How CSV to JSON conversion works
This tool reads your CSV file and converts rows into JSON. If you choose “JSON objects”, the first row is treated as headers and each row becomes a JSON object. Everything runs directly in your browser, nothing is uploaded or stored anywhere, making it a good option for private data.
When to use this tool
CSV is easy to export from spreadsheets and databases, but many apps prefer JSON because it is structured and API-friendly. CSV to JSON helps when you need integration, scripting, or clean data structures.
- APIs and web apps: turn spreadsheet exports into JSON objects for requests and imports.
- Automation: use JSON output in scripts, pipelines, or serverless functions.
- Configuration: convert simple tables into structured data for apps and tools.
- Data transformation: normalize columns into fields you can filter, map, and merge.
Need the “reverse” direction (JSON → CSV)? Try our JSON to CSV Converter. If you need a XML format instead, use this CSV to XML Converter.
Step-by-step: from CSV to JSON
Converting your CSV takes just a few seconds:
- Add your CSV files. Drag and drop files into the box above, or click to choose from your device.
- Pick JSON structure. Use headers for JSON objects, or choose array output for headerless data.
- Choose delimiter. Keep Auto detect, or set comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe if your CSV uses a specific separator.
- Convert to JSON. Click Convert to JSON. The tool processes everything directly in your browser.
- Save your output. Save files one by one or use the “Save all” button once everything is ready.
Privacy, limits and how this tool treats your files
FileYoga is built around a simple rule: your files stay with you. CSV to JSON conversion runs locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded to FileYoga servers.
Local-only conversion
Conversion runs locally in your browser on your device. Your CSV is not uploaded, and the JSON output is generated on your side.
No hidden copies
When you clear the list or close the tab, the tool stops using your files and does not save copies on a server.
No artificial limits
No paywalls or quotas. The only limits come from your device’s memory and your browser.
No account required
Use the converter without signing up. Open the page, convert your files, and leave when you are done.
If you are working with sensitive data (customer exports, internal reports, financial lists), this setup means you keep full control from start to finish.
Tips for best results
- If your CSV includes headers, choose “JSON objects” so columns become field names.
- If a CSV column name repeats, rename headers before converting to avoid overwritten fields.
- If values contain commas, the CSV should use quotes. The converter supports quoted fields and escaped quotes.
- For very large CSV files, convert one file at a time to avoid browser memory pressure.
Troubleshooting
- Rows look split incorrectly: Your CSV may use a different delimiter. Switch from Auto detect to comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe.
- Some fields are shifted: Quoted text may be unbalanced. Check for missing closing quotes in the CSV.
- The JSON is empty: If the file contains only headers, there are no rows to convert. Add data rows or switch to array output for testing.
- The tab freezes: Large files can hit memory limits. Try converting one file at a time and close other heavy tabs.
- Numbers become strings: JSON does not know your intent. The tool keeps CSV values as text by default for safety and predictability.
Frequently asked questions
No. CSV to JSON conversion runs locally in your browser. Your CSV is never uploaded to FileYoga servers, and the JSON output is generated on your device.
It means the first CSV row is treated as field names. Each following row becomes one JSON object where keys are the headers and values are the row cells.
Yes. Choose Array of arrays (no headers). Your JSON output will be an array where each row is an array of values in the same column order as the CSV.
Duplicate headers can cause fields to overwrite each other in JSON object output. For clean results, rename duplicates in the CSV header row before converting (or switch to array output if you don’t want headers).
Blank headers produce unclear field names. For best results, fill in missing column names before converting, or use Array of arrays if you don’t want headers.
CSV does not store data types, so values are treated as text by default to avoid unintended changes like dropping leading zeros or converting IDs. If you need typed output, convert types in your app after download.
Yes. Quoted CSV fields are supported, including commas or newlines inside quoted values and escaped quotes
written as double quotes (""). If quotes are unbalanced, the parser may misread rows.
In JSON objects mode, missing cells become empty values and extra cells may be ignored if there are more values than headers. For best results, normalize your CSV to a consistent table before converting.
Auto detect samples the start of your file and chooses the delimiter that produces the most consistent columns. If output looks shifted or split, pick the delimiter manually (comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe).