How to open a .json file
Quick, free ways to open JSON on any system.
A .json file is a JavaScript Object Notation. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads JSON yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .json file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .json. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Notepad++ or VS Code.
- On Mac, use VS Code or TextEdit.
- On Linux, try VS Code or nano.
- Still stuck? Convert the .json to CSV, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .json files
Windows
- Notepad++
- VS Code
- any text editor
macOS
- VS Code
- TextEdit
- any editor
Linux
- VS Code
- nano
- any editor
Web
- Browsers show raw JSON; dev tools format it
!
Before you open it: Safe. JSON is pure data and does not execute. Only the program that reads it decides what to do with the values.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .json file?
Almost always because no installed app understands JSON. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open a JSON file?
Any text editor works. For a formatted, colour-coded view, open it in VS Code or drop it into your browser's developer tools.
Why does my JSON file say invalid?
JSON is strict: keys need double quotes, no trailing commas, and no comments. A validator will point to the exact line that breaks the rules.