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MonoCalc

JSON to CSV Converter

Converter

JSON Input

CSV Output

About This Tool

Transform JSON Data into CSV Format Instantly

Converting JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) to CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a common requirement in data analysis, reporting, and system integration workflows. Our JSON to CSV Converter provides a fast, reliable way to transform complex JSON structures into tabular CSV format compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, and database import tools.

What is JSON to CSV Conversion?

JSON represents data as key-value pairs and nested structures, ideal for web APIs and NoSQL databases. CSV organizes data in rows and columns, perfect for spreadsheet applications and relational databases. Converting between these formats bridges the gap between modern web technologies and traditional data analysis tools.

The conversion process transforms JSON arrays of objects into CSV rows, with object keys becoming column headers. Nested objects can be flattened using dot notation (e.g., user.address.city) to preserve hierarchical information in a flat table structure.

Key Features of Our JSON to CSV Converter

  • Nested JSON Flattening: Automatically converts complex nested objects and arrays into flat CSV structure using dot notation, preserving all data relationships.
  • Custom Delimiters: Choose between comma, semicolon, pipe, or tab delimiters to match your regional settings or system requirements.
  • Excel Compatibility: Optional BOM (Byte Order Mark) ensures proper character encoding when opening CSV files in Microsoft Excel.
  • RFC 4180 Compliance: Properly escapes special characters, quotes, and line breaks according to CSV standards for reliable data integrity.
  • Real-time Validation: Instant JSON syntax validation helps identify and fix errors before conversion.
  • Live Preview: Visualize converted data in table format before downloading, ensuring accuracy.

How JSON to CSV Conversion Works

The conversion process follows a structured approach to ensure data accuracy:

Step 1: JSON Parsing

The tool validates and parses your JSON input, detecting whether it's a single object or an array of objects. Single objects are automatically wrapped in an array for consistent processing.

Step 2: Structure Flattening

If enabled, nested objects are recursively flattened. For example, {"user": {"name": "John", "age": 30}}becomes user.name and user.age columns.

Step 3: Column Extraction

All unique keys across all objects are collected to form the CSV column headers, ensuring no data is lost even if objects have varying structures.

Step 4: CSV Generation

Headers and data rows are formatted with proper escaping. Fields containing delimiters, quotes, or line breaks are wrapped in double quotes, and internal quotes are escaped by doubling.

Common Use Cases

API Response Processing

Convert JSON responses from REST APIs into CSV format for easy analysis in spreadsheet applications. Perfect for exporting customer data, transaction records, or analytics reports.

Database Migration

Transform MongoDB or other NoSQL database exports into CSV format for importing into SQL databases or data warehouses that require tabular data.

Report Generation

Create CSV files from JSON logs or monitoring data for stakeholder reports, making technical data accessible to non-technical team members.

Data Analysis

Import web service data into Excel, Google Sheets, or business intelligence tools for visualization, pivot tables, and statistical analysis.

Example: Converting Nested JSON

Input JSON with nested structure:

[
  {
    "id": 1,
    "name": "Alice Johnson",
    "contact": {
      "email": "[email protected]",
      "phone": "+1-555-0100"
    },
    "sales": [1200, 1500, 1800]
  },
  {
    "id": 2,
    "name": "Bob Smith",
    "contact": {
      "email": "[email protected]",
      "phone": "+1-555-0200"
    },
    "sales": [900, 1100, 1300]
  }
]

Output CSV with flattened structure:

id,name,contact.email,contact.phone,sales
1,Alice Johnson,[email protected],+1-555-0100,"1200, 1500, 1800"
2,Bob Smith,[email protected],+1-555-0200,"900, 1100, 1300"
Pro Tip
When working with international data, use semicolon delimiters for regions where commas are decimal separators. Enable the BOM option when creating CSV files for Microsoft Excel to ensure proper UTF-8 character display.

Best Practices for JSON to CSV Conversion

  • Validate your JSON syntax before conversion to avoid errors and ensure complete data transformation.
  • Use the flatten nested JSON option for complex hierarchical data to preserve all information in the CSV output.
  • Choose appropriate delimiters based on your data content—avoid commas if your data contains many comma-separated lists.
  • Enable "Quote all fields" for maximum compatibility when sharing CSV files across different systems.
  • Preview the table output before downloading to verify the structure matches your expectations.
  • For very large JSON files, consider splitting the data into smaller chunks for better browser performance.

Understanding Delimiter Options

Choosing the right delimiter is crucial for CSV compatibility:

  • Comma (,): Standard delimiter for English-speaking regions. Most universal but may conflict with decimal separators in some locales.
  • Semicolon (;): Common in European regions where commas represent decimal points. Excel automatically recognizes this based on system locale.
  • Pipe (|): Useful when data contains both commas and semicolons. Less common but highly compatible.
  • Tab (\\t): Creates TSV (Tab-Separated Values) files, ideal when data contains complex punctuation or when maximum readability is needed.
Character Encoding
Always use UTF-8 encoding for CSV files containing international characters. Enable the BOM option if you'll be opening the file in Excel, as it helps Excel correctly identify UTF-8 encoding.

Start Converting JSON to CSV Today

Our free online JSON to CSV converter makes data transformation effortless. Whether you're exporting API data, migrating databases, or preparing reports, get accurate CSV output in seconds with full control over formatting options. No registration required—simply paste your JSON and download your CSV file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the JSON to CSV Converter free?

Yes, JSON to CSV Converter is totally free :)

Can I use the JSON to CSV Converter offline?

Yes, you can install the webapp as PWA.

Is it safe to use JSON to CSV Converter?

Yes, any data related to JSON to CSV Converter only stored in your browser (if storage required). You can simply clear browser cache to clear all the stored data. We do not store any data on server.

How does JSON to CSV conversion work?

JSON to CSV conversion transforms JSON data (typically an array of objects) into Comma-Separated Values format. Each object becomes a row, and object keys become column headers. Nested objects can be flattened using dot notation (e.g., user.name, address.city) to create a tabular structure suitable for spreadsheets.

Can I convert nested JSON objects to CSV?

Yes, the converter supports nested JSON structures. When 'Flatten nested JSON' is enabled, nested objects and arrays are converted using dot notation. For example, {user: {name: 'John', age: 30}} becomes columns 'user.name' and 'user.age'. This allows complex JSON hierarchies to be represented in flat CSV format.

What delimiters are supported besides commas?

The converter supports multiple delimiters: comma (,), semicolon (;), pipe (|), and tab (\t). Semicolons are commonly used in regions where commas are decimal separators. Tabs create TSV (Tab-Separated Values) files, and pipes are useful when data contains commas and semicolons.

How are special characters handled in CSV conversion?

The converter follows RFC 4180 standards for CSV formatting. Fields containing delimiters, quotes, or line breaks are automatically wrapped in double quotes. Internal quotes are escaped by doubling them. Unicode characters are preserved with UTF-8 encoding, ensuring data integrity across different systems.

Can I convert large JSON files to CSV?

Yes, the converter efficiently handles JSON files up to 10 MB. For very large datasets, the conversion is optimized to process data in chunks, maintaining browser responsiveness. You can upload JSON files directly or paste data into the text area for conversion.

Why does my CSV look wrong when opened in Excel?

Excel may misinterpret CSV files without a Byte Order Mark (BOM). Enable 'Add BOM for Excel' option when downloading to ensure proper character encoding recognition. Also, Excel uses system locale settings for delimiters—if you're in a region using commas as decimal separators, try semicolon as the delimiter instead.