PLS (file format)
computer file format
PLS is a computer file format for a multimedia playlist. It is typically used by media players for streaming media over the Internet, but may also be used for playing local media.
For online streaming, typically the .PLS file would be downloaded just once from the media source—such as from an online radio station—for immediate or future use. While most computers and players automatically recognize the .PLS format, the first time a PLS file is used on a computer, the media player's settings may need to be changed to recognize ("associated" with) .PLS files.
PLS was originally developed for use with the museArc audio player software by codeArts, and was later used by SHOUTcast and Icecast for streaming media over the Internet.
File format
The format is case-sensitive and essentially that of an INI file structured as follows
Header
[playlist] : This tag indicates that it is a Playlist File
Track Entry
Assuming track entry #X
FileX : Variable defining location of media file/stream (like .m3u/.m3u8 playlists).
TitleX : Defines track title. (optional)
LengthX : Length in seconds of track. Value of -1 indicates indefinite (streaming). (optional)
If file metadata includes a title already, then the TitleX entry will not be displayed.
Begin with the source’s own compact description: “PLS (file format)” is computer file format. The dossier treats that line as a proposition to test through file, format and computer, not as a finished interpretation.
Why this record matters
The phrase “computer file format” supplies a clear boundary for inquiry. It also exposes the unanswered questions: who defined that boundary, when it became stable and which sources sit outside it.
The citation trail is more important than the brevity of the summary: it shows where individual claims can be examined in context. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 1, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q380665. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference.
Overview language is designed for orientation and should not be treated as a substitute for the evidence cited beneath it. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “PLS (file format)”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow PLS (file format) primary sources, PLS (file format) archive and file research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “PLS (file format)”?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “PLS (file format)” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.