Convert TSV to JSON on Mac
Select the TSV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose JSON and press Return. FileFlip saves each JSON next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert TSV to JSON with FileFlip
Select the TSV files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from TSV. Type “JSON” to jump to it.
Choose JSON and press Return
The JSON files appear next to the originals with the same names. The TSV files stay as they are.
TSV and JSON
Like CSV, but values are separated by tabs, so commas inside values don’t need quoting. JSON is what code, web APIs and many apps read.
What changes when you convert
- Each row becomes a record. TSV has no data types, so check numbers and dates after converting.
| Property | TSV | JSON |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tab-separated values | JavaScript Object Notation |
| Best for | Tables with commas in the data; pasting into spreadsheets | Data for code, web APIs and apps |
| Opens in | Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most data tools | Every programming language and code editor |
| File extension | .tsv | .json |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
Here’s what you can do with what’s already on your Mac.
No built-in converter
macOS doesn’t include an app that converts TSV to JSON, and Numbers can’t save JSON. The usual alternative is a short script.
Questions about TSV and JSON
Can I convert many TSV files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose JSON. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the JSON file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .json extension. The TSV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert JSON back to TSV?
Yes, FileFlip converts JSON to TSV 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