Home/Guides/How to Create a JSON File on Mac - 3 Easy Methods

Three practical methods

How to create a JSON file on Mac.

Use Terminal for the quickest built-in command, save plain text with a .json extension, or create the file directly in Finder with CreateFiles+.

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Watch 15-second demo

CreateFiles+ Quick Create window with JSON selected as the new file type

Ways to do it

Method 1: Create a JSON file with Terminal

Open Terminal, change to the destination folder, and run the command below. It creates an empty config.json file immediately.

touch config.json

Method 2: Save plain text as .json

Create a plain-text document in TextEdit or your preferred editor, then save it with a .json extension. Make sure the editor does not append .txt to the name.

Method 3: Create the JSON file from Finder

With CreateFiles+, open the destination folder, choose JSON from the Finder menu or toolbar, name the file, and keep working without a Terminal or save-dialog detour.

Choose the method that matches the job

Terminal is fastest when you already have a shell open. TextEdit works for a one-off file. CreateFiles+ is designed for repeated JSON, Markdown, text, script, and project-setup workflows that should begin in the Finder folder already open.

Create JSON files where the project already lives

Choose JSON from Finder, name the file, and keep working. The new .json file starts in the project folder, ready for VS Code, Xcode, Nova, or another editor.

What CreateFiles+ does and does not do

CreateFiles+ creates the starter file and puts it in the right folder. It does not validate or edit JSON content; your editor, formatter, tests, or development tools remain responsible for valid JSON.

How to do it with CreateFiles+

  1. Open the folder where the JSON file should live.
  2. Open CreateFiles+ from Finder, the menu bar, or a shortcut.
  3. Choose JSON File.
  4. Rename the new .json file and open it in your editor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create a JSON file without Terminal?

Yes. Save a plain-text document with a .json extension, or use CreateFiles+ to create a blank .json file from Finder, the toolbar, the menu bar, or Control-Option-N.

Does CreateFiles+ validate JSON?

No. CreateFiles+ creates the starter file; your editor or development tools can validate the JSON content.

Related CreateFiles+ guides

How to Create a New File on Mac: Finder Guide Finder Create New File: Add the Missing Mac Command New Text File on Mac: Create Blank .txt Files Faster Create Markdown File on Mac: Blank .md Files from Finder Mac Finder Extension for Creating New Files

Create the file in the Finder folder you already have open.

Try the direct-download app free for 7 days with no card, or purchase CreateFiles+ through Apple.

Try free for 7 days — no card Open the Mac App Store