Easy Tech TutsHow to Import JSON File Data into Power BI (Flatten Nested Records) Easily 2026
By Impran M N
JSON files often bury useful data inside nested objects and arrays, which makes them unusable in Power BI until you flatten them. This guide walks through importing a JSON file and transforming those nested records into a structured table you can actually build visuals on. It's written for analysts who've hit a wall trying to load JSON data straight into a report.
01Import the JSON file
Use Power BI's Get Data option to load your JSON source, which will initially appear as a table of records or nested objects.
02Flatten the nested records
Use Power Query's expand and transform tools to break nested objects and arrays out into their own columns and rows.
03Review real-world applications
Apply the flattened structure to a practical case, such as turning nested customer feedback data into a table ready for sentiment or trend analysis.
04Follow best practices for data integrity
Check that flattening hasn't duplicated or dropped records, especially when arrays expand into multiple rows per original entry.
05Set up automated refreshes
Once the transformation steps are in place, they'll reapply automatically each time the JSON source refreshes, keeping your workflow consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my JSON data show up as a single column in Power BI?
Power BI initially loads JSON as a column of records or lists because the nested structure hasn't been expanded yet; you need to use the expand feature in Power Query to break it out.
What happens to nested arrays when I flatten JSON data?
Expanding an array typically creates one row per array item, so a record with three nested items becomes three rows tied to the same parent data.
Can I automate JSON flattening for recurring imports?
Yes, once you've set up the transformation steps in Power Query, they reapply automatically every time the file refreshes, as long as the JSON structure stays consistent.
Does flattening JSON data risk losing information?
It shouldn't if done correctly, but it's worth spot-checking record counts before and after flattening to confirm nothing was accidentally dropped.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
