Fix Can’t Open JSON File Issue: Top 4 Proven Solutions

  Ashwani Tiwari
Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On December 9th, 2025
Reading Time 7 Min Read

If you are unable to open a JSON file, the common reasons are using the wrong application, working with a corrupted JSON file, or formatting errors within the JSON itself. In most cases, you can fix the issue by opening the file with a text editor, validating the JSON structure, or converting the JSON to other readable formats. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best 4 solutions to fix the Can’t open JSON file error. These practical methods will help you to understand the exact problem and resolve the issue efficiently. By the end of this complete guide, you’ll be able to view, edit, and recover the nested JSON file quickly.

Why Can’t I open JSON File Instantly? Common Reasons

If the JSON file cannot open or takes time to load, it means there is an error or issue with the file itself or the application. JSON is a nested file, in which small mistakes, such as missing brackets and incorrect encoding, can prevent it from opening. Here are some common reasons that will help you to understand the main cause and choose the right approach.

  • Using Incorrect Application

JSON files need an editor to open them. If you are trying to open a file using apps or Notepad, the content may appear unreadable or may not open. Without the right application or an automated JSON viewer, your system can’t open JSON file structure appropriately.

  • JSON File is Corrupted

This is the second main reason, which happens due to improper downloads, system shutdowns, or software crashes. In this situation, the file may not open and display different characters or fail to carry the. A damaged file prevents editors from understanding the content.

  • Formatting & Structure Issues

JSON files follow a hierarchical structure. Even small errors like missing commas, extra brackets, or incomplete sentence nesting can break the structure of the file. These issues occur when the user manually edits the JSON without using third-party tools.

  • Large Size of JSON

The common reason that you cannot open JSON file is having a large file that is too heavy to handle. When you try to open them, the application may lag or crash the entire file. Always remember that oversized JSON can affect your system easily.

Overall, these are the main reasons why users are unable to open JSON files. Understanding them briefly helps you to identify the problems and choose the right solutions to avoid mistakes.

Top 4 Methods: Fix “Cannot Open JSON File” Issue

Here, we reach the section where we’ll provide you with the best solutions to open the JSON file smoothly with a few simple steps. Whether the file is damaged, too big, incorrectly structured, or opened in the wrong application, these 4 proven methods will provide you with the exact solution without technical complications. Here are the 4 best fixes given below:

Method 1: Open JSON File Using the Correct Application

One of the common reasons that you can’t open JSON file is due to an unsupported editor, such as Notepad. These raw files need a powerful text editor to handle structured JSON data correctly. Here are its advantages and disadvantages:

PROS:

  • Easy and Quick solution.
  • Using a perfect editor will highlight errors.
  • Less chance of JSON data loss.

Method 2: Fix Large JSON Files Issue

If your files are large, then you cannot open JSON files easily. After breaking JSON files into chunks, you can easily open, view, and manage them without lag or crashes. In this situation, many users start looking for a reliable solution to split their files. So, here is the trustworthy SysTools JSON Splitter tool, which break large JSON into manageable parts quickly.

This robust tool is suitable for both technical & non-technical users. It is compatible with both Windows & Mac OS. This software provides a user-friendly interface and helps to fix large file size issues seamlessly.

PROS:

  • Reduces upload time and prevents software crashes.
  • Help to make large JSON files editable.
  • Easily fix the issue and open the JSON.

Method 3: Check & Fix JSON Structure Errors

JSON is a nested structure that contains arrays and objects. Even a small mistake can lead to problems like missing brackets, commas, or an incorrect sentence can break the structure of the entire file. Validating and maintaining the original structure of the JSON file allows users to resolve the issue of can’t open JSON file effortlessly.

PROS:

  • Helps to identify the errors in the JSON structure.
  • Provide a clean, formatted, and readable JSON file.
  • Verify and repair JSON instantly at no cost.

Bonus Tip: Convert JSON to Different File Formats

If you cannot open JSON file, due to its complexity and structured format, then convert it into another usable format like CSV, PDF, or readable TXT, which helps you access and open raw JSON efficiently. This is useful especially for beginners or non-technical users.

If you need a fast and reliable solution to convert JSON into multiple formats. In that case, SysTools JSON Converter Tool serves the same purpose and allows users to open, view, and edit JSON files into multiple file formats quickly. This tool provides a secure and effective way to convert JSON files seamlessly.

Steps to Fix the issue: cannot open JSON file

  1. Download and install the above-mentioned software.
    Download and install the above-mentioned software.
  2. Browse and upload the nested JSON file.
    Browse and upload the nested JSON file.
  3. Select the desired file type to make the conversion.
    Select desired file type
  4. Set the destination path to save the output.
    Set the destination path to save the output.
  5. Hit the Export button to start the process.
    Hit the Export button to start the process
  6. Lastly, click on View Report to view the resultant file.
    click on View Report to view the resultant file

Key Features of Using Expert Utility

  • Converting JSON to readable formats allows opening the JSON file easily.
  • Always maintains original folder hierarchy and formatting structure.
  • No chance of data loss and file corruption during conversion.
  • It is an offline tool that handles large JSON files securely.
  • It is a no-code-based solution that requires zero coding skills.

Best Preventive Tips to Avoid Issues: Can’t Open JSON File

  • Always remember to maintain backups of JSON files to prevent data loss.
  • Use trustworthy JSON editors or viewers to avoid corruption issues.
  • Try to avoid manual changes that break the original JSON structure.
  • Always ensure to save the JSON data properly to prevent errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How to open JSON file with Notepad?
A: If you need to open JSON file with Notepad, then you must convert JSON to TXT format. Using the above-mentioned professional tool, you can convert raw and nested file into readable file format quickly.

Q2: What is required to open a JSON file?
A: If you can’t open JSON file, then you need a text editor or advanced tools to open, view, and edit the JSON data effortlessly.

Q3: Why JSON file not open in any application?
A: This issue usually occurs due to formatting, corruption, or unsupported characters, and the large size of JSON files. Checking & verifying the structure of data, and using a smart tool can help to open and fix errors in JSON files.

Concluding Words

In this complete guide, we have shared the best 4 fixes to solve the issue of can’t open JSON file easily. This issue usually arises due to formatting errors, file corruption, or using incorrect applications. By using the right methods or tools, you can resolve the issue, and by following preventive tips, avoid such a problem in the future. With the right solution, JSON files remain easy to view, edit, open, and manage without mistakes.