Schema Validator

Validate JSON-LD structured data from a live URL or pasted markup. See detected schema types, required and recommended field checks, and a clean pretty-printed tree.

100% free
No signup
Runs in your browser

Guide

What is structured data?

Structured data is extra markup that describes your page's meaning to search engines in a standard vocabulary (schema.org), usually written as JSON-LD. It powers rich results: star ratings, FAQs, recipes, events, and breadcrumbs in search listings. This validator checks JSON-LD from a live URL or pasted markup, shows the detected types, and verifies required and recommended fields.

Why JSON-LD?

JSON-LD is Google's recommended format because it sits in a single script block separate from your visible HTML, which makes it easy to add, edit, and keep correct. Each block declares a @type (such as Article, Product, or FAQPage) and a set of properties. Because it is decoupled from page layout, you can validate and update it without touching the rest of the template.

Required vs. recommended fields

Each schema type has required fields that must be present for eligibility, and recommended fields that improve the richness of the result. Missing a required field is the usual reason Search Console reports a schema error and a rich result does not appear. The validator separates the two so you know what you must fix versus what would simply help.

Schema does not guarantee rich results

Valid structured data makes your page eligible for rich results, but Google decides whether to actually show them based on quality, relevance, and policy. So correct markup is necessary but not sufficient. Focus on the schema types that match your content (Article, Product, FAQ, LocalBusiness, Breadcrumb are the high-value ones for most sites), keep them accurate, and validate after every change.

Last updated: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is JSON-LD structured data?

JSON-LD is a JSON-based format for embedding structured data (schema.org markup) in a page via a <script type="application/ld+json"> tag. It helps search engines understand your content and can enable rich results.

Why does Google Search Console show schema errors?

Usually because a required field for the detected @type is missing or has the wrong format, or because the JSON has a syntax error. This validator pinpoints missing required and recommended fields per type so you can fix them.

Which schema types are most important for SEO?

It depends on your content: Article/BlogPosting for posts, Product and Offer for shops, FAQPage and HowTo for support content, LocalBusiness for physical locations, and BreadcrumbList for navigation. This tool validates all of these and more.

Can I validate schema without a live URL?

Yes. Switch to "Paste JSON-LD" mode and paste your markup directly - validation runs entirely in your browser, with no network request.

What is the difference between required and recommended fields?

Required fields must be present for the markup to be valid for a type; recommended fields are optional but improve eligibility for rich results. This tool flags both separately.

Does adding schema guarantee rich results?

No. Valid schema makes a page eligible for rich results, but Google decides whether to show them based on quality, content, and its own algorithms. Valid markup is necessary but not sufficient.