---
title: ".json file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .json file is a JavaScript Object Notation. The standard text format for structured data on the web and in config files. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/json/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .json files

**.json file: JavaScript Object Notation**

The standard text format for structured data on the web and in config files.

## What opens a .json file

- **Windows:** Visual Studio Code, Notepad (built in), Any web browser
- **macOS:** Visual Studio Code, TextEdit (built in), Any web browser
- **Linux:** Visual Studio Code, Text Editor (built in), jq (command line)
- **In a browser:** Any web browser, JSON Formatter

## What a .json file is

JSON is a lightweight, human-readable way of writing nested data as objects and arrays, standardised as RFC 8259. Almost every web API speaks it and most modern applications store settings in it. It is strict about syntax — no trailing commas, no comments — which is why a config file that looks fine is often rejected over one stray character.

## Converting it

A .json file is commonly converted to .csv, .xml, .yaml, .xlsx or .txt. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .json
- **Full name:** JavaScript Object Notation
- **Category:** Data
- **MIME type:** application/json
- **Created by:** Douglas Crockford / IETF
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .json file?

On Windows use Visual Studio Code; on macOS use Visual Studio Code; on Linux use Visual Studio Code. The standard text format for structured data on the web and in config files.

### What is a .json file?

JavaScript Object Notation. JSON is a lightweight, human-readable way of writing nested data as objects and arrays, standardised as RFC 8259. Almost every web API speaks it and most modern applications store settings in it.

### Can I convert a .json file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .csv, .xml, .yaml, .xlsx or .txt, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.csv — Comma-Separated Values](https://atoneplace.net/file/csv/)
- [.xml — Extensible Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/xml/)
- [.yaml — YAML Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/yaml/)
- [.log — Log File](https://atoneplace.net/file/log/)
- [.torrent — BitTorrent Metainfo File](https://atoneplace.net/file/torrent/)
- [.dat — Generic Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/dat/)
- [.vcf — vCard Contact File](https://atoneplace.net/file/vcf/)
- [.sql — SQL Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sql/)
- [.ics — iCalendar Event](https://atoneplace.net/file/ics/)
- [.sqlite — SQLite Database](https://atoneplace.net/file/sqlite/)
- [.db — Generic Database File](https://atoneplace.net/file/db/)
- [.bin — Binary File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bin/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)