How to open a JSON file online
Three steps, a few seconds, no software.
Open your .REF file
Drop it on the box, choose it from your device, or paste the data straight in.
View the structure
Your .REF 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 .REF file?
The most common data format on the web.
A REF file is a plain-text index of scenery shapes used by Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) and its free open-source successor, Open Rails. Open it in Notepad++ to read or edit it, or use the Open Rails Route Editor to work with it inside the simulator. The file cannot execute code and is safe to open in any text editor.
Programs that open .REF files
| Full name | Microsoft Train Simulator Reference File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
| First released | 2001 (with Microsoft Train Simulator 1.0) |
| Category | Text & Code |
| MIME type | text/plain |
Related viewers
Every viewer is free to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is my .REF file uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is opened directly from the copy you pick.
My .REF 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.
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