Apple Music users often seek ways to export their carefully curated playlists. The Music app on Mac and iTunes on PC offer built-in tools to export playlists as XML files. This feature helps users back up their collections or transfer them to other devices.
Exporting playlists is simple. Users select a playlist, go to the File menu, and choose the export option. The process creates an XML file that can be saved and used later. This method works for single playlists or entire libraries.
Third-party tools like Soundiiz expand export options. These services allow transfers between different streaming platforms. They support various file formats and can even help generate new playlists using AI technology.
Apple Playlist Export Tool: How to Export Apple Music Playlists
Apple Music doesn’t include a built‑in way to export playlists to other platforms or files, but several tools and methods make it possible. This guide explains what an Apple playlist export tool is, how it works, and the best ways to export your Apple Music playlists.
What Is an Apple Playlist Export Tool?
An Apple playlist export tool allows you to:
- Transfer Apple Music playlists to other music services (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.)
- Export playlists as files (CSV, TXT, or XML)
- Back up playlists for safekeeping
- Share playlist data with others
These tools access your Apple Music library (with permission) and recreate or export your playlists elsewhere.
Best Apple Playlist Export Tools (2026)
1. SongShift (iPhone & iPad)
Best for iOS users
- Transfers playlists from Apple Music to Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, and more
- Works directly on iPhone
- Supports automatic syncing
How to use:
- Install SongShift from the App Store
- Connect your Apple Music account
- Select the playlist you want to export
- Choose the destination service or export option
- Confirm and complete the transfer
2. Soundiiz (Web‑Based)
Best for file exports and advanced control
- Exports playlists to CSV, TXT, or JSON
- Supports Apple Music, Spotify, TIDAL, and more
- Works on any device with a browser
How to use:
- Visit Soundiiz
- Sign in and connect Apple Music
- Select a playlist
- Choose Export
- Select file format or target platform
3. TuneMyMusic (Web)
Best for quick transfers
- No software installation
- Supports multiple music services
- Simple interface
Steps:
- Open TuneMyMusic
- Select Apple Music as the source
- Choose a playlist
- Select destination service or export option
- Start the transfer
4. Apple Music Desktop App (Manual Export)
You can manually export playlists using Apple’s desktop apps.
macOS:
- Open Music
- Select a playlist
- Click File > Library > Export Playlist
- Save as XML
Windows:
- Open iTunes
- Select a playlist
- Click File > Library > Export Playlist
- Save as XML
✅ Best for backups or importing into other music software.
What File Formats Can You Export?
| Format | Use Case |
|---|---|
| XML | Apple Music backups, imports |
| CSV | Spreadsheet editing |
| TXT | Simple song lists |
| JSON | Developer or app use |
Things to Know Before Exporting
- DRM‑protected songs won’t export as audio files
- Playlists export song metadata, not actual music files
- Some tools require a premium plan for large playlists
- Match accuracy depends on song availability on other platforms
Which Apple Playlist Export Tool Is Best?
| Need | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| iPhone‑only solution | SongShift |
| File export (CSV/XML) | Soundiiz |
| Fast online transfer | TuneMyMusic |
| Offline backup | Apple Music desktop app |
Final Thoughts
An Apple playlist export tool makes it easy to move, back up, or share your Apple Music playlists. Whether you’re switching services or just safeguarding your playlists, the tools above offer reliable solutions for every need.
Key Takeaways
- Apple’s native apps offer XML playlist exports
- Exporting preserves playlist data for backups or transfers
- Third-party tools enable cross-platform playlist sharing
Understanding Apple Playlist Export
Apple offers methods to export playlists from iTunes and Apple Music. These tools let users back up their music collections and share playlists across devices.
The Role of iTunes and Apple Music App
iTunes was the main way to manage Apple music libraries for years. It had built-in export features for playlists. Users could save playlists as XML files. This made it easy to move playlists between computers.
The Apple Music app replaced iTunes on newer Macs. It kept some export functions. Users can still export playlists as XML files. This works on Macs with macOS Catalina or later versions.
Windows users have fewer options. The Apple Music app for Windows lacks native export tools. They may need third-party apps to save playlists.
Export Formats: XML and Others
XML is the main format for Apple playlist exports. It’s a flexible file type that stores playlist data. XML files can include song titles, artists, and album info.
Other export options exist too. Some third-party tools can save playlists as CSV or text files. These may be easier to read or edit.
M3U is another playlist format. It’s simpler than XML. M3U files just list the paths to music files. They don’t store as much info as XML files.
Users should pick an export format based on their needs. XML is best for full backups. Text files work well for quick lists of songs.
