Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.JSON
File Type
JavaScript Object Notation
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .json file format
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, human-readable data-interchange format. It is widely used for transmitting data between a server and web applications, as well as for configuration files and data storage. JSON is based on a subset of the JavaScript programming language, but it is…
File extension
.JSON
File type
JavaScript Object Notation
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .json file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .json.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .json file?
File extension details and usage information
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, human-readable data-interchange format. It is widely used for transmitting data between a server and web applications, as well as for configuration files and data storage. JSON is based on a subset of the JavaScript programming language, but it is language-independent and can be parsed and generated by many programming languages. Its simple structure, consisting of key-value pairs and arrays, makes it easy to understand and work with. JSON files are typically used to represent structured data, such as objects, arrays, and primitive data types like strings, numbers, booleans, and null. The format's simplicity and ubiquity have made it a cornerstone of modern web development and data exchange, replacing older formats like XML in many applications. JSON's ability to represent complex data structures in a clear and concise manner contributes to its popularity and widespread adoption across various platforms and technologies. It is often used in APIs, configuration files, and data serialization.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .json files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .json files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .json file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .json file.
Why can't I open a .json file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .json format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .json files
To open a .json file, use software that supports this file format.
- Notepad++
- Visual Studio Code
- Sublime Text
- Atom
- JSON Editor Online
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .json file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.