Need to convert browser cookies between Netscape, JSON, and TXT formats? Use our Cookie Converter for fast, reliable conversion with examples and format help.
This guide explains cookie formats (Netscape, JSON, TXT), how to convert between them safely, common errors, and quick validation tips.
What is Netscape / JSON Cookie Format?
JSON cookie exports usually come as an array of objects with fields like name, value, domain, path, expiry, and secure. This format is common for modern tools and libraries.
Why Cookie Format Conversion Matters
Exporting cookies from browser tools often yields Netscape-format files but many scripts require JSON. Converting manually is error-prone. The Cookie Converter automates format mapping and fixes common issues.
Supported Input & Output Formats
- Accepted inputs: Netscape cookies.txt, JSON array exports, or simple name=value lists
- Output formats: Netscape (cookies.txt), JSON array, and plain TXT
- Encoding: UTF-8 preferred
- Line endings: LF or CRLF supported
- No account required; files not stored permanently
Note: Always validate the converted file in your target tool. The converter aims to preserve essential fields but some custom tools may expect extra fields.
How Our Cookie Converter Works
- Preserves important fields like domain, path, expiry, and secure flags
- Fixes encoding and delimiter problems automatically
- Copy-paste friendly and provides downloadable output
- Useful for developers, QA, and automation scripts
The process is simple and works on mobile and desktop. Use the converter on our website to convert or download cookie files in your desired format.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
- Paste Sample: If you don’t have a file, paste a small sample of cookie lines or JSON array.
- Fix Issues: Use the validation hints to fix missing fields or encoding problems.
- Export: Export the converted result or copy it to clipboard for quick use.
- Load Into Script: Use the converted cookies in your automation or browser tool.
- Repeat: Repeat for other formats as needed.
Preparation Tips for Reliable Cookie Conversion
- Use UTF-8 encoding to avoid character corruption.
- For long cookie values, avoid copying from rendered HTML — use raw export files.
- If converting from cookies.txt, check for header lines and remove them if present.
- Test converted output with a small sample before running large imports.
Common Cookie Conversion Errors & Solutions
| Common Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| Encoding issues | Ensure UTF-8 encoding before conversion |
| Delimiter mismatch in TXT | Use standard name=value with one cookie per line |
| Incorrect expiry format | Convert expiry to Unix timestamp or remove if not needed |
| Missing name/value field | Ensure each cookie has `name` and `value` |
| Invalid JSON structure | Fix JSON syntax or paste a valid JSON array |
| Extra comment lines in cookies.txt | Remove comment lines before converting |
Digital vs Exported Cookie Files
- Exported Cookie Files: Use browser or extension exports (cookies.txt or JSON) for accuracy.
- Programmatic JSON: Ensure your JSON objects have correct fields before converting.
- Best Practice: Always validate converted output in a sandboxed environment before production use.
Pro Tips for Reliable Cookie Conversion
- Preview converted output before downloading
- Test with a small sample cookie file first
- Keep backups of originals before converting
- Use UTF-8 encoding to prevent character corruption
- Validate domain/path fields if sessions fail after import
Final Checklist Before Using Converted Cookies
- ✓ Input format correctly detected
- ✓ Output format chosen (Netscape / JSON / TXT)
- ✓ Name and value fields preserved
- ✓ Domain and path fields present if required
- ✓ Encoding: UTF-8
- ✓ Test in a non-production environment first
Frequently Asked Questions
Upload or paste your cookies.txt file, choose JSON as output, and click Convert. The tool maps each line to a JSON object with name and value fields and includes other available fields.
Yes — pick Netscape output and the tool writes cookies in the standard line-based Netscape format.
The tool will show a validation error and suggest fixes; correct the JSON structure and retry.
At present the web UI is the primary interface. For automation, consider using server-side scripts that mimic the tool’s mapping logic.