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HCL to JSON Converter Runs in your browser. No input data is sent to our server.

Paste HashiCorp HCL into the editor, convert it into formatted JSON, and copy or download the result. This page is useful for Terraform configuration review, infrastructure as code debugging, variable inspection, and automation workflows.

JSON output

Paste content and convert it instantly.

This converter runs in your browser so you can reshape structured text, config data, and encoded values without sending working content to a remote processing service.

Convert HCL to JSON Online

Convert HashiCorp HCL to JSON online for Terraform configuration review, infrastructure as code workflows, and developer tooling.

How to use HCL to JSON Converter

1

Paste content into the hcl input panel.

2

Run the converter to generate the target format instantly.

3

Copy or download the result once it looks right.

What this tool helps you do

Paste, convert, and copy results quickly

Useful for APIs, configuration files, and structured text

Sample input is built in for quick testing

Download the converted output as a file

Why this helps in text and data workflows

Inspecting a Terraform variable block or resource definition by converting it to JSON for easier programmatic reading.

Debugging a Terraform module configuration by converting HCL to JSON to compare with expected structure.

Converting a terraform.tfvars-style HCL file to JSON so an automation script or CI pipeline can read it.

Reviewing the output of a Terraform plan or state section that is easier to parse as JSON than as raw HCL.

Common problems and fixes

The converter returns an error for what looks like valid Terraform HCL.

This converter handles standard HCL syntax. Some Terraform-specific functions and expressions — like templatefile(), for_each, or dynamic blocks — are Terraform language extensions and not standard HCL. Simplify the input to core variable and block definitions.

The JSON output has unexpected array wrapping around block values.

HCL blocks that share the same label are collected into arrays in JSON. A single resource block becomes a one-item array. This is correct HCL-to-JSON mapping behaviour.

String interpolations like ${var.name} appear as-is in the JSON output.

String interpolations are Terraform expressions evaluated at plan time, not plain HCL values. The converter outputs them as literal strings since it cannot resolve variables. This is expected.

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Related Guides

What Is HCL in Terraform? How to Convert HCL to JSON for Terraform Review How to Use JSON or YAML Data in terraform.tfvars-Style HCL

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert HCL to JSON?

Paste your HashiCorp HCL into the input box, run the converter, and copy or download the formatted JSON output.

Does this HCL to JSON converter work for Terraform-style HCL?

Yes. The converter is intended for HashiCorp HCL and Terraform-style configuration input.

Is this HCL to JSON converter free?

Yes. It is free to use on the site.

What is HCL?

HCL stands for HashiCorp Configuration Language. It is a structured configuration language designed by HashiCorp and used primarily in Terraform, Packer, and other HashiCorp tools.

Why would I convert HCL to JSON?

JSON is easier to process programmatically. Converting HCL to JSON lets scripts, CI pipelines, and automation tools read infrastructure configuration without needing an HCL parser.

Can I convert JSON back to HCL?

Yes. Use the JSON to HCL converter to go in the other direction.