How to Create an M3U Playlist

M3U files store music playlists that work with most media player programs. Unlike the playlists built into iTunes, Windows Media Player and other media players, M3U files work independently of the program used to create them. ITunes 12 hides the ability to create M3U playlists behind a few menus, but for the most part, the process uses the same steps as building a regular iTunes playlist. Windows Media Player 12 can also save M3U files instead the program's default format, WPL.

ITunes

Open the Playlists tab in the Music section of iTunes. Click the + icon beneath the list of playlists and choose New Playlist.

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Click Add To to edit the new playlist. Drag music from your library onto the playlist sidebar to add songs. Use the search bar to quickly find the songs you want to add. When you're finished, click Done.

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Open the File menu -- press Alt-F if you don't see the menu bar -- point to Library and choose Export Playlist.

Press Ctrl-B to permanently show the menu bar.

credit: Image courtesy of Apple

Choose a location to save the M3U file and name it. Before you click Save, set the Save as Type to M3U Files.

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Windows Media Player

Drag songs from your library to the sidebar in Windows Media Player to create a new playlist.

To load an existing playlist to the sidebar, double-click the playlist.

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Click the List Options button, which has an icon of a computer window, and choose Save List As.

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Set the Save as Type to M3U Playlist, and then pick a location and name for the file. Click Save to finish.

credit: Image courtesy of Microsoft