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How Can You Import JSON to Google Sheets? (Easy Guide)

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Have you ever stumbled upon a treasure trove of information online, only to be disappointed by its unmanageable format? Fear not, data enthusiasts. Importing JSON to Google Sheets is your key to unlocking the power of information and transforming it into actionable insights.

So, what exactly is JSON? Imagine a neatly organized filing cabinet where each piece of data has its own labeled drawer. That’s essentially what JSON does for information. It’s a format that lets data live in a structured and easy-to-understand way.

But why bring JSON into Google Sheets? The answer lies in its versatility. Importing JSON data to Google Sheets opens up a world of possibilities. Need to track cryptocurrency prices? Import JSON from a financial API. Want to analyze weather trends? Import JSON from a weather data source. The options are endless.

No coding experience? No problem. With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can import JSON to Google Sheets even if you’re a complete beginner. This guide will walk you through the process, exploring both script-based and no-code methods for getting your data into Sheets.

Are you ready to dive into the world of data import and unlock the hidden treasures within JSON files? Let’s begin. 

What Is A JSON File?

Before we delve into the exciting world of importing JSON data to Google Sheets, let’s quickly understand what JSON actually is. Remember that fascinating filing cabinet analogy? Well, think of JSON as the individual drawers themselves, each holding a specific piece of information.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Structure: Imagine each drawer labeled with a clear name, like “Author” or “Date Published.” This is the key-value structure of JSON, where each piece of data has a unique identifier (key) and its corresponding value.
  • Organization: Like a filing cabinet organizes documents, JSON groups related information into “objects.” These objects can even contain sub-objects, forming a hierarchy that makes complex data sets easy to navigate.
  • Simplicity: The beauty of JSON is its human-readable format. It resembles plain text, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with coding languages.

In short, JSON acts as the bridge between raw data and usable information. By understanding its basic structure, you’ll be well-equipped to handle and import JSON data into your trusty Google Sheets, unlocking the door to a world of analysis and exploration.

Ways to Import JSON to Google Sheets

Now that we’ve demystified the world of JSON files, it’s time to open the treasure chest and bring your data to life. There are several paths you can take to import JSON to Google Sheets, each with its own unique advantages and challenges. Whether you’re comfortable with coding or prefer a no-code approach, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate your chosen path.

In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into each method, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful resources to guide you through the process. So, buckle up and get ready to unleash the hidden potential within your JSON files.

Importing JSON to Google Sheets using Code: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to unlock the power of data through code? This section will guide you through importing JSON data from a cryptocurrency API into Google Sheets using the Apps Script feature within Google Sheets. Let’s dive in. 

Step 1: Choose a Crypto API

To demonstrate how to import JSON to Google Sheets, we’ll use the Conbase API, which provides free access to real-time cryptocurrency data. 

Step 2: Create a New Google Sheet

Now that you have figured out the API you want to use to import JSON to Google Sheets, let’s get hands-on. 

The first hands-on task is to create a fresh Google Sheets document that will receive and contain the imported JSON. Here is how to go about it:

  • Go to the Google Sheets homepage at sheets.google.com, while logged into your Google account.
  • Click on the multicolored “+” icon on the left and select “Blank.”
  • Name this new sheet something like “How to Import JSON to Google Sheets ”

By naming the sheet based on its usage for importing JSON, you will be able to clearly distinguish this integration document as you develop the import scripts against it.

Step 3: Access Apps Script

Having created the Google Sheets documents, quickly access the Apps Script editor. To do that, head over to the Extensions menu. Here, you’ll find several options. From those options, you want to opt for Apps Script. 

After choosing the option for App Scipt, the Apps Script editor should be instantly launched in a new window. 

Here is what it should look like: 

Step 4: Enter Apps Script Code

Now that the Apps Script editor has fully launched, it’s time to enter the Apps Script code you want to use to import JSON to Google Sheets. 

First, you want to delete the placeholder content in the code window. Once that’s done, you want to replace it with the below code: 

function importCoinbaseData() {

  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();

  var currencies = ["BTC", "ETH", "LTC", "BCH", "XRP", "LINK", "DOT", "ADA", "UNI", "SOL"]; // List of cryptocurrencies

  var urlBase = "https://api.coinbase.com/v2/prices/"; 

  var endpoint = "-USD/spot";

  // Clear existing contents and set headers

  sheet.clear();

  sheet.getRange(1, 1).setValue("Currency");

  sheet.getRange(1, 2).setValue("Price");

  currencies.forEach(function(currency, index) {

    var url = urlBase + currency + endpoint;

    var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url);

    var json = response.getContentText();

    var data = JSON.parse(json);

    var price = data.data.amount;

    // Write data to the sheet

    sheet.getRange(index + 2, 1).setValue(currency);

    sheet.getRange(index + 2, 2).setValue(price);

  });

}

Step 5: Save and Run the Script

Having copied and pasted the script as we showed you in the previous step, all that is left to do is save the script with a descriptive name like “ImportJSON” and click the Run button.

Step 6: View the Imported Data

Having finally saved and run the script, head back to your Google Sheet, and you’ll see the imported cryptocurrency data displayed. You can now analyze, manipulate, and visualize the data as needed.

Here is what ours looks like: 

Additional Notes:

  • This script retrieves the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap. You can modify the endpoint URL to retrieve specific data sets.
  • You can also customize the script to write data to specific columns or format the data as desired.

This coding approach gives you greater control and flexibility over the no-code process. However, it requires some familiarity with JavaScript and Apps Script.

Next, we’ll explore the no-code alternative for importing JSON data to Google Sheets.

Importing JSON Data into Google Sheets with No-Code Tools

In the previous method, we showed you how to import JSON to Google Sheets using Apps Script. But as we mentioned earlier, that isn’t the only way to import JSON to Google Sheets. 

Another way to import JSON data into Google Sheets is to use a no-code tool. These tools allow you to integrate JSON feeds into Sheets without writing code. That means no programming knowledge is required.

There are many no-code automation platforms that can handle JSON-to-sheet imports, like Zapier, Supermetrics, Funnel.io, and Apipheny. These services offer intuitive graphical interfaces to connect data sources instead of requiring custom scripts.

For this example, we will demonstrate how to use Apipheny to import JSON to Google Sheets.

Here are the steps to take: 

Step 1: Visit the Google Workspace Marketplace 

The first thing you need to do is visit the Google Workspace Marketplace. You can do that by navigating to the Extensions Menu. Here, you want to select the option for Add-ons, then choose Get add-ons. 

Step 2: Search for Apipheny

After selecting the option for Get add-ons, the Google Workplace Marketplace will launch. What we want to do here is search for Apipheny, as it is the tool we will use to import JSON to Google Sheets. 

Step 3: Install Apipheny 

Having selected the Apipheny add-on, proceed to install it by clicking the Install button. It should take a few minutes for the add-on to be fully installed. 

Once the add-on is successfully installed, you should get a notification like this: 

Now that we have successfully installed the Apipheny add-on let’s quickly show you how to import JSON to Google Sheets using this tool. 

Step 1: Extensions > Apiphney > Import API

In the menu bar at the top of your Google Sheets, click on Extensions. This will open a dropdown menu with various add-on options for Google Sheets.

In the dropdown menu, look for Apipheny. Click on it and then select Import API. 

Step 2: Type the API URL path

Selecting the option for Import API will launch the Apipheny API Integrator. You should find it at the extreme right of your spreadsheet. 

What we want to do here is type in the Coinbase API URL in the provided API URL path. 

Here is the API we will use: 

https://api.coinbase.com/v2/prices/BTC-USD/spot

With the API URL path entered, as we showed you, you only need to click on Run. 

If you did everything right, the API should instantly import the real-time price of BTC-USD into your spreadsheet. Here is what ours looks like: 

Now, that’s how to use the no-code approach to import JSON to Google Sheets. That wasn’t too hard, was it?

Final Thoughts

Throughout this exploration, we’ve delved into the captivating world of JSON data and its seamless integration with Google Sheets. We’ve unveiled the coding and no-code approaches, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to unlock the valuable information hidden within your JSON files.

Whether you’re a seasoned coder or taking your first steps into data analysis, the possibilities are endless. From importing crypto market data to analyzing financial trends, the potential of JSON data lies at your fingertips, waiting to be explored and utilized.

As you embark on your data-driven journey, remember these key takeaways:

  • Embrace the simplicity of no-code tools: For those seeking a user-friendly experience, Apipheny offers intuitive interfaces and readily accessible data import functionalities.
  • Unlock the power of coding: For those who enjoy customization and control, Google Apps Script empowers you to tailor the import process to your specific needs and data structures.

No matter your background or technical expertise, the ability to import and analyze JSON data opens up an expansive world of knowledge and understanding.