Prettify vs JSON Crack
JSON Crack turns JSON into an interactive graph, and it is free and open source. Prettify is a multi-format editor with a tree, a table, and a node diagram, plus query engines and diff. This page compares them fairly, so you can pick the one that fits your job.
At a glance
Both tools read your JSON in the browser. JSON Crack centers on graph visualization. Prettify centers on editing, querying, and moving between formats. Where the JSON Crack site says nothing about a feature, this page says so and does not guess.
- Local processing and privacy: Prettify parses, edits, queries, and converts on your device; JSON Crack says its data is never stored on its servers and everything happens on your device.
- Formats: Prettify opens JSON, JSONL, YAML, CSV and TSV, XML, Mermaid, Markdown, MDX, and HTML; JSON Crack lists JSON, YAML, CSV, and XML.
- Views: Prettify has Tree, Raw, and Table for free and a node-graph Diagram view in Pro; JSON Crack has a graph view and a tree view, and its site does not mention a table view.
- Query engines: Prettify has jq, SQL for CSV, and XPath for XML, all Pro; JSON Crack runs jq and JSON path queries.
- Diff: Prettify has Diff and Compare in Pro, with text and semantic modes; JSON Crack's site does not mention a diff tool.
- Share links: Prettify has inline links that carry the document in the URL, and Pro short links; JSON Crack's site does not mention share links.
- Platforms: Prettify runs on the web, as an installable PWA, and as a native app for macOS, Windows, and Linux; JSON Crack offers a web app, a VS Code extension, a Chrome extension, and Docker self-hosting.
- Pricing: Prettify has a free tier with no time limit and a one-time Pro upgrade of US$19.99; JSON Crack calls itself free-forever and open source, and offers advanced features through ToDiagram.
Where JSON Crack is strong
JSON Crack draws your data as a graph. If you think visually, that picture is often the fastest way to see how a payload nests. These are its real strengths.
- Graph visualization is the main feature, and the graph updates as you type.
- It exports the graph as a PNG, JPEG, or SVG image.
- It is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, so you can read the code and run your own copy with Docker.
- It runs inside VS Code through an extension on the Marketplace, and a Chrome extension is linked from its site.
- It generates TypeScript interfaces, Go structs, Kotlin data classes, Rust serde types, and JSON Schema.
Where Prettify is different
Prettify treats the graph as one view of several. You load a document once, then switch between views without leaving the page.
- The Tree view is free. It folds and opens nodes, sets a depth from 1 to 8, copies the path to any value, and draws only the rows on screen.
- A document of 1 MB or more is parsed in a background worker, and the tree opens collapsed. The JSON Crack home page lists about 300 KB.
- The Table view shows an array of records as sortable rows and columns.
- The Diagram view is a node graph with a left-to-right or top-to-bottom layout, a minimap, and PNG or SVG export. It draws up to 500 nodes and is a Pro view.
- Diff and Compare shows text and semantic differences, and it exports a JSON Patch. It is a Pro tool.
- Free conversion moves a document between JSON, YAML, CSV, and XML.
- Generate Types is free, and it produces TypeScript, Go, Kotlin, Rust, and JSON Schema.
How sharing affects privacy
A free Prettify share link is built on your device. It carries the compressed document after the # sign, and browsers never send that part to a server. A Pro short link is the one case where Prettify uploads a document, to its share service on Cloudflare, for one year. A dialog names this first.
How to try the same job in Prettify
The box at the top of this page runs in your browser, takes up to 512 KB, and uploads nothing. The graph and the other views live in the editor.
- Paste your JSON into the box at the top of this page, or select Try an example.
- Select Open in full editor. If the JSON has an error, the button reads Fix it in the editor.
- Browse the Tree view. Select Expand All, Collapse All, or a level from the Depth menu.
- Select the Diagram tab to see the node graph. This is a Pro view, and free users get one free try per day.
- In the Diagram view, open the export menu at the top right and choose PNG or SVG.
Which one to choose
Neither tool wins every job. If you are unsure, load the same document in both and see which view helps you faster.
- Choose JSON Crack if a graph is the goal, you want JPEG export, or you want open source and a self-hosted copy.
- Choose JSON Crack if you want to work inside VS Code.
- Choose Prettify if you also work with YAML, CSV, XML, Markdown, or HTML in the same app.
- Choose Prettify if you need SQL or XPath queries, or a diff between two documents.
- Choose Prettify if you want a desktop app that works offline, or an installable web app.
- Choose Prettify if you want a one-time price and a free tier with no time limit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Prettify a good JSON Crack alternative?
It is a good fit if you want a tree and a table as well as a graph, or if you work with several formats. If a graph with JPEG export or a VS Code extension is what you need, JSON Crack is built for that.
How much does each tool cost?
Prettify has a free tier with no time limit. Pro adds the Diagram view, jq, SQL, XPath, and diff for US$19.99, paid once, with lifetime access, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no subscription. JSON Crack calls itself free-forever.
Is my JSON sent to a server?
Not for viewing. Prettify parses and queries on your device. A share link is the one exception: a free link holds the document in the URL after the # sign, and a Pro short link uploads it to Cloudflare for one year.
Is Prettify open source?
No. The Prettify source repository is private. JSON Crack is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, so you can read its code and host your own copy.
Does Prettify draw a graph like JSON Crack?
Yes. The Diagram view draws objects and arrays as linked nodes, up to 500 nodes. It is a Pro view, and free users get one free try per day. The Tree and Table views are free.
Does Prettify have a VS Code or browser extension?
The Prettify docs list the web app, an installable PWA, and desktop builds for macOS, Windows, and Linux. They do not list a VS Code or browser extension.