Convert JSON to YAML on Mac
Select the JSON files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose YAML and press Return. FileFlip saves each YAML next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert JSON to YAML with FileFlip
Select the JSON files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from JSON. Type “YAML” to jump to it.
Choose YAML and press Return
The YAML files appear next to the originals with the same names. The JSON files stay as they are.
JSON and YAML
JSON doesn’t open in spreadsheet apps, which want a flat table. YAML is easy to read and edit by hand, which is why it’s used for configuration files.
| Property | JSON | YAML |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | JavaScript Object Notation | YAML Ain’t Markup Language |
| Made by | Douglas Crockford | Clark Evans, Ingy döt Net and Oren Ben-Kiki |
| Best for | Data for code, web APIs and apps | Configuration files |
| Opens in | Every programming language and code editor | Any text editor; read by most programming languages |
| File extension | .json | .yaml, .yml |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Saves |
Other ways on a Mac
Here’s what you can do with what’s already on your Mac.
No built-in converter
macOS doesn’t include an app that converts JSON to YAML, and Numbers can’t save YAML. The usual alternative is a short script.
Questions about JSON and YAML
Can I convert many JSON files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose YAML. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the YAML file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .yaml extension. The JSON file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert YAML back to JSON?
No. FileFlip saves YAML files but doesn’t open them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a folder of data files at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and documents. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac