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SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint JSON Form Formatting Field Too Small

Aamir Naveed AkramAamir Naveed Akram Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to comfortably edit custom code because the JSON formatting field in SharePoint or Microsoft Lists has unexpectedly reduced in size.

How to Fix SharePoint JSON Form Formatting Field Too Small
Product
SharePoint and Microsoft Lists
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to customize the layout or views of a list or form using JSON formatting code.
Observed behavior
The input text box for entering JSON formatting code renders much smaller than usual, preventing the user from effectively viewing and editing their code.
Before you start

Before applying any browser fixes, ensure you copy any existing JSON code from the small field and paste it into a separate text editor to prevent accidental data loss during refreshing.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Microsoft Lists App to Edit JSON

Opening the list in the dedicated Microsoft Lists web application often bypasses SharePoint-specific interface bugs and provides a properly scaled JSON editing field.

SharePoint pages sometimes experience CSS rendering conflicts that do not affect the standalone Microsoft Lists application. Switching platforms can provide an immediate workaround.

1
Access the App Launcher

Click the app launcher (waffle icon) in the top-left corner of your Microsoft 365 dashboard.

2
Open Microsoft Lists

Select 'Lists' from the available applications instead of navigating through your SharePoint site.

3
Navigate to Your List

Locate and open the specific list you want to customize.

4
Open the Formatting Panel

Click on the column or view formatting option to open the JSON editing panel, which should now display at a larger, readable size.

Use the Microsoft Lists App to Edit JSON
Quick Workaround: Many users report this method instantly provides a much larger JSON field without needing advanced troubleshooting.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my SharePoint JSON formatting field suddenly shrink?

This usually happens due to temporary browser rendering glitches, conflicts with browser extensions, or recent background updates to the SharePoint UI that unintentionally affect the CSS scaling of text areas.

Can I write my SharePoint JSON code in a different application?

Yes. Due to the small field size, it is highly recommended to write and format your JSON code in a dedicated desktop text editor like Visual Studio Code or Notepad, and then copy and paste the final code into SharePoint.

What should I do if clearing the cache does not fix the small field?

If clearing the cache and trying the Microsoft Lists app do not resolve the issue, the problem might be a temporary backend bug. You should report the issue to your Microsoft 365 IT administrator or directly to Microsoft Support.