jq

Overview

jq is a command-line tool for selecting and reshaping JSON, best suited to people who want repeatable data work in scripts or batch jobs. Its composable filters and portable, dependency-free binaries make it a practical choice for terminal workflows; it is less suited to readers who want a graphical editor.

Each jq expression operates on incoming JSON values and can produce zero, one or several results. That stream-based model works well when you need to extract fields or construct new objects across many inputs, rather than manually editing one document at a time.

jq is implemented in portable C without runtime dependencies, and a binary can be moved to another machine of the same type. The project is the canonical source for the C implementation; its code uses the MIT license, while its documentation uses CC-BY-3.0.

Key features

Composable filters

jq programs are filters, and filters can be combined into a sequence of selection and transformation steps. They can access nested attributes, build objects and collect results into arrays. This makes jq useful for querying and batch processing, but it assumes comfort with a command-line, filter-based approach rather than offering a visual workflow.

Streaming and large inputs

jq reads whitespace-separated JSON values and emits newline-separated JSON output. Each expression runs on each input value, with results serialized as a stream that can be joined together. For very large inputs, the --stream option parses incrementally, reducing the need to treat the entire input as one unit.

Output controls

Options cover compact, raw, ASCII, sorted-key and colored output. These controls let users tailor results for readability or downstream processing without changing the underlying filtering approach.

Deployment and trust

Standalone executables are available for Linux, macOS and Windows, and jq is also distributed through major Linux package repositories, Homebrew, MacPorts, Fink, winget, Scoop and Chocolatey. A Docker image is available from GitHub Container Registry, and source builds are supported on Linux, macOS, Cygwin and other POSIX-like systems. SHA-256 checksums and signed release artifacts provide verification options; the project also enables private vulnerability disclosure on GitHub.

Pricing

jq is free software: the jq plan costs nothing and includes MIT-licensed software with standalone binaries for Linux, macOS and Windows. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against the free offering. The code is MIT-licensed, while documentation is licensed separately under CC-BY-3.0.

Platforms

jq supports Linux, macOS and Windows, with official standalone executables for all three. Users can also install it through package managers, run its container image, or build from source on POSIX-like systems including Cygwin. The portable binary and lack of runtime dependencies are useful for deployment between machines of the same type, though they do not turn jq into a desktop application.

Who it's for

jq is a strong fit for developers, system administrators and data-oriented users who need to query or transform JSON from the command line, especially across streams or batch inputs. Its composable filters reward users who want repeatable operations that can be combined. If you prefer to inspect and edit JSON through a graphical interface, jq is not the natural first choice.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Composable filters handle selection, nested-field access and reshaping in one workflow, which suits repeatable scripts.
• Pros: Incremental parsing through --stream is useful for very large inputs.
• Pros: No runtime dependencies, broad package availability and standalone binaries make installation and deployment flexible.
• Pros: Checksums and signed release artifacts support binary verification.
• Cons: Its command-line filter model is a poor fit for users seeking a graphical JSON editor.
• Cons: The stream-oriented input and output model may require adjustment for users expecting a single-document editing workflow.

Alternatives

For a broader set of JSON tools, browse JSON Tools or Data Transformation Tools.

• Dadroit JSON Viewer is a better fit when you want a viewer with non-commercial use free, files up to 50 MB and JSON-to-CSV or XML conversion.
• BracketView offers a free plan with uploads up to 5 MB and limits on snapshots, AI actions and webhook endpoints; consider it if those capabilities suit your workflow.
• jsonfmt.dev is a web and API option, with a free API key plan capped at 1,000 requests per month and 100 requests per minute.
• JSONLint includes a macOS Pro app for a one-time 6.99 USD; choose it if a dedicated Mac app better suits your use.
• JSONZen has free web and API tools, including share links up to 32 KB and three locally stored snippets per device; its Pro option costs $1, paid once for 30 days.
• JSON Formatter is a free web option with no sign-up or hard file-size limit, though usable file size depends on your machine.
• POLPROG JSON Formatter is a free web-based alternative.
• JSON Editor is a free web-based alternative.

Verdict

Choose jq if you need a free, portable command-line processor for querying and transforming JSON in repeatable workflows. Its filter model and incremental parsing are its clearest strengths; look elsewhere if you want to edit JSON in a graphical interface rather than build command-line expressions.