A .env file is a plain text file containing environment variable definitions in KEY=value format, one per line. It is loaded by tools like dotenv (Node.js), python-dotenv (Python), godotenv (Go), and Docker to inject configuration into application processes without hardcoding values in source code.

How are nested JSON keys flattened?

Nested keys are joined with the separator character. For example, `{ "database": { "host": "localhost", "port": 5432 } }` becomes `DATABASE__HOST=localhost` and `DATABASE__PORT=5432` using double-underscore separation. This convention is compatible with ASP.NET Core, .NET configuration, and many 12-factor app frameworks.

What output formats are supported?

Four formats are available: (1) .env — standard KEY=value for dotenv tools, (2) Docker env — same format but with quoting suitable for Docker --env-file flag, (3) Kubernetes ConfigMap — complete YAML manifest with apiVersion v1 and data: block, (4) YAML — a flat YAML mapping for Ansible vars files, GitHub Actions env files, or similar uses.

Can I convert .env back to JSON?

This tool converts in one direction only — JSON to environment format. To convert .env back to JSON, the flattened key structure would need to be re-nested, which requires knowing the original nesting depth. Use a dedicated env-to-JSON tool or reconstruct the structure manually.

How do I use the output with Docker?

Save the output as a .env file and pass it to `docker run` with the `--env-file .env` flag, or reference it in docker-compose.yml using the `env_file:` directive. Docker reads each line as a KEY=value pair and injects them as environment variables into the container.

How do I use the Kubernetes ConfigMap output?

Copy the ConfigMap YAML and apply it with `kubectl apply -f configmap.yaml`. Then reference it in your Deployment spec using `envFrom: - configMapRef: name: ` to inject all keys as environment variables into your pods.

Is my configuration data safe to paste here?

Yes. All conversion runs locally in your browser — your JSON configuration is never sent to any server. However, avoid pasting production secrets or API keys into any browser-based tool. Use this tool for non-sensitive configuration structure and replace secret values after conversion.

DevFlow

JSON to .env Converter Online — Free JSON to Env File Generator

Free online JSON to .env converter. Paste a JSON configuration object and convert it to a .env file, Docker environment variable format, YAML, or Kubernetes ConfigMap in one click. Automatically flattens nested objects using double-underscore notation (e.g., database.host → DATABASE__HOST). Sort keys alphabetically and download the result. Runs entirely in your browser — no data is ever sent to a server.

JavaScript is required to use this interactive tool. Please enable JavaScript in your browser, or use our JSON to .env Converter API for programmatic access.

How to JSON to .env Converter Online

Paste your JSON configuration object into the input panel on the left.
Select the output format: .env file, Docker environment file, Kubernetes ConfigMap YAML, or plain YAML.
Configure flattening options: separator for nested keys (default: double underscore __) and key case (SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE or preserve).
Optionally add a prefix to all generated keys for namespace isolation (e.g., APP_ or SERVICE_).
Click "Convert" or press ⌘↵, then copy the output or download it as a .env file.

JSON to .env Converter Features

Converts JSON configuration objects to .env format (KEY=value pairs) for use with dotenv and similar tools
Docker environment file output (--env-file compatible) with proper quoting of values containing spaces
Kubernetes ConfigMap YAML generation with correct apiVersion, kind, and data structure
Plain YAML output for use with Ansible, GitHub Actions, and other YAML-based configuration systems
Nested JSON objects flattened using configurable separator — default double underscore (DATABASE__HOST)
Automatic SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE conversion for environment variable naming conventions
Optional key prefix for namespace isolation across multiple services (e.g., APP_DATABASE__HOST)
Alphabetical key sorting for consistent, diff-friendly configuration files
Handles string, number, boolean, and null values with appropriate type coercion to strings
Runs entirely in your browser — your configuration data is never uploaded to any server
Download output directly as a .env file with correct MIME type
Keyboard shortcut ⌘↵ to convert, ⌘⇧C to copy output

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .env file?: A .env file is a plain text file containing environment variable definitions in KEY=value format, one per line. It is loaded by tools like dotenv (Node.js), python-dotenv (Python), godotenv (Go), and Docker to inject configuration into application processes without hardcoding values in source code.
How are nested JSON keys flattened?: Nested keys are joined with the separator character. For example, `{ "database": { "host": "localhost", "port": 5432 } }` becomes `DATABASE__HOST=localhost` and `DATABASE__PORT=5432` using double-underscore separation. This convention is compatible with ASP.NET Core, .NET configuration, and many 12-factor app frameworks.
What output formats are supported?: Four formats are available: (1) .env — standard KEY=value for dotenv tools, (2) Docker env — same format but with quoting suitable for Docker --env-file flag, (3) Kubernetes ConfigMap — complete YAML manifest with apiVersion v1 and data: block, (4) YAML — a flat YAML mapping for Ansible vars files, GitHub Actions env files, or similar uses.
Can I convert .env back to JSON?: This tool converts in one direction only — JSON to environment format. To convert .env back to JSON, the flattened key structure would need to be re-nested, which requires knowing the original nesting depth. Use a dedicated env-to-JSON tool or reconstruct the structure manually.
How do I use the output with Docker?: Save the output as a .env file and pass it to `docker run` with the `--env-file .env` flag, or reference it in docker-compose.yml using the `env_file:` directive. Docker reads each line as a KEY=value pair and injects them as environment variables into the container.
How do I use the Kubernetes ConfigMap output?: Copy the ConfigMap YAML and apply it with `kubectl apply -f configmap.yaml`. Then reference it in your Deployment spec using `envFrom: - configMapRef: name: <your-configmap-name>` to inject all keys as environment variables into your pods.
Is my configuration data safe to paste here?: Yes. All conversion runs locally in your browser — your JSON configuration is never sent to any server. However, avoid pasting production secrets or API keys into any browser-based tool. Use this tool for non-sensitive configuration structure and replace secret values after conversion.

JSON to .env Converter Online — Free JSON to Env File Generator

JavaScript is required to use this interactive tool. Please enable JavaScript in your browser, or use our JSON to .env Converter API for programmatic access.

How to JSON to .env Converter Online

Paste your JSON configuration object into the input panel on the left.
Select the output format: .env file, Docker environment file, Kubernetes ConfigMap YAML, or plain YAML.
Configure flattening options: separator for nested keys (default: double underscore __) and key case (SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE or preserve).
Optionally add a prefix to all generated keys for namespace isolation (e.g., APP_ or SERVICE_).
Click "Convert" or press ⌘↵, then copy the output or download it as a .env file.

JSON to .env Converter Features

Converts JSON configuration objects to .env format (KEY=value pairs) for use with dotenv and similar tools
Docker environment file output (--env-file compatible) with proper quoting of values containing spaces
Kubernetes ConfigMap YAML generation with correct apiVersion, kind, and data structure
Plain YAML output for use with Ansible, GitHub Actions, and other YAML-based configuration systems
Nested JSON objects flattened using configurable separator — default double underscore (DATABASE__HOST)
Automatic SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE conversion for environment variable naming conventions
Optional key prefix for namespace isolation across multiple services (e.g., APP_DATABASE__HOST)
Alphabetical key sorting for consistent, diff-friendly configuration files
Handles string, number, boolean, and null values with appropriate type coercion to strings
Runs entirely in your browser — your configuration data is never uploaded to any server
Download output directly as a .env file with correct MIME type
Keyboard shortcut ⌘↵ to convert, ⌘⇧C to copy output

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .env file?: A .env file is a plain text file containing environment variable definitions in KEY=value format, one per line. It is loaded by tools like dotenv (Node.js), python-dotenv (Python), godotenv (Go), and Docker to inject configuration into application processes without hardcoding values in source code.
How are nested JSON keys flattened?: Nested keys are joined with the separator character. For example, `{ "database": { "host": "localhost", "port": 5432 } }` becomes `DATABASE__HOST=localhost` and `DATABASE__PORT=5432` using double-underscore separation. This convention is compatible with ASP.NET Core, .NET configuration, and many 12-factor app frameworks.
What output formats are supported?: Four formats are available: (1) .env — standard KEY=value for dotenv tools, (2) Docker env — same format but with quoting suitable for Docker --env-file flag, (3) Kubernetes ConfigMap — complete YAML manifest with apiVersion v1 and data: block, (4) YAML — a flat YAML mapping for Ansible vars files, GitHub Actions env files, or similar uses.
Can I convert .env back to JSON?: This tool converts in one direction only — JSON to environment format. To convert .env back to JSON, the flattened key structure would need to be re-nested, which requires knowing the original nesting depth. Use a dedicated env-to-JSON tool or reconstruct the structure manually.
How do I use the output with Docker?: Save the output as a .env file and pass it to `docker run` with the `--env-file .env` flag, or reference it in docker-compose.yml using the `env_file:` directive. Docker reads each line as a KEY=value pair and injects them as environment variables into the container.
How do I use the Kubernetes ConfigMap output?: Copy the ConfigMap YAML and apply it with `kubectl apply -f configmap.yaml`. Then reference it in your Deployment spec using `envFrom: - configMapRef: name: <your-configmap-name>` to inject all keys as environment variables into your pods.
Is my configuration data safe to paste here?: Yes. All conversion runs locally in your browser — your JSON configuration is never sent to any server. However, avoid pasting production secrets or API keys into any browser-based tool. Use this tool for non-sensitive configuration structure and replace secret values after conversion.

JSON to .env Converter Online — Free JSON to Env File Generator

How to JSON to .env Converter Online

JSON to .env Converter Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Developer Tools

JSON to .env Converter Online — Free JSON to Env File Generator

How to JSON to .env Converter Online

JSON to .env Converter Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Developer Tools