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INI to JSON Converter

Convert INI configuration text into a JSON object. Parses [section] headers (including dotted, nested sections), key = value pairs, quoted values and comments. Optional type coercion turns true/false and numeric strings into real JSON booleans and numbers. Runs entirely in your browser.

Input

Options

Output

JSON Output
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Guides

Paste INI configuration text and get a clean, pretty-printed JSON object back. This converter reads the classic [section] / key = value INI format and turns it into structured JSON you can drop into a JavaScript app, a REST payload, or any tool that speaks JSON instead of INI. Everything runs in your browser — your configuration never leaves your machine.

What INI-to-JSON conversion is for

INI files are a lightweight, human-friendly way to store settings — think php.ini, .gitconfig, desktop app configs, and countless server config files. They are easy to hand-edit but awkward to load programmatically in modern stacks, most of which expect JSON. Converting INI to JSON lets you:

  • Migrate legacy configuration into JSON-based tooling.
  • Feed settings into JavaScript, TypeScript, or JSON-driven APIs.
  • Inspect a config's structure with proper nesting and data types.
  • Diff or validate configuration with JSON-aware tools.

How to use the tool

  1. Paste your INI text into the INI Input box (or click Try an example).
  2. Adjust the options if needed — the defaults suit most files.
  3. Copy or download the resulting JSON from the JSON Output panel.

The output updates automatically as you type.

Options

  • Type coercion (on by default): converts values to their natural JSON types. true/on/yes become true, false/off/no become false, null/none and empty values become null, and numeric strings like 3306 become numbers. Turn it off to keep every value as a string.
  • Strip inline comments (on by default): removes a trailing ; comment or # comment from a value. Comments inside quoted values are preserved.
  • Duplicate keys: choose Last wins (later value replaces earlier) or Collect as array (repeated keys become a JSON array).
  • Indent: 2 spaces, 4 spaces, tab, or minified (single-line) output.

FAQ

How are sections turned into JSON?

Each [section] becomes a nested object. A dotted header like [database.options] nests further — { "database": { "options": { ... } } }. Keys defined before any section land at the root of the object.

Are booleans and numbers really converted?

Only when Type coercion is enabled (the default). With it on, ssl = true becomes a JSON boolean and port = 3306 becomes a JSON number. Disable the option if you want strict string values.

What about values that contain an equals sign or a semicolon?

Only the first = on a line splits key from value, so callback = https://x?a=1&b=2 keeps the full URL. Inline-comment stripping is skipped for quoted values, so note = "value; with semicolon" keeps its semicolon intact.

Is my data uploaded anywhere?

No. The conversion happens entirely in your browser using a self-contained parser, so your configuration — including any secrets it may hold — is never sent to a server.

What's the difference from an INI formatter?

An INI formatter tidies INI and returns INI. This tool changes the format entirely: INI in, JSON out.

inijsonconverterconfigconfigurationparser

Use it from code

From 3 credits per call

REST API

curl -X POST https://api.iotools.cloud/v1/tool/ini-to-json \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "iniSource": "[server]\nhost = localhost\nport = 8080\ndebug = tr…",
    "typeCoercion": "true",
    "stripComments": "true",
    "duplicateKeys": "last",
    "indent": "2"
  }'

Swap in your own key from your account. The tool's fields are the body — no wrapper.

Ask an AI agent

Use the IOTools `ini-to-json` tool (INI to JSON Converter) on this input:

YOUR_INPUT_HERE

Paste this at any agent connected to the IOTools MCP server, then add your input.

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