Convert.Guru

PREF Converter

Convert PREF files online for free


Drop or upload your .PREF file

How to convert your PREF file

  1. Click Select File above, and choose your PREF file.
  2. You'll see a preview.
  3. Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.


Convert PREF to another file type

The converter easily converts your PREF file to various formats—free and online. No Notepad or extra software needed.

  • PREF to INI
  • PREF to CFG
  • PREF to CONF
  • PREF to CONFIG
  • PREF to JSON
  • PREF to XML
  • PREF to YAML
  • PREF to YML
  • PREF to TOML
  • PREF to ENV
  • PREF to PROPERTIES
  • PREF to RC

Convert a file to PREF

The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the PREF file type—in the best quality.

  • ZSHRC to PREF
  • CONF to PREF
  • RCFILE to PREF
  • GITCONFIG to PREF
  • RC to PREF
  • PLIST to PREF
  • BASHRC to PREF
  • CONFIG to PREF
  • PROFILE to PREF
  • INI to PREF
  • PREFS to PREF
  • CFG to PREF

About PREF files

PREF files are configuration files often used by various software to store preferences and settings. As these files are specific to the applications that create them, converting PREF files to other formats can be challenging. Common extensions associated with PREF files include .pref and .plist, primarily used by software like Adobe applications and Apple programs, respectively. Converting these files requires understanding the data structure and intended use.

Conversion Options

While there are limited direct conversion tools for PREF files, certain software can assist in converting or interpreting these files. For instance, Adobe Photoshop can sometimes read and export .pref files into formats like .xml for better accessibility. Similarly, Apple's Property List Editor can convert .plist files into XML or JSON formats.

Challenges in Conversion

Converting PREF files is not straightforward due to their proprietary nature. They often contain application-specific settings that may not be fully translatable to other formats. This complexity can lead to loss of data integrity or functionality when converted improperly.

Drawbacks of PREF Files

The primary drawback of PREF files is their lack of interoperability. Being heavily tied to specific software, they are not ideal for cross-platform use and often require particular environments to function. Hence, converting PREF files can be necessary for broader usability.

Recommendation

To simplify the process, we recommend using Convert.Guru, where you can easily drag-and-drop PREF files for conversion to various formats like XML, JSON, or TXT. This free and user-friendly platform ensures a safe and reliable conversion experience.

For more in-depth understanding, visit the Wikipedia page on Property Lists.


The PREF Converter Story

The history of Convert.Guru began more than 25 years ago in California, when Tom Simondi published the most comprehensive database of file formats on his website. Before that, Tom had worked on Space Shuttle development at the Air Force Systems Command’s Space Division in Los Angeles. He is known as one of the top programmers of the late 1980s.

When Microsoft integrated Tom’s Filext database into Windows XP, it became the leading platform for analyzing and processing file types and formats.

Today, we use the latest technologies to analyze, process, and convert one of the world's largest collections of file formats. We are committed to developing the best PREF converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.

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