Imagine this: You have just received a sales report in JSON format from the IT team. In fact, tomorrow morning, the director asked for a presentation of sales trends in Excel format. You’re not a programmer, and time is ticking. Don’t worry! Converting JSON to Excel is much easier than you think, and it can even be done in a matter of minutes without any coding skills.
In this fast-paced world, 8 out of 10 professionals are stuck doing manual data conversion. They spend hours copy-pasting, risk making mistakes, and losing valuable time. In fact, with the right techniques, you can turn complex JSON files into neat Excel tables with just a few clicks.
This article will unravel the secrets of JSON to Excel conversion that are rarely known. Starting from hidden tricks in Microsoft Excel that aren’t taught on campus, Which is surprising? All of these methods can be learned in no time, regardless of your technical background. So, are you ready to save 2-3 hours of work every week and look like a data expert in front of the team? Let’s start this data conversion adventure!
What Is a JSON File and When to Use It?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a data exchange format that is lightweight, easy to read by humans, and easy to process by machines. This format uses a flexible key-value pair (key-value pair) structure, making it a universal standard for data communication between applications.
JSON Basic Structure
JSON consists of:
- Object ({}): A key-value set
- Array ([]): List of values/data
- Value: Can be a string, number, boolean, null, object, or array
Simple Example:
{
“name”: “Andi”,
“age”: 25,
“city”: “Jakarta”,
“hobbies”: [“reading”, “swimming”],
“active_status”: true
}When Is JSON Used?
The JSON format is the backbone of modern data exchange, especially in three main scenarios. First, in the development of API (Application Programming Interface), specifically the REST API, which by default returns responses in JSON format. A real example can be seen in weather data services from OpenWeatherMap or transaction information from payment gateways such as Midtrans, where JSON acts as a bridge for data exchange between servers and clients.
In the realm of web and mobile application development, JSON plays an important role in various aspects. This format is commonly used for temporary data storage through a local storage mechanism in the browser, as well as serving as a configuration file that determines the basic settings of an application. JSON’s flexibility allows developers to easily store and retrieve data without the need for complex database infrastructure.
No less vital is the role of JSON in data exchange between systems. In modern architecture, JSON is the lingua franca that connects the various components of the technology. Starting from the integration between the backend (such as Node.js or Python) and the frontend (JavaScript), to communication between microservices in a distributed system. Its lightweight yet powerful capabilities make JSON the go-to choice for ensuring interoperability across multiple platforms and programming languages.
Why Convert JSON to Excel?
JSON data needs to be converted to Excel because Excel offers ease and advantages in data analysis that the JSON format does not have. Here are some of the main reasons why this conversion is important:
- Excel is easier to use for data analysis, grouping, and filtering. With Excel, users can quickly group data, use filters, and perform statistical analysis without the need for special programming, while JSON is a text format that is more difficult to process directly by most non-technical users.
- Many business tools support Excel as a standard input format. Excel is a very common format and is compatible with many business applications, so converting JSON to Excel makes it easy to integrate data into your existing system without the need for complex format adaptations.
- Easy visualization with charts and pivot tables in Excel. Excel provides powerful data visualization features, such as interactive charts, pivot tables, and dashboards, that help users better understand data and make informed decisions. JSON itself does not have a built-in visualization feature, so it must be converted first.
- In addition, Excel has built-in features such as Power Query that allow for direct JSON data import and transformation, making the conversion process easier and faster without the need for additional tools.
By converting JSON to Excel, data that was initially stored in structured text format becomes more professionally understandable, processable, and presented, greatly aiding in a variety of business needs and day-to-day data analysis.
Method 1: Convert Manually to Excel Without the Hassle of Coding!
For users who don’t have a technical background or want the easiest way to do it, Microsoft Excel provides a built-in feature to import and convert JSON files directly into a table form. This method is perfect for business users, data analysts, and beginners who want to quickly view and process JSON data.
Step 1: Open Excel and Import the JSON File
- Run the Microsoft Excel application (version 2016 and above recommended).
- Select the Data tab on the main menu.
- Click: Get Data → From File → From JSON.
- Search for and select the .json file you want to convert.
- Excel will automatically open Power Query Editor.
Make sure your JSON file is valid. If an error appears, try checking the JSON structure on jsonlint.com
Step 2: Data Transformation in Power Query
Power Query Editor will display the JSON structure in a hierarchical form. Here you can:
- Expand nested data to a flat table.
- Delete irrelevant columns.
- Rename columns to make them easier to understand.
- Sort and rearrange column positions as needed.
Make sure you click the two-way arrow icon (↔) to export the data from the nested JSON object.
Step 3: Load Data to Excel Sheet
When you’re done customizing the data structure:
- Click the Close & Load button in the top left corner.
- The data will be displayed directly in the Excel worksheet in the form of a table.
Method 2: Use Online Tools (Fast & Free)
For those of you who need an instant, no-installation solution and don’t want to bother using heavy applications like Excel or programming languages, there are plenty of free online tools that can help you convert JSON to Excel files in seconds.
This method is perfect for:
- Small to medium amounts of data processing (≤10MB).
- Non-technical users.
- The need for fast conversion without additional installation processes.
Best Online Tools for JSON to Excel Conversion
Here are some online platforms that are recommended for speed, ease of use, and features that support complex JSON structures:
- Instant conversion from JSON to .xlsx format.
- Supports drag & drop files.
- There is an option to view and edit the data before exporting.
2. ConvertCSV.com – JSON to Excel
- Supports nested JSON structures.
- Can set the columns to be displayed.
- The output is in .csv format that can be opened directly in Excel.
3. Online JSON Tools
- Interactive editor and real-time conversion.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Suitable for learning JSON data structures while converting.
Avoid uploading sensitive data (such as customer, financial, or medical data) to public online tools. For files that are private or confidential, use local methods such as Excel or Python scripts.
