Why convert XSPF to PLS?
PLS is supported by a wider range of older media players, standalone audio hardware (network streamers, car receivers), and internet radio tools than XSPF. If a device or application refuses to load an .xspf, switching to .pls typically resolves the problem.
How to convert XSPF to PLS
VLC media player OPEN-SOURCE
Open the .xspf via Media > Open File, then go to Media > Save Playlist to File and choose PLS playlist (*.pls) from the format dropdown.
Programs that convert XSPF
About these formats
.XSPF
XSPF - XML Shareable Playlist Format (pronounced 'spiff')
An XSPF file is a plain-text XML playlist that lists the locations of songs or videos to play in order - it contains no audio itself. Open it in VLC media player to play the listed tracks.…
Open .XSPF details →
.PLS
PLS Playlist File
A .pls file is a playlist that points to audio files or internet radio streams - it contains no audio data itself. Open it with VLC, foobar2000, or Winamp; double-clicking usually starts…
Open .PLS details →Quality & what to watch
- Both XSPF and PLS are plain-text pointer files containing no audio; conversion only rewrites the track list syntax and does not touch audio files.
- PLS stores only the file path, a title, and a duration per track; XSPF metadata such as album name, artwork URL, and annotation is dropped.
- XSPF uses
file://URI notation for local paths while PLS uses plain OS paths; VLC handles this translation automatically, but a manual edit may require stripping the URI prefix.
Frequently asked questions
What media players support PLS?
Will audio files need to move for the `.pls` to work?
.pls points to the same file locations; the audio files stay where they are.What if paths break after converting on a different machine?
.pls in a text editor and update the File1=, File2= entries to match the correct paths on the new machine.
