.MPD File Extension
Microsoft Project Database
Developer | Microsoft |
Popularity |
3.4 | 19 Votes |
Category | Database Files |
Format | Binary |
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.
NOTE: MPD files cannot be saved by Microsoft Project 2007 or later. However, existing MPD files may still be used as a basis for a new project.
Programs that open MPD files
MPEG-DASH Media Presentation Description
Developer | Moving Picture Experts Group |
Popularity |
3.8 | 4 Votes |
Category | Text Files |
Format | XML |
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:
- <MPD>: Defines the streamed video's profile, minimum buffer time, total duration (if known), and segment duration
- <Period>: Defines the streamed video's chapters and chapter duration
- <AdaptationSet>: Defines the streamed video's alignment, maximum dimensions, maximum frame rate, language, and content type
- <Representation>: Defines the resolutions and bitrates at which the streamed video is available
- <SegmentTemplate>: Defines the time offset and duration of the streamed video's segments
How to open an MPD file
MPD files are XML files, so you can open and edit them in any text or source code editor, including:
- Microsoft Visual Studio Code (cross-platform)
- GitHub Atom (cross-platform)
- GNU Emacs (cross-platform)
- Microsoft Notepad (Windows)
- Apple TextEdit (Mac)
Opening an MPD file in a source code editor will highlight the file's XML syntax, making the file's text easier to understand and edit.
Programs that open or reference MPD files
File List Creator Playlist
Developer | WenSoftware |
Popularity |
2.5 | 6 Votes |
Category | Data Files |
Format | Binary |
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
Melodyne Project File
Developer | Celemony |
Popularity |
2.5 | 2 Votes |
Category | Audio Files |
Format | N/A |
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.
How to open an MPD file
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.
How to convert an MPD 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.