3 Best JSON Editors for Mac (Free & Paid Options for 2025)
Imad Uddin
Full Stack Developer
🧩 JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a cornerstone of modern web development and APIs. If you often work with JSON files on your Mac, you know the importance of having a reliable, feature-rich editor that simplifies viewing, editing, and validating your data.
While there are countless JSON editors out there, only a few are truly optimized for macOS. Whether you’re a developer, a student, or someone who occasionally handles JSON, choosing the right tool can make your workflow much smoother.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 3 best JSON editors for Mac in 2025. We’ll cover both free and paid options, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which one suits your needs.
🔍 What to Look for in a JSON Editor
Before diving into the list, let’s take a quick look at the features that matter most when choosing a JSON editor for Mac:
✅ Key Features to Consider:
- Syntax Highlighting: Color-coded formatting makes JSON easier to read.
- Validation: Alerts you to syntax errors or invalid JSON structure.
- Tree & Raw View: Allows you to toggle between a readable tree and raw code.
- Auto-formatting/Minify: Instantly beautify or compact your JSON.
- Large File Support: Handles big JSON files without lag.
- Plugin Support: Extend functionality with additional tools.
🍎 Mac-Specific Considerations:
- macOS Native Design: Better performance and UI integration.
- M1/M2 Chip Compatibility: Ensures smooth operation on modern Macs.
- Offline Access: Work without internet.
- App Store Availability: Easy to download and trust.
Now, let’s explore the top JSON editors for Mac that hit the sweet spot between performance, features, and ease of use.
1. 🧊 OK JSON (Best for Beginners & Casual Users)
OK JSON is a clean, modern JSON viewer and formatter built specifically for macOS. It’s perfect for users who need a quick, intuitive way to visualize and format JSON data without diving into a full development environment.
Available on the Mac App Store, OK JSON offers a simple and elegant interface that makes browsing even large or nested JSON files a breeze.
✨ Key Features:
- 🌈 Beautify and minify JSON with one click
- 🌳 Tree view and raw text editor
- 🔍 Copy keys, values, or paths easily
- 🛑 Syntax error highlighting and validation
- 🌙 Light and dark theme support
- 📴 Works offline — no internet required
✅ Pros:
- 🧠 Actively maintained and macOS-native
- 💡 Great UX and simple interface
- ⚡ Lightweight but functional
- 🧪 Ideal for quick data inspection or debugging
❌ Cons:
- ❎ Not suited for advanced development tasks
- 🧩 Lacks plugin or scripting support
👥 Ideal For:
- 👶 Beginners or casual users
- 🎨 Designers, analysts, and QA testers
- 🧼 Anyone who wants a modern, clutter-free JSON viewer
If you want a no-setup, Mac-friendly tool that just works — OK JSON is one of the best free editors you can get in 2025.
2. 💻 Sublime Text + Pretty JSON Package (Best for Developers)
Sublime Text is a powerful text editor loved by developers, and when paired with the Pretty JSON plugin, it becomes a top-tier JSON editing tool.
- Download Sublime Text: https://www.sublimetext.com
- Pretty JSON Plugin: https://packagecontrol.io/packages/Pretty%20JSON
✨ Key Features:
- 🎨 Syntax highlighting and JSON formatting
- 🧼 One-click prettify and minify
- 🗂️ Supports huge JSON files
- 🧾 JSON linting and validation with extensions
- 🎛️ Custom keybindings and macros
⚙️ How to Set Up:
- 📥 Install Sublime Text
- 🧰 Install Package Control
- 🔎 Search for and install “Pretty JSON”
✅ Pros:
- 🚀 Extremely fast even with large files
- 🧩 Highly customizable
- 🖥️ Cross-platform
- 🛠️ Plugin ecosystem for every need
❌ Cons:
- 🧠 Not beginner-friendly
- ⚙️ Requires some setup
👥 Ideal For:
- 👨💻 Developers and advanced users
- 🧬 Users working with massive or complex JSON structures
If you’re looking for a fast, developer-focused tool with the flexibility to handle all your JSON formatting and editing needs, Sublime Text with Pretty JSON is an unbeatable combination.
3. 🛠 CodeRunner (Best Lightweight IDE Alternative)
CodeRunner is a lightweight, versatile code editor tailored for macOS. While not solely a JSON editor, it supports JSON beautifully alongside 25+ other programming languages.
- Visit CodeRunner: https://coderunnerapp.com
✨ Key Features:
- 💡 Intelligent autocomplete and syntax highlighting
- 🧪 Run code snippets in various languages
- 📁 Tabbed interface for managing multiple files
- 🍏 Native macOS integration
✅ Pros:
- 🪶 Sleek and responsive
- 🧠 Perfect for working with JSON and code side-by-side
- 🔄 Great for testing scripts or API responses
❌ Cons:
- 💰 Paid app (~$15, one-time)
- 🔌 Limited plugin support compared to VS Code or Sublime
👥 Ideal For:
- 👨💻 Developers who want a light IDE alternative
- 🎓 Students working across languages
- 🔁 Coders who frequently switch between languages
If you want a beautiful, Mac-native editor that goes beyond JSON without the bulk of a full IDE, CodeRunner offers the perfect middle ground.
📊 Comparison Table
| Feature | Ok JSON | Sublime Text | CodeRunner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free (basic) | $15 |
| Syntax Highlighting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Schema Validation | ❌ | ✅ (plugin) | ❌ |
| Tree View | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Plugin Support | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| macOS Native | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Beginner-Friendly | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use Visual Studio Code for JSON editing on Mac?
Yes, VS Code works well on Mac and supports excellent JSON extensions. However, it’s heavier and not as Mac-native or lightweight as the options above.
Q: Do these editors work offline?
Absolutely! All three editors support full offline usage. No internet connection is required to view, edit, or format JSON files.
Q: Which JSON editor is completely free?
Ok JSON is 100% free and available on the Mac App Store. Sublime Text offers a free version with limited features.
Q: What’s the easiest JSON editor for Mac?
Ok JSON is the most user-friendly choice, ideal for quick edits and viewing.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Which JSON Editor Should You Choose?
Choosing the best JSON editor for your Mac depends on your skill level and workflow needs:
- 👶 Beginner or casual user? Go with Ok JSON.
- 🧠 Power user or developer? Use Sublime Text + Pretty JSON.
- 🛠️ Want a native code editor with JSON support? Try CodeRunner.
All three are fast, effective, and tailored for different needs—so you’re sure to find your ideal match.
Which JSON editor do you use on your Mac? Let us know in the comments!
🎁 Bonus: Other Editors Worth Checking Out
- VS Code: Highly flexible, but heavier
- Atom: Now deprecated, but still available
- JSON Editor Online: Great web-based viewer
- jq: Powerful CLI tool for terminal lovers
Stay productive and enjoy working with JSON on your Mac! 💻🍏