---
title: Telegraf data formats
description: Telegraf parsers convert incoming data into metrics, and serializers convert metrics into output formats. Reference for all supported input and output data formats.
url: https://docs.influxdata.com/telegraf/v1/data_formats/
estimated_tokens: 372
product: Telegraf Enterprise
version: v1
publisher: InfluxData
canonical: https://docs.influxdata.com/telegraf/v1/data_formats/
date: '2026-08-13T16:00:16-06:00'
lastmod: '2026-08-13T16:00:16-06:00'
---

Telegraf supports data formats on both sides of the pipeline:

* **Input data formats (parsers)** convert raw data, such as JSON, CSV, or
  Prometheus exposition format, into Telegraf metrics.
  Input plugins that support parsing provide the `data_format` option to
  select one.
* **Output data formats (serializers)** convert Telegraf metrics into the
  format a destination expects, such as InfluxDB line protocol, JSON, or
  Graphite.
  Output plugins that support serialization provide the `data_format`option to select one.

This section is the reference for every format and its options:

## [Input data formats](/telegraf/v1/data_formats/input/)

Telegraf input plugins use parsers to convert incoming data, such as JSON, CSV, and Prometheus format, into Telegraf metrics.

## [Output data formats](/telegraf/v1/data_formats/output/)

Telegraf serializes metrics into output data formats.

## [Telegraf template patterns](/telegraf/v1/data_formats/template-patterns/)

Template patterns describe how a dot-delimited string should be mapped to
and from Telegraf metrics.

For task-focused guides with worked examples, see[Parse incoming data](/telegraf/v1/configure_plugins/input_plugins/parse-data/)and[Serialize outgoing data](/telegraf/v1/configure_plugins/output_plugins/serialize-data/).

#### Related

* [Parse incoming data](/telegraf/v1/configure_plugins/input_plugins/parse-data/)
* [Serialize outgoing data](/telegraf/v1/configure_plugins/output_plugins/serialize-data/)