Metalink 3.0 download descriptor file
File type: Internet related file
A .metalink file is an XML download descriptor for one or more files available over the Internet.
It is used by download managers such as JDownloader, Free Download Manager and GetRight to locate and download the referenced files.
File type category:
Internet related file
Date updated: October 12, 2026
Metalink 3.0 is an open download descriptor format. A metalink file contains information about one or more downloadable files, including their names and Internet locations. Depending on the descriptor, locations can use HTTP, FTP or peer-to-peer download methods.
The XML file can also contain metadata such as file sizes, mirror locations and checksums or hashes for verifying downloaded data. Download managers can use multiple mirrors and segmented downloading to improve transfer performance and reduce the load on individual download servers.
Metalink files are used as input files by download managers rather than as the downloaded content itself. Version 3.0 is an older Metalink specification, and support depends on the application. JDownloader supports Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux, while Free Download Manager and GetRight are available for Microsoft Windows.
Open or import the .metalink file in a compatible download manager. On Microsoft Windows, use JDownloader, Free Download Manager or GetRight. On macOS or Linux, use JDownloader.
A text or XML editor can display the descriptor contents, but a download manager is needed to use its download locations, mirror information and verification data.
A .metalink file is a download descriptor, so it normally has no useful conversion to another file format. The referenced file can be downloaded with a compatible manager, but that does not convert the metalink descriptor itself.
Software applications that can open metalink files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Linux/Unix
Software applications that handle other tasks involving metalink files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Linux/Unix
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