A VS Code extension for quickly exploring JSON files with jq.
Open a JSON file, type a jq filter in the docked JSON Notebook panel at the bottom,
press Enter, and the result opens in a new tab. String fields are printed raw
(jq -r) so escaped text becomes readable — no more \n, \" and \t clutter.
Demo
Install
VS Code: search "JSON Notebook" in the Extensions view, or open the
Marketplace page.
VSCodium / Cursor / Gitpod / Theia (Open VSX): search "JSON Notebook", or visit the
Open VSX page.
Manual: download the .vsix from the
latest GitHub release
and run Extensions: Install from VSIX… from the Command Palette.
Features
Docked query box — a persistent input at the bottom of the window (next to the Terminal/Output tabs).
Field autocomplete — as you type a path, it inspects the open JSON and suggests the available keys:
↑ / ↓ to move through suggestions
Tab to complete the highlighted one
Enter to run the query
Esc to dismiss the dropdown
Understands ., .key, .key.sub, .[], .[0], .["weird key!"], and pipe stages (a | b).
Raw output by default (jq -r) — great for reading escaped text. Toggle with jsonNotebook.rawOutput.
Result in a new tab — opened beside the source, ready to read or save.
Examples
Filter
Result
.
the whole document, pretty-printed
.content
the content string, unescaped and readable
.author.name
Ada
.items[].label
each item's label, one per line
.items \| map(.score) \| add
sum of all scores
Usage
Open any .json file. The JSON Notebook panel reveals automatically.
Click the input box and type a jq filter. Suggestions appear as you type ..
Press Enter to run — the result opens in a new editor tab.
Requirements
jq must be installed and on your PATH. Override the location with the
jsonNotebook.jqPath setting if needed.
