File Extension Database

Open PLS File

PLS file extension is most commonly associated with a generic multimedia playlist file, and is compatible with the majority of media playing applications. Streamed Shoutcasts, which are essentially audio streams broadcast over the Internet, also use the PLS file extension. Though less common, the PLS file extension is also used by the data logging software PicoLog, which stores data capture settings for Pico logging devices.

Playlists stored in PLS format contain a list of references to audio tracks, and include the location of the file, its title and the length. These are formatted similar to the INI file format in that there is a short header which defines the file as a playlist and the number of tracks it contains, followed by the information about each track in the playlist, and finally the footer which contains the version number. PLS files can store references to audio files stored locally or on a network as well as online audio streams. As the PLS file structure is simple and freely available, most popular multimedia playing software incorporate support for PLS playlists.

PLS playlist files are similar to the popular M3U file format though contain additional information in the form of individual track titles and lengths. However, extended M3U files now also support this additional track information. PLS files can be used to store album playlists, or custom lists of audio tracks created within media playing software. These can then be saved and played at the user's convenience, or alternatively shared over the Internet or burnt to disc depending on whether the contents of the playlist are online audio streams or locally saved audio files.

You can open PLS files using multimedia playing software such as iTunes, WinAmp, VLC Player or Real Player. Windows Media Player Classic can open PLS files with the appropriate codec, though does not use the format natively. As PLS files are stored in plaintext, it is possible to open and edit them with any text editing software, though it is easier to modify an existing playlist in an appropriate media player.

Typical PLS application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open "%L"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /play "%L"

Typical PLS mime types:

audio/scpls

Frequently used application names to open PLS files:

iTunes

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.pls

How Can I Open PLS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PLS file is to find a PLS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PLS file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PLS file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PLS file opener then try to search online for "PLS viewer", "application to open PLS file" or "open PLS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PLS file

How Can I Open PLS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PLS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PLS file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PLS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PLS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PLS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PLS file then try to search for "PLS viewer", "application to open PLS file" or "read PLS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PLS file

How Can I Open PLS File on Android

If you downloaded a PLS file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PLS file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PLS".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PLS viewer", "PLS file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PLS File on iPhone or iPad

To open PLS File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PLS file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PLS". This way you can find apps which can open PLS files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PLS viewer" or "PLS file" online in your favorite search engine.