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Web App Manifest vs JSON
A Web App Manifest is a JSON-based configuration format for web apps, while JSON is a general-purpose data notation. The manifest defines recognized web-app metadata such as name, icons, and start_url.
Which format should you choose?
Use a Web App Manifest for PWA and installable-app metadata; use general JSON for configuration and data exchange.
Good fit for Web App Manifest
Describe web app name, icons, start URL, and display
- Installable web app metadata
Good fit for JSON
Web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange
- Transferring structured data
Basic information
| Field | Web App Manifest | JSON |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .webmanifest | .json |
| MIME type | application/manifest+json | application/json |
| Common uses | Describe web app name, icons, start URL, and display | Web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange |
| How to open | Edit as JSON text, link it from HTML, and inspect it with browser developer tools on the published URL. | Open it in a text editor, IDE, or JSON-aware viewer. |
| Export or convert | Changing a JSON file's extension alone does not enable app behavior; verify the manifest link, MIME type, URLs, and referenced assets. | Applications or conversion tools can convert it to formats such as CSV. |
Choose by use case
Installable web app metadata
Describe web app name, icons, start URL, and display
Web App ManifestTransferring structured data
Web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange
JSONKey point 1
The manifest defines web-app members such as name, icons, and start_url.
More on the differencesKey point 2
JSON is not tied to a particular application purpose; changing a file extension alone does not make arbitrary JSON a valid manifest.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
For installability and web-app presentation, provide a valid manifest at the expected URL and ensure the browser can access it. For unrelated settings or data, use JSON without implying manifest semantics.
- A Web App Manifest follows a defined web-application data model.
- JSON supplies syntax but does not define what application-specific fields mean.
- Renaming a JSON file to a manifest extension does not validate required fields or browser behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Web App Manifest just a JSON file?
It uses JSON syntax, but it must follow the manifest's defined fields and be connected to the web app correctly.