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7/12/2026
The original title is: TOON: a compact JSON format for reducing LLM token usage by 30-60%

The original title is: TOON: a compact JSON format for reducing LLM token usage by 30-60%

Original: TOON: the JSON trick that cut my LLM prompt tokens by half

Short summary

TOON is a compact data format that declares JSON keys once and lists values row-by-row, cutting LLM token usage by 30-60% for repetitive array data. The author built a free browser-based converter at jsontoonpro.com. Limitations include minimal savings for nested or mixed-shape data and the need for an instruction hint to the model.

  • •TOON format reduces LLM token costs 30-60% for arrays of similar objects by declaring keys once
  • •Works best with large repetitive datasets; minimal benefit for nested or mixed-shape data
  • •Free browser-based converter available; estimated ~$480/year savings at 10M tokens/month scale

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