Plist ⇄ JSON

What it's for

Convert Apple property lists to JSON and back. Property lists are the XML files macOS and iOS use for settings, app Info.plist files and launchd jobs; JSON is easier to read, edit and use in scripts.

For example, when you want to read or tweak a launchd job or an app’s Info.plist, convert it to JSON, make your changes and convert it back.

How to use it

Paste an XML property list and choose Plist → JSON, or paste JSON and choose JSON → Plist. The plist output is tab-indented, like Apple’s plutil. Use as input moves the result back into the box for the return trip.

Example

Paste this launchd job and choose Plist → JSON:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
  <key>Label</key>
  <string>com.example.backup</string>
  <key>RunAtLoad</key>
  <true/>
  <key>StartInterval</key>
  <integer>3600</integer>
</dict>
</plist>

The result is {"Label": "com.example.backup", "RunAtLoad": true, "StartInterval": 3600}, laid out over several lines.

Good to know

Binary plists need converting to XML first, on macOS: plutil -convert xml1 -o - file.plist. Dates become ISO 8601 text and data becomes Base64 text; converting back turns both into strings, so check those values before using the result.