JSON to TSV Converter
Convert JSON data into tab-separated values for spreadsheets, databases, and data analysis pipelines.
JSON Input
TSV Output
| address.city | address.state | department | id | name | skills | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | CA | Engineering | [email protected] | 1 | Alice Johnson | JavaScript, TypeScript, React |
| New York | NY | Marketing | [email protected] | 2 | Bob Smith | SEO, Content, Analytics |
| Austin | TX | Engineering | [email protected] | 3 | Carol Lee | Python, Go |
How to Use
- Paste a JSON array of objects or upload a .json file in the input panel.
- Configure flatten notation, array handling, and null representation in the options bar.
- Switch between Table preview and Raw TSV views in the output panel.
- Copy the TSV to your clipboard or download it as a .tsv file.
Why Convert JSON to TSV?
Tab-separated values (TSV) are one of the simplest tabular formats. Unlike CSV, TSV rarely needs quoting because tabs seldom appear in data values. This makes TSV files smaller, faster to parse, and less error-prone when fields contain commas, quotes, or embedded newlines.
Common use cases include exporting API responses into spreadsheets, preparing data for bulk database imports, feeding flat files into ETL pipelines, and sharing datasets where comma conflicts are common (financial data, addresses, free-text fields).
Features
- Automatic header generation from JSON object keys
- Nested object flattening with dot, bracket, or underscore notation
- Three array strategies: join, expand rows, or stringify
- Configurable null value display (empty, null, N/A, or custom)
- Interactive table preview with zebra striping and horizontal scroll
- One-click copy and .tsv file download
- Handles large datasets with optimized rendering
- 100% browser-based — no data uploaded
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TSV and CSV?
TSV uses tab characters to separate fields, while CSV uses commas. TSV avoids quoting issues that arise when data contains commas, making it simpler for many datasets. Both formats are widely supported by spreadsheet applications.
How does nested JSON get flattened into TSV columns?
Nested objects are flattened using dot notation by default (e.g., address.city). You can switch to bracket or underscore notation. The maximum depth is configurable to prevent excessively wide output.
What happens to JSON arrays during conversion?
You have three options: Join — concatenates array values into a single cell separated by a comma; Expand — creates one row per array element (cross-product); Stringify — stores the raw JSON array as a string in the cell.
Can I open TSV files in Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. TSV files open directly in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Excel may prompt you to confirm the tab delimiter. Google Sheets auto-detects TSV format when you import the file.
Is my JSON data uploaded to a server?
No. All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your machine.
How large a JSON file can this tool handle?
The tool processes data in your browser, so performance depends on your device. It handles files up to several megabytes comfortably. The table preview caps at 500 rows for responsiveness, but the full TSV download includes all rows.