Quick Look lets you look at a plist file if you just want to see it. But what if you want to edit a Plist file on mac? To edit and change plist files the right way in MacOS X, you’ll need a special app. Luckily, Apple has one of these apps that makes editing and saving plist files easy and safe.
A PLIST file is a special text file that has information in the Property List format. Applications for macOS, iPhone, and iPad use the file to store settings and other data in an XML key-value format. For instance, every iPhone app has at least one PLIST file called “Info.plist” that has basic information about how the app is set up.
Users who download an iPhone app never see or have to deal with this file directly, but developers have to make it for their app to work. Text editors like TextEdit can be used to make and change PLIST files. On a Mac, they are usually kept in the /Library/Preferences/ folder, but they can go anywhere in the filesystem.
How to edit a Plist file on mac
- On a Mac, you need to find a plist file before you can open and change it. It’s lucky that it’s easy to find. Click Macintosh HD under Locations when you start up Finder. Next, type “.plist” into the search box at the top right of the window. A list of all the plist files will appear.
- Then, you can use Xcode or Apple Property List Editor in macOS to open and change the plist file. Both editors will format the XML code and use a drop-down menu to translate key identifiers and layers into words that can be read.
- But regular users shouldn’t be able to change the property list files. Because programmes and systems automatically change plist files when they need to. As mentioned above, developers can use Apple’s Property List editor, which comes with Apple Developer Tools, to create or change these plist files.
FAQ
How do I edit plist files on a Mac?
Xcode also has a built-in property list editor that lets you change property list files. Double-click a.plist file in the Finder to use Xcode. If your Mac doesn’t already have Xcode, you can get it from the Mac App Store.
How do I open a plist file in Terminal Mac?
Click Macintosh HD under Locations when you start up Finder. Next, type “. plist” into the search box at the top right of the window. A list of all the plist files will appear. Then, you can use Xcode or Apple Property List Editor in macOS to open and change the plist file.
What software opens a plist file?
- Get iBackup Viewer from its official website, install it, and then run it.
- From the main menu of iBackup Viewer, choose “Property List Viewer.”
- To open a PLIST file, click “Open” after selecting it.
What is a .plist file on my Mac?
Plist files are files on a Mac that let you save settings for apps. They may sometimes need to be deleted to fix a programme that isn’t working right because of a conflict. Follow these steps to delete your.plist file if another article or situation tells you to do so.