How to open a .xspf file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .xspf file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands XSPF. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .xspf file is a XML Shareable Playlist Format. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads XSPF yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .xspf file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .xspf. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with VLC or foobar2000.
On Mac, use VLC or any text editor.
On Linux, try VLC or Clementine.
Still stuck? Convert the .xspf to m3u, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .xspf files

Windows

VLC
foobar2000
any text editor

macOS

VLC
any text editor

Linux

VLC
Clementine
any text editor

Before you open it: Safe. XSPF is a playlist in XML. It references media and does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .xspf file?

Almost always because no installed app understands XSPF. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open an .xspf file?

Open it in VLC, which uses XSPF natively, or read the XML in a text editor. Most media players support it.

Why use XSPF over M3U?

XSPF is XML with richer, structured metadata and is application-neutral, so playlists move between players more reliably than a bare M3U.