CSV to JSON FAQ

What is JSON format?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that's easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. It's the standard format for APIs and web applications, making it ideal for data exchange between systems.

How do I convert CSV to JSON?

Using our converter is simple:

1. Go to our CSV to JSON converter
2. Upload your CSV file (drag and drop or browse)
3. Review the preview and adjust options if needed
4. Choose your JSON format (objects or arrays)
5. Click "Convert to JSON" to download your .json file

What's the difference between "Array of Objects" and "Array of Arrays"?

Array of Objects: Each CSV row becomes a JSON object with column headers as keys. This is the most common format for APIs and databases. Example:

[
  {"Name": "John", "Age": "30", "City": "New York"},
  {"Name": "Jane", "Age": "25", "City": "Los Angeles"}
]

Array of Arrays: Maintains the original CSV structure as nested arrays. Useful for data processing. Example:

[
  ["Name", "Age", "City"],
  ["John", "30", "New York"],
  ["Jane", "25", "Los Angeles"]
]

Does this tool upload my file?

No. All processing happens entirely in your browser. Your CSV file never leaves your device. We don't upload, store, or have access to your data. This ensures complete privacy and security for your files.

What's the max file size / row limit?

For the free in-browser converter:

• Maximum file size: 10MB
• Maximum rows: 50,000 rows

These limits ensure fast, reliable conversion in your browser. If your file exceeds these limits, you'll see a friendly message with suggestions.

What is "Pretty Print"?

Pretty print formats your JSON with indentation and line breaks, making it easier to read. Compact JSON (without pretty print) is a single line, which is smaller in file size but harder to read. Choose pretty print for development and debugging, or compact for production use.

How do I handle CSV files with special characters?

Our converter automatically handles quoted values, escaped characters, and special characters in CSV files. If your CSV uses quotes around values containing commas or other delimiters, the converter will preserve them correctly in the JSON output.

Can I convert JSON back to CSV?

While we don't currently offer JSON to CSV conversion, you can use our CSV to Excel converter for CSV-related tasks. JSON to CSV conversion may be added in the future.

What encoding does the JSON file use?

The JSON file is saved with UTF-8 encoding, which supports all Unicode characters including special characters, emojis, and international text. This ensures compatibility with all modern systems and programming languages.

How do I use the converted JSON in my application?

Once converted, you can use the JSON file in any application that supports JSON:

• JavaScript: Use JSON.parse() or import directly
• Python: Use json.load() or json.loads()
• APIs: Send as request body or response data
• Databases: Import into MongoDB, PostgreSQL (JSONB), or other JSON-supporting databases