UtilityDock

Free browser-based data tool

JSON Merge Patch Generator

Generate 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 original and modified JSON
  • Generate a standards-compliant RFC 7386 document
  • Preview, copy, or download the complete Merge Patch
1

Upload original JSON

Choose the original or baseline JSON document.

Drop original JSON here

or use the file browser

1

Upload modified JSON

Choose the modified JSON document you want to reach.

Drop modified JSON here

or use the file browser

2

Paste and validate both documents

The original is the starting document. The modified document is the desired result.

Original JSON is waiting for input.

Modified JSON is waiting for input.

Patch formatting

What JSON Merge Patch is

A partial JSON document that describes an update

JSON Merge Patch represents changes using familiar JSON structure. Changed and added members carry their new values, while a member set to null requests removal. This makes object-focused API updates concise and readable.

RFC 7386 overview

Recursive object updates with whole-value replacement

RFC 7386 defines how a processor merges an object-shaped patch into a target document. Nested objects are processed recursively. Arrays and other non-object values replace the target value completely. Because null means removal inside an object, it cannot create or preserve a null-valued member.

Merge Patch vs JSON Patch

Choose document-shaped updates or ordered operations

Merge Patch is often easier to read for conventional object updates. JSON Patch uses RFC 6902 operation arrays and RFC 6901 paths, making it better when operation order, tests, or individual array positions matter. Confirm which media type and patch format the receiving API supports.

API update workflows

Generate a focused request body from before and after data

  • Create an application/merge-patch+json body
  • Review configuration changes before deployment
  • Document optional API field updates
  • Build concise fixtures for integration tests
  • Compare saved resource snapshots
  • Share a readable change document in code review

Example

Change one value, remove one setting, and add one property

DocumentJSON
Original{"version":1,"debug":true}
Modified{"version":2,"public":true}
Merge Patch{"version":2,"debug":null,"public":true}

Data Toolkit

Continue with every UtilityDock data workflow

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 JSON Merge Patch

Does UtilityDock upload either JSON document?

No. Your files never leave your computer. Parsing, validation, comparison, generation, preview, copying, and download creation all happen locally inside your browser.

What does an RFC 7386 Merge Patch contain?

It is a JSON value that mirrors the structure being updated. Object members contain changed values, null removes an object member, and arrays or non-object values replace the existing value as a whole.

Can a Merge Patch set an object property to null?

No. RFC 7386 uses null to remove an object member. UtilityDock warns when the modified document contains a new or changed null-valued property that a Merge Patch cannot preserve.

How is JSON Merge Patch different from JSON Patch?

Merge Patch uses a partial JSON document and is concise for object updates. JSON Patch uses an ordered RFC 6902 operation array with precise JSON Pointer paths and can address array positions.

Can this utility apply the generated Merge Patch?

No. Version 1 generates, previews, copies, and downloads RFC 7386 documents. It does not apply patches, perform three-way merges, or edit generated output.