To convert BSON to JSON, you decode the binary form a database stores into the readable text form developers work with. BSON is the format MongoDB uses internally, and a raw BSON dump is unreadable until you convert it. Alongside it, CSV files often need reshaping rather than converting: a wrong separator, columns and rows the wrong way around, or values that break because of a stray comma. This guide covers both, the real conversions in the data world and the fixes that go with them.
In this guide
Convert BSON to JSON
BSON, short for binary JSON, is how MongoDB stores documents on disk. It holds the same kind of data as JSON, but in a compact binary form that also records types JSON does not handle natively, such as dates and raw binary. The cost is that you cannot read it directly.
The BSON to JSON converter decodes that binary into clean, readable JSON, which is what you need when inspecting a database export or debugging stored documents. Once it is JSON, you can read it, validate it, or feed it into other tools. Both formats are covered in our guide to JSON and CSV tools.
Decode Base64 into JSON or CSV
Data is often wrapped in Base64 before it is stored or sent, so the first step is to unwrap it. The Base64 to JSON converter and the Base64 to CSV converter decode that wrapper back into usable JSON or a CSV table. There is more on Base64 payloads in our guide to online converters.
Change a CSV delimiter
CSV stands for comma separated values, but the separator is not always a comma. Many European systems use a semicolon, because in those locales the comma is the decimal point. Open a semicolon file in software expecting commas and every row collapses into a single column. The CSV delimiter converter swaps one separator for another so the file opens correctly wherever you need it.
Turn CSV columns into rows
Sometimes the data is correct but oriented the wrong way, with categories running across the top when you need them down the side. The CSV columns to rows converter transposes the file, flipping columns into rows in one step, which saves rebuilding the table by hand.
Fix CSV quoting
CSV has one well-known weakness. Because fields are separated by commas, a value that itself contains a comma, such as Smith, John, gets split into two columns unless it is wrapped in quotes. The add quotes to CSV tool applies that protection across a file, and the CSV quotes converter adjusts quoting that exists but is in the wrong style. Together they stop a file from breaking when it reaches another program.
Free data tools used in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What is BSON and how do I convert it to JSON?
BSON is the binary form of JSON used by MongoDB. A BSON to JSON converter decodes it into readable JSON you can inspect or validate.
What is the difference between BSON and JSON?
They hold the same kind of data, but BSON stores it as compact binary and records extra types like dates and binary data. JSON is the readable text form.
Why does my CSV open as a single column?
It most likely uses a different separator than your software expects, often a semicolon instead of a comma. Changing the delimiter fixes it.
How do I stop a comma inside a value from breaking my CSV?
Wrap the value in quotes so the comma is read as text rather than a column break. An add quotes to CSV tool does this across the whole file.
Can I flip a CSV so columns become rows?
Yes. A CSV columns to rows converter transposes the file, turning columns into rows in one step.