To format JSON in Sublime Text, first ensure the file's syntax is set to JSON via View → Syntax → JSON. 2. Use the built-in reindent command with Ctrl Alt B (Windows/Linux) or Cmd Ctrl B (Mac) to format the JSON. 3. For enhanced features like validation and sorting, install the Pretty JSON plugin via Package Control by opening the command palette, selecting Install Package, and searching for "Pretty JSON". 4. After installation, format JSON using Ctrl Alt J (Windows/Linux) or Ctrl Cmd J (Mac), or run "Pretty JSON: Format" from the command palette, which will also validate the JSON and alert on errors. 5. If formatting fails, manually fix indentation by selecting all text and using Edit → Line → Reindent, ensuring the syntax is correctly set to JSON. Proper syntax detection is essential for all methods to work correctly.

Formatting JSON in Sublime Text is simple once you know the right tools and steps. Here’s how to do it quickly and effectively.

Use the Built-in JSON Formatter

Sublime Text includes a built-in command to format JSON, but only when the file is set to JSON syntax.

1. Open your JSON file in Sublime Text.
2. Make sure the syntax is set to JSON:
   • Click on the language name in the bottom-right corner (e.g., "Plain Text").
   • Select Open Syntax Specific... → JavaScript → JSON.
   • Or go to View → Syntax → JSON.
3. With the file recognized as JSON, press:
   • Ctrl Alt B (Windows/Linux)
   • Cmd Ctrl B (Mac)

This runs the "Reindent" command, which properly formats the JSON structure.

?? Note: If the shortcut doesn’t work, it might be because the syntax isn’t correctly set to JSON. Double-check that.

Install Pretty JSON for Better Formatting

For more advanced formatting (like sorting keys or validating JSON), install the Pretty JSON plugin via Package Control.

Steps to install Pretty JSON:

1. Install Package Control (if you haven’t already):
   • Press Ctrl `` (backtick) to open the console.
   • Paste the installation script from packagecontrol.io.
2. Open the command palette:
   • Ctrl Shift P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd Shift P (Mac)
3. Type "Install Package", select Package Control: Install Package.
4. Search for "Pretty JSON" and install it.

Use Pretty JSON to format:

• With your JSON file open, press:
  • Ctrl Cmd J (Mac) or Ctrl Alt J (Windows/Linux)
• Or open the command palette and run "Pretty JSON: Format"

This will not only format but also validate your JSON. If there’s a syntax error, it will show an alert.

Fix Indentation Manually (Fallback)

If formatting doesn’t work:

1. Select all text (Ctrl A or Cmd A).
2. Go to Edit → Line → Reindent.
3. Ensure the file is using JSON syntax — this step relies on it.

This method uses Sublime’s general reindent logic, which works decently for clean JSON.

Basically, the key is making sure Sublime recognizes your file as JSON. Once it does, formatting is just a shortcut away. For regular JSON work, Pretty JSON is worth installing — it adds validation, sorting, and better formatting options.

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