What does "client-side processing" mean?
Privacy & Security
By Dmitrii Kargashin · Updated July 2026
"Client-side processing" means core JSON operations (formatting, validation, minification, schema checks) happen directly in your web browser, on your device, rather than being sent to a remote server. AI Copilot features (such as Explain, Flatten, and Schema generation) do send your JSON to our servers for processing.
Core Processing Stays on Your Device
When you format, validate, minify, or check JSON schema in JSON Copilot, it's processed entirely within your browser. AI Copilot features (such as Explain, Flatten, and Schema generation) require server-side processing and will send your JSON to our servers.
How It Works
Browser-Based Engine
JSON Copilot runs 100% in your browser using JavaScript. All formatting, minification, validation, and tree view generation happens on your device's CPU.
No Network Requests
Your JSON content is never transmitted over the network. Open your browser's Network tab and you'll see that no request carries your JSON — formatting, minifying, and validating all happen entirely on your device. (Any traffic you do see is ordinary page analytics, which never includes your JSON content.)
Instant Results
Because everything runs locally, operations are instant, with no waiting for server responses or network latency.
Client-Side vs Server-Side
Client-Side (JSON Copilot)
- ✓ Data stays on your device
- ✓ No internet required for core features
- ✓ Instant processing
- ✓ Complete privacy
- ✓ No server-imposed file size limits
- ✓ Free for core features - no server costs
Server-Side (Traditional)
- ✗ Data uploaded to servers
- ✗ Requires internet connection
- ✗ Network latency delays
- ✗ Privacy concerns
- ✗ Upload size restrictions
- ✗ May require payment
Security & Privacy Benefits
Client-Side Core Features
Core operations (formatting, validation, minification, schema checks) never leave your browser, reducing exposure of sensitive data.
Server-Side AI Features
AI features and saved projects are stored on our servers. Avoid using AI features with highly sensitive data.
No Logging
For the client-side tools, we can't log what we never see — that JSON never reaches us or any third party. Only when you run an optional AI action does your JSON — with detected sensitive values masked — reach our servers and the AI provider.
Sensitive Data Safe
In the core client-side tools, work confidently with API keys, credentials, or proprietary data — formatting, validating, and converting never upload anything. If you use AI actions, detected sensitive values are masked on your device before anything is sent.
Verify It Yourself
You can confirm this yourself. Open your browser's Developer Tools → Network tab while using JSON Copilot, and you'll see that no request carries your JSON when you format, minify, or validate — any traffic you do see is ordinary page analytics, which never includes your JSON content.
Note on AI Features
While core JSON operations are 100% client-side, AI Copilot features (when used) do require sending data to our servers. These features are clearly labeled, optional, and use a credit-based system.
See also: data privacy
Still Have Questions?
Check out our other FAQ topics or return to the JSON Copilot app