JSONToTable

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How to Format TOON Data - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your TOON Data

Start by inputting TOON data from your ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Hugging Face, or other AI workflows that you want to format. The formatter will beautify it with your chosen options:

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Paste directly: Copy your TOON data and paste it into the editor
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Upload a file: Click "Upload" to select a .toon or .txt file from your computer
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Try the sample: Click "Sample" to load example TOON data
Step 2

Choose Format Options

Customize your TOON formatting with powerful options:

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Delimiter selection: Choose between comma, tab, or pipe delimiters
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Length marker: Add or remove the # prefix in array length markers
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Indentation: Set 2-space or 4-space indentation
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Real-time preview: See formatted output instantly as you adjust options

Example: Format Options in Action

Same data with different delimiters:

Comma delimiter:

subscribers[2]{id,name,plan}:
  1,Sarah Mitchell,Unlimited 5G
  2,Michael Chen,Premium LTE

Tab delimiter:

subscribers[2	]{id	name	plan}:
  1	Sarah Mitchell	Unlimited 5G
  2	Michael Chen	Premium LTE
Step 3

Export Your Formatted TOON

Get your beautifully formatted TOON data ready for use:

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Copy to clipboard: One-click copying for quick use
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Download as file: Save as .toon file with your chosen formatting
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Automatic formatting: Changes apply instantly as you adjust options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between delimiter options?

Comma is the default and what most TOON you'll see uses. With tabs or pipes, values that contain commas (addresses, "Smith, John") no longer need quotes, which keeps rows shorter and easier to read. If token count matters to you, try each one on your own data and compare. The delimiter is written into each array header, like [3|] or [3\t], so readers know how to split the rows.

What does the length marker option do?

It adds a # in front of array lengths to make it obvious the number is a count, not an index: [3] becomes [#3]. The @toon-format/toon library reads both forms, but not every TOON reader accepts the # version, so leave it off unless the program you're feeding expects it.

Can I convert between different TOON delimiter types?

Yes. Paste comma-separated TOON, pick Tab or Pipe, and every table, inline list and header switches over. If a value happens to contain the new delimiter (say a | inside a comma table you're turning into pipes), it gets wrapped in quotes so it still reads as one value.

Does formatting change my data?

No. Values are copied character for character, so a long ID like 8901240544102066246 stays exact, 14.50 keeps its trailing zero, and quoted text keeps its quotes. Only the layout changes: indentation, spacing around colons and delimiters, the delimiter itself and the # marker. Before the result is shown, it is read back with a TOON decoder and compared with your input; if anything would come out different, that part is left as you typed it and a note says so.

What indentation should I use?

Stick with 2 spaces unless you have a reason not to. It's the TOON default, and readers assume it unless they're told otherwise. 4 spaces is easier on the eyes, but whatever reads the file has to be set up for it (with @toon-format/toon that's decode(text, { indent: 4 })), or tables and lists won't come out right. Input indented with 4 spaces is recognised automatically.

Is the TOON formatter free?

Yes, completely free with no limitations. Format unlimited TOON files with all options available. Also check out our JSON to TOON, TOON to JSON, and TOON Validator tools.

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