Data formats
PHP unserializer
Decode PHP serialize() output into a readable JSON-like structure.
WordPress and legacy PHP apps often store `serialize()` blobs in the database. This tool helps you inspect those values without spinning up PHP: paste the serialized string and review arrays, strings, and objects in a tree you can reason about. Complex or custom types may not round-trip perfectly—validate critical data in PHP when it matters.
Similar tools
Quick links to related utilities—same workflow, different input or output.
- Data formatsJSON formatterPretty-print or minify JSON for debugging, reviews, and smaller payloads.Open
- Data formatsJSONL validatorValidate JSON Lines, see which lines fail, and collect valid rows into a JSON array.Open
- Data formatsYAML to JSONConvert YAML configs and manifests into JSON for tools that only speak JSON.Open
FAQs
What is PHP serialization?›
PHP’s `serialize()` turns PHP values into a storable string. It is not JSON; it includes type tags and length prefixes specific to PHP.
Is every PHP type supported?›
Common scalars, arrays, and objects (with class names) are handled on a best-effort basis. Rare types, references, or custom serializers may fail—use PHP for a guaranteed decode.
Is it safe to paste serialized data from the internet?›
Treat unknown serialized blobs as untrusted input. Prefer isolated environments for data you did not create.
Why does my string fail to parse?›
Truncated copy/paste, encoding issues, or unsupported constructs can all cause errors. Re-copy from source or decode in PHP for edge cases.
General
Do these tools send my data to Exemplar’s servers?›
By default, conversion and formatting run entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to Exemplar for normal paste-and-transform workflows. Tools that deliberately open an external service (for example, a third-party speed test) are called out on the page.
Do I need an account or install anything?›
No account is required. Everything runs in the browser—there is nothing to install for these utilities. They complement the Exemplar platform but work standalone.
Are these utilities open-source or the same as other sites?›
These pages are built for Exemplar’s audience (developers working with APIs, config, and ops data). Behavior may differ slightly from other online tools; always verify critical output in your own environment.
Are there size or performance limits?›
Very large inputs can slow down or crash the tab—especially for images, huge JSON, or multi‑MB HAR files. For production-scale data, prefer local CLI tools, streaming parsers, or your own pipelines.
Can I use output in production?›
Yes, when you have validated it. Parsers and formatters here aim to be helpful for everyday tasks but are not a substitute for tests, schema validation, or security review where it matters.
Where can I read more about privacy?›
See our Privacy policy at /privacy for how exemplar.dev handles site analytics and general data practices.