JSON to Lua Converter

Table Name:

JSON Input

Lua Output

What Is JSON to Lua?

Lua uses tables for both objects and arrays. Libraries like json.lua or dkjson handle JSON encoding and decoding. This tool generates Lua table literals from your JSON. The JSON spec defines the format; conversion runs in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.

How to Use This Tool

Paste or Upload JSON

Paste your JSON or upload a file. Set the table name in the config panel if you want a named variable. Invalid JSON will show an error. Use the JSON Validator to check syntax first.

Review the Lua Output

The right panel shows generated Lua tables. Use dkjson or json.lua to parse JSON strings at runtime. For static config, the generated literals work directly.

Copy or Download

Use Copy or Download. For formatting JSON first, use the JSON Formatter. For validation, use the JSON Validator.

JSON to Lua Examples

Here is an example of generating Lua tables from a JSON object.

Example: Subscriber record

JSON input:

Input

Generated Lua output:

Output

When JSON to Lua Helps

When writing Lua scripts for games (e.g. LÖVE2D, Roblox), configs (e.g. Neovim), or embedded systems that need static data from JSON, converting to Lua tables lets you embed the structure directly. For API responses or dynamic JSON, use dkjson at runtime. This tool is useful when you have static JSON and want Lua table literals. For pulling out specific values, use the JSON Path tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lua table vs JSON?

JSON objects map to Lua tables with string keys. JSON arrays map to Lua tables with numeric indices (1-based in Lua). Both use the same table type. Lua tables are flexible; the generator produces literal syntax.

dkjson vs json.lua?

dkjson is feature-rich. json.lua is minimal. Both parse JSON at runtime. This tool generates static table literals.

Is my data private?

Yes. Generation runs entirely in your browser. No JSON or code is sent to any server.

Can I use in Roblox?

Yes. Roblox uses Lua (Luau). The generated tables work in Roblox scripts. For HTTP JSON responses, use HttpService:JSONDecode() and this tool for static config.

1-based indexing?

Lua arrays are 1-based. The generated output respects this. JSON arrays become Lua tables with indices starting at 1.