Data · .json
What Is a JSON File?
A .json file is a text format for structured data, used by apps and APIs.
- Extension
- .json
- Full name
- JavaScript Object Notation
- Type
- Data
- MIME type
- application/json
- Developed by
- Douglas Crockford (2001)
Free JSON Tools
These run in your browser. Your JSON files are never uploaded.
About JSON Files
JSON stores data as text using objects in curly braces, lists in square brackets, and values such as strings, numbers, true, false and null. It is easy for people to read and for every programming language to parse, which has made it the standard format for web APIs, configuration files and data exports. JSON has strict rules: keys and strings need double quotes, and trailing commas aren't allowed, so one small typo makes a file invalid.
How to Open a JSON File
- Any device
- Open it in any text editor, or drag it into Firefox, which shows a collapsible JSON viewer.
- Windows & Mac
- VS Code, Notepad++ and Sublime Text highlight and format JSON.
- Online
- Use the JSON Formatter on this site to pretty-print and validate it in your browser.
JSON File Questions
How do I check if my JSON is valid?
Paste it into the JSON Formatter on this site. It points to the exact line and column of any error.
How do I open JSON in Excel?
Convert it to CSV with the JSON to CSV tool here, or use Data, Get Data, From File, From JSON in Excel.