How to open a JSON file online
Three steps, a few seconds, no software.
Open your .APPREF-MS file
Drop it on the box, choose it from your device, or paste the data straight in.
View the structure
Your .APPREF-MS file opens as a tidy, foldable tree, with the exact line of any error pointed out.
Search, copy or download
Search keys and values, copy any path or value, switch to a table, or download a clean copy.
What is a .APPREF-MS file?
The most common data format on the web.
An APPREF-MS file is a ClickOnce Application Reference - a small text pointer Windows uses to launch and auto-update a .NET application from a server URL. Double-clicking it runs the ClickOnce runtime (dfshim.dll), which checks for updates and starts the app. These files appear in the Start Menu after installing a ClickOnce application; open one in Notepad to see the deployment URL inside. Never run an APPREF-MS from an untrusted source - double-clicking it automatically downloads and executes code.
Programs that open .APPREF-MS files
| Full name | Microsoft Application Reference File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
| First released | 2004 (ClickOnce, .NET Framework 2.0 / Visual Studio 2005) |
| Category | Text & Code |
| MIME type | application/x-ms-application |
Related viewers
Every viewer is free to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is my .APPREF-MS file uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is opened directly from the copy you pick.
My .APPREF-MS file is invalid. Can you fix it?
We show the exact line and column of the first error. For common problems like comments, trailing commas, single quotes or Python-style True/False/None, click Try to repair and download the fixed file.
How large can the file be?
Up to 50 MB. The tree only builds the branches you open, so even multi-megabyte files stay responsive.
What is JSONPath?
A path like $.orders[3].customer.email that points to one value inside the data. Click any node to see its path and copy it for code, jq or your API docs.
Can I see my data as a table?
Yes. Any array of objects can be shown in the Table view and downloaded as CSV.
Was this tool helpful?
Your rating helps us decide which tools to improve next.