Online JSON Formatter

How to Open a JSON File: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Experts

Table of Contents

What is a JSON File?

JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is a lightweight, structured data-interchange format used worldwide in APIs, databases, configuration files, and modern web applications. JSON is both human-readable and machine-parseable, which makes it the backbone of data exchange on the internet today.

A JSON file usually contains key–value pairs, arrays, and nested objects. Extensions include .json, and the content is plain text encoded in UTF-8. Because of its simplicity, JSON replaced XML in many use cases such as REST APIs, mobile app configurations, and server communication.

How to Open JSON Files on Desktop

Opening JSON files on Windows, Mac, or Linux is straightforward. Since JSON is text-based, any text editor can open it. However, smart editors provide syntax highlighting, validation, folding, and auto-completion, which dramatically improves productivity.

Method 1 – Visual Studio Code (Recommended)

Visual Studio Code is the most popular JSON editor because it automatically detects JSON structure and warns when syntax is invalid. Simply right-click a JSON file and chooseOpen with VS Code.

Method 2 – Notepad or TextEdit

Any text editor can open JSON but will not prettify formatting. Use this method for quick viewing and small files.

Method 3 – Command Line

Developers often open JSON using command line tools like jq. This allows filtering, searching, and transforming JSON directly from the terminal.

How to Open JSON in a Browser

JSON can be opened directly in browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Drag the file into the browser window or open it using File → Open. Plugins are also available to format JSON instantly.

A faster method is to use an online JSON formatter or viewer. These tools beautify content, check errors, and render tree views without installing software.

How to Open JSON on Mobile

On Android and iOS, JSON files open using file viewer apps or code editors. Alternatively, upload your file to an online JSON viewer and read it instantly in the browser. This is useful when working on the go or reviewing API responses from mobile.

Common Errors When Opening JSON

Typical issues include:

  • Missing commas or brackets
  • Incorrect encoding
  • Corrupted downloads
  • Large file size causing editor freeze
  • JSON mistakenly saved as .txt

When you face issues, always run the file through a JSON Validator to locate the exact syntax error quickly.

Best Tools to Open and Edit JSON Files

Recommended tools include:

  • VS Code
  • Notepad++
  • Online JSON Viewer
  • Online JSON Formatter
  • Postman for API JSON

Frequently Asked Questions

What is JSON?

JSON is a widely used format to store and exchange structured data between applications, servers, and APIs.

What is a JSON file?

A JSON file contains data formatted in JavaScript Object Notation with the .json extension.

What does JSON stand for?

JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation.

How to open JSON file?

You can open JSON files using code editors, browsers, online viewers, or Excel.

How to read a JSON file?

You can read JSON manually or parse it programmatically in languages like JavaScript, Python, or Java.

What is the difference between XML and JSON?

XML is tag-based and verbose. JSON is lightweight and easier for APIs and JavaScript.

Can I open JSON in Excel?

Yes. Excel imports JSON through Power Query and converts it into tables.

Is JSON a programming language?

No. JSON is strictly a data format.

Is JSON case sensitive?

Yes, keys and values in JSON are case-sensitive.

Can JSON contain comments?

Standard JSON does not support comments, however JSON5 variants do.

Is JSON safe to open?

JSON is plain text and safe, but never execute unknown content.

How do I convert JSON to CSV?

You can use online tools, Excel Power Query, Python, or command-line utilities.

How do I format JSON online?

Use an online JSON formatter to pretty-print and validate your JSON.