How to Convert JSON to CSV on Windows

JSON and CSV represent data differently

JSON supports nested objects, arrays, booleans, numbers, null values, and structured relationships. CSV is a flat table of rows and columns. Conversion is straightforward when the JSON root is an array of similarly shaped objects, but nested or inconsistent records require decisions about how columns should be created.

[{"name":"Ada","team":"QA","active":true},{"name":"Sam","team":"Design","active":false}]

This example maps cleanly to three CSV columns. An address object or an array of tags does not.

Prepare and validate the source

1. Work on a copy when the JSON is important.
2. Validate syntax and fix the first parser error before conversion.
3. Confirm which array contains the records you need.
4. Remove secrets and personal data that should not enter a spreadsheet.
5. Inspect several records for missing keys or changing value types.

The invalid JSON checklist covers common quote, comma, bracket, and escape problems.

Decide how to flatten nested fields

A converter may turn address.city into a column name, serialize a nested object as text, or omit unsupported structures. Arrays might be joined into one cell or expanded into repeated rows. There is no universally correct result; choose based on how the CSV will be analyzed.

Convert and inspect the CSV

1. Open the validated JSON file in the conversion tool.
2. Select CSV output and review any flattening options.
3. Save to a new filename.
4. Open the CSV as plain text first and confirm the header and quoting.
5. Then open it in the destination spreadsheet or analysis tool.
6. Compare row counts and sample values with the source JSON.

JSON Viewer & Formatter supports JSON validation, formatting, minification, and export to CSV or XML on Windows.

Avoid spreadsheet interpretation errors

Spreadsheet software may reinterpret long IDs as numbers, remove leading zeroes, convert date-like text, or display formula-like values unexpectedly. Import the CSV with explicit column types when identifiers must remain exact. Treat CSV files from untrusted sources cautiously, especially when cells begin with formula characters.

Common questions