Structured Data Validator (JSON-LD Syntax Check)

Note: This tool checks if your code is valid JSON-LD syntax. It does not validate against Schema.org definitions or Google's requirements. Use the official tools linked above for complete validation.

About the Structured Data Validator

What is Structured Data & Schema Markup?

Structured data is a standardized format for providing information about a page and classifying its content. By adding specific code (markup) to your webpages, you help search engines like Google understand the context of your information more precisely. This can enable special search result features and enhancements, often called "rich results" or "rich snippets."

The most widely used vocabulary for structured data on the web is **Schema.org**. It provides a collection of shared vocabularies (types and properties) that webmasters can use. Common formats for implementing Schema.org markup include:

• JSON-LD (Recommended by Google): Uses JavaScript Object Notation embedded in a `` tags) into the provided text area.
• Syntax Check: When you click "Check JSON-LD Syntax," the tool uses the browser's built-in JavaScript JSON parser (`JSON.parse()`) to determine if the code you entered is structurally valid JSON.
• Display Results:
  • ✅ If the code parses successfully, it means your JSON-LD has **correct basic syntax** (curly braces match, commas are in the right places, strings are quoted correctly, etc.). A success message is shown.
  • ❌ If the code fails to parse, it means there's a **syntax error** in your JSON-LD. An error message is shown, often including details from the parser about where the error occurred (e.g., "Unexpected token," "Unexpected string").
• Links to Official Tools: Regardless of the syntax check result, the tool prominently displays links to the official **Schema Markup Validator** (checks against Schema.org vocabulary) and **Google's Rich Results Test** (checks for eligibility for Google's specific rich result features).

⚠️ Important Limitation: This tool **only checks the basic syntax of JSON-LD.** It **does not verify**:

• If the types (`@type`) you used are valid Schema.org types.
• If the properties (e.g., `headline`, `datePublished`) are valid for the specified type.
• If required properties for a specific type or rich result are present.
• If the data formats (like dates or numbers) are correct according to schema rules.
• If the markup meets Google's specific guidelines for Rich Result eligibility.

For complete and authoritative validation, you MUST use the official tools linked in the results area.** Think of this tool as a quick first check for basic typos in your JSON-LD.

How to Use This Tool

1. Paste Your Code: Copy your JSON-LD structured data snippet (usually starts with `{` and ends with `}`) and paste it into the text area.
2. Click Validate: Press the "Check JSON-LD Syntax" button.
3. Review Syntax Result: Check the status message. If it shows an error, review the details and your code for typos like missing commas, quotes, or brackets.
4. Use Official Validators: Click the links provided ("Schema Markup Validator," "Google Rich Results Test") to open the official tools in new tabs. Paste your code (or enter your URL) into those tools for a full validation against Schema.org and Google's requirements.

Why Validate Structured Data?

• Eligibility for Rich Results: Correctly implemented structured data is often a prerequisite for appearing as a rich result (e.g., stars, images, prices in SERPs), which can significantly improve visibility and CTR.
• Improved Search Engine Understanding: It helps search engines like Google understand the meaning and context of your page content more accurately.
• Error Detection: Validation helps catch syntax errors or incorrect usage of Schema.org terms that could prevent your markup from being processed correctly.
• Future-Proofing: Using standardized markup helps ensure your content is understood by various applications and future technologies.
• Potential SEO Benefits: While not a direct ranking factor itself, eligibility for rich results and better understanding by search engines can indirectly contribute to better SEO performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this Structured Data Validator free?

Yes, this tool is completely free to use.

Is my code snippet kept private?

Yes. The syntax validation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your code is not sent to or stored on our server.

Why does this tool only check JSON-LD syntax?

JSON-LD syntax can be easily checked client-side using standard browser features (`JSON.parse`). Fully validating against the vast Schema.org vocabulary or checking Microdata/RDFa embedded in HTML requires complex parsing and access to the schema definitions, which is best handled by dedicated server-side tools like the official validators.

My code passed the syntax check here. Does that mean it's perfect?

No. Passing the syntax check only means the JSON structure is correct. It *does not* guarantee that you used valid Schema.org types/properties, included required fields, or met Google's Rich Result guidelines. **You must use the official tools for full validation.**

What are the official validation tools?

The two main tools are:

• Schema Markup Validator: Validates your markup against the official Schema.org vocabulary. Good for checking general Schema.org correctness.
• Google Rich Results Test: Checks if your page is eligible for Google's rich results based on the structured data found. It also highlights errors and warnings specific to Google's requirements.

What if I get a syntax error?

Carefully read the error message provided (if any) in the results area. Common JSON errors include missing commas between elements, extra commas at the end of lists/objects, mismatched curly braces `{}` or square brackets `[]`, or unquoted/incorrectly quoted strings. Compare your code closely with examples and documentation.

Can I validate Microdata or RDFa with this tool?

No. This tool is specifically designed for checking the syntax of **JSON-LD**. For Microdata or RDFa validation, please use the official Schema Markup Validator or Google Rich Results Test by entering the URL of the page containing the markup.