# JSON Designer — Modeling better Documentation

> Visual JSON modeling and design tool with code generation. (iPhone/iPad app by Cribster UG (haftungsbeschrankt).)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/json-designer/id432736126 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Cribster UG (haftungsbeschrankt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/388203112)
- Category: Productivity, Business
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 50 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-05-16
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/json-designer/id432736126/reviews.md

## What is JSON Designer?

Start modeling - finally!
your JSON visualization & design tool

If you are new to the app: this app is out for a couple of years now and develpers greatly appreciate it. It is a design tool primarily, and has always been for free as my part of giving back to the developer community. I put some effort in a smoother design and made many adjustments from some valuable feedbacks. Code generators are a separate feature, which is connected to a payment, which is a practical way to show if you value the feature and the app itself. Depending on your feedback the app will be extended with further functionality. Enjoy JSON modeling!

tl;dr: Modeling is the core feature and for free as always, code generators have to be paid for (and save lots of time)


Despite the long existence of UML and best practices of software engineering you can't find any diagrams in the API documentations of Google, Facebook, Twitter and the likes.

So help yourself, stop deciphering unreadable example files and use this new simplified visual representation of  JSON structures as object oriented models.

Methodology:
• Tree structures depict hierarchical structures of objects
• Multiplicity indicator of objects and attributes depict arrays

Examples and a tutorial are provided inside the App. Use JSON Designer to jump right into defining your API, without reading a single page of JSON documentation.

Features:
• Graphically model JMs, ie your JSON Models
• Export JM images to integrate in documentations
• Reverse-generate JMs from URLs or direct JSON input
• Browse hand-picked API examples
• NEW Generate Protocol Buffers .proto for gRPC
• Tutorial
• Open-in: exchange JSON files with other apps

Stay tuned for new features via @jsondesigner on Twitter.
Feedback is gratefully appreciated.

More that 65% of JSON Designer users say it's a must-have and are using it daily!

Optional code generators for backers (saving you lots of time): Obj-C, Swift, Java, Kotlin, JavaScript, Perl, Python, Ruby, PHP.

To back the app, show your gratitude and support further development,
simply get the "I'm backing you" app subscription for a couple of month:

This subscription brings you access to an extended and growing selection of code generators. It's a recurring monthly subscription, bringing you full access to all code generators for that time. The subscription is allocated as monthly 1.99$ payment. The subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. The subscription may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your Account Settings after purchase. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase the subscription. In regards of subscriptions please review the terms of use and privacy policy on jsondesigner.com/privacyterms

## Key features

- Graphically model JSON structures
- Export JSON models as images
- Reverse-generate models from JSON
- Browse API examples
- Generate Protocol Buffers (.proto)
- Includes tutorial and open-in functionality

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Backer - Code Generators Access | $1.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 50)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/json-designer/id432736126/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Terrible tutorial

*2019-10-29, version 4.3.0*

Tutorial is impossible I do the right thing AND NOTHING HAPPENS

### 2/5 — Lots of bugs

*2018-12-03, version 4.1.4*

Crashes all the time, otherwise it’s a brilliant idea.

### 5/5 — Clunky but good

*2018-11-12, version 4.1.4*

This is the only app on the app store that allows you to export your *.JSON files. I don't care that it is clunky and you can't use your own formatting, this works.

### 2/5 — Expensive and needs work

*2017-11-02, version 4.1.1*

Has a lot of potential, but it's a bit hard to use. Would be nice to see the other languages, even if you can't copy the code. And $2/month, are you serious?

### 5/5 — 6 stars

*2017-06-10, version 4.1.1*

If I could give it 6, I would.  

Very well done, you need this.

### 3/5 — Lots of promise, but...

*2017-04-13, version 4.1.1*

At a basic level I like it and it fits my need for brain dumping as I'm lying in bed or on the go. The UI is rough and a bit clunky, but it works and the tutorial/challenges are somewhat helpful for learning.
$1.99 PER MONTH is crazy for code generation abilities though. There is no way I'm going to do a subscription model. Thankfully I don't really care about code generation that much, though it could be handy if the cost was reasonable and one-time.

### 1/5 — Very hard to use

*2017-02-28, version 4.1.1*

I find the UI very difficult to pan, expand, and find nodes let alone edit. Keep it simple, and this is not.

### 2/5 — Lovely little app but....

*2016-03-22, version 4.1*

Why would I want to subscribe to it?!

I'd be more than happy to give a few pounds for the useful features but a subscription for something I only need if I don't have my laptop? 

Obviously no.

### 1/5 — What?

*2016-03-19, version 4.1*

This is an app that has me questioning the app review process. Specifically purchase screens have incomplete text ending in ...
Beyond that, the app appears to be a prototype. It was never clear how to get data in or out even though I poked everywhere. Many buttons were too small. I can tell a lot of work went into getting it to this point but it is missing the polish it needs to be complete. 

Certainly it is not worth a subscription to open up static app content.

### 1/5 — Rip off

*2015-12-24, version 4.1*

The $2 a month subscription is an epic rip off.

## Frequently asked questions about JSON Designer

### What does JSON Designer do?

JSON Designer is a tool that allows you to visually model and design JSON structures. It helps you create object-oriented representations of JSON data, making it easier to understand and document APIs without needing to read extensive documentation.

### What are the key features of JSON Designer?

Key features include graphically modeling JSON structures (JMs), exporting these models as images for documentation, reverse-generating models from URLs or direct JSON input, browsing hand-picked API examples, and generating Protocol Buffers (.proto) files for gRPC. It also offers a tutorial and open-in functionality for file exchange.

### How much does JSON Designer cost?

The core modeling features of JSON Designer are free. However, optional code generators, which save significant time, are available through a paid monthly subscription. This subscription provides access to an extended and growing selection of code generators.

### What kind of code generators are available?

The optional code generators, available via subscription, include support for languages like Obj-C, Swift, Java, Kotlin, JavaScript, Perl, Python, Ruby, and PHP. These generators are designed to save developers considerable time by automating code creation from your JSON models.

### Who would benefit from using JSON Designer?

This app is primarily for developers and technical users who work with APIs and JSON data. It's particularly useful for those who need to create clear documentation, understand complex JSON structures quickly, or generate code from their data models.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.4.3 — 2020-07-25

Improved OpenAPI import when type: object ist omitted,
plus alphabetical ordering.

### 4.4.2 — 2020-07-23

You can now load OpenAPI YAML files with JSON Designer.
Just use "Open in..", a URL or pure openapi yaml
to visualize the JSON schemas in components/schemas/.

### 4.4 — 2020-06-25

Brand new free OpenAPI (former Swagger) model (components/schemes) yaml generator. Enjoy!
Plus various adjustments for iOS 13.

### 4.3.0 — 2019-05-08

You can now export your schema as GraphQL! FREE :)

### 4.2.0 — 2018-12-20

Are you already using gRPC and Protocol Buffers for generating you interfacing classes?
Enjoy the all new and free Protobuf .proto generator!
You can find some questions regarding gRPC in the Feedback area.

Plus: use Force Touch to quickly edit an attribute.

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## More apps by Cribster UG (haftungsbeschrankt)

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- [FingerPaint Studio - playing together creatively with FoldApps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fingerpaint-studio-playing-together-creatively-with-foldapps/id516300083)
- [FingerPaint Cam - playing together creatively with FoldApps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fingerpaint-cam-playing-together-creatively-with-foldapps/id530437126)
- [Infinite Graffiti - Paint Inc.](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/infinite-graffiti-paint-inc/id634879139)

All apps by Cribster UG (haftungsbeschrankt): https://appshunter.io/developer/388203112

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*
