Easy Tech TutsHow to Work With JSON Data in Power BI (Import & Flatten Nested Data) Easily 2026
By Impran M N
JSON data from APIs and modern systems often arrives deeply nested, which makes it hard to use directly in a report. This guide explains how to import JSON into Power BI and flatten those nested structures into clean tables. It's especially useful if you're pulling in data from social media analytics, CRM systems, or any API-driven source.
01Understand what JSON data looks like
JSON organizes data in nested objects and lists rather than flat rows, so it helps to look at a sample of your source data before importing to see how it's structured.
02Import the JSON into Power BI
Use Get Data and choose the JSON option, pointing Power BI to your file or API endpoint so it loads the raw structure into Power Query.
03Flatten nested fields
In the Power Query Editor, expand nested records and lists into their own columns so the data becomes tabular instead of staying buried in objects.
04Clean and shape the resulting table
Rename columns, remove fields you don't need, and adjust data types so the flattened table is ready for building visuals.
05Visualize the imported data
Once the data is flattened, build charts and tables from it just like any other Power BI source, layering in filters as needed.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my JSON has arrays inside arrays?
You may need to expand the data in multiple passes, flattening one level at a time until every nested layer becomes its own column or row.
Can Power BI refresh JSON data automatically from an API?
Yes, if the JSON source is a live API endpoint, you can set up scheduled refreshes so the flattened data updates on a regular basis.
Why do some fields disappear after flattening?
Fields can be lost if they're nested deeper than what was expanded, so it's worth double-checking that all relevant levels were expanded in Power Query.
Is flattening JSON difficult for someone new to Power BI?
It takes a bit of practice with the Power Query Editor, but the expand column feature handles most of the heavy lifting without needing custom code.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
