What is INI to YAML Converter?
INI files are a simple configuration format using [section] headers and key=value pairs, commonly used in Python, PHP, and desktop applications. YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format widely used for Kubernetes, Docker Compose, and CI/CD pipelines. This tool converts between the two formats: transform INI sections into YAML nested structures, or flatten YAML back into INI sections.
How to Use
- Choose the conversion direction using the toggle button (INI → YAML or YAML → INI)
- Paste your INI or YAML content in the input area
- Click 'Convert' to generate the output
- Copy the result and use it in your project
Why Use This Tool?
Tips & Best Practices
- INI sections become top-level YAML keys: [database] with host=localhost becomes database: host: localhost
- Dot notation in INI keys creates nested YAML: ssl.mode=require under [server] becomes server: ssl: mode: require
- YAML lists are converted to INI using index notation: ports: [80, 443] becomes ports.0=80 and ports.1=443
Frequently Asked Questions
How are INI sections converted to YAML?
Each INI section header (e.g., [database]) becomes a top-level YAML key. The key=value pairs within that section become nested YAML key: value pairs under that key. For example, [database]\nhost=localhost becomes database:\n host: localhost in YAML.
How are INI values typed in YAML output?
The converter auto-detects value types. Numbers (e.g., 5432) are output as YAML integers, booleans (true/false) as YAML booleans, and strings are properly quoted only when necessary (when they contain special characters or could be misinterpreted as another type).
Can I convert YAML back to INI?
Yes. Use the direction toggle to switch to 'YAML → INI' mode. Top-level YAML keys become INI sections, and nested key: value pairs become key=value pairs. Deeply nested objects use dot notation in the key names.
What about YAML lists?
When converting YAML to INI, lists are handled using index notation. For example, a YAML list under a key becomes key.0=value, key.1=value in the INI output. When converting INI to YAML, indexed keys (key.0, key.1) are kept as dot-notation keys rather than being auto-grouped into lists.
Is my data secure?
Yes. All processing happens entirely in your browser. Your INI and YAML content is never sent to any server. No data is collected, stored, or transmitted. You can safely convert configs containing sensitive values like API keys and database passwords.