Free online XML to PLIST converter

Source format: XML

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a text-based markup format used to store and exchange structured data. It is widely supported across platforms and is often used for configuration files, data feeds, application settings, and metadata.

For this conversion, the source XML must either already follow Apple’s property list structure or be transformed into one. Generic XML cannot be turned into a plist by simply changing the file extension.

Target format: PLIST

PLIST is Apple’s property list format for structured configuration and preference data on macOS, iOS, and related Apple platforms. A plist can be stored as XML or as binary, and it is commonly used by Apple apps, system components, and development tools.

A valid plist supports only specific data types such as <dict>, <array>, <string>, <integer>, <real>, <true/>, <false/>, <date>, and <data>.

How to perform the conversion

The correct method depends on whether your XML is already plist-formatted.

If the XML is already a plist-style document:

1. Make sure the file uses the standard plist structure with a <plist> root element.
2. Save it with a .plist extension.
3. Validate it on macOS with plutil -lint input.plist.

If you need to convert between XML plist and binary plist:

Use Apple’s plutil tool in Terminal:

plutil -convert binary1 input.plist

plutil -convert xml1 input.plist

If the source is generic XML:

You must first map the XML content into plist-compatible structures. This usually means converting elements into dictionaries or arrays and converting text values into supported plist types. Attributes, mixed content, and custom tags may require a custom transformation.

Tools that can help

• Xcode (macOS): Useful for inspecting and editing plist files. Open the file and verify that it uses valid plist elements before saving.
• PlistEdit Pro (macOS): A dedicated plist editor for viewing, editing, and validating property lists.
• Python plistlib: Developers can read and write plist files programmatically with plistlib.
• 101convert.com: You can convert the file on 101convert.com for free, without installing any software.

Important compatibility notes

Not every XML file can become a plist directly. A plist is not a general-purpose XML container, so files with custom tags, attributes, or mixed text often need a transformation step rather than a simple conversion.

If the source XML is already valid plist XML, the conversion is usually lossless. If it is generic XML, some information may be lost unless you define a clear mapping from XML nodes to plist dictionaries and arrays.

Also note that some apps expect an XML plist while others prefer a binary plist. Check the target app’s requirements before converting.

Summary

XML to PLIST conversion is straightforward only when the XML already matches Apple’s property list schema. For Apple-compatible files, validate the structure, save with the correct extension, and use plutil or a plist editor when needed.