XML to JSON Converter

What is XML to JSON Conversion?

XML to JSON conversion transforms XML (eXtensible Markup Language) documents into JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. XML was once the standard for data exchange, but JSON has become the preferred format for modern web APIs and JavaScript applications due to its simplicity, smaller size, and native browser support. Converting XML to JSON enables you to use legacy XML data in modern applications, integrate XML-based services with JSON-based systems, and simplify data processing in JavaScript.

Our free XML to JSON Converter uses the browser's built-in DOMParser to parse XML, then intelligently converts elements, attributes, and text content to JSON structure. XML attributes are preserved in an "@attributes" object, multiple elements with the same name become arrays, and nested structures are maintained. Simply paste your XML, click convert, and get clean, formatted JSON output ready for use in your applications.

Why Convert XML to JSON?

While XML is still used in enterprise systems and legacy APIs, JSON has become the standard for modern web development. Converting XML to JSON is essential when:

• Modernizing legacy APIs that return XML
• Integrating XML-based services with JSON-based frontend applications
• Reducing data size (JSON is typically more compact than XML)
• Simplifying data processing in JavaScript (native JSON support)
• Working with modern frameworks that prefer JSON
• Migrating from XML-based systems to JSON-based architectures

Understanding XML Format

XML uses tags, elements, and attributes to structure data:

• Elements are defined by opening and closing tags
• Attributes provide additional information about elements
• Text content appears between tags
• Nested elements create hierarchical structures
• Self-descriptive and verbose format

Example XML:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<root>
  <item id="1" category="electronics">
    <name>Laptop</name>
    <price>999.99</price>
  </item>
</root>

Understanding JSON Format

JSON uses objects, arrays, and key-value pairs:

• Objects use curly braces with key-value pairs
• Arrays use square brackets
• Values can be strings, numbers, booleans, null, objects, or arrays
• Compact and easy to parse
• Native support in JavaScript

Example JSON (converted from XML above):

{
  "root": {
    "item": {
      "@attributes": {
        "id": "1",
        "category": "electronics"
      },
      "name": "Laptop",
      "price": "999.99"
    }
  }
}

Key Features

• Attribute Preservation: XML attributes converted to @attributes object
• Array Detection: Multiple elements with same name become arrays
• Nested Structure: Maintains XML hierarchy in JSON
• Text Content: Element text content becomes JSON values
• Formatted Output: Pretty-printed JSON with syntax highlighting
• Error Handling: Validates XML and provides helpful error messages
• Client-side Processing: All conversion happens in your browser

Common Use Cases

• API Integration: Convert XML API responses to JSON for frontend use
• Data Migration: Transform XML data for modern JSON-based systems
• Configuration Files: Convert XML config to JSON format
• Legacy System Integration: Bridge XML and JSON systems
• Web Development: Prepare XML data for JavaScript applications
• Data Processing: Simplify XML manipulation by converting to JSON
• Testing: Convert XML test data to JSON for testing

How XML to JSON Conversion Works

The conversion process:

1. Parse XML: Use DOMParser to parse XML string into DOM tree
2. Validate: Check for parsing errors and well-formedness
3. Traverse Tree: Recursively process each XML element
4. Handle Attributes: Convert attributes to @attributes object
5. Process Children: Convert child elements to JSON properties
6. Detect Arrays: Group multiple elements with same name into arrays
7. Extract Text: Convert text content to JSON string values
8. Generate JSON: Create formatted JSON string

XML to JSON Mapping Rules

Elements

XML elements become JSON properties. The element name becomes the key, and the content becomes the value.

Attributes

XML attributes are preserved in a special "@attributes" object within the element's JSON representation. This ensures attributes aren't lost during conversion.

Multiple Elements

When multiple XML elements have the same name, they're converted to a JSON array. Single elements remain as objects.

Text Content

Text content within XML elements becomes string values in JSON. Mixed content (text and elements) is handled appropriately.

Nested Structures

Nested XML elements create nested JSON objects, maintaining the hierarchical structure.

Best Practices

• Validate XML First: Ensure XML is well-formed before conversion
• Review Structure: Check that JSON structure matches your expectations
• Handle Attributes: Be aware that attributes are in @attributes object
• Check Arrays: Verify multiple elements are converted to arrays correctly
• Test Conversion: Validate converted JSON for your use case
• Consider Namespaces: XML namespaces may need special handling

Limitations

Our XML to JSON converter:

• Handles standard XML elements, attributes, and text
• Does not preserve XML comments or processing instructions
• CDATA sections are converted to text content
• XML namespaces may require manual adjustment
• Mixed content (text and elements) may need review

For complex XML with namespaces, CDATA, or processing instructions, specialized tools or manual adjustment may be needed.

Technical Considerations

Our converter:

• Uses browser DOMParser for XML parsing
• Handles attributes, elements, and text content
• Detects and converts multiple elements to arrays
• Preserves hierarchical structure
• Generates valid, formatted JSON
• All processing happens client-side for privacy

FAQs

How are XML attributes handled?

XML attributes are converted to an "@attributes" object within the element's JSON representation. For example, <item id="1"> becomes {"item": {"@attributes": {"id": "1"}, ...}}

What happens to multiple elements with the same name?

Multiple XML elements with the same name are automatically converted to a JSON array. Single elements remain as objects.

Are XML comments preserved?

No, XML comments and processing instructions are not preserved in the JSON output. Only elements, attributes, and text content are converted.

How are XML namespaces handled?

XML namespaces are included in element names. For complex namespace handling, you may need to manually adjust the JSON output.

Can I convert JSON back to XML?

Yes, you can convert JSON back to XML, though the structure may differ slightly. Use a JSON to XML converter for reverse conversion.