UtilityDock

Free browser-based data tool

JSON Merge Patch Applier

Apply RFC 7386 JSON Merge Patch documents instantly. Everything stays in your browser.

Your files never leave your computer.All processing happens locally inside your browser.

  • Paste or upload a JSON document and Merge Patch
  • Apply standard recursive RFC 7386 behavior locally
  • Pretty-print, copy, or download the updated JSON
1

Upload JSON document

Choose the JSON document that the Merge Patch should update.

Drop a JSON document here

or use the file browser

1

Upload JSON Merge Patch

Choose an RFC 7386 JSON Merge Patch document.

Drop a JSON Merge Patch here

or use the file browser

2

Paste and validate both inputs

Any valid JSON value can be an RFC 7386 Merge Patch. Object members are merged recursively before the result is shown.

JSON document is waiting for input.

JSON Merge Patch is waiting for input.

Updated JSON formatting

What JSON Merge Patch is

A document-shaped instruction for updating JSON

JSON Merge Patch describes changes using familiar JSON structure. Object members are merged recursively, new values are added or replaced, and null removes a member. This utility applies that document to a separate local copy of your input.

RFC 7386 overview

Recursive objects and complete-value replacements

When the patch is an object, RFC 7386 processes each member against the corresponding target member. When the patch is an array or another JSON type, it replaces the target value completely. An empty object preserves an existing object but turns a non-object target into an empty object.

Merge Patch vs JSON Patch

Readable partial documents or precise operation lists

Merge Patch is concise for common object updates. JSON Patch uses ordered RFC 6902 operations and RFC 6901 paths, allowing precise array changes, tests, moves, and copies. Use the format required by the receiving API or configuration system.

Common API workflows

Preview an update response before sending a request

  • Test an application/merge-patch+json body
  • Confirm which optional fields will be removed
  • Preview partial account or resource updates
  • Verify integration-test fixtures locally
  • Review whole-array replacements before submission
  • Share the resulting resource state in code review

Configuration management

Apply a focused settings update without changing the source

Paste a saved configuration document and a proposed Merge Patch to see the resulting state. For example, a patch can change a theme, remove a retired flag with null, and add a new setting while preserving unrelated members. The original text remains available for comparison.

Example

Change one property, remove another, and add a third

InputJSON
Document{"version":1,"debug":true}
Merge Patch{"version":2,"debug":null,"public":true}
Updated{"version":2,"public":true}

Data Toolkit

Continue with every UtilityDock data workflow

JSON Merge Patch GeneratorGenerate RFC 7386 updates from two documents.JSON Diff & CompareInspect every structural and value change.JSON Patch GeneratorGenerate ordered RFC 6902 operations.JSON Patch ApplierApply all six RFC 6902 operation types.JSON Pointer ExplorerExplore and copy RFC 6901 paths.JSON Schema ValidatorValidate data against a draft-07 schema.JSON Formatter & ValidatorPretty print and validate JSON syntax.JSON MinifierRemove unnecessary JSON whitespace.JSON Key SorterNormalize object-key order recursively.JSON to CSVConvert JSON objects into CSV rows.CSV to JSONTurn CSV rows into JSON objects.JSON Lines ConverterConvert JSON arrays and JSONL records.

FAQ

Questions about applying JSON Merge Patch

Does UtilityDock upload my document or Merge Patch?

No. Your files never leave your computer. Validation, RFC 7386 application, preview, copying, and download creation all happen locally inside your browser.

Can an RFC 7386 Merge Patch be any JSON value?

Yes. An object patch merges members recursively. An array, string, number, boolean, or null patch replaces the target document as a complete value.

What does null do in a JSON Merge Patch object?

A null member removes the matching property from the target object. It does not set that property to a JSON null value.

How are arrays handled?

RFC 7386 replaces an array as a complete value. It does not merge or address individual array items. UtilityDock displays a warning when an array replacement occurs.

How is Merge Patch different from JSON Patch?

Merge Patch uses a partial JSON document. JSON Patch uses an ordered RFC 6902 operation array with RFC 6901 paths, making it suitable for precise array positions, tests, moves, and copies.

Does this utility modify my original file?

No. The original input remains unchanged. UtilityDock creates a separate updated preview that you can copy or download.