How do I set proper Headers for JSON in Apache?

Question

I have an Apache server which is serving out static JSON files. The Content Type is correctly being represented in the header with an Content-Type: application/json header.

How do I add the correct Charset to the header?

I have the following line in my httpd.conf:

AddDefaultCharset utf-8

but even with this line, Apache does not set the charset in the header.

This is important, because my JSON files have some data in French, and the Accents are not being properly read in the JavaScript Code.

So how do I set proper Headers for JSON in Apache?

How are your JSON-files encoded? Because JSON HAS to be either UTF-8, UTF-16 or UTF-32 anything else is not allowed and just sending a different Charset will not automagically convert the files. — lsmooth, Mar 13 '14 at 11:16
@lsmooth The file being encoded with UTF-8 is not enough in some circumstances, especially involving IE9 (possibly earlier, too); see [here](http://rob.conery.io/2011/10/24/a-fun-little-json-murder-mystery-with-ie9/). NSFW language, unsurprisingly :-). Personally, I've encountered issues with jquery-datatables and JSON without charset headers when testing with IE9. — JK Laiho, Mar 18 '15 at 13:15

score 12 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 13 '14 at 14:04

12

You can use the following code in your httpd.conf if you have access, or even your .htaccess , to force Apache, to send an UTF-8 encoding header.

AddDefaultCharset utf-8
AddType 'application/json; charset=UTF-8' .json

answered Mar 13 '14 at 14:04

Devdatta Tengshe

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I was searching for a way to make Apache serve static files with UTF-8 encoding, AddType finally did this. Thanks! – Ján Lalinský Nov 25 '16 at 18:11

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 01 '17 at 01:23

1

You can add this to httpd.conf

AddCharset utf8 .json

edited Apr 01 '17 at 01:23

Giacomo1968

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answered Apr 28 '16 at 09:12

fengling229

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How is that better than the [previous answer](http://serverfault.com/a/581812/214507)? – kasperd Apr 28 '16 at 09:55

How do I set proper Headers for JSON in Apache?

2 Answers2