Plist Files on Windows: What Are They and How to Open Them? [2024 Trending]

Do you need help opening a PLIST file, or just want to know what kind of file you have? In this article, we'll explain what these files are used for and show you programs that we know can open or otherwise handle your file.

What is a Plist file?

On macOS, applications use Property List (PLIST) files to store and organize settings and other configuration information. These files provide preferences and properties for various apps and their configurations. The format of a PLIST file is XML, based on Apple's Core Foundation data types.

Older PLIST files are written in ASCII format and are therefore compatible only with earlier versions of the Mac operating system. Binary-format PLIST files are used with the MacOS Tiger operating system. You can use the plutil (Property List Utility) command-line utility, included with the latest version of macOS, to convert PLIST files between binary and XML formats.

How to Open a Plist File on Windows/Mac?

Step 1: Use another app.

Doubled-clicking a PLIST file will open it with the associated software. Without this software, the PLIST file cannot be opened. Download an Attribute List XML file to open a PLIST file.

Step 2: Check the file type.

A PLIST file is a settings file. If the type of your file is different, this app might not be able to open it. To determine the file type, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the file. 2. Select **Properties** (Windows) or **Get Info** (Mac). 3. Look for "File Type" (Windows) or "Kind" (Mac).

Step 3: Use a third-party software

If none of these work, the software developer may be able to assist you.

How to create and edit Plist files on Windows/Mac?

Now that you know how to open a PLIST file on a Mac, users might also want to learn how to create or edit these files on either Windows or a Mac. Follow the steps below to accomplish this:

Step 1: If you need to make changes, Control-click (or right-click) the Info tab.

Step 2: Click on the plist, then click "Edit Manually" in the sidebar.

Step 3: Add or modify data in the original XML.

Recommendation: Plist File Viewer

A PLIST file, or “Property List” file, is a settings file used by Apple. iOS and macOS apps use PLIST files. macOS supports Xcode and the “Property List Editor” to open PLIST files. There are no Windows programs that can open plist files. Instead, you can use free software to view binary and XML formatted PLIST files, as well as a basic hexadecimal viewer to look at binary data values. Here's how to open a plist file on Windows:

1. iBackup Viewer (Application)

Step 1: Get the iBackup Viewer from its official website, install and run it.

Select the Property List Viewer

Step 2: From the iBackup Viewer main menu, select “Property List Viewer.”

Step 3: Select the PLIST file and click "Open".

Step 4: In iBackup Viewer 4.18.2 (and 4.1820 for Mac), you can edit the property list file.

Step 5: While editing the “Data” value in iBackup Viewer, you can use the Control+V or Command+V shortcut to paste the Base64 text into the edit field.

Step 6: Save the changes

2. FileProInfo (Online Version)

Now, you can access PLIST files online through FileProInfo without any additional software. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Visit the website on your web browser to get a free XLSX file viewer.

Step 2: Click on the "Browse…" button to select the PLIST file that you want to open.

Step 3: After clicking “Open with,” select “Google Docs” from the list of available apps.

Step 4: Click on the "Convert Now" button to start the conversion process.

Step 5: Once the conversion is successful, the “Download Now” option will become available.

Step 6: Launch Google Docs in your browser and sign in with your Google account to get started.

Final Award

Have you ever stumbled upon a file with the .plist extension and found yourself unsure of what it is, since you've never seen it before? Perhaps you've heard of it but couldn't access it due to lack of knowledge. Fear not! This page will delve into everything you need to know about the .plist file extension, including how to read and manipulate it across different operating systems.