Open the media player and create your desired playlist. You can drag and drop music and video files into the player window, select individual files, or import entire folder structures at once.
2. Open menu
Click on the menu in the top left corner of the player window (or right-click in the playlist view, depending on the version).
3. Select export function
In the menu, navigate to "Playlist" and then to "Export playlist" . Alternatively, you can sometimes find the entry directly under "File" → "Save playlist as" .
4. Select file format
Select M3U (or M3U8 for UTF-8 encoding) as the file format from the dropdown list. Some players also offer PLS, XSPF, or ASX – for maximum compatibility, M3U is the best choice.
5. Specify the storage location and file name
- Select the location to save the M3U file (e.g., "My Playlists", Desktop, or USB drive)
- Enter a descriptive file name, e.g., "My_Favorites_Summer2026"
- Confirm by clicking Save
6. Export successful
You have now successfully exported your playlist as an M3U file! ✅ The file can be opened in any common media player (VLC, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc.).
2.) Special features and potential pitfalls of playlist export
Yes, there are some special considerations and potential pitfalls to be aware of when exporting playlists as an M3U file:
1. Relative vs. absolute paths
- Absolute paths : The M3U file saves the complete paths like `C:\Users\Name\Music\Song.mp3`. This only works on your own computer.
- Relative paths : If you want to use the playlist portably (e.g., with a USB stick), make sure that the music files are in the same folder or subfolder as the M3U file. Then the player will only save relative paths like `Music\Song.mp3`.
- Solution : Place the M3U file in the root directory of your USB stick and the music files in subfolders like `Audio/`, `Videos/` – then the playlist will work on any PC.
2. Character set and special characters
- German umlauts (ä, ö, ü, ß) or other special characters can cause problems in older players.
- Solution : Save the playlist as M3U8 (UTF-8 encoding) instead of as classic M3U (ANSI). The media player supports both formats.
- Avoid very long filenames with many special characters for the music files themselves.
3. Paths to network drives
- If your music is located on a NAS or network share (e.g., `\\Server\Music\Song.mp3`), the M3U file will save these network paths.
- Problem : These entries will no longer work on a different computer or without a network connection.
- Solution : Copy the music files locally before exporting or use relative paths if possible.
4. Files were moved or renamed
- As soon as you move or rename music files, the exported M3U file will show nothing. The player will then skip the missing tracks or display an error message.
- Solution :Re -export the playlist after you have organized the files. Or use a playlist editor to manually correct the paths.
5. Compatibility with other players
Not every player supports all M3U variants. Some players expect M3U in DOS/Windows format (CR+LF), others in Unix format (LF only).
Solution : Test the exported M3U file in the target player. If problems occur, save it as M3U8 (UTF-8) or PLS (an alternative).
6. Large playlists with hundreds of tracks
- Exporting very large playlists (e.g., 500+ tracks) can take a few seconds. The media player will display a short progress bar in this case.
- Solution : Divide very large playlists into smaller categories (e.g., by genre, artist, or mood). This also makes them easier to manage later.
7. Automatic saving vs. manual export
Important note : The media player automatically saves playlists internally. This means that after a restart, all playlists are immediately available again – without you having to export them manually.
Manual export as an M3U file is only intended for the following purposes:
sharing with other players (VLC, Winamp, etc.)
, backing up to a USB stick or external hard drive
, sharing with friends or colleagues
, and using on another computer.
3.) Alternatives to M3U export
Depending on the intended use, there are alternative methods:
format
Advantages
Disadvantages
M3U
Universally compatible, small, simple
No metadata (length, artist)
M3U8
Supports Unicode/Umlauts
Older players have problems
PLS
Can store title information
Less common
XSPF
XML-based, modern
Not every player supports it.
ASX
Microsoft format
Hardly used anymore
No export (internal only)
Automatic recovery
Not portable
4.) Common errors and solutions when exporting playlists
Mistake
Possible cause
Solution
Exported M3U empty
No tracks in the playlist
Add title before exporting
File will not be saved
No write permissions in the target folder
Choose a different storage location (e.g., Documents or Desktop)
Umlauts are displayed incorrectly.
Incorrect encoding (ANSI instead of UTF-8)
Export as M3U8
The player cannot find the files.
Absolute paths on another PC
Use relative paths or copy music along with the music
The export option is grayed out.
No active playlist
Add at least one track to the playlist
5.) Practical tips
1. Portable Use : Save the M3U file directly to your USB drive alongside your media player. Place the music in a subfolder like `./Music/` – then the playlist will work everywhere.
2. Backup : Regularly export important playlists as M3U files. This way, they are safe in case the internal database becomes corrupted.
3. Share Playlists : You can send the M3U file to friends – they just need to have the music files themselves or receive a copy as well.
4. Quick Export via Hotkey : In the media player, you can set a custom keyboard shortcut for "Export Playlist" under Options – e.g., `Ctrl + E`.
5. Don't Forget to Import : Just as you can export, you can alsoimport M3U files from other players (Menu → Playlist → Import Playlist).
6.) Summary
Saving your current playlist as an M3U file is incredibly easy with the media player:
1. Create a playlist
2. Menu → Playlist → Export Playlist
3. Select M3U as the format
4. Specify the save location and name
5. Done! ✅
The exported M3U file is small, universally compatible, and perfect for sharing with other players or backing up to USB drives.
MediaPlayerOK: Lightning-fast, portable media player for Windows with docking mode, tray function, and flexible playlists. Ideal for music lovers, gamers, and frequent viewers.
MediaPlayerOK: Lightning-fast, portable media player for Windows with docking mode, tray function, and flexible playlists. Ideal for music lovers, gamers, and frequent viewers.
With just a few clicks, you can export and save your current playlist in the widely used M3U format. Heres how: ► Please always use the latest version of
This website does not store personal data. However, third-party providers are used to display ads, which are managed by Google and comply with the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (IAB-TCF). The CMP ID is 300 and can be individually customized at the bottom of the page. more Infos & Privacy Policy ....
