How to Open json File in Excel

In today’s data-driven world, information flows like never before, and at the heart of it all is JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)—a superstar in the realm of data exchange. 

Whether it’s powering your favorite apps or helping systems talk to each other, JSON is everywhere! 

But here’s the catch: while JSON is fantastic for machines, it’s not exactly the friendliest format for human eyes, especially when you want to dive deep into analysis.

So, what if you’re handed a JSON file and need to turn that jumble of code into something understandable in Excel? 

This guide is your step-by-step toolkit to open that JSON data in Excel, making complex data visualization a breeze. Let's simplify the entire process and get you working smarter in no time!

What is a JSON File?

A JSON File—lean, fast, and incredibly useful. JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation, a lightweight format used to store and exchange data.

JSON represents data in key-value pairs, arrays, and nested structures, making it ideal for APIs and data sharing between applications. You might see JSON files in a variety of scenarios: web apps, mobile apps, or even when you're working with third-party APIs.

But, here’s the catch: JSON data isn’t exactly Excel-friendly. While JSON is great for machines, humans need a more visual format to comprehend vast data—this is where Excel comes in!

Also read: Excel Free Online Course with Certification

Why Open JSON Files in Excel?

Let’s say you’ve got a big chunk of data coming from an API in JSON format, or your colleague just sent you a file full of important information, all in JSON. 

Opening it directly in Excel allows you to organize, analyze, and visualize that JSON data, helping you see patterns, make calculations, or simply make sense of the data in a more familiar way. Excel turns that abstract data into something tangible and, most importantly, understandable.

What are the Methods to Open a JSON File in Excel?

There are two popular ways to open a JSON file in Excel, and both methods can help you manage the data quickly. Whether you prefer power query or manual conversion, the choice is yours!

Method 1: Using Power Query to Import JSON into Excel

One of the easiest ways to import JSON files into Excel is by using Power Query, a powerful Excel feature designed to transform and manage data.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Excel and go to the "Data" tab.
2. Under the Get Data option, select the JSON file from your system by clicking From File and then choosing From JSON.
3. Navigate to the location of your JSON file on your computer, select it, and hit Open.
4. Power Query will automatically process the JSON data and convert it into a readable table format. If your JSON contains nested objects, Power Query will make sense of the structure and format it accordingly.
5. Once your data looks good, click on Load to import the formatted table into Excel, where you can begin analyzing or working with it!

Key Benefits:

• Power Query makes nested JSON data easier to read by transforming complex structures into tables.
• It’s a hands-free process—no manual conversions or reformatting required!

Method 2: Manually Converting JSON to CSV and Importing

If you prefer a more manual approach or need more control over the data, you can convert the JSON file to a CSV format first and then import it into Excel.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. You can easily find online converters that allow you to upload your JSON file and convert it to CSV. Alternatively, if you’re comfortable with programming, you can write a quick Python script using libraries like JSON and Pandas to achieve the same result.

2. Once your file is converted to CSV, open Excel, navigate to the Data tab, and import the CSV just as you would with any other file.

3. CSV imports may need a little tweaking, so take a moment to adjust any columns, format dates, or clean up any data to suit your needs.

Advantages of Using CSV:

• Comma Separated Values (CSV) is a simple, readable format.
• Easier for manual adjustments, especially if you want to control data formatting closely.

Also read: Introduction to Data Analysis in Excel

How to Edit JSON Data in Excel After Importing?

Once your JSON data is in Excel, you might need to clean or transform it. Excel offers a wide range of tools to help you manage your data. Here’s how you can edit: 

Cleaning and Transforming JSON Data

Once your JSON is imported, you can use Excel’s features like Find and Replace, Sorting, and Filtering to fine-tune the data. For example, if some fields are cluttered or misplaced, Excel makes it a breeze to tidy things up.

• Use Find and Replace to quickly update any specific values.
• Sort and Filter the data to organize it by key parameters.
• Create Pivot Tables to summarize your data for easy analysis.

Exporting Modified Data Back to JSON Format

If you need to save your edited data back into JSON format, Excel doesn’t natively offer this option, but you can use Power Query or third-party tools like online JSON converters to convert the data back to JSON once you’ve finished your edits.

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What are the 2 most Common Issues with JSON to Excel Conversion?

Opening JSON in Excel isn’t always perfect, a few challenges can pop up during the conversion process.
Here’s how to solve them.

• Problem 1: Nested JSON Objects

Sometimes, JSON files contain deeply nested objects that can make visualization in Excel challenging.

Solution:

Use Power Query to flatten out the JSON data, converting complex structures into more manageable, flat tables.

• Problem 2: Data Types Misalignment

JSON stores data in a variety of types (e.g., strings, numbers, arrays), which may not align perfectly with Excel formats.

Solution:

You can manually adjust column data types in Excel or use Excel’s data format tools to get everything in the correct format.

Which are the most Useful Tools for Working with JSON Files

Working with JSON files doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some super useful tools that can simplify things and make your work with JSON and Excel much easier:

1. Power Query: 

Power Query is an excellent feature in Excel that allows users to directly import JSON files and convert them into a table format for easy analysis. It simplifies working with complex data structures without needing any external tools or coding.

Example:

For instance, if you receive a JSON file containing sales data from an API, Power Query can quickly convert it into a well-organized table for further processing and analysis.

2. JSON to CSV Online Converters 

These online converters allow you to transform JSON files into CSV format, which is widely compatible with Excel. This option is straightforward, requiring no additional software or technical expertise.

Example:

If you have a JSON file containing a product catalog that you want to work with in Excel, using a JSON to CSV converter will let you easily turn it into a readable spreadsheet format.

3. Python Libraries 

For those comfortable with programming, Python’s JSON and pandas libraries provide powerful capabilities to manipulate and convert JSON data. They are particularly useful when dealing with large or complex datasets that need customization before importing into Excel.

Example:

Suppose you need to clean and filter a large set of customer data in JSON format. Python can help preprocess the data, making it easier to work with in Excel by ensuring only relevant data is included.

Conclusion

Who knew opening a JSON file in Excel could be this simple?

Converting and opening JSON files in Excel is easier than ever, thanks to tools like Power Query and manual CSV conversion. Whether you’re dealing with simple data or complex nested objects, Excel provides flexibility and tools to handle all kinds of JSON data. 

Try out the method that works best for you and enjoy the seamless experience of managing JSON data in Excel!

If you’re eager to become an Excel pro, why not take it a step further? upGrad’s exclusive course on Excel goes beyond the basics, equipping you with advanced data management techniques and practical skills that can boost your career opportunities in data analytics, finance, and beyond.