[WebToSpark](/)/Export field guide

Export field guide

# What is a JSON file? How to open and inspect web exports

JSON stores structured data as text. Open a local export in a text editor, inspect WebToSpark documents and nested comments, and choose when CSV is simpler.

Updated 2026-10-18v1.2.0[Read this page as Markdown ↗](/docs/open-json-files/index.md)

On this page

[What is JSON?](#section-1)[How to open a JSON file](#section-2)[Which WebToSpark fields should I inspect?](#section-3)[JSON vs CSV and conversion limits](#section-4)

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## What is JSON?

JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is a text data format used to exchange structured values; it is not a program you need to execute. Objects use named members, arrays hold ordered values, and values can include strings, numbers, booleans and null.

A .json file can be opened in a text editor. It does not need to be uploaded to an online viewer. Prefer a local editor for research files containing sensitive source material. Large files may require an editor designed for their size.

[JSON format: RFC 8259 ↗](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc8259.html)

## How to open a JSON file

The same .json extension is used by many applications with different schemas. These field names describe WebToSpark, not a universal JSON document structure.

1.  Keep the original export. Use your operating system’s Open With command and choose a plain-text editor. An editor with JSON formatting and folding makes nested content easier to inspect.
2.  Confirm that you are reading the exported document rather than expecting a rendered web page. Inspect schemaVersion and source, then the content collections.
3.  For a single WebToSpark export, inspect primary, items and comments where present. For a multi-document export, inspect documents inside the batch envelope.
4.  Follow replies to inspect nested comments. Missing or empty fields can reflect unavailable page data; compare with the source and extraction warnings before drawing conclusions.

[JSON format: RFC 8259 ↗](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc8259.html)

## Which WebToSpark fields should I inspect?

JSON preserves the captured structure; it does not guarantee a complete discussion. Ordinary export does not fetch hidden replies, deleted comments or additional pages. Images and videos remain URL references.

Field

What it describes

schemaVersion

The export schema version, not the extension release number.

source

Source page context such as URL and title.

primary / items

The main record and extracted list records, depending on page type.

comments / replies

Captured comment records and nested replies.

documents

Multiple documents inside a batch envelope.

extraction

Capture metadata and extraction warnings.

[Reddit export boundaries ↗](/supported-sites/reddit/)

## JSON vs CSV and conversion limits

Choose CSV if your next step is filtering flat rows in Excel. Keep JSON when nesting or programmatic processing matters. A separate JSON-to-CSV conversion requires a mapping for nested arrays; changing a file extension is not conversion. WebToSpark does not accept arbitrary JSON uploads for conversion.

When the same captured source is available, request an additional export format through the extension. Plain files do not run the experimental Research Agent, and opening JSON does not call an AI service.

[Format comparison ↗](/docs/export-formats/)[CSV import guide ↗](/docs/open-csv-in-excel/)[Request a missing format ↗](/docs/export-history/)

FAQ

## A few things worth knowing.

[Frequently asked questions](/faq/)

Do I need a JSON viewer online?+

No. JSON is text and can be opened locally in a suitable editor. Do not upload a private export merely to inspect it.

Can I open JSON in Excel by renaming it?+

No. Renaming the file does not map nested data into table columns. Export CSV directly or use a separate import process with an explicit mapping.

## Keep exploring

[Export Reddit comments](/supported-sites/reddit/)[Choose an export format](/docs/export-formats/)[Open CSV in Excel](/docs/open-csv-in-excel/)[Open JSON files](/docs/open-json-files/)

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Canonical: https://webtospark.com/docs/open-json-files/
Updated: 2026-10-18