There is no need to make it complex to convert a JSON file to Microsoft Excel. You may have some data stored as JSON in some API or on a web app and you would like to analyze the data in a spreadsheet. This is easy with the inbuilt characteristics of Excel. Or free online tools can be used in case you want something faster. We are going to take a tour of the major methods in this article. We are going to make it easy so any person can follow it.
To begin with, get an idea of what JSON is. It is the abbreviation of JavaScript Object Notation. Consider that it is a storage method that is lightweight. It is normal in web development. Excel on the other hand has so much easier sorting and charting with rows and columns. Therefore, converting JSON to Excel will enable you to manipulate the data more.
Let’s dive into the steps. We shall begin with the simplest of the methods with the help of Excel itself.
Method 1: Use Excel’s Built-In Power Query
There is a tool in Microsoft excel called Power query, which manages the imports of JSON like a pro. This applies to the newer versions, such as Excel 2016 or above including Microsoft 365. You don’t need extra software.
Here’s how you do it:
Open Excel and start a new workbook. Just click File > New if you’re not already in one.
Head to the Data tab at the top. Look for the Get & Transform Data section.
Click Get Data, then choose From File, and select From JSON.
Browse your computer to find the JSON file. Pick it and click Import.
Power Query Editor pops up. It shows your JSON data. Click Convert to Table if it’s not already.
Expand any nested columns. See arrows next to column headers? Click them to unfold arrays or objects.
Once it looks good, hit Close & Load. Your data lands in a new sheet as a table.
That should get most files converted smoothly. If your JSON is complex, Power Query lets you tweak things. For example, filter rows or split columns right there.
Also Read – How to Format JSON in Notepad++
Method 2: Try an Online Converter
If you don’t want to mess with Excel’s tools, online converters make converting a JSON file to Microsoft Excel a breeze. They’re free and fast for small files. Sites like ConversionTools.io or others work well. Just watch out for privacy if your data is sensitive.
Follow these steps for a typical online tool:
- Go to a reliable converter site. Search for “JSON to Excel online” to find one.
- Upload your JSON file. Drag it in or click Browse to select it.
- Set any options. Some let you choose delimiters or handle nested data.
- Click Convert or Run Conversion.
- Download the result. It comes as an XLSX file you can open in Excel.
Quick and easy, right? But remember, large files might hit limits on free sites.
Method 3: Convert with Python for More Control
If you deal with JSON often, scripting it in Python gives you power. You need Python installed, plus libraries like pandas. This method shines for automating batches of files.
Install the basics if you haven’t. Use pip to get pandas and openpyxl. Then, write a simple script.
Here’s a basic example:
- Open a text editor or IDE like VS Code.
- Import the libraries: import pandas as pd.
- Read the JSON: data = pd.read_json(‘yourfile.json’).
- Write to Excel: data.to_excel(‘output.xlsx’, index=False).
- Run the script in your terminal.
Python flattens nested JSON too. Add loops if needed. It’s flexible but skip this if you’re not comfy with code.
Tips for a Smooth Conversion
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. JSON can be nested deeply, or files might be huge. Here are some points:
- Check your file size. Excel handles up to about 1 million rows, but big JSON might need splitting.
- Handle errors. If import fails, validate your JSON online first. Tools like JSONLint spot issues.
- Preserve structure. Use Power Query to expand arrays into rows.
- Update Excel. Older versions lack JSON support, so grab the latest.
By now, you should feel confident converting a JSON file to Microsoft Excel. Pick the method that fits your setup.
FAQs
Have questions? Here are some common ones based on what people run into.
What if my JSON file is too large for Excel?
Split it into smaller chunks using Python or online tools. Or use Google Sheets, which handles big data sometimes better.
Can I convert JSON to Excel on a Mac?
Yes, Excel for Mac has the same Data tab features. Online converters work anywhere with a browser.
Does converting JSON to Excel lose data?
Usually not, if you expand all nested parts. But complex structures might need manual tweaks.
Is there a free way to automate this?
Sure, Python scripts are free. Or use Excel’s Power Automate for flows.
Why won’t my JSON import fully?
It might be malformed. Test it with a validator. Or try a different method, like an online converter.
