Frequently asked questions
- How large a file can JSON Scope actually open?
Free opens files up to 50 MB. Pro has no size limit, and is tested against 2 GB fixtures. Memory use stays flat regardless of file size, because JSON Scope streams and indexes the file rather than loading it into memory.
- Why does a big file need to index first?
JSON Scope reads the file once to build a compact map of where everything is. That map is what makes navigation instant afterwards and what keeps memory flat. It is cached alongside the app, so opening the same file again is immediate.
Indexing runs in the background and the window says what it is doing. In version 1.0 it cannot be cancelled once started and shows no progress bar. A 1 GB file takes well under half a minute on Apple silicon.
- Where is the index stored, and can I delete it?
In the app's cache directory, inside its sandbox. It is regenerated automatically if it is missing. Delete every cached index at once with Settings, then Erase all data, or simply let the system reclaim the space on its own.
- Does JSON Scope upload my files?
No. It makes no network connections at all. On macOS it ships without the network entitlement, so the operating system itself prevents it. Your data never leaves your device.
- Does it need an account?
No. There is no sign-in, and there never will be.
- Which query languages are supported?
JSONPath, and a subset of jq: identity, field access, indexing, slices, iteration, pipes, select with comparison and boolean operators, object construction, keys, length, map and to_entries.
Constructs outside that subset report a clear message naming exactly what is unsupported, rather than failing as a parse error.
- Will editing reformat my file?
No. Saving copies every byte you did not change verbatim, so whitespace, key order and numeric literals are preserved exactly. Formatting changes only if you explicitly choose Format or Minify.
- Is .jsonl or .ndjson supported?
Yes, with Pro, including files with tens of millions of lines.
- I bought Pro but it is not unlocked on my other device.
Pro is a Universal Purchase across macOS, iPadOS and iOS on the same Apple Account. Make sure you are signed in with that account, then use Restore Purchases on the paywall, or in Settings under JSON Scope Pro.
- How do I cancel a subscription?
On iPhone and iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions. On Mac, use your Apple Account subscriptions page. Cancelling stops future renewals; it does not refund the current period.
- Can I get a refund?
Refunds are handled by Apple rather than by us. Request one at reportaproblem.apple.com.
- Does JSON Scope work offline?
Entirely. It has no online functionality at all.
- Do you have a command-line tool, or YAML support?
Not in version 1.0. Both are on the roadmap. Tell us what you need at support@eonix.lk.
Reporting a security issue
Email support@eonix.lk with “security” in the subject. We will acknowledge your report and keep you updated as we investigate. Please give us a reasonable opportunity to fix an issue before disclosing it publicly.