JSON diff: compare objects, arrays and export an HTML report
Use JSON diff to review an API change, compare configuration versions or inspect a before-and-after data snapshot. Structural comparison avoids treating indentation or object-key order as a data change. Both documents must pass JSON validation.
How to use the tool
- Paste the original JSON on the left and the target JSON on the right.
- Choose whether array order matters. Keep the default index comparison for ordered lists.
- Start comparison and review additions, removals and changes in the aligned preview.
- Use difference filters or path search, then export a local HTML report or JSON Patch. Return to editing to keep working with the same inputs.
An example to test
Original: {"name":"Alex","roles":["reader"]}
Target: {"name":"Alex","roles":["reader","editor"]}Object order and array order
Object-key order is ignored. Arrays are compared by index by default, so changing order may produce differences even when the same elements are present. Ignore-array-order compares element collections, including duplicate counts; an altered collection can be marked as a whole array.
HTML report versus JSON Patch
A standalone HTML report is for reading and sharing the comparison offline: it is one local file. JSON Patch describes changes for programmatic use. Check the chosen comparison mode and the target system’s patch behavior before applying a patch.
Frequently asked questions
Why do identical objects in a different key order show no change?
Object members are compared by key and value, not by their textual positions.
Can the HTML report be opened without the website?
Yes. The exported report is a standalone local HTML file and can be opened offline.