How to Fix the “Unable to Open JSON File” Issue?
If you are unable to open JSON file, the problem may be due to formatting issues, a large file size, an invalid data file, or opening it with the wrong application. JSON files contain complex, nested structures, which also make them unable to open and view. However, resolving this issue is not an easy task for beginners. So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the best and different techniques to access JSON data by breaking the file, accessing data with the right application, fixing the corruption, and using advanced solutions. So, let’s begin with further discussion.
Why I Can’t Open JSON File? Common Reasons
If you are wondering why your JSON file is not opening, then there are multiple reasons behind it. JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation, which is considered a machine-readable format and used to manage data in keys, arrays, and a structured format. So, here are some main reasons that users are unable to open JSON file:
- Invalid Formatting: If your file contains missing fields, brackets, commas, incorrect marks, or nesting of objects, then JSON will fail to open. Even a small mistake can prevent applications from reading data perfectly.
- File is Corrupted: A JSON file can become corrupted due to several downloads, immediate system shutdowns, a virus, or issue of storage devices. When corruption takes place, data can be misplaced and cause errors while opening.
- Opening JSON in Wrong Application: It is important to know that not every program is designed to open a structured file. If you are opening file in an unsupported application, it may result in blank screens, unreadable content, and messages related to error.
- Large JSON File Size: Handling large datasets can exceed the memory capacity, and users can’t open JSON file easily. So, for large files, break JSON into multiple parts for easy management. It also helps to load data completely.
- Encoding Issues: Usually, JSON files are managed and saved in UTF-8 encoding formats. If the data is saved in incorrect or missing format, in that case, special characters may not appear correctly, and users will be unable to open raw JSON.
Overall, these are the main reasons behind the issue. So, you need to fix all these problems related to formatting, corruption, and compatibility. Also, by using the best solutions, you can regain access to structured JSON files securely. Now, if these methods won’t work, look for advanced techniques.
Bonus Tip: Convert JSON File into Readable Format
JSON files store complex, nested, and structured data, which is not human-readable. So, converting raw data into readable file formats can allow users to open, view, edit, and analyze the data efficiently. So, you can change JSON into simple and easy-to-read formats like CSV, XLS, XLSX, MDB, PDF, TXT, and more by using SysTools JSON File Converter Tool that convert file with just a few clicks.
After converting your structured JSON file, you can open it in any supported applications and resolve unable to open JSON file issue. It helps to improve readability and allows users to access their important data in a hassle-free way. You can download the free demo version to explore its advanced features and understand how the software works.
How to Fix “ Unable to Open JSON File” Issue? Best Solutions
Issues like “ Can’t Open JSON File” prevent users from accessing important documents. Additionally, it can be frustrating and adds inconvenience when you need to analyze, share, or make changes within the file. If you are searching for how to resolve this problem, then you are on right section. Here, we will discuss all possible methods with advantages and disadvantages.
- Open JSON in Text Editor
- Reduce Size of JSON File
- Check Encoding Formats
- Fix Corruption Issues
Now, let’s understand these methods in detail.
#1 Try to Open JSON File Using Advanced Text Editor
Most of the times JSON files do not open easily because they are being viewed in an unsupported application. Using text editors helps users to handle small JSON files and can highlight simple formatting errors quickly. Follow the steps:
- Select a text editor like Notepad++.
- Enable highlighting (if possible).
- Preview the structure and remove errors.
- Save the new file and reopen it.
- Free, quick, and easy method.
- Open small JSON file with a few clicks.
- No need to install additional software.
- Unable to open JSON file with large datasets.
- Requires manual efforts for error correction.
- High chance of risk and data loss.
#2 Fix “Can’t Open JSON File” Issue by Reducing Size of JSON
Working with large file sizes is one of the most common causes of the unable to open JSON error. There is no manual method to deal with large files. Here comes JSON Splitter Tool to resolve JSON file too large to open issue and make the file easier to open. Using this software is the only direct solution to regain access to crucial data.
This robust tool allows users to divide JSON into smaller chunks while maintaining original folder structure. It provides a dual splitting option, such as break by size or record, to handle oversized files effortlessly. By doing this process, users can pen, view, and share data smoothly without data loss.
How to Fix “Unable to Open JSON File” Error? Quick Steps
- Download and run the mentioned tool on your PC.
- Choose the Split JSON option.
- Click on Add Files and Folder to upload JSON file.
- Select any options: Split by Record and Size options.
- Click on the Change icon and hit the Split button.
Prime Features of Using Professional Software
- An advanced tool can handle a large JSON file efficiently.
- It preserves original data hierarchy and prevents system crashes.
- It saves both time and manual efforts of all users.
- Provides a user-friendly interface to access software smoothly.
- The tool supports two separate options for splitting JSON files.
#3 Fix JSON Encoding Formatting Issues
If the raw file contains incorrect encoding of characters, this can make the file unreadable and prevent it from opening correctly. Most of the JSON files are saved in UTF-8 format. So, if there is a mismatched encoding, it may cause errors while displaying. Below are the instructions to be followed:
- Open the file in a text editor.
- Click on the Encoding menu.
- Check and verify current format.
- Change it to UTF-8 if required.
- Now, try to open JSON file again.
- Simple and easily fix issue.
- No need to modify the complete data.
- Open and handle small JSON datasets.
- Cannot fix file corruption and structural mistakes.
- It has a limited impact if the cause is different.
- Does not guarantee success in fixing the error.
#4 Fix JSON File Corruption
If the file is corrupted due to re-downloads, incomplete transfers, or crashes of system, it may fail to fix unable to open JSON file issue. Identifying the damaged content and repairing it is essential to recover access to important data stored in JSON format. Here are the steps:
- Download the file again from source.
- Compare size of file with older version.
- Open it in text editor to match fields.
- Use an advanced tool if it is highly damaged.
- Save the file and reopen it.
- Regain access to corrupted files.
- Avoid duplicate entries and data loss.
- Helpful for improper downloads.
- It cannot repair complex and nested JSON structures.
- Manual repair can take both effort and time.
- Highly corruption may not be recovered completely.
Time to Wrap Up!
In the above guide, we have listed 4 different methods to fix the unable to open JSON file issue in a hassle-free way. All manual methods take time and also come with some limitations. Here, using advanced solutions allows you to fix the problem within a few minutes. Moreover, its features help both technical and non-technical users regain complete access to open deeply nested JSON files. Choose the approach that best suits your requirements.
