Comparison

JSON Designer vs Owlfiles

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

JSON Designer

Visually model and design JSON structures with this intuitive tool. Generate code from your models and export diagrams for documentation. Ideal for developers who want to understand and represent APIs more effectively.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

Owlfiles

Access and manage files from local storage, network shares, and cloud services. Stream media, view documents, and transfer files seamlessly across devices. Offers advanced network tools and editing capabilities.

Highlights
  • Access SMB, NFS, WebDAV, FTP, SFTP
  • Connect to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, S3
  • Stream movies and music
  • View and manage documents, photos
  • Built-in FTP and HTTP servers
  • Nearby file transfer
  • Network tools (Ping, Port Scan)
Features
Read full description

Owlfiles is a powerful file management app. It can access not only local files, but also access files on your computer, NAS and cloud. Stream movies and music to your iPhone/iPad. Directly view and manage documents, photos on your computers, NAS and cloud without downloading. FEATURES: * Access network shares on macOS, Windows, NAS via SMB protocol. * Access NFS, WebDAV, FTP and SFTP services. * Access Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Amazon S3, S3 Compatible Storages, Mega Cloud and pCloud. * Automatically discover computers, servers and NAS when you setup a new connection. * Video Player: Supports various video formats, subtitles and play speed adjustment. * Music Player: Supports various audio formats, playlist, LRC and play speed adjustment. * Photo Gallery: Supports JPG, PNG, WEBP, GIF, various RAW images, live photo and motion photo. * PDF Reader: search text, highlight text, add annotation and signature. * Text Editor: search text, line numbers, and syntax highlight (Swift, Objective-c, Java, C++ etc.). * ePub Book Reader * CBZ Comic Reader * Supports favorites and recents. * Multiple windows on iPad * Scan documents to PDF or images. * Integrated with iOS Files app, iOS Photos app * Use Siri shortcuts to download and upload files. File Transfer: * Copy and move files among computer, NAS, cloud, iPhone and iPad. * Copy and move photos from iOS photo library to computer, NAS and cloud storages. * Transfer files by drag and drop. * Built-in FTP Server and HTTP Server for file transfer. * Nearby file transfer: Directly transfer files between two nearby iOS devices without Wi-Fi or LTE connection. Network Tools: * Ping a host * List all opened ports of a host. * List all devices on LAN * Wake-On-Lan (WOL) Features of Owlfiles Pro * Create unlimited connections with your computers, NAS and cloud storages. * Sync connections to all your devices. * Batch rename files. * Edit photos * Edit documents in Office apps, iWork apps or Acrobat Reader by using Owlfiles extension, and save back to computer, NAS after editing. * Backup photos to your computers, NAS and cloud storages. * Sync files between iOS device and computer/NAS/cloud storage. * Use Owlfiles on your mobile, desktop and TV platforms. If you purchase Owlfiles Pro, your payment will be charged to your credit card through your iTunes account. Owlfiles Pro subscription: $1.99/month, $12.99/year. Price may vary by location. Your subscription will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. After purchase, manage your subscriptions in App Store Account Settings. Privacy Policy: https://www.skyjos.com/en/owlfiles/privacy/ Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.skyjos.com/en/owlfiles/terms/ ===== CONTACT US ===== Email: support@skyjos.com Twitter: @SkyjosApps Facebook: @SkyjosApp

Screenshots

JSON Designer2 screens
Owlfiles4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Owlfiles at 4.6 against JSON Designer's 3.3. Owlfiles also leads on ratings volume (7.2K vs 10) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months). JSON Designer's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. JSON Designer sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $1.99 per month and Owlfiles sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Owlfiles holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Owlfiles has 7.2K ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of JSON Designer's written reviews are positive against 65% of Owlfiles's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JSON Designer ships an update every 4 months, Owlfiles every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
JSON Designer versus Owlfiles: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJSON DesignerOwlfiles
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (10 ratings)4.6 (7.2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews51.9% of reviews65.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings107.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB182 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCribsterSkyjos Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

JSON Designer

All ratings10 ratings
Positive40.0%
Neutral30.0%
Negative30.0%
Written reviews79 reviews
Positive51.9%
Neutral15.2%
Negative32.9%

Owlfiles

All ratings7,231 ratings
Positive91.8%
Neutral3.0%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews478 reviews
Positive65.1%
Neutral8.2%
Negative26.8%

Bugs and requests

JSON Designer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Owlfiles

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Inability to open certain file types
  • Sync issues with network shares
  • Inconsistent video playback performance

Requested features

5 requests
  • Thumbnail preview for files
  • Resume playback option for media
  • Batch file rename and delete
  • Better integration with cloud storage
  • Chromecast/AirPlay support

In-app purchases

1 purchases

JSON Designer

Subscriptions1
  • App Backer - Code Generators Access$1.991 Month
5 purchases

Owlfiles

Subscriptions3
  • Owlfiles Pro Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Owlfiles Pro Yearly Promo$9.991 Year
  • Owlfiles Pro Yearly1 Month trial$12.991 Year
One-time2
  • Owlfiles Pro Lifetime Promo$23.99
  • Owlfiles Pro Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is JSON Designer free?
JSON Designer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Owlfiles free?
Owlfiles is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, JSON Designer or Owlfiles?
Owlfiles is rated higher. JSON Designer averages 3.3 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Owlfiles averages 4.6 from 7.2K ratings.
Do JSON Designer or Owlfiles have ads?
Neither JSON Designer nor Owlfiles shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JSON Designer or Owlfiles?
JSON Designer ships an update every 4 months, and Owlfiles every 4 weeks. Most recently, JSON Designer was updated on October 19, 2026 and Owlfiles on October 20, 2026.

Other comparisons