What is PHP serialized data?
PHP uses serialize() to turn values such as arrays, strings, numbers, and objects into a compact text representation. Older PHP applications and many WordPress plugins store this format in databases, configuration fields, and cache entries.
Serialized values are difficult to inspect by eye because they contain type markers and string lengths. This converter reads that format and displays the result as indented JSON, which is easier to scan, copy, and compare while debugging.
How to convert serialized PHP data
Paste the complete serialized value into the input field. The conversion happens in your browser and updates as you type, so the data is not uploaded to this site.
The parser supports common serialized values: nulls, booleans, integers, floating-point numbers, UTF-8 strings, arrays, and standard objects. PHP arrays with sequential numeric keys are shown as JSON arrays; other arrays are shown as JSON objects.
Working with legacy application data
Use the formatted output to examine WordPress options, database fields, session records, or data exported from a legacy PHP service. The tool is intended for inspecting trusted data; PHP references and custom serialized classes are not supported because they cannot be represented reliably as standalone JSON.