Make messy structured data behave.
Pretty Objects helps you inspect, repair, and review JSON, JSONL, and embedded payloads in VS Code without turning every debugging session into scroll-wheel cardio.
- Product Type
- Visual Studio Code extension
- Best For
- JSON, JSONL, nested API payloads, embedded object literals
- Pricing
- Free
- Install Surface
- Visual Studio Marketplace
The payload is valid. Your patience is not.
Huge JSON blobs
Technically valid. Spiritually hostile once the blob gets big enough.
JSONL line-by-line friction
Great for machines. Mildly cursed for humans trying to inspect one record at a time.
Embedded objects inside code
Because apparently the payload wanted to hide inside another file and ruin your afternoon.
Review payloads faster without leaving the editor or starting a tab pilgrimage.
Format
Turn the blob into something your eyes can parse without reaching for another tool first.
Inspect
Fold, scan, and move through nested structures with less visual screaming.
Repair
Clean up slightly malformed data when it is close to useful but still annoying.
Split
Pull embedded objects out of source files when they are hiding in plain sight.
Review
Spend less time cleaning display noise and more time understanding what the payload actually says.
Stay inside VS Code
No browser tab pilgrimage required.
Before and after the payload stops yelling.
{ "why": "is this all on one line", "help": true, "nested": { "deep": { "still": "going" } } }- Raw JSON blobs are harder to scan quickly.
- JSONL exports are awkward to inspect one record at a time.
- Embedded payloads often need manual cleanup before they are readable.
- Too much review time gets spent fighting structure instead of reading meaning.
{
"why": "is this all on one line",
"help": true,
"nested": {
"deep": {
"still": "going"
}
}
}
- Payloads become easier to scan and reason about.
- Inspection is faster and less context-switch-heavy.
- Slightly malformed data is easier to salvage.
- Large structured responses feel less like a punishment.
Best for the moments where structured data keeps getting in the way.
API responses
Inspect nested backend payloads without drowning in raw structure.
AI datasets and JSONL exports
Review structured records more comfortably when line-by-line scanning gets old.
Logs and embedded objects
Work through structured data that lives inside code or noisy files without constant manual cleanup.
Pretty Objects, without the one-line pitch.
Make The Blob Behave
Pretty Objects is for the moment when the payload is not exactly broken, but it is still rude enough to waste your time.
That usually means one of a few things:
- the JSON is huge
- the JSONL is awkward to inspect line by line
- the object is embedded inside a source file
- the data is slightly malformed and you need a conservative repair path
Why It Exists
Pretty Objects helps you get from "this data is annoying" to "I can actually review this now" without leaving VS Code.
It is not trying to replace every formatter in your stack.
It is trying to make structured payload work less irritating.
Good Fit
Pretty Objects is a good fit if you regularly work with:
- backend payloads
- AI datasets
- nested logs
- JSONL exports
- embedded object literals in TypeScript, JavaScript, or Python
Get It
The quick stuff people usually want to know first.
Is Pretty Objects free?
Yes. It is available as a free VS Code extension.
Does it replace general-purpose formatters?
No. It is focused on inspection, readability, and structured payload workflows rather than replacing your whole formatting stack.
Is it only for plain JSON files?
No. It is also useful for JSONL, nested logs, and embedded object literals inside source files.
Ready to make JSON stop yelling?
Install Pretty Objects from the Visual Studio Marketplace and clean up your structured-data review workflow.
