays.
- If you need strict consistency, choose “Force arrays” so child groups always become arrays.
- Use “Smart” text mode if you want cleaner JSON for text-only nodes.
- For huge XML files, convert one file at a time to reduce memory pressure.
Troubleshooting
- Invalid XML error: The XML may have missing closing tags or invalid characters. Validate and try again.
- Unexpected arrays: Switch array mode to Auto for more natural output, or Force for strict consistency.
- Text missing: Ensure “Text nodes” is set to Keep or Smart.
- Attributes missing: Set “Attributes” to @attributes.
- The tab freezes: Deeply nested or very large XML can hit memory limits. Convert one file at a time and close other heavy tabs.
Frequently asked questions
No. XML to JSON conversion runs locally in your browser. Your XML file is never uploaded to FileYoga servers, and the JSON output is generated on your device.
If you keep attributes, they are stored under an @ key inside the element object.
Example: {"@":{"id":"123","type":"primary"}}. If you select “Drop attributes”, they are removed.
When text is kept, it appears under #text. Smart mode makes the output cleaner:
if an element contains only text (no child elements and no attributes), it becomes a plain string instead of an object.
If an element has attributes or children, Smart mode keeps the text under #text.
In “Auto” mode, repeated sibling tags become arrays only when they appear more than once under the same parent. In “Force arrays” mode, child groups are always output as arrays, even if there is only one item, which helps keep a consistent schema.
No. This is called “mixed content”. If an element contains both nested elements and meaningful text,
the converter keeps the structured children as keys and stores the text under #text (unless text is dropped).
That keeps the output predictable and reversible.
CDATA is treated as text content. If text is enabled, CDATA will appear in the output just like normal text
(as a string in Smart mode, or under #text when the element has attributes or children).
No. Namespaced tags are kept as-is, including prefixes (for example ns:Item).
If you need to rename or strip prefixes, export to JSON first and then adjust keys in your app or script.
“Invalid XML” usually means missing closing tags, illegal characters, or malformed entities. If the structure looks unexpected, it’s often because the XML uses repeating sibling tags (arrays), mixed content, or attributes that you chose to drop. Try enabling attributes and using Auto arrays first.
There are no artificial limits. Very large XML files or deeply nested structures can hit browser memory limits or slow your device. If that happens, convert one file at a time, close other heavy tabs, or simplify the XML before converting.