PHP Deserializer
Deserialize PHP's serialize() output into readable JSON. Paste a serialized PHP string or upload a file to unserialize arrays, objects, and scalars.
Input
Output
Guides
Convert PHP's serialize() output back into readable, indented JSON — useful for inspecting serialized values pulled from a database column, a WordPress wp_options row, or a cache file, without spinning up PHP.
How to use it
- Paste a serialized PHP string into the input box, or upload a
.txtfile containing one. - The deserialized value is shown as formatted JSON on the right, updating as you type.
- Copy or download the result.
What gets parsed
All of PHP's native serialized types: arrays (a:), objects (O:), strings (s:), integers (i:), floats (d:), booleans (b:), and null (N;).
- A PHP array with sequential integer keys starting at
0becomes a JSON array; any other array (string keys, or gaps) becomes a JSON object. - A PHP object becomes a JSON object with
__classNameand__isObject: truealongside its properties, since JSON has no native concept of a class name. - A serialized string nested inside another serialized value (a value that was itself
serialize()d before being stored) is unwrapped recursively.
What if the data is invalid?
If the input isn't well-formed PHP serialization, the tool returns your original input unchanged rather than throwing an error.
Privacy
Everything runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never uploaded to a server.
Use it from code
From 3 credits per callREST API
curl -X POST https://api.iotools.cloud/v1/tool/php-deserializer \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"serializedPhpData": "a:3:{i:0;s:5:\"Apple\";i:1;s:6:\"Banana\";i:2;s:6:\"C…"
}'Swap in your own key from your account. The tool's fields are the body — no wrapper.
Ask an AI agent
Use the IOTools `php-deserializer` tool (PHP Deserializer) on this input:
YOUR_INPUT_HEREPaste this at any agent connected to the IOTools MCP server, then add your input.