Convert JSON to CSV: Simple Guide for All Devices

What Are JSON and CSV?

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight format for storing and transferring data. It’s structured with keys and values and is often used in APIs, web applications, and databases. JSON is readable by both humans and machines but isn’t ideal for spreadsheet tools.

[
  {
    "name": "Alice",
    "age": 30,
    "city": "New York"
  },
  {
    "name": "Bob",
    "age": 25,
    "city": "Chicago"
  }
]

What is CSV?

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple text format where each line represents a row in a table, and each value is separated by a comma.

name,age,city
Alice,30,New York
Bob,25,Chicago

Why Convert JSON to CSV?

• Easier to read in Excel or Google Sheets
• Better for data analysis and reporting
• Compatible with databases and data visualization tools
• More compact and faster to load in some systems
• Easier to share with non-technical users

Method 1: Convert JSON to CSV Using Online Tools (No Coding)

This is the easiest way to convert JSON to CSV.

Steps:

1. Upload or paste your JSON data
2. Click “Convert.”
3. Preview your table (if available)
4. Download the CSV file

Method 2: Convert JSON to CSV in Excel (Using Power Query)

Steps:

1. Open Excel
2. Click on the Data tab
3. Choose Get Data > From File > From JSON
4. Select your JSON file
5. Excel will launch Power Query Editor
6. Click “To Table”
7. Expand fields using the small button next to column names
8. Click Close & Load

You can now save it as a .csv file.

Method 3: Convert JSON to CSV Using Google Sheets

Steps:

1. Open a new Google Sheet
2. Go to Extensions > Apps Script
3. Paste this script:

function importJSONtoSheet() {
  var url = 'PASTE_YOUR_JSON_URL_HERE';
  var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url);
  var data = JSON.parse(response.getContentText());

  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var headers = Object.keys(data[0]);
  sheet.appendRow(headers);

  for (var i = 0; i < data.length; i++) {
    var row = [];
    for (var j = 0; j < headers.length; j++) {
      row.push(data[i][headers[j]]);
    }
    sheet.appendRow(row);
  }
}

4. Run the function
5. The JSON data will appear in your sheet
6. Go to File > Download > Comma-separated values (.csv)

Method 4: Convert JSON to CSV Using Python

For those comfortable with scripting, Python is a powerful way to automate the JSON-to-CSV process.

import json
import csv

with open('data.json') as json_file:
    data = json.load(json_file)

with open('output.csv', 'w', newline='') as csv_file:
    writer = csv.writer(csv_file)
    writer.writerow(data[0].keys())
    for entry in data:
        writer.writerow(entry.values())

Advantages of Using Python:

• Customizable
• Great for large or complex data
• Automatable for repeated tasks

What If Your JSON Is Nested?

Sometimes your JSON includes nested arrays or objects inside each item. In that case, a basic converter may not work.

You may need to “flatten” the JSON using:

• Online flattening tools
• Python libraries like pandas.json_normalize()
• Excel Power Query (with some tweaks)

Pro Tips for Smooth JSON to CSV Conversion

• Flatten before converting: Helps with readability and compatibility
• Use headers consistently: Ensures correct column formatting
• Preview your output: Don’t assume it’s always perfect
• Back up your original data: Always keep the original JSON file intact

Common Use Cases for JSON CSV Converter

• Developers extracting API data for clients
• eCommerce platforms exporting product data
• Survey results and form entries from apps like Typeform
• CRM data exports and transformations
• Data scientists cleaning and analyzing large datasets

Final Thoughts

Working with JSON doesn't have to be complicated. Once you understand the basics and choose the right method, you can convert JSON to CSV in minutes.

Whether you're a developer, data analyst, student, or business owner, there’s a tool or method that fits your needs.

Data should be useful, not a headache. Now you know how to transform JSON to CSV, you're ready to put that data to work.