diff --git a/src/SMAPI.Tests/Core/ModResolverTests.cs b/src/SMAPI.Tests/Core/ModResolverTests.cs
index d63eb1a2..2fbeb9b6 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI.Tests/Core/ModResolverTests.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI.Tests/Core/ModResolverTests.cs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ using StardewModdingAPI.Framework;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModData;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModLoading;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
 
 namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
 {
@@ -93,8 +93,8 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
             Assert.IsNotNull(mod, "The loaded manifest shouldn't be null.");
             Assert.AreEqual(null, mod.DataRecord, "The data record should be null since we didn't provide one.");
             Assert.AreEqual(modFolder, mod.DirectoryPath, "The directory path doesn't match.");
-            Assert.AreEqual(ModMetadataStatus.Found, mod.Status, "The status doesn't match.");
             Assert.AreEqual(null, mod.Error, "The error should be null since parsing should have succeeded.");
+            Assert.AreEqual(ModMetadataStatus.Found, mod.Status, "The status doesn't match.");
 
             Assert.AreEqual(original[nameof(IManifest.Name)], mod.DisplayName, "The display name should use the manifest name.");
             Assert.AreEqual(original[nameof(IManifest.Name)], mod.Manifest.Name, "The manifest's name doesn't match.");
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         {
             // arrange
             Mock<IModMetadata> mock = this.GetMetadata("Mod A", new string[0], allowStatusChange: true);
-            mock.Setup(p => p.Manifest).Returns(this.GetManifest(m => m.MinimumApiVersion = new SemanticVersion("1.1")));
+            mock.Setup(p => p.Manifest).Returns(this.GetManifest(minimumApiVersion: "1.1"));
             this.SetupMetadataForValidation(mock);
 
             // act
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         public void ValidateManifests_MissingEntryDLL_Fails()
         {
             // arrange
-            Mock<IModMetadata> mock = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod A", "1.0", manifest => manifest.EntryDll = "Missing.dll"), allowStatusChange: true);
+            Mock<IModMetadata> mock = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod A", version: "1.0", entryDll: "Missing.dll"), allowStatusChange: true);
             this.SetupMetadataForValidation(mock);
 
             // act
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         {
             // arrange
             Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata("Mod A", new string[0], allowStatusChange: true);
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod A", "1.0", manifest => manifest.Name = "Mod B"), allowStatusChange: true);
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod A", name: "Mod B", version: "1.0"), allowStatusChange: true);
             Mock<IModMetadata> modC = this.GetMetadata("Mod C", new string[0], allowStatusChange: false);
             foreach (Mock<IModMetadata> mod in new[] { modA, modB, modC })
                 this.SetupMetadataForValidation(mod);
@@ -398,8 +398,8 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         {
             // arrange
             // A 1.0 ◀── B (need A 1.1)
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod A", "1.0"));
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod B", "1.0", new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.1")), allowStatusChange: true);
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod A", version: "1.0"));
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod B", version: "1.0", dependencies: new IManifestDependency[] { new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.1") }), allowStatusChange: true);
 
             // act
             IModMetadata[] mods = new ModResolver().ProcessDependencies(new[] { modA.Object, modB.Object }, new ModDatabase()).ToArray();
@@ -414,8 +414,8 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         {
             // arrange
             // A 1.0 ◀── B (need A 1.0-beta)
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod A", "1.0"));
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod B", "1.0", new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.0-beta")), allowStatusChange: false);
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod A", version: "1.0"));
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod B", version: "1.0", dependencies: new IManifestDependency[] { new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.0-beta") }), allowStatusChange: false);
 
             // act
             IModMetadata[] mods = new ModResolver().ProcessDependencies(new[] { modA.Object, modB.Object }, new ModDatabase()).ToArray();
@@ -431,8 +431,8 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         {
             // arrange
             // A ◀── B
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod A", "1.0"));
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod B", "1.0", new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.0", required: false)), allowStatusChange: false);
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modA = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod A", version: "1.0"));
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod B", version: "1.0", dependencies: new IManifestDependency[] { new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.0", required: false) }), allowStatusChange: false);
 
             // act
             IModMetadata[] mods = new ModResolver().ProcessDependencies(new[] { modB.Object, modA.Object }, new ModDatabase()).ToArray();
@@ -448,7 +448,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         {
             // arrange
             // A ◀── B where A doesn't exist
-            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest("Mod B", "1.0", new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.0", required: false)), allowStatusChange: false);
+            Mock<IModMetadata> modB = this.GetMetadata(this.GetManifest(id: "Mod B", version: "1.0", dependencies: new IManifestDependency[] { new ManifestDependency("Mod A", "1.0", required: false) }), allowStatusChange: false);
 
             // act
             IModMetadata[] mods = new ModResolver().ProcessDependencies(new[] { modB.Object }, new ModDatabase()).ToArray();
@@ -463,46 +463,26 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         ** Private methods
         *********/
         /// <summary>Get a randomised basic manifest.</summary>
-        /// <param name="adjust">Adjust the generated manifest.</param>
-        private Manifest GetManifest(Action<Manifest> adjust = null)
+        /// <param name="id">The <see cref="IManifest.UniqueID"/> value, or <c>null</c> for a generated value.</param>
+        /// <param name="name">The <see cref="IManifest.Name"/> value, or <c>null</c> for a generated value.</param>
+        /// <param name="version">The <see cref="IManifest.Version"/> value, or <c>null</c> for a generated value.</param>
+        /// <param name="entryDll">The <see cref="IManifest.EntryDll"/> value, or <c>null</c> for a generated value.</param>
+        /// <param name="contentPackForID">The <see cref="IManifest.ContentPackFor"/> value.</param>
+        /// <param name="minimumApiVersion">The <see cref="IManifest.MinimumApiVersion"/> value.</param>
+        /// <param name="dependencies">The <see cref="IManifest.Dependencies"/> value.</param>
+        private Manifest GetManifest(string id = null, string name = null, string version = null, string entryDll = null, string contentPackForID = null, string minimumApiVersion = null, IManifestDependency[] dependencies = null)
         {
-            Manifest manifest = new Manifest
-            {
-                Name = Sample.String(),
-                Author = Sample.String(),
-                Version = new SemanticVersion(Sample.Int(), Sample.Int(), Sample.Int(), Sample.String()),
-                Description = Sample.String(),
-                UniqueID = $"{Sample.String()}.{Sample.String()}",
-                EntryDll = $"{Sample.String()}.dll"
-            };
-            adjust?.Invoke(manifest);
-            return manifest;
-        }
-
-        /// <summary>Get a randomised basic manifest.</summary>
-        /// <param name="uniqueID">The mod's name and unique ID.</param>
-        /// <param name="version">The mod version.</param>
-        /// <param name="adjust">Adjust the generated manifest.</param>
-        /// <param name="dependencies">The dependencies this mod requires.</param>
-        private IManifest GetManifest(string uniqueID, string version, Action<Manifest> adjust, params IManifestDependency[] dependencies)
-        {
-            return this.GetManifest(manifest =>
-            {
-                manifest.Name = uniqueID;
-                manifest.UniqueID = uniqueID;
-                manifest.Version = new SemanticVersion(version);
-                manifest.Dependencies = dependencies;
-                adjust?.Invoke(manifest);
-            });
-        }
-
-        /// <summary>Get a randomised basic manifest.</summary>
-        /// <param name="uniqueID">The mod's name and unique ID.</param>
-        /// <param name="version">The mod version.</param>
-        /// <param name="dependencies">The dependencies this mod requires.</param>
-        private IManifest GetManifest(string uniqueID, string version, params IManifestDependency[] dependencies)
-        {
-            return this.GetManifest(uniqueID, version, null, dependencies);
+            return new Manifest(
+                uniqueID: id ?? $"{Sample.String()}.{Sample.String()}",
+                name: name ?? id ?? Sample.String(),
+                author: Sample.String(),
+                description: Sample.String(),
+                version: version != null ? new SemanticVersion(version) : new SemanticVersion(Sample.Int(), Sample.Int(), Sample.Int(), Sample.String()),
+                entryDll: entryDll ?? $"{Sample.String()}.dll",
+                contentPackFor: contentPackForID != null ? new ManifestContentPackFor(contentPackForID) : null,
+                minimumApiVersion: minimumApiVersion != null ? new SemanticVersion(minimumApiVersion) : null,
+                dependencies: dependencies
+            );
         }
 
         /// <summary>Get a randomised basic manifest.</summary>
@@ -518,7 +498,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Core
         /// <param name="allowStatusChange">Whether the code being tested is allowed to change the mod status.</param>
         private Mock<IModMetadata> GetMetadata(string uniqueID, string[] dependencies, bool allowStatusChange = false)
         {
-            IManifest manifest = this.GetManifest(uniqueID, "1.0", dependencies?.Select(dependencyID => (IManifestDependency)new ManifestDependency(dependencyID, null)).ToArray());
+            IManifest manifest = this.GetManifest(id: uniqueID, version: "1.0", dependencies: dependencies?.Select(dependencyID => (IManifestDependency)new ManifestDependency(dependencyID, null)).ToArray());
             return this.GetMetadata(manifest, allowStatusChange);
         }
 
diff --git a/src/SMAPI.Tests/Utilities/SemanticVersionTests.cs b/src/SMAPI.Tests/Utilities/SemanticVersionTests.cs
index f1a72012..b797393b 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI.Tests/Utilities/SemanticVersionTests.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI.Tests/Utilities/SemanticVersionTests.cs
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ using System.Diagnostics.CodeAnalysis;
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
 using NUnit.Framework;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models;
 
 namespace StardewModdingAPI.Tests.Utilities
 {
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/ContentPack.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/ContentPack.cs
index ee6df1ec..4a4adb90 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/ContentPack.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/ContentPack.cs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ using System;
 using System.IO;
 using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Content;
 using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Graphics;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Utilities;
 using xTile;
 
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/InternalExtensions.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/InternalExtensions.cs
index bff4807c..ff3925fb 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/InternalExtensions.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/InternalExtensions.cs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ using System;
 using System.Collections.Generic;
 using System.Reflection;
 using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Graphics;
-using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Reflection;
 using StardewValley;
 
@@ -91,20 +90,5 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework
             // get result
             return reflection.GetField<bool>(Game1.spriteBatch, fieldName).GetValue();
         }
-
-        /****
-        ** Json.NET
-        ****/
-        /// <summary>Get a JSON field value from a case-insensitive field name. This will check for an exact match first, then search without case sensitivity.</summary>
-        /// <typeparam name="T">The value type.</typeparam>
-        /// <param name="obj">The JSON object to search.</param>
-        /// <param name="fieldName">The field name.</param>
-        public static T ValueIgnoreCase<T>(this JObject obj, string fieldName)
-        {
-            JToken token = obj.GetValue(fieldName, StringComparison.InvariantCultureIgnoreCase);
-            return token != null
-                ? token.Value<T>()
-                : default(T);
-        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModHelpers/ModHelper.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModHelpers/ModHelper.cs
index e8726938..18904857 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModHelpers/ModHelper.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModHelpers/ModHelper.cs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ using System.Linq;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Events;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Input;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Utilities;
 
 namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModHelpers
@@ -179,16 +179,14 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModHelpers
                 throw new ArgumentException($"Can't create content pack for directory path '{directoryPath}' because no such directory exists.");
 
             // create manifest
-            IManifest manifest = new Manifest
-            {
-                Name = name,
-                Author = author,
-                Description = description,
-                Version = version,
-                UniqueID = id,
-                UpdateKeys = new string[0],
-                ContentPackFor = new ManifestContentPackFor { UniqueID = this.ModID }
-            };
+            IManifest manifest = new Manifest(
+                uniqueID: id,
+                name: name,
+                author: author,
+                description: description,
+                version: version,
+                contentPackFor: new ManifestContentPackFor(this.ModID)
+            );
 
             // create content pack
             return this.CreateContentPack(directoryPath, manifest);
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModLoading/ModResolver.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModLoading/ModResolver.cs
index d46caa55..ddc8650c 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModLoading/ModResolver.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/ModLoading/ModResolver.cs
@@ -3,11 +3,11 @@ using System.Collections.Generic;
 using System.IO;
 using System.Linq;
 using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModData;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Utilities;
+using ToolkitManifest = StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models.Manifest;
 
 namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModLoading
 {
@@ -28,25 +28,28 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.ModLoading
             {
                 // read file
                 Manifest manifest = null;
-                string path = Path.Combine(modDir.FullName, "manifest.json");
                 string error = null;
-                try
                 {
-                    manifest = jsonHelper.ReadJsonFile<Manifest>(path);
-                    if (manifest == null)
+                    string path = Path.Combine(modDir.FullName, "manifest.json");
+                    try
                     {
-                        error = File.Exists(path)
-                            ? "its manifest is invalid."
-                            : "it doesn't have a manifest.";
+                        ToolkitManifest rawManifest = jsonHelper.ReadJsonFile<ToolkitManifest>(path);
+                        if (rawManifest == null)
+                        {
+                            error = File.Exists(path)
+                                ? "its manifest is invalid."
+                                : "it doesn't have a manifest.";
+                        }
+                        manifest = new Manifest(rawManifest);
+                    }
+                    catch (SParseException ex)
+                    {
+                        error = $"parsing its manifest failed: {ex.Message}";
+                    }
+                    catch (Exception ex)
+                    {
+                        error = $"parsing its manifest failed:\n{ex.GetLogSummary()}";
                     }
-                }
-                catch (SParseException ex)
-                {
-                    error = $"parsing its manifest failed: {ex.Message}";
-                }
-                catch (Exception ex)
-                {
-                    error = $"parsing its manifest failed:\n{ex.GetLogSummary()}";
                 }
 
                 // parse internal data record (if any)
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/Manifest.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/Manifest.cs
index f5867cf3..92ffe0dc 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/Manifest.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/Manifest.cs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.Linq;
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters;
 
 namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models
 {
@@ -11,39 +11,87 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models
         ** Accessors
         *********/
         /// <summary>The mod name.</summary>
-        public string Name { get; set; }
+        public string Name { get; }
 
         /// <summary>A brief description of the mod.</summary>
-        public string Description { get; set; }
+        public string Description { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The mod author's name.</summary>
-        public string Author { get; set; }
+        public string Author { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The mod version.</summary>
-        public ISemanticVersion Version { get; set; }
+        public ISemanticVersion Version { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The minimum SMAPI version required by this mod, if any.</summary>
-        public ISemanticVersion MinimumApiVersion { get; set; }
+        public ISemanticVersion MinimumApiVersion { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The name of the DLL in the directory that has the <see cref="IMod.Entry"/> method. Mutually exclusive with <see cref="ContentPackFor"/>.</summary>
-        public string EntryDll { get; set; }
+        public string EntryDll { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The mod which will read this as a content pack. Mutually exclusive with <see cref="IManifest.EntryDll"/>.</summary>
-        [JsonConverter(typeof(ManifestContentPackForConverter))]
-        public IManifestContentPackFor ContentPackFor { get; set; }
+        public IManifestContentPackFor ContentPackFor { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The other mods that must be loaded before this mod.</summary>
-        [JsonConverter(typeof(ManifestDependencyArrayConverter))]
-        public IManifestDependency[] Dependencies { get; set; }
+        public IManifestDependency[] Dependencies { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The namespaced mod IDs to query for updates (like <c>Nexus:541</c>).</summary>
         public string[] UpdateKeys { get; set; }
 
         /// <summary>The unique mod ID.</summary>
-        public string UniqueID { get; set; }
+        public string UniqueID { get; }
 
         /// <summary>Any manifest fields which didn't match a valid field.</summary>
         [JsonExtensionData]
-        public IDictionary<string, object> ExtraFields { get; set; }
+        public IDictionary<string, object> ExtraFields { get; }
+
+
+        /*********
+        ** Public methods
+        *********/
+        /// <summary>Construct an instance.</summary>
+        /// <param name="manifest">The toolkit manifest.</param>
+        public Manifest(Toolkit.Serialisation.Models.Manifest manifest)
+            : this(
+                uniqueID: manifest.UniqueID,
+                name: manifest.Name,
+                author: manifest.Author,
+                description: manifest.Description,
+                version: manifest.Version != null ? new SemanticVersion(manifest.Version) : null,
+                entryDll: manifest.EntryDll,
+                minimumApiVersion: manifest.MinimumApiVersion != null ? new SemanticVersion(manifest.MinimumApiVersion) : null,
+                contentPackFor: manifest.ContentPackFor != null ? new ManifestContentPackFor(manifest.ContentPackFor) : null,
+                dependencies: manifest.Dependencies?.Select(p => p != null ? (IManifestDependency)new ManifestDependency(p) : null).ToArray(),
+                updateKeys: manifest.UpdateKeys,
+                extraFields: manifest.ExtraFields
+            )
+        { }
+
+        /// <summary>Construct an instance for a transitional content pack.</summary>
+        /// <param name="uniqueID">The unique mod ID.</param>
+        /// <param name="name">The mod name.</param>
+        /// <param name="author">The mod author's name.</param>
+        /// <param name="description">A brief description of the mod.</param>
+        /// <param name="version">The mod version.</param>
+        /// <param name="entryDll">The name of the DLL in the directory that has the <see cref="IMod.Entry"/> method. Mutually exclusive with <paramref name="contentPackFor"/>.</param>
+        /// <param name="minimumApiVersion">The minimum SMAPI version required by this mod, if any.</param>
+        /// <param name="contentPackFor">The modID  which will read this as a content pack. Mutually exclusive with <paramref name="entryDll"/>.</param>
+        /// <param name="dependencies">The other mods that must be loaded before this mod.</param>
+        /// <param name="updateKeys">The namespaced mod IDs to query for updates (like <c>Nexus:541</c>).</param>
+        /// <param name="extraFields">Any manifest fields which didn't match a valid field.</param>
+        public Manifest(string uniqueID, string name, string author, string description, ISemanticVersion version, string entryDll = null, ISemanticVersion minimumApiVersion = null, IManifestContentPackFor contentPackFor = null, IManifestDependency[] dependencies = null, string[] updateKeys = null, IDictionary<string, object> extraFields = null)
+        {
+            this.Name = name;
+            this.Author = author;
+            this.Description = description;
+            this.Version = version;
+            this.UniqueID = uniqueID;
+            this.UpdateKeys = new string[0];
+            this.EntryDll = entryDll;
+            this.ContentPackFor = contentPackFor;
+            this.MinimumApiVersion = minimumApiVersion;
+            this.Dependencies = dependencies ?? new IManifestDependency[0];
+            this.UpdateKeys = updateKeys ?? new string[0];
+            this.ExtraFields = extraFields;
+        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs
index 7836bbcc..cdad8893 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs
@@ -7,9 +7,30 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models
         ** Accessors
         *********/
         /// <summary>The unique ID of the mod which can read this content pack.</summary>
-        public string UniqueID { get; set; }
+        public string UniqueID { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The minimum required version (if any).</summary>
-        public ISemanticVersion MinimumVersion { get; set; }
+        public ISemanticVersion MinimumVersion { get; }
+
+
+        /*********
+        ** Public methods
+        *********/
+        /// <summary>Construct an instance.</summary>
+        /// <param name="contentPackFor">The toolkit instance.</param>
+        public ManifestContentPackFor(Toolkit.Serialisation.Models.ManifestContentPackFor contentPackFor)
+        {
+            this.UniqueID = contentPackFor.UniqueID;
+            this.MinimumVersion = new SemanticVersion(contentPackFor.MinimumVersion);
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>Construct an instance.</summary>
+        /// <param name="uniqueID">The unique ID of the mod which can read this content pack.</param>
+        /// <param name="minimumVersion">The minimum required version (if any).</param>
+        public ManifestContentPackFor(string uniqueID, ISemanticVersion minimumVersion = null)
+        {
+            this.UniqueID = uniqueID;
+            this.MinimumVersion = minimumVersion;
+        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestDependency.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestDependency.cs
index 97f0775a..e92597f3 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestDependency.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Models/ManifestDependency.cs
@@ -7,18 +7,23 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models
         ** Accessors
         *********/
         /// <summary>The unique mod ID to require.</summary>
-        public string UniqueID { get; set; }
+        public string UniqueID { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The minimum required version (if any).</summary>
-        public ISemanticVersion MinimumVersion { get; set; }
+        public ISemanticVersion MinimumVersion { get; }
 
         /// <summary>Whether the dependency must be installed to use the mod.</summary>
-        public bool IsRequired { get; set; }
+        public bool IsRequired { get; }
 
 
         /*********
         ** Public methods
         *********/
+        /// <summary>Construct an instance.</summary>
+        /// <param name="dependency">The toolkit instance.</param>
+        public ManifestDependency(Toolkit.Serialisation.Models.ManifestDependency dependency)
+            : this(dependency.UniqueID, dependency.MinimumVersion?.ToString(), dependency.IsRequired) { }
+
         /// <summary>Construct an instance.</summary>
         /// <param name="uniqueID">The unique mod ID to require.</param>
         /// <param name="minimumVersion">The minimum required version (if any).</param>
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/ColorConverter.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/ColorConverter.cs
similarity index 91%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/ColorConverter.cs
rename to src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/ColorConverter.cs
index f1b2f04f..c27065bf 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/ColorConverter.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/ColorConverter.cs
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 using System;
 using Microsoft.Xna.Framework;
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.CrossplatformConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation
 {
     /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="Color"/> for crossplatform compatibility.</summary>
     /// <remarks>
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/PointConverter.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/PointConverter.cs
similarity index 90%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/PointConverter.cs
rename to src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/PointConverter.cs
index 434b7ea5..fbc857d2 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/PointConverter.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/PointConverter.cs
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 using System;
 using Microsoft.Xna.Framework;
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.CrossplatformConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation
 {
     /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="PointConverter"/> for crossplatform compatibility.</summary>
     /// <remarks>
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/RectangleConverter.cs b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/RectangleConverter.cs
similarity index 93%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/RectangleConverter.cs
rename to src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/RectangleConverter.cs
index 62bc8637..4f55cc32 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/CrossplatformConverters/RectangleConverter.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/RectangleConverter.cs
@@ -2,9 +2,10 @@ using System;
 using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
 using Microsoft.Xna.Framework;
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.CrossplatformConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation
 {
     /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="Rectangle"/> for crossplatform compatibility.</summary>
     /// <remarks>
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/IManifest.cs b/src/SMAPI/IManifest.cs
index 183ac105..6c07d374 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/IManifest.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/IManifest.cs
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI
         IManifestDependency[] Dependencies { get; }
 
         /// <summary>The namespaced mod IDs to query for updates (like <c>Nexus:541</c>).</summary>
-        string[] UpdateKeys { get; set; }
+        string[] UpdateKeys { get; }
 
         /// <summary>Any manifest fields which didn't match a valid field.</summary>
         IDictionary<string, object> ExtraFields { get; }
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Program.cs b/src/SMAPI/Program.cs
index 5c5137ef..e55a96b2 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Program.cs
+++ b/src/SMAPI/Program.cs
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ using System.Runtime.ExceptionServices;
 using System.Security;
 using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
 using System.Threading;
+using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Input;
 #if SMAPI_FOR_WINDOWS
 using System.Windows.Forms;
 #endif
@@ -27,8 +28,11 @@ using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Reflection;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Internal;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Framework.Clients.WebApi;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters;
 using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Utilities;
 using StardewValley;
+using Keys = System.Windows.Forms.Keys;
 using Monitor = StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Monitor;
 using SObject = StardewValley.Object;
 using ThreadState = System.Threading.ThreadState;
@@ -148,6 +152,18 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI
             };
             this.EventManager = new EventManager(this.Monitor, this.ModRegistry);
 
+            // init JSON parser
+            JsonConverter[] converters = {
+                new StringEnumConverter<Buttons>(),
+                new StringEnumConverter<Keys>(),
+                new StringEnumConverter<SButton>(),
+                new ColorConverter(),
+                new PointConverter(),
+                new RectangleConverter()
+            };
+            foreach (JsonConverter converter in converters)
+                this.JsonHelper.JsonSettings.Converters.Add(converter);
+
             // hook up events
             ContentEvents.Init(this.EventManager);
             ControlEvents.Init(this.EventManager);
@@ -1093,7 +1109,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI
         /// <param name="mods">The mods for which to reload translations.</param>
         private void ReloadTranslations(IEnumerable<IModMetadata> mods)
         {
-            JsonHelper jsonHelper = new JsonHelper();
+            JsonHelper jsonHelper = this.JsonHelper;
             foreach (IModMetadata metadata in mods)
             {
                 if (metadata.IsContentPack)
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/StardewModdingAPI.csproj b/src/SMAPI/StardewModdingAPI.csproj
index a5ccc62d..3c953ec5 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/StardewModdingAPI.csproj
+++ b/src/SMAPI/StardewModdingAPI.csproj
@@ -103,6 +103,9 @@
     <Compile Include="Framework\ContentManagers\GameContentManager.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ContentManagers\IContentManager.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ContentManagers\ModContentManager.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\ColorConverter.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\PointConverter.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\RectangleConverter.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Events\ModEventsBase.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Events\EventManager.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Events\IModEvents.cs" />
@@ -114,16 +117,17 @@
     <Compile Include="Framework\Events\ModEvents.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Events\ModInputEvents.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Input\GamePadStateBuilder.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Framework\Models\Manifest.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Framework\Models\ManifestContentPackFor.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Framework\Models\ManifestDependency.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModHelpers\InputHelper.cs" />
     <Compile Include="IInputHelper.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Input\SInputState.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Input\InputStatus.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\LegacyManifestVersion.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModData\ModDatabase.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModData\ModDataField.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModData\ModDataFieldKey.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModData\ParsedModDataRecord.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Models\ManifestContentPackFor.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Models\SMetadata.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModHelpers\MultiplayerHelper.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModLoading\Finders\EventFinder.cs" />
@@ -151,13 +155,6 @@
     <Compile Include="Framework\Reflection\InterfaceProxyBuilder.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Reflection\InterfaceProxyFactory.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\RewriteFacades\SpriteBatchMethods.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\SmapiConverters\ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\SmapiConverters\ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\SmapiConverters\SemanticVersionConverter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\CrossplatformConverters\RectangleConverter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\CrossplatformConverters\ColorConverter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\CrossplatformConverters\PointConverter.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\SMultiplayer.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\StateTracking\Comparers\EquatableComparer.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\StateTracking\Comparers\ObjectReferenceComparer.cs" />
@@ -235,16 +232,12 @@
     <Compile Include="Context.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Logging\ConsoleInterceptionManager.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Logging\InterceptingTextWriter.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Models\ManifestDependency.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModData\ModStatus.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Models\SConfig.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ModLoading\ModMetadata.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Reflection\ReflectedProperty.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\RequestExitDelegate.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\ContentCoordinator.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Exceptions\SParseException.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\JsonHelper.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Serialisation\SmapiConverters\StringEnumConverter.cs" />
     <Compile Include="IAssetEditor.cs" />
     <Compile Include="IAssetInfo.cs" />
     <Compile Include="IAssetLoader.cs" />
@@ -283,7 +276,6 @@
     <Compile Include="Events\ChangeType.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Events\ItemStackChange.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Framework\Monitor.cs" />
-    <Compile Include="Framework\Models\Manifest.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Metadata\InstructionMetadata.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Mod.cs" />
     <Compile Include="PatchMode.cs" />
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs
similarity index 82%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs
index af7558f6..232c22a7 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/ManifestContentPackForConverter.cs
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 using System;
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters
 {
-    /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="IManifestContentPackFor"/> arrays.</summary>
-    internal class ManifestContentPackForConverter : JsonConverter
+    /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="ManifestContentPackFor"/> arrays.</summary>
+    public class ManifestContentPackForConverter : JsonConverter
     {
         /*********
         ** Accessors
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
         /// <param name="objectType">The object type.</param>
         public override bool CanConvert(Type objectType)
         {
-            return objectType == typeof(IManifestContentPackFor[]);
+            return objectType == typeof(ManifestContentPackFor[]);
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs
similarity index 81%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs
index 4150d5fb..0a304ee3 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/ManifestDependencyArrayConverter.cs
@@ -2,11 +2,11 @@ using System;
 using System.Collections.Generic;
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Models;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters
 {
-    /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="IManifestDependency"/> arrays.</summary>
+    /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="ManifestDependency"/> arrays.</summary>
     internal class ManifestDependencyArrayConverter : JsonConverter
     {
         /*********
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
         /// <param name="objectType">The object type.</param>
         public override bool CanConvert(Type objectType)
         {
-            return objectType == typeof(IManifestDependency[]);
+            return objectType == typeof(ManifestDependency[]);
         }
 
 
@@ -37,12 +37,12 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
         /// <param name="serializer">The calling serializer.</param>
         public override object ReadJson(JsonReader reader, Type objectType, object existingValue, JsonSerializer serializer)
         {
-            List<IManifestDependency> result = new List<IManifestDependency>();
+            List<ManifestDependency> result = new List<ManifestDependency>();
             foreach (JObject obj in JArray.Load(reader).Children<JObject>())
             {
-                string uniqueID = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<string>(nameof(IManifestDependency.UniqueID));
-                string minVersion = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<string>(nameof(IManifestDependency.MinimumVersion));
-                bool required = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<bool?>(nameof(IManifestDependency.IsRequired)) ?? true;
+                string uniqueID = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<string>(nameof(ManifestDependency.UniqueID));
+                string minVersion = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<string>(nameof(ManifestDependency.MinimumVersion));
+                bool required = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<bool?>(nameof(ManifestDependency.IsRequired)) ?? true;
                 result.Add(new ManifestDependency(uniqueID, minVersion, required));
             }
             return result.ToArray();
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/SemanticVersionConverter.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/SemanticVersionConverter.cs
similarity index 61%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/SemanticVersionConverter.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/SemanticVersionConverter.cs
index 7ee7e29b..2075d27e 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/SemanticVersionConverter.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/SemanticVersionConverter.cs
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters
 {
     /// <summary>Handles deserialisation of <see cref="SemanticVersion"/>.</summary>
-    internal class SemanticVersionConverter : SimpleReadOnlyConverter<ISemanticVersion>
+    internal class SemanticVersionConverter : SimpleReadOnlyConverter<SemanticVersion>
     {
         /*********
         ** Protected methods
@@ -12,25 +12,25 @@ namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
         /// <summary>Read a JSON object.</summary>
         /// <param name="obj">The JSON object to read.</param>
         /// <param name="path">The path to the current JSON node.</param>
-        protected override ISemanticVersion ReadObject(JObject obj, string path)
+        protected override SemanticVersion ReadObject(JObject obj, string path)
         {
-            int major = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<int>(nameof(ISemanticVersion.MajorVersion));
-            int minor = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<int>(nameof(ISemanticVersion.MinorVersion));
-            int patch = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<int>(nameof(ISemanticVersion.PatchVersion));
-            string build = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<string>(nameof(ISemanticVersion.Build));
+            int major = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<int>("MajorVersion");
+            int minor = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<int>("MinorVersion");
+            int patch = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<int>("PatchVersion");
+            string build = obj.ValueIgnoreCase<string>("Build");
             return new LegacyManifestVersion(major, minor, patch, build);
         }
 
         /// <summary>Read a JSON string.</summary>
         /// <param name="str">The JSON string value.</param>
         /// <param name="path">The path to the current JSON node.</param>
-        protected override ISemanticVersion ReadString(string str, string path)
+        protected override SemanticVersion ReadString(string str, string path)
         {
             if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(str))
                 return null;
             if (!SemanticVersion.TryParse(str, out ISemanticVersion version))
                 throw new SParseException($"Can't parse semantic version from invalid value '{str}', should be formatted like 1.2, 1.2.30, or 1.2.30-beta (path: {path}).");
-            return version;
+            return (SemanticVersion)version;
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs
similarity index 96%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs
index 5765ad96..5e0b0f4a 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/SimpleReadOnlyConverter.cs
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 using System;
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters
 {
     /// <summary>The base implementation for simplified converters which deserialise <typeparamref name="T"/> without overriding serialisation.</summary>
     /// <typeparam name="T">The type to deserialise.</typeparam>
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/StringEnumConverter.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/StringEnumConverter.cs
similarity index 91%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/StringEnumConverter.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/StringEnumConverter.cs
index c88ac834..13e6e3a1 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/SmapiConverters/StringEnumConverter.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Converters/StringEnumConverter.cs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 using System;
 using Newtonsoft.Json.Converters;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters
 {
     /// <summary>A variant of <see cref="StringEnumConverter"/> which only converts a specified enum.</summary>
     /// <typeparam name="T">The enum type.</typeparam>
diff --git a/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/InternalExtensions.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/InternalExtensions.cs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..12b2c933
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/InternalExtensions.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+using System;
+using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
+
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation
+{
+    /// <summary>Provides extension methods for parsing JSON.</summary>
+    public static class JsonExtensions
+    {
+        /// <summary>Get a JSON field value from a case-insensitive field name. This will check for an exact match first, then search without case sensitivity.</summary>
+        /// <typeparam name="T">The value type.</typeparam>
+        /// <param name="obj">The JSON object to search.</param>
+        /// <param name="fieldName">The field name.</param>
+        public static T ValueIgnoreCase<T>(this JObject obj, string fieldName)
+        {
+            JToken token = obj.GetValue(fieldName, StringComparison.InvariantCultureIgnoreCase);
+            return token != null
+                ? token.Value<T>()
+                : default(T);
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/JsonHelper.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/JsonHelper.cs
similarity index 83%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/JsonHelper.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/JsonHelper.cs
index 6cba343e..00f334ad 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Serialisation/JsonHelper.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/JsonHelper.cs
@@ -1,39 +1,23 @@
 using System;
 using System.Collections.Generic;
 using System.IO;
-using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Input;
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.CrossplatformConverters;
-using StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation.SmapiConverters;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Serialisation
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation
 {
     /// <summary>Encapsulates SMAPI's JSON file parsing.</summary>
-    internal class JsonHelper
+    public class JsonHelper
     {
         /*********
         ** Accessors
         *********/
         /// <summary>The JSON settings to use when serialising and deserialising files.</summary>
-        private readonly JsonSerializerSettings JsonSettings = new JsonSerializerSettings
+        public JsonSerializerSettings JsonSettings { get; } = new JsonSerializerSettings
         {
             Formatting = Formatting.Indented,
             ObjectCreationHandling = ObjectCreationHandling.Replace, // avoid issue where default ICollection<T> values are duplicated each time the config is loaded
-            Converters = new List<JsonConverter>
-            {
-                // SMAPI types
-                new SemanticVersionConverter(),
-
-                // enums
-                new StringEnumConverter<Buttons>(),
-                new StringEnumConverter<Keys>(),
-                new StringEnumConverter<SButton>(),
-
-                // crossplatform compatibility
-                new ColorConverter(),
-                new PointConverter(),
-                new RectangleConverter()
-            }
+            Converters = new List<JsonConverter> { new SemanticVersionConverter() }
         };
 
 
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/LegacyManifestVersion.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/LegacyManifestVersion.cs
similarity index 83%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/LegacyManifestVersion.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/LegacyManifestVersion.cs
index 454b9137..12f6755b 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/LegacyManifestVersion.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/LegacyManifestVersion.cs
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 using Newtonsoft.Json;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models
 {
-    /// <summary>An implementation of <see cref="ISemanticVersion"/> that hamdles the legacy <see cref="IManifest"/> version format.</summary>
-    internal class LegacyManifestVersion : SemanticVersion
+    /// <summary>An implementation of <see cref="ISemanticVersion"/> that hamdles the legacy <see cref="Manifest"/> version format.</summary>
+    public class LegacyManifestVersion : SemanticVersion
     {
         /*********
         ** Public methods
diff --git a/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/Manifest.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/Manifest.cs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..68987dd1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/Manifest.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using Newtonsoft.Json;
+using StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Converters;
+
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models
+{
+    /// <summary>A manifest which describes a mod for SMAPI.</summary>
+    public class Manifest
+    {
+        /*********
+        ** Accessors
+        *********/
+        /// <summary>The mod name.</summary>
+        public string Name { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>A brief description of the mod.</summary>
+        public string Description { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The mod author's name.</summary>
+        public string Author { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The mod version.</summary>
+        public SemanticVersion Version { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The minimum SMAPI version required by this mod, if any.</summary>
+        public SemanticVersion MinimumApiVersion { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The name of the DLL in the directory that has the <c>Entry</c> method. Mutually exclusive with <see cref="ContentPackFor"/>.</summary>
+        public string EntryDll { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The mod which will read this as a content pack. Mutually exclusive with <see cref="Manifest.EntryDll"/>.</summary>
+        [JsonConverter(typeof(ManifestContentPackForConverter))]
+        public ManifestContentPackFor ContentPackFor { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The other mods that must be loaded before this mod.</summary>
+        [JsonConverter(typeof(ManifestDependencyArrayConverter))]
+        public ManifestDependency[] Dependencies { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The namespaced mod IDs to query for updates (like <c>Nexus:541</c>).</summary>
+        public string[] UpdateKeys { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The unique mod ID.</summary>
+        public string UniqueID { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>Any manifest fields which didn't match a valid field.</summary>
+        [JsonExtensionData]
+        public IDictionary<string, object> ExtraFields { get; set; }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..00546533
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/ManifestContentPackFor.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models
+{
+    /// <summary>Indicates which mod can read the content pack represented by the containing manifest.</summary>
+    public class ManifestContentPackFor
+    {
+        /*********
+        ** Accessors
+        *********/
+        /// <summary>The unique ID of the mod which can read this content pack.</summary>
+        public string UniqueID { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The minimum required version (if any).</summary>
+        public SemanticVersion MinimumVersion { get; set; }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/ManifestDependency.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/ManifestDependency.cs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d902f9ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/Models/ManifestDependency.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation.Models
+{
+    /// <summary>A mod dependency listed in a mod manifest.</summary>
+    public class ManifestDependency
+    {
+        /*********
+        ** Accessors
+        *********/
+        /// <summary>The unique mod ID to require.</summary>
+        public string UniqueID { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>The minimum required version (if any).</summary>
+        public SemanticVersion MinimumVersion { get; set; }
+
+        /// <summary>Whether the dependency must be installed to use the mod.</summary>
+        public bool IsRequired { get; set; }
+
+
+        /*********
+        ** Public methods
+        *********/
+        /// <summary>Construct an instance.</summary>
+        /// <param name="uniqueID">The unique mod ID to require.</param>
+        /// <param name="minimumVersion">The minimum required version (if any).</param>
+        /// <param name="required">Whether the dependency must be installed to use the mod.</param>
+        public ManifestDependency(string uniqueID, string minimumVersion, bool required = true)
+        {
+            this.UniqueID = uniqueID;
+            this.MinimumVersion = !string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(minimumVersion)
+                ? new SemanticVersion(minimumVersion)
+                : null;
+            this.IsRequired = required;
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Exceptions/SParseException.cs b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/SParseException.cs
similarity index 88%
rename from src/SMAPI/Framework/Exceptions/SParseException.cs
rename to src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/SParseException.cs
index f7133ee7..61a7b305 100644
--- a/src/SMAPI/Framework/Exceptions/SParseException.cs
+++ b/src/StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit/Serialisation/SParseException.cs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-using System;
+using System;
 
-namespace StardewModdingAPI.Framework.Exceptions
+namespace StardewModdingAPI.Toolkit.Serialisation
 {
     /// <summary>A format exception which provides a user-facing error message.</summary>
     internal class SParseException : FormatException