How to Open and Read a JSON File on Your Computer

JSON files are text files that store data in a structured format, and you can open them with any text editor

A JSON file (JavaScript Object Notation) is a plain text file that holds data organized in a specific way. It uses curly braces, square brackets, and key-value pairs to structure information so that programs can read and understand it. You do not need special software to view one — any text editor on your computer will open it and show you the contents.

The simplest way to view a JSON file is to right-click it, choose "Open with", and select a text editor. On Windows, that is Notepad. On Mac, that is TextEdit (set to plain text mode). On Linux, use gedit or nano. The file will open and display all the data inside in a readable format.

Key Takeaways

JSON files are text files you can open with any text editor — Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on Mac, or gedit on Linux.
Right-click the JSON file, select "Open with", and choose your text editor to view the contents immediately.
If the data looks jumbled or hard to read, use a JSON viewer or code editor like Visual Studio Code to format it automatically.
JSON files are safe to open and view; opening them does not run code or change your computer.

Opening a JSON file with your default text editor

On Windows, right-click the JSON file and select "Open with". A menu appears showing available programs. Click "Notepad" to open it. The file displays as plain text with all the data visible. If Notepad does not appear in the menu, click "Choose another app" and scroll down to find it.

On Mac, right-click (or Control-click) the JSON file and select "Open With". Choose "TextEdit" from the list. A dialog box may appear asking about the file format — select "Use UTF-8" to ensure the text displays correctly. The file opens and shows the data as text.

On Linux, right-click the JSON file and select "Open With". Choose gedit, nano, or another text editor from the menu. The file opens in that editor and displays the contents.

Using a code editor to view and format JSON more clearly

If the JSON data looks crowded or hard to follow in a basic text editor, a code editor like Visual Studio Code will format it automatically. Download Visual Studio Code for free from code.visualstudio.com. Install it, then right-click your JSON file and select "Open with Code". The editor displays the data with color-coding and proper indentation, making it much easier to read.

Other free code editors that work well for JSON files include Sublime Text, Atom, and Notepad++. All of them highlight different parts of the JSON structure in different colors and automatically indent nested data so you can see the hierarchy at a glance.

Code editors also let you search within the file, collapse sections to hide data you do not need to see right now, and spot errors in the JSON structure. If the file is malformed (missing a bracket or comma), the editor will often highlight the problem.

Viewing JSON files in your web browser

You can also open a JSON file directly in your web browser. Drag the JSON file into an open browser window, or use File > Open and navigate to the file. The browser displays the data as formatted text. Some browsers, like Chrome and Firefox, automatically indent and color-code the JSON so it is easier to scan.

This method works well if you want a quick look without installing anything new. The browser does not change the file — it only displays what is inside. If the JSON is very large, the browser may slow down slightly, but it will still open and show the contents.

Understanding what you are looking at in a JSON file

JSON data uses a few basic building blocks. Curly braces { } hold objects (collections of key-value pairs). Square brackets [ ] hold arrays (lists of items). A key is a label (always in quotes), a colon separates the key from its value, and a comma separates pairs from each other.

For example, a simple JSON file might look like this:

{ "name": "Sarah", "age": 28, "city": "Portland" }

Here, "name", "age", and "city" are keys. "Sarah", 28, and "Portland" are the values. If you see a JSON file with this structure, you are reading it correctly. The data is just organized information — nothing to worry about.

JSON files from apps and websites

Many programs and websites create JSON files to store settings, data exports, or configuration information. When you download data from a service or export settings from an app, you often get a JSON file. Opening it with a text editor lets you see exactly what information is stored there.

For example, if you export your contacts from a messaging app or download your data from a website, the file might be JSON format. You can open it, read the contents, and confirm what information was included. This is useful if you want to understand what data a service has about you or if you need to move that data somewhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to open a JSON file?

Yes. JSON files are text files that store data. Opening one does not run any code or change your computer. You can safely view a JSON file with any text editor without risk.

What if the JSON file will not open?

The file may be corrupted or very large. Try opening it with a different text editor or code editor. If it is extremely large (over 100 MB), a basic text editor may struggle — use Visual Studio Code or another code editor instead. If the file still will not open, it may be damaged and unreadable.

Can I edit a JSON file after I open it?

Yes, you can edit it with any text editor, but be careful. JSON has strict rules about brackets, commas, and quotes. If you remove or add a character incorrectly, the file may stop working. Only edit a JSON file if you understand the structure or have a backup copy.

Why does my JSON file look like one long line?

Some JSON files are minified (compressed) to save space. Use a code editor like Visual Studio Code, which can automatically format and indent the file so it is readable. Most code editors have a "Format Document" option in the menu.

What program created this JSON file?

You cannot always tell from the file itself. Check where you downloaded or saved it — that usually tells you which app or website created it. If you are unsure, open it with a text editor and look at the data inside; the contents often hint at the source.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.