What is JSON Escaping?
JSON escaping converts special characters in JSON strings to their escaped equivalents, making them safe to use in APIs, databases, and code. This is essential when embedding JSON inside other formats.
Common Escape Sequences
\n = New line
\t = Tab
\" = Double quote
\\ = Backslash
\r = Carriage return
When to Use JSON Escape/Unescape
Escape JSON When:
- Storing JSON in SQL databases
- Sending JSON in URL parameters
- Embedding JSON in HTML attributes
- Using JSON in JavaScript strings
- Logging JSON to files
Unescape JSON When:
- Reading JSON from databases
- Parsing API error messages
- Debugging escaped responses
- Converting logs to readable JSON
- Processing escaped JSON strings
Example: Before & After
Original JSON:
{
"message": "Hello\nWorld",
"path": "C:\\Users\\Documents"
}
Escaped (for SQL or API):
{\"message\": \"Hello\\nWorld\", \"path\": \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Documents\"}
Common Use Cases in 2026
API Development
Escape JSON before sending in POST requests or storing in databases
Database Storage
Properly escape JSON before inserting into SQL VARCHAR or TEXT columns
JavaScript Code
Embed JSON safely in JavaScript string variables
Log Analysis
Unescape JSON from log files for easier reading and debugging
Privacy & Security
- Client-Side Only: All escaping happens in your browser
- No Server Upload: Your data never leaves your device
- Safe for Sensitive Data: Process confidential JSON locally