How to Edit IPTV M3U Playlists with Notepad++ (2024 Guide)
Take control of your IPTV experience by customizing channel names and organizing playlists with Notepad++. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for beginners and pros:
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Step 1: Open Your M3U/M3U8 Playlist
Right-click your playlist file (e.g., iptv_list.m3u).
Select “Edit with Notepad++” (install Notepad++ if missing).
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Step 2: Understand M3U Playlist Structure
Basic M3U Format:
Copy
#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:-1, Channel Name
http://example.com/stream-link.ts
#EXTM3U: Header line (do not delete).
#EXTINF:-1: Metadata line. Edit the “Channel Name” after the comma.
URL: Stream link (do NOT modify this – changes will break the channel).
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Step 3: Edit Channel Names
Locate the channel name after #EXTINF:-1,.
Example: Change #EXTINF:-1, BBC News → #EXTINF:-1, [UK] BBC News HD.
Never alter URLs – they’re unique to your provider.
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Step 4: Save Your Changes
Press Ctrl + S or click File > Save.
Test the updated playlist in your IPTV app (e.g., VLC, TiviMate).
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Editing M3U_Plus Playlists
M3U_Plus files include extra metadata (e.g., logos, genres):
Copy
#EXTINF:-1 tvg-id=”BBC” tvg-logo=”bbc.png” group-title=”News”,BBC News
http://example.com/stream-link.ts
Edit tvg-id, tvg-logo, or group-title values to organize channels.
Tip: Use Notepad++’s “Find/Replace” (Ctrl + H) to bulk-edit groups or logos.
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Pro Tips
🔄 Backup first: Copy your original playlist before editing.
🚫 Avoid line breaks: Ensure each #EXTINF and URL pair stays on consecutive lines.
🧩 Sort channels: Group similar channels (e.g., Sports, Movies) using group-title.
