Turn CSV rows into JSON you can use in an n8n workflow. Paste your data or choose a file, check the preview, then copy or download the result. No account needed.
Conversion runs in your browser. The converter does not upload or store your CSV. This site still uses its normal cookies and analytics. OperantSolo is an independent resource, not an official n8n tool.
Convert CSV to JSON
UTF-8 text. Up to 1 MiB, 10,000 data rows and 100 columns. Values stay as strings, including IDs, dates and numbers.
Blank fields become empty strings. Blank lines are ignored. Duplicate headers and uneven rows produce an error so data is not silently overwritten.
How to use this CSV-to-JSON tool
- Paste CSV or choose a UTF-8 file. Click Load example if you want to try it first.
- Keep First row contains headers enabled when your first row contains names such as
id,name,email. Without headers, the tool usescolumn_1,column_2and so on. - Choose the delimiter or use auto-detect. Select JSON array for ordinary JSON, or n8n items for a Code node return value.
- Click Convert CSV, review the first 10 rows, then copy or download the full output.
The converter preserves text. An ID such as 00123 stays "00123". A blank cell stays "". Convert specific fields to numbers later, only when your next step needs numbers.
Try the downloadable n8n workflow
After a successful conversion, Download n8n workflow creates an importable three-node lab using your CSV and the selected parsing options. It contains a Manual Trigger, a CSV input node and a Parse CSV node. It has no credentials, external requests or automatic trigger.
1. Import into a new workflow
In n8n, create a new workflow and use Import from File to open the downloaded JSON. Keep it separate from a live workflow while checking your data.
2. Run it and inspect the rows
Click Execute workflow. Open Parse CSV to check the output. Each CSV data row becomes one n8n item. The CSV input node holds the sample text, so you can edit it and run the lab again.
3. Connect your next step
Once the output is correct, connect the parsed items to your next node. For example, use {{ $json.email }} to read an email field. See our tested n8n expression examples and lead cleanup workflow before sending rows to a CRM.
Check before sharing: the downloaded workflow includes the CSV you entered. Remove private rows before sharing it publicly. Selecting n8n items changes the JSON output shape; the downloadable workflow always returns one item per CSV row.
Convert an actual CSV file inside n8n
The lab above parses text. For an ongoing file workflow, n8n has a built-in Extract From File node that can convert a binary CSV file into JSON.
- Receive the file through a Webhook, download it with HTTP Request, or read it from an allowed local source.
- Add Extract From File and select Extract From CSV.
- Set Input Binary Field to the property containing the file. The default is
data, but check the previous node’s Binary tab. - Check the header and delimiter options available in your version, then run the node and inspect its JSON output.
You do not need to send files to this website to automate conversion. The browser tool is useful for checking sample data and preparing a small runnable lab. For JSON output that you need to save as a file inside n8n, use the Convert to File node.
Common CSV problems
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Everything appears in one field | The delimiter is probably wrong. Choose semicolon, tab or pipe to match the file. |
| A row has too many fields | Put a field containing a comma inside double quotes. Write quotes inside that field twice, such as "Said ""hello""". |
| Duplicate or empty headers | Give each header a unique name. This tool stops instead of overwriting one field with another. |
| IDs lose their leading zeros elsewhere | This converter keeps strings. Check whether your spreadsheet or destination is converting the values to numbers. |
| n8n says a binary field is missing | Check the previous node’s Binary tab and match its property name in Extract From File. Text and binary files need different handling. |
Questions about CSV to JSON for n8n
Does this tool send my CSV to a server?
No. Its converter reads the text locally in your browser and creates the output there. It does not send CSV content in conversion events, store it in browser storage or upload the selected file. Clear data removes the input and output from the tool. Your browser and its extensions are outside the converter’s control.
Can I convert CSV without headers?
Yes. Turn off First row contains headers. The output uses numbered field names, starting with column_1.
Why are numbers inside quotes in the JSON?
CSV does not reliably identify data types. Keeping strings avoids turning IDs into numbers or treating a date differently. Convert a known quantity or price field deliberately in your workflow.
Is a JSON array the same as n8n items?
No. A JSON array contains plain row objects. Code nodes return items with each row under a json property. Choose the format that matches where you will paste the output. n8n’s built-in file node produces items for you.
Does this work with Excel files?
This converter accepts CSV and other delimited UTF-8 text, not XLSX workbooks. Export the relevant sheet as CSV first, or use n8n’s Extract From XLSX operation for an actual workbook.
Will the browser tool and Extract From File always produce identical JSON?
No. This tool preserves strings and uses its own strict parsing rules. n8n’s built-in node can have different settings or behavior. Check a few real rows in the node before using them in a live workflow. The downloadable text-parsing lab uses this converter’s parser.
More practical n8n resources
Use the expression reference to read converted fields, the error workflow guide to catch failed runs, and Free Downloads for more workflow labs.
Built by Sajjad Hasan at OperantSolo. This free converter focuses on small CSV samples and workflow preparation.