Format guide
What is PLIST?
PLIST file format is an Apple property list file storing serialized settings and metadata (XML or binary), created by Apple (1990s+). Plists configure macOS/iOS apps and bundles. XML plists are readable; binary plists need conversion or plutil. Treat them carefully — they often include app state — and convert to JSON when debugging in cross-platform tools.
PLIST format specifications
- Full name
- PLIST file format
- Kind
- structured data
- File extension
- .plist
- MIME type
- application/octet-stream
- Developer / standard
- Apple · 1990s+
- Compression
- none or container
- Quality model
- Lossless / not lossy
- Container
- No / single bitstream typical
- Common codecs
- —
- Technical sources
- —
- Transparency
- Not supported
- Animation
- No (still / non-animated typical use)
- Typical size
- Usually small
- Browser support
- N/A — convert to JSON/XML text to inspect
- Compatibility
- Native on Apple; elsewhere via converters and libraries
PLIST compression & quality
PLIST compression: none or container. Lossless (or non-destructive packaging) keeps reconstructable data — size savings come from packing efficiency, not throwing detail away. Typical size profile: Usually small. Quality note: Exact for supported property list types
Quality: Exact for supported property list types
Typical size: Usually small
Transparency & animation
PLIST does not support an alpha channel. Convert to PNG, WebP, AVIF, or SVG when you need transparent backgrounds.
PLIST is a still-media or non-animated format in typical use. Use GIF, APNG, video, or animated WebP when you need motion.
PLIST metadata
Usually none beyond encoding/BOM — structure is the content. Comments allowed in YAML/TOML.
Best use cases for PLIST
- macOS/iOS app preferences
- Info.plist style bundle metadata
- Apple toolchains and MDM profiles (related workflows)
- Debugging Apple app configuration
When to avoid PLIST
- Cross-platform service config without conversion
- Storing large blobs
- Non-Apple server defaults
- Hand-editing binary plists
Advantages
- Native Apple integration
- Typed values
- XML variant is inspectable
- Tight OS tooling
Disadvantages
- Binary form is opaque
- Apple-centric
- Easy to break apps with bad edits
- Not a general document format
Compatibility
Native on Apple; elsewhere via converters and libraries
Browsers: N/A — convert to JSON/XML text to inspect
Software support
- Xcode
- plutil
- BBEdit
- Format Convertly
Device support
- Macs and iOS devices primarily
- Modern desktops
- Phones and tablets with compatible apps
How to open PLIST
On macOS use Xcode, Preferences editors, or `plutil -convert xml1`. Avoid random edits to system plists.
How to convert PLIST
Convert plist data to JSON for inspection in Format Convertly when supported, keeping device configs local instead of uploading them.
Popular PLIST conversions
Related formats
PLIST tools
Tools extend the format graph beyond one-off conversion — compression, metadata, and utilities for real workflows.
PLIST FAQ
What is a PLIST file?
PLIST is an Apple property list file storing serialized settings and metadata (XML or binary). Plists configure macOS/iOS apps and bundles. XML plists are readable; binary plists need conversion or plutil. Treat them carefully — they often include app state — and convert to JSON when debugging in cross-platform tools.
Is PLIST lossy or lossless?
PLIST is typically lossless or non-destructive in common use (none or container).
Does PLIST support transparency?
PLIST does not support an alpha channel. Convert to PNG, WebP, AVIF, or SVG when you need transparent backgrounds.
How do I open a PLIST file?
On macOS use Xcode, Preferences editors, or `plutil -convert xml1`. Avoid random edits to system plists.
How do I convert PLIST privately?
Convert plist data to JSON for inspection in Format Convertly when supported, keeping device configs local instead of uploading them. Format Convertly keeps processing in your browser so files are not uploaded to a conversion server.
Are my PLIST files uploaded on Format Convertly?
No. PLIST conversion runs in your browser. Files are not sent to Format Convertly servers for processing.