How to Open and Edit Binary PLIST and Strings Files on iOS/iPhone Using Fileso

Author: Neo Huang
LAST UPDATED: 2026-04-11 04:57:52

Index

Fileso

Fileso is the ultimate all-in-one app for efficient file management! It supports importing, viewing, compressing, editing, and converting various formats, including images, videos, audio, documents, and code.

PLIST (Property List) files and Strings files are commonly used on macOS and iOS for storing structured data such as configuration settings, app preferences, or translations. Binary PLIST files, unlike XML-based PLIST files, are encoded in a binary format for better efficiency and security, while Strings files are plain text files often used for localization purposes in iOS applications. If you need to view or edit these files on your iPhone, Fileso is the perfect tool to manage both binary PLIST and Strings files seamlessly. Here's how you can do it:

What Are Binary PLIST and Strings Files?

  • Binary PLIST (Property List) files: These are data storage formats used primarily by Apple for storing app configurations and user settings. Unlike XML PLIST files, binary PLIST files are optimized for faster reading and writing, and they are not human-readable unless decoded.

  • Strings files: These are simple text files containing key-value pairs used for localization in iOS and macOS apps. They are commonly used to store text strings for different languages or app states, making it easier to manage translations.

Although these file formats are usually managed by developers or advanced users, Fileso offers easy access for both viewing and editing these files directly on your iPhone.

How to Open and Edit Binary PLIST and Strings Files Using Fileso

Step 1: Install Fileso on Your iPhone

To get started, make sure you have Fileso installed on your iPhone. You can download it from the App Store. Fileso supports a wide range of file formats, including binary PLIST and Strings files, providing you with a flexible solution for managing these files on your iPhone.

Step 2: Import Your Files into Fileso

There are several ways to import binary PLIST and Strings files into Fileso:

  • From the Files app: If the files are already on your iPhone, simply drag and drop them into the Fileso app. You can import both binary PLIST files and Strings files this way.

  • Wi-Fi Transfer: If the files are on your computer, you can use Fileso’s Wi-Fi transfer feature to upload them to your device. This is ideal for larger files or bulk transfers.

  • WebDAV or Cloud Storage: If your files are stored on a cloud service (such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox), you can connect Fileso to your cloud storage and import the files directly.

Step 3: Open Binary PLIST and Strings Files in Fileso

Once the files are imported, you can open them within the Fileso app. Here's how Fileso handles both types of files:

  • Binary PLIST Files: Fileso automatically detects binary PLIST files and provides a user-friendly view of their contents. While the raw binary data is not human-readable, Fileso decodes the contents and presents them in a structured format that is easy to navigate. You can view keys, values, and even nested data in a readable way.

    Additionally, Fileso offers features for hexadecimal viewing, which allows you to inspect the underlying binary structure of the file. This is useful for developers who need to work with raw binary data.

  • Strings Files: Strings files are simple text files, so Fileso opens them in a plain text editor. You can easily view and edit key-value pairs in the file. Fileso highlights the content with syntax recognition, making it easy to navigate through the translations or settings.

Step 4: Edit Binary PLIST and Strings Files

Editing PLIST and Strings files in Fileso is simple and intuitive:

  • Editing Binary PLIST Files: While editing a binary PLIST file requires caution, Fileso provides an interface that allows you to change the values or even add new keys without breaking the format. You can:

    • Modify the values of existing keys.
    • Add new entries to the PLIST.
    • Adjust data types (string, number, boolean, etc.).

    Fileso ensures that any changes made to the binary PLIST file will maintain its integrity, preserving the format and avoiding corruption. You can also save the edited file and use it within your app or transfer it back to a cloud service.

  • Editing Strings Files: For Strings files, Fileso provides an editor that makes it easy to edit translations and text strings. You can:

    • Add, edit, or delete key-value pairs.
    • Translate or update strings for multiple languages.
    • Edit text in any part of the file, such as app labels or button texts.

    Fileso also provides features like find and replace and the ability to bulk edit the file contents, which is useful for managing large Strings files with many keys.

Step 5: Save and Export

Once you've made the necessary edits, you can save the changes directly in Fileso. You can also:

  • Share the edited file: Fileso allows you to share the modified binary PLIST or Strings file via email, messaging apps, or social media.
  • Export to Cloud Storage: If you're using cloud services like iCloud or Dropbox, you can upload the edited files back to the cloud for easy access across devices.
  • Transfer to a computer: Use Fileso’s Wi-Fi transfer or other export methods to move the files to a computer for further use or testing.

Key Benefits of Using Fileso for Binary PLIST and Strings Files on iOS

  • Easy-to-Use Interface: Fileso provides an intuitive interface for both viewing and editing binary PLIST and Strings files, even on your iPhone.
  • Powerful Editing Tools: Fileso offers powerful tools for editing complex data structures in binary PLIST files and simple text strings in Strings files.
  • Cloud and Wi-Fi Support: With seamless integration with cloud services and Wi-Fi file transfers, Fileso makes it easy to manage your files across devices and platforms.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Whether you’re working on an iOS app, a macOS project, or handling configurations, Fileso ensures that your files are easily accessible and editable across multiple platforms.

Conclusion

With Fileso, managing binary PLIST and Strings files on iOS has never been easier. Whether you're a developer, translator, or power user, Fileso provides all the tools you need to view, edit, and share these files directly from your iPhone. From inspecting binary PLIST structures to updating localization strings, Fileso offers a seamless experience for all your file management needs. Download Fileso today to start working with binary PLIST and Strings files on your iOS device!

Download on the App Store

Features

Comprehensive

Fileso serves as an all-in-one file management app that supports the import, management, and organization of various file types. Users can easily import files directly or from their device's album, batch scan documents, and manage files via WebDAV and Wi-Fi.

Versatile

supports a wide array of file formats for viewing. This includes images (such as Live Photos and AVIF), videos (including MKV and AVI), documents (like Word and Excel), and specialized files like code and design formats. Enhanced features include syntax highlighting for code and eBook reader capabilities.

Robust

offers robust editing features for images, source code, PDFs, and markdown files, alongside powerful file conversion capabilities that cover audio, video, and document transformations, ensuring that users can easily switch between different file formats as needed.

Multiple

supports the extraction and compression of multiple archive formats, including ZIP and 7Z, with options for password protection and multi-volume archives. Users can also compress images and videos to optimize storage space without compromising quality.

Screenshots