JSON files are plain text files that can be opened with any text editor, web browser, or specialized tool. Whether you need to view configuration settings, inspect API responses, or debug data structures, there are multiple ways to open and read JSON files on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

This guide covers all the methods to open JSON files, from simple text editors to online viewers and programming languages. New to JSON? Check out what is JSON or learn about JSON file format first.

Method 1: Using Text Editors

The simplest way to open a JSON file is with a text editor. Since JSON is plain text, any editor will work.

Windows

Notepad (Built-in)

Right-click the JSON file
Select "Open with" → "Notepad"
View the JSON content

Visual Studio Code (Recommended)

VSCode provides syntax highlighting, formatting, and validation for JSON files.

Download VSCode from code.visualstudio.com
Right-click JSON file → "Open with" → "Visual Studio Code"
Use Shift+Alt+F to format JSON

Mac

TextEdit (Built-in)

Right-click the JSON file
Select "Open With" → "TextEdit"
View the JSON content

Visual Studio Code

Same as Windows - provides the best JSON editing experience with syntax highlighting and formatting.

Linux

Terminal (Command Line)

View JSON directly in the terminal:

cat config.json

Format JSON with jq (if installed):

cat config.json | jq

Method 2: Using Web Browsers

Modern browsers can display JSON files with syntax highlighting and collapsible trees.

Chrome, Edge, Firefox

Drag and drop the JSON file into the browser window
OR press Ctrl+O (Windows) or Cmd+O (Mac) to open file dialog
Select your JSON file
View formatted JSON with collapsible sections

Tip: Install browser extensions like "JSON Viewer" or "JSON Formatter" for enhanced viewing with syntax highlighting, tree navigation, and search features.

Method 3: Online JSON Viewers (Easiest)

Online tools provide the easiest way to view and analyze JSON files without installing software.

Using Our JSON Viewer:

Visit JsonToTable.org JSON Viewer
Click "Upload File" or paste JSON content
View your JSON in a structured tree view
Expand/collapse sections, search, and validate

Benefits of Online Viewers:

•No installation required - Works directly in your browser
•Syntax validation - Automatically detect errors
•Formatting tools - Beautify or minify JSON
•Conversion options - Convert to CSV, XML, YAML
•Cross-platform - Works on any device

Method 4: Reading JSON in Code

If you need to programmatically read and process JSON files, here are examples in popular languages:

Python

import json

# Open and read JSON file
with open('data.json', 'r') as file:
    data = json.load(file)
    print(data)

# Access specific values
hostname = data['hostname']
port = data['port']

JavaScript (Node.js)

const fs = require('fs');

// Read JSON file
const data = JSON.parse(
  fs.readFileSync('data.json', 'utf8')
);
console.log(data);

// Access specific values
const hostname = data.hostname;
const port = data.port;

Java

import org.json.JSONObject;
import java.nio.file.Files;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

// Read JSON file
String content = new String(
  Files.readAllBytes(Paths.get("data.json"))
);
JSONObject data = new JSONObject(content);

// Access values
String hostname = data.getString("hostname");
int port = data.getInt("port");

C#

using System.IO;
using System.Text.Json;

// Read JSON file
string jsonString = File.ReadAllText("data.json");
var data = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<Dictionary<string, object>>(jsonString);

// Access values
var hostname = data["hostname"];
var port = data["port"];

Troubleshooting Common Issues

JSON File Won't Open

Check file extension is .json
Ensure file is not corrupted
Try opening with a different text editor
Verify file permissions (read access)

JSON Appears Unformatted

The file might be minified (no whitespace). Use our JSON Formatter to beautify it.

Error Messages When Opening

JSON may have syntax errors. Use our JSON Validator to identify and fix errors.

File is Too Large

Use a code editor like VSCode instead of Notepad
Consider command-line tools for very large files
Use streaming parsers in programming languages

Special Characters Display Incorrectly

Ensure your editor uses UTF-8 encoding. Most modern editors default to UTF-8.

Best Practices for Opening JSON Files

Quick Viewing

Use online viewers or browsers for quick inspection without editing.

Editing

Use VSCode or dedicated code editors with JSON validation and formatting.

Processing

Use programming languages for automated reading and manipulation.

Large Files

Use command-line tools or streaming parsers for files over 100MB.

External References

•
Visual Studio Code - Free code editor with JSON support
•
jq - Command-line JSON processor
•
JSON.org - Official JSON specification

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How to Open and Read JSON Files