JSONToTable
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How to Convert CBOR to JSON - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your CBOR Data

Let's decode your CBOR (Concise Binary Object Representation) data! Whether you're working with IoT devices, embedded systems, or compact data formats from RFC 8949 compliant sources, you have several convenient options to get started:

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Paste directly: Copy your CBOR data in Base64 or Hex format from your database, IoT application, or MQTT broker and paste it directly into the input editor
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Upload a file: Click "Upload" to select a .cbor, .bin, or .txt file containing CBOR data from your computer or mobile device
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Try the sample: Click "Sample" to load example CBOR data (featuring "Maeve") and see the instant JSON conversion in action
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Toggle input format: Switch between Base64 (default) and Hex format depending on how your CBOR data is encoded

Example: CBOR Input (Base64)

Here's what encoded CBOR data looks like:

o2RuYW1lZU1hZXZlY2FnZRgeZmFjdGl2ZfU=
Step 2

Automatic Decoding & Analysis

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

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Decodes binary format: Converts CBOR's compact binary representation to human-readable JSON format while preserving all data integrity and structure
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Preserves all data types: Maintains integers, floats, strings, booleans, arrays, objects (maps), null values, and special CBOR tags with 100% accuracy
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Validates structure: Ensures CBOR is well-formed according to RFC 8949 specifications and reports any integrity or encoding issues with helpful error messages
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Real-time processing: Decodes and displays JSON output instantly as you type or paste, with automatic validation and formatting
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Syntax highlighting: Color-coded JSON output makes it easy to identify strings, numbers, booleans, and nested structures

Example: Decoded JSON Output

The same CBOR, now decoded as readable JSON:

{
  "name": "Maeve",
  "age": 30,
  "active": true
}
Step 3

Choose Format Options

Customize your CBOR input format based on your specific needs and data source! The converter supports multiple input formats and seamlessly handles different encoding schemes commonly used in various programming environments and protocols:

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Base64 format (default & industry standard): The most common and recommended encoding used by CBOR libraries in Python (cbor2), JavaScript (cbor), Java, and most APIs for transmitting binary data over text-based protocols like HTTP and JSON. Use Base64 for production systems and API integrations.
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Hexadecimal format (debugging): Toggle to "Hex" for hexadecimal CBOR data representation, commonly used in low-level debugging, network packet analysis, protocol inspection, and embedded systems development. The converter automatically converts between formats when you toggle.
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Format flexibility: Switch between formats anytime during your work - the converter automatically re-processes your input when you toggle
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Error handling: Get clear, helpful error messages if your Base64 or Hex input contains invalid characters or formatting issues
Step 4

Export Your JSON Data

Get your decoded JSON ready for immediate use! Multiple export and sharing options make it seamless to integrate the converted data into your development workflow, APIs, documentation, or team collaboration:

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Copy to clipboard: One-click copying for quick pasting into your code editor, terminal, API testing tools like Postman, or documentation
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Download as JSON file: Save as a properly formatted .json file for version control, backup, sharing with your team, or importing into databases and applications
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Real-time validation: Green "Valid JSON" checkmark confirms your decoded data is syntactically correct and ready for immediate use in production environments
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Further processing: Use the decoded JSON with our other tools like JSON Formatter, JSON Validator, or JSON to Table converter
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Error diagnostics: If decoding fails, detailed error messages help you identify and fix issues in your CBOR data quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBOR and why convert it to JSON?

CBOR (Concise Binary Object Representation) is a binary data serialization format designed for extremely small code footprint and message size, defined in RFC 8949. It's commonly used in IoT devices, embedded systems, constrained-node networks (CoAP), and bandwidth-limited applications where efficiency is critical. Converting CBOR to JSON makes the data human-readable, easier to debug and analyze, and compatible with web applications, APIs, and standard development tools. JSON's text format is universally supported and perfect for documentation, testing, and integration with web services.

How do I get CBOR data to convert?

CBOR data typically comes from IoT sensors, embedded microcontrollers, smart home devices, industrial automation systems, or any application using CBOR serialization libraries. You can encode data to CBOR using libraries in various programming languages: Python's cbor2, JavaScript's cbor or cbor-x, Go's fxamacker/cbor, Java's jackson-dataformats-binary, Rust's serde_cbor, and many others. After encoding, convert the binary output to Base64 or Hex for transmission over text-based protocols or paste into this converter. Many IoT protocols like MQTT and CoAP use CBOR payloads directly.

Can the converter handle large CBOR files?

Absolutely! The converter handles large CBOR 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 decoding accuracy. There's no arbitrary file size limit - the constraint is only your device's available memory. Once decoded, you can use the JSON with our JSON to Table tool to visualize arrays as HTML tables, or process it with JSON Formatter for better readability. For production systems handling multi-megabyte CBOR files, consider using server-side CBOR libraries for optimal performance.

Are CBOR tags and special types preserved?

Yes! The converter fully supports CBOR tags and special data types defined in RFC 8949. Date/time values (tag 0 and 1) are converted to ISO 8601 string format for JSON compatibility. Binary data (byte strings) is encoded as Base64 strings. BigInts and large integers are converted to strings to prevent JavaScript number precision loss. Decimal fractions and bigfloats are handled appropriately. Undefined values, regular expressions, and other CBOR-specific types are converted to their closest JSON equivalents. The converter maintains data fidelity while ensuring the output is valid, standard JSON that works everywhere.

Is the decoded JSON ready for APIs and databases?

Yes! The decoded JSON is fully compliant with RFC 8259 (JSON standard) and maintains perfect syntax compatibility with all systems, programming languages, and platforms. Use the output directly in REST API requests and responses, store it in MongoDB, PostgreSQL JSON columns, or any JSON-compatible database. The JSON works seamlessly with JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, PHP, Ruby, Go, and all other languages. It's perfect for development, debugging, API testing tools (Postman, Insomnia), documentation, log analysis, and data migration. The conversion is lossless for all JSON-compatible types, ensuring your data integrity is maintained end-to-end.

Should I use Base64 or Hex format for CBOR?

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. 99% of CBOR libraries output Base64 by default. Use Hex format only for debugging, protocol analysis, educational purposes, or when examining raw bytes. The converter automatically converts between formats when you toggle, so you can easily switch for debugging without re-uploading your data.

Is the CBOR to JSON converter free?

Yes, completely free with unlimited conversions! 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 converting. All conversion happens locally in your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly, which means your CBOR data never leaves your device or gets uploaded to any server. This ensures maximum privacy, security, and GDPR compliance. Your sensitive IoT data, proprietary protocols, and confidential information remain completely private. The tool works offline once loaded, perfect for air-gapped environments and secure networks.

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