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How to Encode Data to CBOR - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your Data

Let's encode your data to CBOR (Concise Binary Object Representation) format! Whether you're working with JSON, YAML configs, XML documents, or CSV data for IoT devices, embedded systems, or compact binary serialization, you have several convenient options:

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Select format: Choose your input format - JSON, YAML, XML, or CSV using the format selector
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Paste directly: Copy your API response, configuration file, or data structure and paste it into the input editor
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Upload a file: Click "Upload" to select a .json, .yaml, .xml, .csv, or .txt file from your computer
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Try the sample: Click "Sample" to load example data in the selected format and see instant CBOR encoding

Example: JSON Input

Here's what JSON data looks like before encoding:

{
  "name": "Maeve",
  "age": 30,
  "active": true
}
Step 2

Automatic Encoding & Validation

The magic happens instantly! As soon as you input JSON data, our advanced encoder automatically processes and encodes it to CBOR format in real-time. The conversion is powered by the industry-standard cbor-x library, ensuring maximum compatibility and accuracy:

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Encodes to binary format: Converts JSON's text representation to CBOR's compact binary format according to RFC 8949 specifications, typically reducing data size by 30-50%
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Preserves all data types: Maintains integers, floats, strings, booleans, arrays, objects (maps), null values, and nested structures with 100% accuracy
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Validates JSON syntax: Ensures your input is well-formed JSON and reports any syntax errors with helpful error messages and line numbers
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Real-time processing: Encodes and displays CBOR output instantly as you type or paste, with automatic validation and formatting
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Size comparison: Shows the size difference between original JSON and encoded CBOR, demonstrating bandwidth savings

Example: Encoded CBOR Output (Base64)

The same JSON, now encoded as compact CBOR binary:

o2RuYW1lZU1hZXZlY2FnZRgeZmFjdGl2ZfU=
Step 3

Choose Output Format

Customize your CBOR output format based on your specific needs and destination system! The encoder supports multiple output formats commonly used in various programming environments, protocols, and transmission scenarios:

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Base64 format (default & industry standard): The most common and recommended encoding for transmitting CBOR over text-based protocols like HTTP, JSON APIs, email, and cloud services. Perfect for API integrations and database storage. Used by CBOR libraries in Python (cbor2), JavaScript (cbor), Java, and most production systems.
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Hexadecimal format (debugging): Toggle to "Hex" for hexadecimal representation, ideal for low-level debugging, protocol analysis, network packet inspection, and embedded systems development. The encoder automatically converts between formats when you toggle.
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Format flexibility: Switch between Base64 and Hex formats anytime - the encoder automatically re-processes your output when you toggle
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Encoding options: Choose between compact mode (smallest size) and canonical mode (standardized encoding for verification)
Step 4

Export Your CBOR Data

Get your encoded CBOR ready for immediate use! Multiple export and sharing options make it seamless to integrate the encoded data into your IoT applications, APIs, embedded systems, or network protocols:

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Copy to clipboard: One-click copying for quick pasting into your code editor, terminal, API requests, or embedded system configuration
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Download as CBOR file: Save as a binary .cbor file for use with IoT devices, embedded systems, or for transmission over MQTT, CoAP, and other protocols
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Real-time validation: Green "Valid CBOR" checkmark confirms your encoded data is properly formatted according to RFC 8949 and ready for immediate use
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Verify encoding: Use our CBOR Decoder or CBOR to JSON converter to verify your encoded data
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Error diagnostics: If encoding fails, detailed error messages help you identify and fix JSON syntax issues quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBOR encoding and why should I use it?

CBOR (Concise Binary Object Representation) encoding converts JSON data to a compact binary format defined in RFC 8949. It's designed for extremely small code footprint and message size, making it perfect for IoT devices, embedded systems, constrained-node networks, and bandwidth-limited applications. CBOR typically reduces data size by 30-50% compared to JSON, while maintaining all data integrity. It's faster to parse than JSON and supports additional data types like binary data, dates, and large numbers. Use CBOR when bandwidth, storage, or processing efficiency is critical.

How do I use the encoded CBOR data?

The encoded CBOR can be used in multiple ways depending on your needs. For API transmission, use the Base64 output to send via HTTP requests or store in JSON/XML documents. For IoT devices and embedded systems, download the binary .cbor file or decode the Base64/Hex to binary bytes. Most programming languages have CBOR libraries: Python's cbor2, JavaScript's cbor-x, Go's fxamacker/cbor, Java's jackson-dataformats-binary, and Rust's serde_cbor. These libraries can directly consume the encoded data. CBOR works with protocols like MQTT, CoAP, and WebSockets.

Can the encoder handle large JSON files?

Absolutely! The encoder handles large JSON files efficiently, even files containing thousands of records or deeply nested structures. For very large files, the tool processes them in optimized chunks to maintain smooth browser performance while preserving perfect encoding accuracy. There's no arbitrary file size limit - the constraint is only your device's available memory. The CBOR output will be significantly smaller than the original JSON, often reducing bandwidth requirements by 30-50%. Once encoded, the compact binary format is ideal for storage, transmission, and processing in resource-constrained environments.

What JSON data types are supported?

The encoder fully supports all standard JSON data types: strings, numbers (integers and floats), booleans, null, arrays, and objects (maps). Nested structures and complex hierarchies are preserved perfectly. The encoder also handles special JavaScript types intelligently: Date objects are encoded with CBOR date tags (tag 0 or 1), binary data (ArrayBuffer, Uint8Array) is encoded as CBOR byte strings, BigInt values are encoded appropriately to prevent precision loss, and undefined values are handled according to CBOR specifications. The encoding is lossless for all standard JSON types and maintains full data fidelity.

Is the encoded CBOR compatible with all systems?

Yes! The encoded CBOR is fully compliant with RFC 8949 and works with all standard CBOR decoders and libraries across all platforms. The format is supported by major programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, Go, Rust, C++, and many others. It works seamlessly with IoT platforms, embedded systems, cloud services, and any system that implements RFC 8949. The encoder uses canonical encoding options when needed, ensuring compatibility even with systems that require deterministic encoding for cryptographic verification or hashing.

Should I use Base64 or Hex output format?

Base64 is the industry standard and recommended for production use. Use Base64 when transmitting CBOR over HTTP APIs, storing in JSON/XML documents, sending via email, or integrating with cloud services and databases. Base64 is more compact than Hex (33% overhead vs 100% overhead) and is the default output format for 99% of CBOR libraries. Use Hex format only for debugging, low-level protocol analysis, educational purposes, or when examining individual bytes. The encoder automatically converts between formats when you toggle, so you can easily switch for debugging without re-encoding your data.

Is the CBOR encoder free to use?

Yes, completely free with unlimited encodings! There are no usage limits, file size restrictions (beyond your device's memory), or hidden fees. No registration, sign-up, or account creation required - just visit and start encoding. All encoding happens locally in your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly, which means your JSON data never leaves your device or gets uploaded to any server. This ensures maximum privacy, security, and GDPR compliance. Your sensitive API data, configuration files, and proprietary information remain completely private. The tool works offline once loaded, perfect for air-gapped environments and secure networks.

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