PLIST file extension. How to open and convert files with PLIST file suffix

Files with plist extension are related to the Apple Mac OS X (macOS) operating system. A plist file contains property list stored in XML simple text file format.

There is one other file type using
the PLIST file extension!

.plist - HandBrake video settings preset

Detailed description

Software that open plist file

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PLIST file extension - Apple property XML list

What is plist file? How to open plist files?

File type specification:

Settings, options, themes or skins file type

Text file type

plist file icon:

File extension plist is associated mainly with Mac OS X (macOS) and iOS, but is also used in NeXTSTEP, and GNUstep programming frameworks.

A file with the plist file extension is a property file, a XML file using Apple’s plist DTD. Plist stands for Property List, and refers to the fact that plist files typically hold lists of properties.

The plist files are a standard part of OS X Core Foundation, so you’ll find them used by many OS X (macOS) native applications.

You can edit *.plist files using a text editor, or Apple’s PropertyListEditor, found on the Developer CD or on Apple’s web site.

Example of code in Apple's property list file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">

<plist version="1.0">

<array>

<string>pages-trunk-20080703_5</string>

<string>pages-trunk-20080707_3</string>

<string>pages-trunk-20080904_1</string>

<string>5B54</string>

</array>

</plist>

Updated: November 29, 2024

The default software associated to open plist file:

Xcode

Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.

Apple Xcode is IDE (integrated development environment) used to create applications for Mac OS X and iOS. Applications are programmed in Objective-C programming language. Xcode is available for Mac OS X.

macOS

Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.

macOS is Unix-based desktop operating system, a successor of Mac OS X system for MacBook-family, iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro computers, developed and sold by Apple, Inc.

Mac OS X

Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.

OS X or Mac OS X is Unix-based operating system developed by Apple Inc. for Macintosh computers. It contains basic core applications for everyday use, such as Finder basic file manager, Safari for Internet browsing, QuickTime for video, iTunes for managing audio data and iPod, iOS devices management , iMessage instant messaging, Mail, Contacts, Calendar and many more.

The latest version 10.11 of OS X is called El Capitan. It is available to purchase on Mac App Store as well as is distributed with new Mac computers and notebooks. It includes features to improve the security, performance, design and usability.

OS X operating system was replaced by new macOS in 2016!

How to backup iPhone

Help how to open:

You can view and edit *.plist file in any text editor. It is a simple XML file. Can also be edited with Apple's PropertyListEditor.

On Mac computers you can view contents of the plist file also using Xcode.

How to convert:

Conversion to other formats is not possible.

Find conversions from plist file:

plist to xml

File identification strings:

HEX code: 3C 3F 78 6D 6C 20 76 65 72 73 69 6F 6E 3D 22 31 2E
ASCII code: .?xml.version=

List of software applications associated to the .plist file extension

Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open plist file, edit plist file, convert plist file, view plist file, play plist file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).

Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting plist files.

Software that open plist file - Apple property XML list

Programs supporting the exension plist on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open plist file action.