JSON-LD vs Microdata vs RDFa: Which to Use?

Compare schema formats and learn why Google recommends JSON-LD.

Three ways to add schema: JSON-LD, Microdata, RDFa. Google has a clear preference.

JSON-LD

JavaScript block in <head>. Doesn't modify HTML. Google recommended. Easiest to maintain.

Embedded in HTML attributes. No separate script but clutters HTML.

Rich vocabulary but complex syntax and poor support. Rarely used.

Google explicitly recommends JSON-LD in all documentation.

Pro Tip

For WordPress, JSON-LD is easiest — no theme modifications needed.

Generate clean JSON-LD with our Schema Generator.