Properties of MPD Files and How to Open a File with .mpd Extension

MPD files exist as 4 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Microsoft Project Database

A database format used by Microsoft Office Access. You cannot save in this format using Project 2010 or 2007, but can open projects stored in these files. A format used by Microsoft SQL Server databas...

General Information

Title	MPD File Extension
Extension	.mpd
Full Form	Microsoft Project Database
File Type	Database File
Developer	Microsoft
MIME Type	application/vnd.ms-project

File Function

Primary Function	Store project data
Additional Functions	Track progress, Manage tasks
Features	Collaboration, Reporting

File Characteristics

Quality	Structured data
Supports Layers	N/A
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes, with software

Use Cases

Project Management	Yes
Resource Planning	Yes
Portfolio Management	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Data leakage
Best Practices	Access control, Regular backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	Early versions
Latest Version	Dependent on Microsoft Project version

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.mpp, .mpt, .mpx

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Microsoft Project	Subscription	Windows

Type 2: MPEG-DASH Media Presentation Description

The MPD is a description of the resources forming a streaming service. A DASH client uses the MPD to determine which assets to request for adaptive streaming of the content. The MPD is defined in ISO/IEC 23009-1. Click on the link on that page to download a PDF. When content is encrypted, the MPD contains ContentProtection elements.

The MPEG-DASH Media Presentation Description (MPD) is an XML document containing information about media segments and metadata needed by clients. I describe the most important pieces of the MPD, starting from the top level (Periods) and going to the bottom (Segments).

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. All MPD files are XML files containing the <MPD>, <Period>, <AdaptationSet>, <Representation>, and <SegmentTemplate> elements.

MPD files denotes the media presentation description manifest file for MPEG DASH streaming. This file contains various information and parameters for the video streaming including codec, ABR and resolution.

In DASH, there is a single XML manifest file containing all information about available renditions and media segments in a hierarchical structure. The most used codecs for DASH are…

An MPD file is a text file describing how an MPEG-DASH video is streamed. It contains XML-formatted text for a web client to deliver streamed videos. MPD files define segment duration, codec, MIME type, maximum dimensions, and other settings.

In MPEG-DASH, an MPD file contains information about available media streams to adaptively switch between streams during playback based on network conditions. We have not yet analyzed these files but users have suggested MPD file openers.

Additionally, MPEG-DASH is a codec-agnostic streaming solution using content encoded in any format. MPEG-DASH utilizes Multimedia Presentation Description (MPD) to achieve dynamic adaptive streaming by adjusting video quality based on user’s internet speed.

General Information

Title	MPD File Extension
Extension	.mpd
Full Form	MPEG-DASH Media Presentation Description
File Type	XML File
Developer	Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)
MIME Type	application/dash+xml

File Function

Primary Function	Streaming descriptor
Additional Functions	Media synchronization, Adaptation control
Features	Time-based, Segmentable

File Characteristics

Quality	Dependent on media
Supports Layers	N/A
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Video Streaming	Yes
Audio Streaming	Yes
Live Broadcasts	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	XML injection
Best Practices	Validation, HTTPS delivery

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	2011
Latest Version	ISO/IEC 23009-1:2019

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.m4v, .mp4, .m4a

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Dash.js	Free	Cross-platform
Shaka Player	Free	Cross-platform
ExoPlayer	Free	Android

Type 3: File List Creator Playlist

General Information

Title	MPD File Extension
Extension	.mpd
Full Form	Media Presentation Description
File Type	Playlist File
Developer	Moving Picture Experts Group
MIME Type	application/dash+xml

File Function

Primary Function	Store playlist
Additional Functions	Reference media segments
Features	Adaptive streaming, DASH

File Characteristics

Quality	Varies
Supports Layers	N/A
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Streaming Services	Yes
Video Players	Yes
Web Applications	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Low
Best Practices	Validate XML, HTTPS

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	2011
Latest Version	DASH-IF IOP v4.3 (2020)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.m3u8, .ism, .m3u

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
VLC Media Player	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix
MPC-HC	Free	Windows
Dash.js	Free	Web-based

Type 4: Melodyne Project

Open MPD file in Celemony Melodyne. Select "File → Open" from program menu bar. If audio file missing, Melodyne prompts to update path. Export audio project as .WAV or .AIF file. Open MPD file, sele...

General Information

Title	MPD File Extension
Extension	.mpd
Full Form	Melodyne Project File
File Type	Audio Project File
Developer	Celemony Software
MIME Type	application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function	Store project
Additional Functions	Contain audio data, Save edits
Features	Pitch editing, Time manipulation

File Characteristics

Quality	High fidelity
Supports Layers	Yes
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Music Production	Yes
Sound Design	Yes
Audio Correction	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Low risk
Best Practices	Regular backups, Version control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	2001
Latest Version	Melodyne 5 (2020)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.wav, .aiff, .midi

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Melodyne	Paid	Windows, Mac