Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.PLIST
File Type
Property List
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .plist file format
A Property List (plist) is a flexible and convenient format for storing application data, specifically used within the Apple ecosystem, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Originally developed by NeXT and later adopted by Apple, these files are primarily used to store user preferences,…
File extension
.PLIST
File type
Property List
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .plist file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .plist.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .plist file?
File extension details and usage information
A Property List (plist) is a flexible and convenient format for storing application data, specifically used within the Apple ecosystem, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Originally developed by NeXT and later adopted by Apple, these files are primarily used to store user preferences, configuration settings, and information about bundles or applications. Plist files can be stored in several different formats, most commonly as XML (Extensible Markup Language) or as a compact binary format. The XML version is human-readable and can be edited with any standard text editor, while the binary version is optimized for performance and smaller file sizes, requiring specialized tools to view or modify. They typically organize data into key-value pairs or hierarchical structures using core data types such as strings, integers, floating-point numbers, booleans, dates, data buffers, and collections like arrays and dictionaries. In macOS development, the 'Info.plist' file is a crucial component of every app bundle, containing essential metadata that the operating system uses to identify the app's name, version, icons, and required permissions. Because of their structured nature, they are highly efficient for serializing and deserializing complex data objects into a persistent storage format.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .plist files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .plist files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .plist file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .plist file.
Why can't I open a .plist file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .plist format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .plist files
To open a .plist file, use software that supports this file format.
- Notepad++
- Visual Studio Code
- plist Editor Pro
- Altova XMLSpy
- Xcode
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .plist file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.