4 file types use the .mpd file extension.

What is an MPD file?

Database file created by Microsoft Project, a program used for project management; contains project data stored in a Microsoft Access-compliant format; used to save and load an entire project in a relational records-based database format.

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Category: Database Files

MPEG-DASH Media Presentation Description

An MPD file may also be a text file that describes how an MPEG-DASH video is streamed. It contains XML-formatted text that a web client uses to deliver .M4S (or other) streamed videos to Internet users. MPD files define streamed videos' segment duration, codec, MIME type , maximum dimensions, and other settings.

MPEG-DASH is an adaptive bitrate streaming technique that allows users to stream high-quality video over the Internet using HTTP . Videos streamed using MPEG-DASH are divided into segments, which allows web clients to stream long videos without stalling or re-buffering.

MPD files define how a video streamed using MPEG-DASH is divided into segments and shown to users. While different MPD files contain different formatting and settings, all MPD files are XML files. They all also include the <MPD> , <Period> , <AdaptationSet> , <Representation> , and <SegmentTemplate> elements, which are used as follows:

You can use VideoLAN VLC media player to open an MPD file and play the video to which it points. If your MPD file is available at a URL , use the following instructions. Otherwise, open the file as you would normally.

Note that if the MPD file you are attempting to open is formatted incorrectly, or the video to which it points is no longer available, VLC will not play any video after you open your file.

You can also use yt-dlp, a command-line program, to download the video to which an MPD file points. To do so, use the following command (after installing yt-dlp):

yt-dlp -f https://URL/for/YourFile.mpd

Additionally, because MPD files are XML files, you can open them in any text or source code editor, including:

Doing so allows you to view and/or edit the file's text contents. Opening an MPD file in a source code editor will highlight the file's XML syntax, making its text easier to understand and edit.

Programs that open or reference MPD files

Updated: July 17, 2023

Melodyne Project

An MPD file may also be a project file created by Melodyne, an audio pitch correction tool. It contains a record of the edits a user has made to an accompanying audio file. It also contains a reference to the audio file's location, which Melodyne uses to load the file before applying edits to it.

Audio producers use Melodyne to correct or otherwise modify an audio track's pitch and timing. Most commonly, producers use Melodyne to edit vocal tracks imported from a DAW . They then export the tracks back to their DAW for further editing, as part of a complete song.

When editing a track in Melodyne, producers can save their project as an MPD file. Doing so preserves the original audio file they are editing. This allows producers to easily revert changes they've made to the original file. In contrast, if a producer chooses to export their edited audio file as a .WAV or .AIF file, they cannot revert the edited file to its original state. They also must reimport the file into Melodyne and create a new project if they want to make further edits.

You can open an MPD file in Celemony Melodyne (Windows, Mac). To do so, select File → Open from the program's menu bar. If the audio file your MPD file references is missing, Melodyne will prompt you to update the path to the audio file.

You can use Melodyne to export the audio project an MPD file contains as a .WAV or .AIF file. To do so, open your MPD file, and then select File → Export... from the program's menu bar.

Programs that open MPD files

Updated: September 6, 2022

File List Creator Playlist

File used by File List Creator (FLC), a utility that helps users manage and track their computer files; stores a list of files; commonly used to store a playlist of .MP3 files; may also store lists of digital photos, compressed files, and other file types.

While MPD files track lists of files, they only contain file references, not the actual files themselves.

NOTE: MPD is also short for "Music Player Daemon," a music player for Unix that can play audio files from remote systems.

Programs that open or reference MPD files

Updated: March 16, 2010