JSON and XML are both text-based formats for representing structured data. JSON dominates modern web APIs. XML still rules in enterprise systems, SOAP web services, document formats like Office Open XML, Android resources, and many legacy integrations. There will be moments in almost every developer's career when data arrives as JSON and needs to leave as XML. This guide explains how the conversion works and how to do it quickly.
How JSON and XML Compare
JSON uses curly braces for objects, square brackets for arrays, and colons to separate keys from values. XML uses opening and closing tags for everything, with attributes, text nodes, and nested child elements.
The same data looks quite different in each format. A JSON object with a name key and a value of Alice becomes an XML element called name with Alice as its text content. An array of items becomes repeated sibling elements with the same tag name. The root of a JSON document (which has no name) becomes a root XML element that the converter typically names root or uses the outermost key name.
When Do You Need JSON to XML?
SOAP web services are the most common reason. SOAP uses XML envelopes for all requests and responses. If you have data in JSON from a modern API and need to call a SOAP service, you need to convert that JSON to XML first.
Enterprise integration platforms like MuleSoft, BizTalk, and SAP often work in XML natively. Converting JSON payloads to XML before sending them through these systems is routine.
Android development uses XML for resource files, manifest files, and layout definitions. Tools that generate Android resources from data often start from JSON.
RSS and Atom feeds are XML formats. If you generate these from a JSON data source, conversion is required.
How the Conversion Works
The JSON to XML conversion follows a set of rules. Each JSON key becomes an XML element tag name. The value of a string, number, or boolean key becomes the text content of that element. Nested JSON objects become nested XML elements. Arrays become repeated sibling elements sharing the same tag name.
One important difference is that XML requires a single root element while JSON does not. If your JSON is an array at the top level, the converter wraps it in a root element.
XML also supports attributes, which JSON has no equivalent for. Most JSON to XML converters do not use XML attributes; they use child elements for everything. If you need to produce XML with specific attributes, you may need to post-process the output.
Using the DevHexLab JSON to XML Tool
Open the tool at /tools/json/json-to-xml. Paste your JSON. Click Convert. Review the XML output and click Copy or Download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert XML back to JSON?
Yes. DevHexLab also has an XML formatter tool. For the reverse direction, use a dedicated XML to JSON converter.
Does every JSON structure convert cleanly to XML?
Most do. Arrays of objects convert well. Very deeply nested structures or JSON with keys that are not valid XML tag names (keys starting with numbers or containing spaces) may need manual adjustment.
Convert once, verify the structure, and proceed.