Placeholders.cc

Easily create, update, and manage JSON or JS placeholders with Placeholders.cc.

Create Placeholder
How to Use This Tool
Create or Update
Save
Copy URL
Use it in your project (server or browser, no CORS issues)
Your Placeholders
ID Filename Expiration Actions

What Is Placeholders.cc?

Placeholders.cc is a quick tool to host mock JSON (or JS, or any text file) online for free, with minimal fuss. When you’re experimenting with integrations or setting up front-end/back-end prototypes, you can drop your mock data into placeholders.cc and fetch it like a normal API resource (with CORS enabled).

  • Zero Setup: You don’t need to register or log in.
  • Ephemeral Storage: Items have a limited lifespan, so you don’t need to worry about manual cleanup later.
  • Auth Code: Each placeholder has an auth code unique to your browser, allowing you to edit or delete it.
  • Intended Use: Quick prototypes, mocking APIs without hitting rate limits on external services, or storing mock data separately so it doesn’t clutter your repo.

Why Did I Build It?

I found myself repeatedly needing a quick way to test an API integration (or front-end calls) without burning through limited free-tier quotas or messing with local mock servers.

Example Use Cases:

  • Avoid Polluting Your Repo: Keep mock JSON/JS files out of your production or dev folder structure.
  • Cloud-Only Projects: Serverless functions may lack a convenient local file system for mock data.
  • Static Site Testing: Quickly spin up a placeholder instead of setting up an entire backend.

How It Works (Quick Demo)

  1. Go to placeholders.cc.
  2. Click Create New Placeholder.
  3. Paste in your JSON (or any text).
  4. A unique URL is generated, e.g. https://placeholders.cc/123abc/my-mock-api.json.
  5. The URL returns your data as plain text (with correct CORS headers). Fetch it using JavaScript.
  6. Editing or deleting requires the auth code saved in your browser.

Example:

// Example fetch in JavaScript
fetch('https://placeholders.cc/123abc/my-mock-api.json')
  .then(response => response.json())
  .then(data => {
    console.log('Mock Data:', data);
  });

Upcoming Features

  • Headers & CORS Customization: More control over headers (CORS, content-type, etc.).
  • Conditional Responses: Return different data based on query parameters or request method.
  • Longer Expirations & Versioning: Support for more persistent testing scenarios.

FAQ

“How is this better than creating my own JSON file locally?”

  • Avoids clutter in your repo.
  • Helpful for serverless environments with no local file access.
  • Easy sharing with teammates without committing a file.

“Why not just use Postman Mock Server?”

If you already use Postman, go for it! Placeholders.cc is a “paste and go” approach—less overhead, no sign-up.

Feedback Welcome!

I’d love your thoughts—whether constructive or destructive! If you have suggestions for future features or ways to improve the UI, please let me know.

Questions:

  • Have you ever needed a quick, no-login JSON mock tool?
  • What features do you find indispensable when mocking APIs for prototypes?
  • Do you have any design or UX criticisms?