The JSON File Reader transforms raw JSON data into structured, usable objects within your automation workflows. With AI-powered analysis and intelligent type detection, it automatically understands your JSON structure and suggests appropriate field mappings for use in automation workflows.

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Key Features

AI-Assisted Analysis

Automatically analyzes JSON structure and suggests field types and mappings

Intelligent Type Detection

Recognizes dates, numbers, text, and boolean values automatically

Live Preview

See how your JSON will be parsed before saving your configuration

Multiple Input Sources

Works with API responses, file uploads, and direct JSON input

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Supported JSON Formats

The JSON File Reader can process various JSON data structures:

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Creating a JSON File Reader

1

Navigate to File Readers

In your application, go to File Readers section
2

Create New Reader

Click + File Reader and select JSON from the document type options
3

Configure Basic Settings

Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “API Response Parser”)Description: Optional description for your team
4

Set Up JSON Analysis

The Elementum Intelligence system will analyze your JSON structure and automatically:
  • Identify arrays and objects
  • Detect field types (Text, Number, Date, Boolean)
  • Suggest appropriate mappings
  • Provide real-time preview of parsed data
5

Test with Sample JSON

Input sample JSON data to validate field extraction and type detection

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Configuration Options

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Field Type Mapping

The system automatically detects and maps field types:

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Date Format Recognition

The system supports various date formats:
  • ISO 8601 standard formats
  • Common regional formats (MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY)
  • Custom format specification
  • Automatic timezone detection

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Working with JSON Data

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Simple JSON Objects

{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "age": 30,
  "active": true,
  "created_date": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
The system will automatically detect:
  • name as Text
  • age as Number
  • active as Boolean
  • created_date as DateTime

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Complex JSON Arrays

{
  "cars": [
    {
      "name": "Model Y",
      "year": 2024,
      "electric": true
    }
  ]
}

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Using in Automations

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Integration with Automation Workflows

The JSON File Reader integrates with automation workflows for comprehensive data processing: 
API Response → JSON File Reader → Transform Data → Update Records → Generate Report

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Common Automation Patterns

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File Reader Actions

  1. Create Action - Add a File Reader action to your automation
  2. Select Type - Choose your configured JSON File Reader
  3. Configure Input - Connect your JSON source
  4. Map Output - Use the parsed fields in subsequent actions

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Best Practices

Data Validation

Use Branch actions to validate critical fields before processing to prevent automation failures

Consistent Structure

Maintain consistent JSON structures across related automations for reliable processing

Type Accuracy

Choose appropriate field types during configuration to ensure accurate data handling

Testing

Test with sample data before deploying to production environments

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Advanced Features

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Nested Object Handling

The JSON File Reader handles complex nested structures: 
{
  "user": {
    "profile": {
      "name": "John Doe",
      "preferences": {
        "theme": "dark",
        "notifications": true
      }
    }
  }
}
Access nested values using dot notation: user.profile.name

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Array Processing

For JSON arrays, use Repeat For Each actions:
  1. Configure the File Reader to parse your JSON array
  2. Add a Repeat For Each action
  3. Set the array field as the iteration source
  4. Process individual array items within the loop

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Dynamic Field Processing

Adapt field processing based on JSON structure: 
JSON Input → AI Classification (structure type) → Dynamic Field Mapping → JSON File Reader
Benefits:
  • Handles varying JSON structures
  • Optimizes parsing for specific data formats
  • Reduces configuration complexity
  • Improves processing accuracy

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Error Handling and Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

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Validation Strategies

Always validate critical JSON fields using Branch actions before processing to ensure data quality and prevent automation failures.
Validation Techniques:
  • Required field validation
  • Format validation (dates, numbers, emails)
  • Range validation for numeric fields
  • Pattern matching for structured data
  • Cross-field validation for consistency

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Performance Optimization

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Processing Speed

Optimization Techniques:
  • Use specific field mappings rather than parsing entire JSON
  • Implement caching for repeated JSON structures
  • Process large JSON files in batches
  • Use appropriate field types for optimal performance

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Memory Management

Memory Optimization:
  • Limit JSON size for processing
  • Clear variables after processing
  • Use streaming for very large JSON files
  • Monitor system resources during processing

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Comparison with Other File Readers

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When to Use JSON File Reader

Choose JSON File Reader when:
  • Processing API responses and webhook payloads
  • Working with structured JSON data
  • Need intelligent type detection
  • Handling configuration files
Consider alternatives when:

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Performance Comparison

FeatureJSON File ReaderText File ReaderTable File Reader
Speed⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accuracy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Next Steps

Automation System

Learn how to integrate JSON File Readers with automation workflows

AI Services

Enhance JSON processing with AI classification and analysis

Table File Reader

Process structured data from spreadsheets and CSV files

Elementum Intelligence Reader

Upgrade to AI-powered document analysis for complex data extraction
The JSON File Reader provides intelligent parsing capabilities for structured JSON data. Use it for API integrations, webhook processing, and any workflow requiring JSON data extraction and transformation.