An M3U file is a plain text file that contains a playlist or a list of audio or video files. M3U stands for “MP3 URL” or “Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 Uniform Resource Locator,” and it is a widely used format for specifying media playlists. M3U files can include references to local files or remote URLs, making them a common choice for creating playlists for media players.
How to open an M3U file:
1. Media Players:
- Most media players support the M3U playlist format. Examples include VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, iTunes, Winamp, and many others.
2. Text Editors:
- M3U files are plain text files, and you can open and edit them with any text editor. Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS are suitable for viewing and editing M3U playlists.
3. M3U Player Apps:
- Some apps are specifically designed for handling M3U playlists. These apps often provide additional features for managing and organizing playlists.
Programs that may open M3U files:
1. VLC Media Player:
- VLC is a versatile media player that supports a wide range of file formats, including M3U playlists.
- Windows Media Player can open and play M3U playlists. You can open the M3U file directly, and it will load the listed media files.
3. iTunes:
- iTunes, the media player by Apple, supports M3U playlists. You can import M3U files into iTunes to create playlists.