File Extension Library


.PLIST File Extension

  • Developer by: Apple
  • Category: Settings Files

What are .PLIST files and how to open them?

Can't open .PLIST file? Are you wondering what it contains? On our site we will explain to you what this file is, what it is used for and what software opens the .PLIST file.

What is a .PLIST file extension?

.PLIST file extension is created by Apple. .PLIST has been classified as Settings Files.

.PLIST is Mac OS X Property List File

A PLIST file is a settings file, also known as a "properties file," used by macOS applications. It contains properties and configuration settings for various programs. PLIST files are formatted in XML and based on Apple's Core Foundation DTD.

PLIST file open in Apple Xcode 9

PLIST files can be saved in a text or a binary format. The text-based documents and can be edited with a text editor. However, they typically should not be edited by the user, since they are modified by their respective programs as needed.

Property list files included with applications can be created and edited by the developer using Apple's Property List Editor, which is included with Apple Developer Tools. They can also be opened and edited using a third-party PLIST editing program.

NOTE: You can convert PLIST files between XML and binary formats using the plutil command line tool:

  • Binary to XML: plutil -convert xml1 file.plist
  • XML to Binary: plutil -convert binary1 file.plist
Common PLIST Filenames

Info.plist - The primary property list for Mac OS X applications, located in the /Contents/ directory of an .APP bundle. To view this file, right-click an application file, select "Show Package Contents," and open the Contents folder.

List of all softwares that can open the Mac OS X Property List File
Windows
Microsoft Notepad
Corel WordPerfect X9
Notepad++
Mac
Apple Xcode
Fat Cat PlistEdit Pro
PrefEdit
Night Productions Pref Setter
Late Night Property List Tools
Apple plutil

How to fix problems with .PLIST files

  1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .PLIST files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .PLIST file format
  2. You need to check the .PLIST file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)