Convert JSON to CSV on Mac

Select the JSON files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose CSV and press Return. FileFlip saves each CSV next to its original and works without an internet connection.

Coming soon for MacComing soon · macOS 14 Sonoma or later

How to convert JSON to CSV with FileFlip

  1. Select the JSON files

    In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.

  2. Press ⌥ F

    FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from JSON. Type “CSV” to jump to it.

  3. Choose CSV and press Return

    The CSV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The JSON files stay as they are.

JSON and CSV

JSON doesn’t open in spreadsheet apps, which want a flat table. CSV opens in Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and nearly every database.

What changes when you convert

  • CSV is a flat table, so JSON converts most cleanly when it’s a list of objects with the same keys.
JSON compared with CSV
PropertyJSONCSV
Full nameJavaScript Object NotationComma-separated values
Best forData for code, web APIs and appsMoving tables between spreadsheets, databases and tools
Opens inEvery programming language and code editorExcel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most databases
File extension.json.csv
In FileFlipOpens and savesOpens and saves

Other ways on a Mac

For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.

Terminal

Recent macOS versions include jq; check with jq --version. For a list of flat objects:

jq -r '(.[0] | keys_unsorted) as $k | $k,
  (.[] | [.[$k[]]]) | @csv' customers.json > customers.csv

Nested values need extra work.

Questions about JSON and CSV

Can I convert many JSON files at once?

Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose CSV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.

Where is the CSV file saved?

Next to the original, with the same name and the .csv extension. The JSON file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.

Can I convert CSV back to JSON?

Yes, FileFlip converts CSV to JSON as well.

Are my files uploaded anywhere?

No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.

Convert a folder of data files at once

FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and documents. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

Coming soon for Mac