How to Import JSON Files in 2026: Adobe Commerce & Magento 2 JSON Integration
The default Magento 2 data import capabilities are enough to satisfy only basic data transfer demands, but what if a more complex task must be solved? For instance, you need to import JSON files into Magento 2, while the system, both Adobe Commerce and Magento Open Source, supports only the CSV standard. You need to convert your JSON files to the supported file type to move them to your e-commerce website. Luckily, there is a more user-friendly solution for Magento 2 JSON integration.
Meet the Improved Import & Export extension. This module supports Magento 2 JSON import so that you can move all the necessary information to your e-commerce store without turning it into CSV. You can effortlessly move data in this format in both directions: to and from your Magento 2 website.
In this article, we discuss JSON file requirements for importing data to Magento 2 and provide a list of supported entities (you can transfer all core entities now). Besides, you will find a step-by-step guide that describes how to import JSON data to Magento 2. If you are unfamiliar with the JSON format, its brief description is below.
Table of contents
- Magento 2 JSON Integration: File Format Requirements
- Entities Supported in Data Exchange Between Adobe Commerce or Magento Open Source & JSON
- Magento 2 JSON Integration: How to import JSON files to Magento Open Source & Adobe Commerce
- JSON Files Defined
- Final Words: Magento 2 JSON Integration 2026
- Magento 2 JSON Import & Export FAQ
Magento 2 JSON Integration: File Format Requirements
Of course, there are requirements to the Json files supported by the extension. Currently, there are two of them to follow:
- separator: comma
- array name required
More information about the Json file type .
As for the workflow, it is the same as with other file types. If you require detailed instructions on how to run the import, read through the Improved Import and Export manual.
You can always refer to the FireBear Studio GuiHub to find the latest sample files for the Magento 2 Improved Import and Export extension.
Entities Supported in Data Exchange Between Adobe Commerce or Magento Open Source & JSON
It is also necessary to mention supported entities. Of course, you can run product import to Magento 2 via JSON with the help of the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension. The module enables the seamless transfer of product data between your e-commerce store and any third-party platform in a JSON format. All standard features of the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 plugin are supported, but let’s return to entities.
The second supported entity is Customers. Now, you can use the accessible format to transfer all information about your registered clients from the old website or any third-party system to your e-commerce store. The Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension provides extended support for JSON customer data import and export, and you can fully leverage it.
The third supported entity is Orders. With the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension, you can freely import orders to Magento 2 via JSON. Besides, it is possible to run a JSON order export. Note that the module freely transfers not only orders but also the related data. Thus, the Improved Import & Export extension allows you to run:
- Credit memo JSON import,
- Invoice JSON import,
- Shipping JSON import,
- Tracking data JSON import.
The fourth supported entity is Categories. Our module lets you freely move categories to and from Magento 2 via JSON. Now, you don’t need to convert data files to CSV to run category import.
CMS pages are also freely supported in Magento 2 JSON import/export. The same applies to coupon codes and attributes. These are all entities, so let’s describe other essential features.
The Magento 2 JSON import and export fully support such features of the Improved Import & Export module as schedules and mapping. This means that you can freely automate the import/export processes, eliminating manual data updates and JSON data file modification.
The Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension fully supports cron so that you can create any custom schedule of updates. Furthermore, it is possible to make two different update plans for JSON import and export processes related to the same integration.
As for mapping, the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension allows you to match the default Magento 2 attributes to any custom ones when you run JSON import or export. Thus, there is no need to edit data files on every update modifying the output according to the required standards. The mapping interface is extremely flexible and at the same time admin-friendly. A complicated procedure of attribute matching is now turned into a rapid task that takes not more than a few minutes.
Magento 2 JSON Integration: How to import JSON files to Magento Open Source & Adobe Commerce
To import JSON data to Magento 2 Open Source and Adobe Commerce, you need to:
- Install the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 Extension.
- Configure a new import profile:
- Choose an entity to import;
- Select JSON as a data format;
- Create a schedule of updates;
- Create and apply a mapping scheme, etc.
- Launch the profile.
But let’s take a look at a few more details:
JSON files should have a specific path in the structure.
You can find the necessary fields in the import job when choosing JSON as your Import File Type. Enable the ‘Set path to the entity structure in the file’ feature and the ‘Path to the import entity structure’ field appears:
For instance, your JSON file has the following structure:
In the ‘Path to the import entity structure’ field, it should look as follows:
To export JSON from Magento 2, implement similar steps, creating the corresponding export profile.
Watch the following video to discover more features of the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension:
For further information about the module, follow this link:
Get Improved Import & Export Magento 2 Extension
JSON Files Defined
If you are not familiar with the JSON format, here is a brief description. JavaScript Object Notation is an open-standard file format that has several advantages over other formats. First of all, it uses human-readable text to transmit data. It means that not only Magento 2 can read it – but you can also understand what’s written in a JSON product file. All data objects consist of attribute-value pairs and array data types. Alternatively, other serializable values can be used.
While the format is often utilized for asynchronous browser-server communication, it also provides a great way to transfer various data between e-commerce platforms and external systems. JSON represents an excellent replacement for XML in some systems. For instance, below you can see a product.json file generated by Shopify:
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{ "products": [ { "id": 632910392, "title": "IPod Nano - 8GB", "body_html": "<p>It's the small iPod with one very big idea: Video. Now the world's most popular music player, available in 4GB and 8GB models, lets you enjoy TV shows, movies, video podcasts, and more. The larger, brighter display means amazing picture quality. In six eye-catching colors, iPod nano is stunning all around. And with models starting at just $149, little speaks volumes.</p>", "vendor": "Apple", "product_type": "Cult Products", "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "handle": "ipod-nano", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "published_at": "2007-12-31T19:00:00-05:00", "template_suffix": null, "published_scope": "web", "tags": "Emotive, Flash Memory, MP3, Music", "variants": [ { "id": 808950810, "product_id": 632910392, "title": "Pink", "price": "199.00", "sku": "IPOD2008PINK", "position": 1, "inventory_policy": "continue", "compare_at_price": null, "fulfillment_service": "manual", "inventory_management": "shopify", "option1": "Pink", "option2": null, "option3": null, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "taxable": true, "barcode": "1234_pink", "grams": 567, "image_id": 562641783, "inventory_quantity": 10, "weight": 1.25, "weight_unit": "lb", "inventory_item_id": 808950810, "old_inventory_quantity": 10, "requires_shipping": true }, { "id": 49148385, "product_id": 632910392, "title": "Red", "price": "199.00", "sku": "IPOD2008RED", "position": 2, "inventory_policy": "continue", "compare_at_price": null, "fulfillment_service": "manual", "inventory_management": "shopify", "option1": "Red", "option2": null, "option3": null, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "taxable": true, "barcode": "1234_red", "grams": 567, "image_id": null, "inventory_quantity": 20, "weight": 1.25, "weight_unit": "lb", "inventory_item_id": 49148385, "old_inventory_quantity": 20, "requires_shipping": true }, { "id": 39072856, "product_id": 632910392, "title": "Green", "price": "199.00", "sku": "IPOD2008GREEN", "position": 3, "inventory_policy": "continue", "compare_at_price": null, "fulfillment_service": "manual", "inventory_management": "shopify", "option1": "Green", "option2": null, "option3": null, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "taxable": true, "barcode": "1234_green", "grams": 567, "image_id": null, "inventory_quantity": 30, "weight": 1.25, "weight_unit": "lb", "inventory_item_id": 39072856, "old_inventory_quantity": 30, "requires_shipping": true }, { "id": 457924702, "product_id": 632910392, "title": "Black", "price": "199.00", "sku": "IPOD2008BLACK", "position": 4, "inventory_policy": "continue", "compare_at_price": null, "fulfillment_service": "manual", "inventory_management": "shopify", "option1": "Black", "option2": null, "option3": null, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "taxable": true, "barcode": "1234_black", "grams": 567, "image_id": null, "inventory_quantity": 40, "weight": 1.25, "weight_unit": "lb", "inventory_item_id": 457924702, "old_inventory_quantity": 40, "requires_shipping": true } ], "options": [ { "id": 594680422, "product_id": 632910392, "name": "Color", "position": 1, "values": [ "Pink", "Red", "Green", "Black" ] } ], "images": [ { "id": 850703190, "product_id": 632910392, "position": 1, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "alt": null, "width": 123, "height": 456, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0006/9093/3842/products/ipod-nano.png?v=1524856525", "variant_ids": [] }, { "id": 562641783, "product_id": 632910392, "position": 2, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "alt": null, "width": 123, "height": 456, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0006/9093/3842/products/ipod-nano-2.png?v=1524856525", "variant_ids": [ 808950810 ] } ], "image": { "id": 850703190, "product_id": 632910392, "position": 1, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "alt": null, "width": 123, "height": 456, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0006/9093/3842/products/ipod-nano.png?v=1524856525", "variant_ids": [] } }, { "id": 921728736, "title": "IPod Touch 8GB", "body_html": "<p>The iPod Touch has the iPhone's multi-touch interface, with a physical home button off the touch screen. The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications.</p>", "vendor": "Apple", "product_type": "Cult Products", "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "handle": "ipod-touch", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "published_at": "2008-09-25T20:00:00-04:00", "template_suffix": null, "published_scope": "web", "tags": "", "variants": [ { "id": 447654529, "product_id": 921728736, "title": "Black", "price": "199.00", "sku": "IPOD2009BLACK", "position": 1, "inventory_policy": "continue", "compare_at_price": null, "fulfillment_service": "manual", "inventory_management": "shopify", "option1": "Black", "option2": null, "option3": null, "created_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "updated_at": "2018-04-27T15:15:25-04:00", "taxable": true, "barcode": "1234_black", "grams": 567, "image_id": null, "inventory_quantity": 13, "weight": 1.25, "weight_unit": "lb", "inventory_item_id": 447654529, "old_inventory_quantity": 13, "requires_shipping": true } ], "options": [ { "id": 891236591, "product_id": 921728736, "name": "Title", "position": 1, "values": [ "Black" ] } ], "images": [], "image": null } ] } |
You can freely import such JSON files to Magento 2 with the help of the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension. By default, the Magento 2 platform doesn’t provide any tools to do that since JSON is not supported.
Why does Shopify use JSON instead of XML? Because it is a more lightweight format where data transfers require fewer resources. Thus, the best way to run the migration of Shopify to Magento 2 is offered by the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension. For any further information about JSON, follow the links below:
Final Words: Magento 2 JSON Integration 2026
Although the Magento 2 JSON import and export processes are not available by default, you can easily enable them with the Improved Import & Export module. The extension provides the ability to transfer JSON files to Magento 2 or Adobe Commerce websites from multiple remote locations. Furthermore, it lets you automate both import and export processes or modify the imported data right in your admin panel. Follow this link and contact our support to find more information about the Magento 2 JSON import:
Get Improved Import & Export Magento 2 Extension
Not sure how to import specific data types into Magento 2? Our guide covers everything — from products and customers to CMS pages and B2B entities.
👉 Browse all Magento 2 import topics
Magento 2 JSON Import & Export FAQ
Can Magento 2 import JSON files by default?
No. The standard Magento 2 import functionality, Adobe Commerce and Magento Open Source, does not support JSON files as an import format. Magento’s native importer is designed primarily around CSV files, so a JSON file generally has to be converted before it can be processed through the default import tool. If you need to import JSON to Magento 2 without converting it to CSV first, use a third-party extension.
How do I import JSON files to Magento 2?
To import JSON files to Magento 2, install the Improved Import & Export extension and create a new import job. Select the Magento entity you want to import, choose JSON as the import file type, configure the file source, and apply any required mapping or scheduling settings. An important step is specifying the path to the entity structure when the data is stored inside a JSON object or array. After configuring the job, save it and launch the import.
What are the JSON file requirements for Magento 2 import?
When using Improved Import & Export, JSON files must follow the format requirements expected by the extension. The current requirements include a comma separator and a required array name. You should also make sure that the JSON structure contains the data expected by the Magento entity you are importing. Before running a large Magento 2 JSON import, it is a good idea to validate the file structure and test a smaller dataset first.
Which Magento 2 entities can I import using JSON?
Improved Import & Export supports JSON import and export for a broad range of Magento 2 entities. These include products, customers, orders, categories, CMS pages, coupon codes, and attributes, among other supported data types. JSON order workflows can also cover related information such as credit memos, invoices, shipments, and tracking data. This makes JSON useful not only for product catalog migrations but also for transferring operational and customer data between Magento and external systems.
Can I import product data from JSON to Magento 2?
Yes. Magento 2 JSON product import is one of the primary use cases for the Improved Import & Export extension. You can use a JSON file to transfer product information from another ecommerce platform, PIM, ERP, supplier system, or other external source into Magento. The extension lets you select Products as the import entity, define the JSON source, map external fields to Magento product attributes, and automate recurring imports. This is particularly useful when an external system already provides product data in JSON and converting the feed to CSV would create unnecessary manual work.
Can Magento 2 import nested JSON files?
Yes. Improved Import & Export can work with nested JSON files, including files where the Magento entity is located several levels deep inside the JSON structure. To import nested JSON, enable the option to set the path to the entity structure in the file and specify the appropriate path in the import configuration. The file path identifies where the JSON file is stored, while the entity structure path tells Magento where the required records are located inside the JSON document.
Can I map JSON fields to Magento 2 attributes?
Yes. Attribute mapping is one of the useful features available when performing a Magento JSON import with Improved Import & Export. You can match fields from an external JSON structure with Magento attributes even when the source system uses different field names. For example, an external system may provide a product identifier under a custom field name while Magento expects sku. Mapping lets you connect the two fields without manually modifying the source JSON file every time you receive an update.
Can I automate JSON imports into Magento 2?
Yes. Improved Import & Export supports scheduled Magento 2 JSON imports through cron. You can configure an import job to run automatically according to a custom schedule instead of manually uploading and processing the JSON file each time. Automated JSON imports are useful for recurring product, inventory, price, customer, or other data updates. You can also configure separate schedules for import and export jobs when the same external integration requires data to move in both directions.
Can I export Magento 2 data to JSON?
Yes. The Improved Import & Export extension supports both Magento 2 JSON import and export. The export workflow follows a similar configuration process: create an export profile, select the Magento entity, choose JSON as the output format, configure the destination and any mapping or filtering options, and run or schedule the job. This makes JSON useful when Magento needs to exchange structured data with an external platform, ERP, PIM, marketplace, or custom application.
What should I do if my JSON file cannot be imported into Magento 2?
Start by checking the JSON structure and the import job configuration. Make sure the file follows the required format, including the required array name, and verify that the entity data is located at the path specified in the import profile. For nested JSON, check the path to the import entity structure setting carefully. You should also verify that the selected Magento entity matches the data in the file and that your attribute mapping connects the JSON fields with the correct Magento attributes. For complex or recurring integrations, test the import with a small dataset before processing the complete JSON feed.