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.JSON file extension

To open .JSON files on Windows, open with VS Code, Notepad++, or any text editor.

.json files contain structured text data. Open them with code editors, browsers, or data tooling.

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Last updated: March 17, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .JSON files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .JSON files safely.

Windows

  1. Open with VS Code, Notepad++, or any text editor.
  2. Use browser JSON viewers for formatted inspection.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Open with VS Code, TextEdit (plain text), or terminal tools.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Open with any text editor or use jq for CLI parsing.
  2. Validate syntax with jq . filename.json.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Open with developer text editor apps.
  2. Use Files app preview for quick checks.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Open with code editor apps.
  2. Use JSON formatter tools to improve readability.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Never execute untrusted JSON as code.
  • Validate schema before ingesting external JSON in production systems.

Recommended antivirus software

Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.

Avast

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Norton

Norton 360 delivers comprehensive antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. Scan files for threats before opening to keep your device secure.

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Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .JSON files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • Unexpected token parse error

Fix steps

  1. Validate with a JSON linter.
  2. Remove trailing commas.
  3. Ensure property names are quoted.

OS-specific troubleshooting

What is a .JSON file?

JSON represents objects and arrays using key-value syntax. It is human-readable and widely used for web services and app configs.

Common MIME types: application/json, text/json

Known aliases: .jsn

Common .JSON issues

Unexpected token parse error

JSON syntax is strict and does not allow comments or trailing commas.

  1. Validate with a JSON linter.
  2. Remove trailing commas.
  3. Ensure property names are quoted.

FAQ

Can JSON include comments?

Standard JSON does not support comments.

How do I pretty-print JSON?

Use formatter tools or jq to format JSON with indentation.

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