Importing from JSON zip file not working

  • Unknown's avatar
    clarelgibson · Member ·

    Settings:

    • Platform: MacOs
    • Day One app version: 2025.8.1
    • MacOS: Sequoia 15.4
    • Device model: MacBook Air M4 16GB

    I am attempting to import entries from another journal into Day One using the JSON zip Files import method. As a first step, I decided to test out the import functionality in the MacOs app by using the example JSON file that you provide in your help files: https://dayoneapp.com/blog/help_guides/importing-data-from-json-files/. However, when I did this, I received an error.

    Steps to reproduce:

    1. I downloaded the example JSON export and placed the file into my Downloads folder.
    2. I opened the Day One app on my MacBook.
    3. I went to File > Import > JSON Zip file.
    4. I selected the zip file from my Downloads folder and clicked on Open
    5. I received the following error message: Unable to import JSON file.  The operation couldn’t be completed. (DOCore.DOImporterError error 1.)

    Can you please advise me what I am doing wrong here? If I can’t do a successful import using the example files you provided then I won’t be able to figure out how to create my own import file.

  • staff-bluejay · Staff ·

    Hi @clarelgibson,

    Our import process is designed to work with the JSON exports Day One creates for you.

    Since you’re importing a JSON file from another app into Day One, you will need to make sure it’s formatted in the same way. The error you’re seeing is likely due to the mismatching formatting.

    It’s also possible that you have media or files that are not supported by Day One.

    I recommend the following:

    • Try exporting a small batch of several entries without any media in JSON as a test.
    • Compare the test export with our JSON file format. Make any changes necessary to ensure that formatting matches.
    • Try importing the test export into Day One.

    We also have user-developed importers that convert popular journaling apps’ format to Day One compatible format. You may be interested in trying them out: https://dayoneapp.com/guides/tips-and-tutorials/day-one-tools/

  • Unknown's avatar
    clarelgibson · Member ·

    Thank you for the response.

    To clarify, I was not trying to import entries from another app into Day One. I was trying to import your own example JSON files (including media). Your example JSON files failed as per my message above. Can you please advise why this would happen?

  • staff-frank · Staff ·

    Hi @clarelgibson,

    I just tested the example JSON file on my end using Day One version 2025.8.1 on macOS, and the import completed successfully. Since you’re encountering the error despite following all the correct steps, here are a few things you can try next:

    1. Double-check the ZIP file: Make sure you’re using the ZIP file directly downloaded from our guide and that it hasn’t been modified or unzipped/rezipped at any point. The file should remain exactly as downloaded.
    2. Try importing from a different location: Move the ZIP file from your Downloads folder to your Desktop (or another location), and try importing again.
    3. Restart the app: Quit and relaunch Day One, then attempt the import again.
    4. Re-download the example file: If you’re unsure whether the file may have become corrupted during download, try grabbing a fresh copy.
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