JSON to CSV Converter: Transform JSON Data to CSV Format

Convert JSON arrays and objects to CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format instantly with our free online converter. JSON is the standard data format for APIs and web applications, while CSV is the universal format for spreadsheets, databases, and data analysis tools. Our tool bridges these two formats seamlessly.

Paste your JSON data and get clean, downloadable CSV output. Configure how nested objects and arrays are handled, choose your delimiter, and customize quoting rules. Everything runs in your browser—no data is ever sent to a server.

Conversion Options
0 characters
0 rows | 0 columns 
CSV output will appear here...

What is JSON to CSV Conversion?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and CSV (Comma-Separated Values) are both popular data formats with different strengths. JSON is hierarchical and perfect for APIs, web applications, and NoSQL databases. CSV is flat and tabular, making it ideal for spreadsheets, relational databases, and data analysis tools like Excel, Google Sheets, and pandas.

Converting between these formats is a common task for developers and data analysts. This tool handles the complexities of transforming nested JSON structures into flat CSV rows, dealing with inconsistent keys across objects, and properly escaping special characters.

When to Convert JSON to CSV

  • Importing API response data into Excel or Google Sheets
  • Preparing data for database bulk imports
  • Creating reports from JSON-based APIs
  • Data analysis with tools that prefer tabular formats
  • Sharing data with non-technical users who prefer spreadsheets
  • Archiving data in a more universal, human-readable format

How Nested JSON is Handled

Our converter offers three ways to handle nested objects:

  • Flatten (dot notation): Nested keys become column names like "address.city" and "address.country". This is the most useful option for analysis.
  • Stringify: The entire nested object is kept as a JSON string in a single cell. Useful when you need to preserve the structure.
  • Skip: Nested objects are ignored entirely. Use this when you only care about top-level properties.

CSV Format Explained

CSV is a simple text format following these rules:

  • Each line represents one row of data
  • Values are separated by a delimiter (usually comma)
  • The first row typically contains column headers
  • Values containing the delimiter, quotes, or newlines are wrapped in double quotes
  • Double quotes within values are escaped by doubling them ("")

Handling Inconsistent JSON Keys

Real-world JSON data often has objects with different keys. Our converter handles this by collecting all unique keys across all objects to create the column headers. Objects missing certain keys will have empty values in those columns, ensuring your CSV is rectangular and parseable.

Example Conversion

Input JSON:

[{"name": "John", "address": {"city": "NYC"}}, {"name": "Jane", "address": {"city": "LA"}}]

Output CSV (flattened):

address.city,name
NYC,John
LA,Jane

Features

  • Convert JSON arrays or single objects to CSV
  • Flatten nested objects with configurable depth
  • Handle arrays within values (join, stringify, or skip)
  • Choose delimiter: comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe
  • Configure quoting behavior for special characters
  • Preview as raw CSV or formatted table
  • Copy to clipboard or download as .csv file
  • 100% client-side - your data never leaves your browser

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert JSON to CSV? +

Simply paste your JSON array into the input field and the tool will automatically convert it to CSV. It extracts all keys from your objects, handles nested data based on your settings, and generates a properly formatted CSV that you can copy or download.

What happens to nested JSON objects? +

You have three options: 'Flatten' creates columns using dot notation (e.g., address.city), 'Stringify' keeps the nested object as a JSON string in a single cell, or 'Skip' ignores nested objects entirely. Flattening is recommended for most use cases.

Can I convert CSV back to JSON? +

This tool is specifically for JSON to CSV conversion. For the reverse (CSV to JSON), you would need a separate tool. We may add this feature in the future.

What delimiter should I use? +

Comma is the standard CSV delimiter and works with most applications. Use semicolon for European locales where comma is the decimal separator. Tab is useful for TSV files or pasting into spreadsheets. Pipe is less common but useful when your data contains commas.

Why are some values quoted in the output? +

Values are quoted when they contain special characters: the delimiter itself, double quotes, newlines, or leading/trailing spaces. This ensures the CSV is parsed correctly. You can change this behavior with the 'Quote Values' setting.

Is my data secure? +

Yes, absolutely. All processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data is never uploaded to any server. You can even use this tool offline once the page is loaded.