Convert CSV to JSON

CSV is how data leaves spreadsheets and databases; JSON is how most web APIs, JavaScript apps and configuration files want to receive it. This converter reads a CSV file and writes each row as a JSON object.

What does the output look like?

An array of objects. The first row of the CSV supplies the keys, and every following row becomes one object. A file with the header name,city and the row Anna,Utrecht becomes:

[
  { "name": "Anna", "city": "Utrecht" }
]

The JSON is indented for readability and saved as UTF-8, with accented and non-Latin characters written as they are rather than as escape codes.

Are numbers converted to numbers?

No. Every value is written as a string, exactly as it appears in the CSV, so 42 becomes "42" and an empty cell becomes "". That is deliberate: it keeps leading zeros in postcodes and phone numbers, and it avoids guessing whether 1.000 is one or one thousand. If your application needs numbers, convert those fields when you read the JSON.

Which CSV files work?

The separator is detected from the start of the file: commas, semicolons, tabs and pipes are all recognised, and .tsv files work too. That covers exports from Excel in both English and European settings. Quoted fields that contain separators or line breaks are handled correctly. A byte order mark at the start of the file, which Excel adds when saving as UTF-8, is ignored. Files should be UTF-8 encoded.

The first row must be the header. If your file has no header row, add one before converting, or the first data row will be used as keys.

Where are my files processed?

The conversion runs on our server. Your file is uploaded over an encrypted connection, converted in Germany and deleted automatically within two hours.

Is there a limit?

Files up to 50 MB are free without an account, within the free daily allowance of 20 jobs. Pro takes up to 500 MB. When a system drops a new CSV export every day, drop up to 5 at once for free, or script it with the API on Pro.

How to convert CSV to JSON

1. Drop your .csv file onto the drop zone.
2. Click Convert to JSON.
3. Download the .json file.