JSON <> TOON Converter
Convert between JSON and TOON (Token-Oriented Object Notation) with advanced options.
JSON
0 tokensTOON
What is TOON?
TOON (Token-Oriented Object Notation) is a new data serialization format designed specifically for Large Language Models (LLMs). It aims to reduce token usage compared to JSON while remaining human-readable.
Why use TOON?
- Save Tokens: Reduces token count by 30-50% compared to JSON.
- Cost Efficient: Lower token usage means lower API costs.
- LLM Optimized: Designed to be easily parsed and generated by AI models.
How TOON Reduces Token Usage
TOON achieves token reduction through several optimizations: removing quotes from keys, using whitespace instead of delimiters, eliminating redundant punctuation, and implicit typing. These changes maintain data integrity while significantly reducing the character count that LLM tokenizers process.
Privacy-First Conversion
DevToolVault's JSON/TOON converter processes everything locally in your browser. Your data never leaves your device—no server uploads, no logs, no tracking. Safe for converting sensitive API payloads, configuration data, or proprietary business information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TOON format?
TOON (Token-Oriented Object Notation) is a data serialization format optimized for Large Language Models. It reduces token usage by 30-50% compared to JSON while remaining human-readable, making AI API calls more cost-effective.
How does TOON reduce token usage?
TOON eliminates redundant syntax elements like quotes around keys, colons, and brackets where possible. It uses whitespace-based structure and implicit typing, resulting in fewer tokens while preserving the same data structure.
When should I use TOON instead of JSON?
Use TOON when sending structured data to LLMs (GPT-4, Claude, etc.) to reduce costs. It's especially beneficial for large prompts, frequent API calls, or when including substantial data in context windows. Keep JSON for standard APIs and storage.
Can LLMs understand TOON format?
Yes! Modern LLMs can parse TOON naturally due to its readable structure. You can include TOON in prompts and ask models to respond in TOON format. This reduces both input and output token costs.
What are the advanced options for?
Indentation controls output formatting. Delimiter changes array separators (comma, tab, pipe). Key folding removes redundant quotes from safe keys. Flatten depth controls how nested structures are compressed.
Is the conversion lossless?
Yes, JSON to TOON and back preserves all data integrity. Numbers, strings, booleans, nulls, arrays, and objects all convert perfectly. The only changes are in syntax representation, not data values.
Is my data secure when converting?
Absolutely! All conversions happen locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data and converted TOON never leave your device—no server uploads, no logs, no tracking.
Where can I learn more about TOON?
TOON is an emerging format designed for the AI era. Check the @toon-format/toon npm package for the specification and implementation details. Our tool uses the official TOON library for accurate conversion.
Related AI Tools: Try our AI Token Counter, LLM Cost Estimator, and JSON to JSONL Converter for more AI development utilities.