Free online PAD file generator - create and validate PAD XML instantly

Works in your browser - no download, no installation, and no account required. Generate a valid PAD XML file in under two minutes.

If you distribute software outside major app stores, a PAD file helps keep directory listings consistent and up to date.

Need the full ecosystem update? Read PAD Files in 2026 for current directory strategy, stable URL rules, and release checklist details.

Directory workflow notes checked May 21, 2026.

Company Name

2–40 chars, no tabs or '<'.

Company Website

Must start with http(s):// ; 2–120 chars.

Contact Email

Spec uses length-style email rule (user@host.tld).

Program Name

1–40 chars. Do not include version.

Version

1–15 chars; letters, digits, dot, underscore or dash.

Release Date

Generates PAD fields: month (01–12), day (01–31), year (1900–2199).

Supported OS

Choose one or more entries from the PAD spec list.

What is a PAD file?

A PAD file (Portable Application Description) is an XML document that stores software metadata in a standard format: app name, version, license, description, author details, and download URLs.

In practice, it works as a structured profile for your software so directories can import and refresh listing details with less manual entry.

How to create a PAD file

Enter your company details, app name, version, category, and supported OS.
Add download, screenshot, and icon URLs.
Click Generate XML and review the output.
Download the file and host it on your own domain.

You can also read the full format details in the PAD specification reference.

PAD ecosystem reality in 2026

PAD is now a direct-submission workflow. The practical approach is to self-host your PAD XML at one stable URL, submit that URL to active directories, and update the same XML file for each release.

Priority directories (higher visibility): Softpedia, SourceForge, MajorGeeks, SnapFiles, Download3k.

Additional PAD-supporting directories include Apponic, Softwarelode, Sooftware, N5Net, and GearDownload.

Before submitting, make sure the PAD URL does not contain the version number, the download URL points to the current binary, and screenshot/icon URLs are live over HTTPS. Directories that still poll PAD files usually expect the URL to stay fixed while the XML content changes.

Frequently asked questions

Are PAD files still relevant in 2026?

Yes. A smaller but active group of software directories still use PAD files to index and update listings automatically.

What is the difference between a PAD file and an app store listing?

App stores use their own submission systems. PAD files are mainly for independent software directories and download sites.

Where should I host my PAD file?

Host it on your own domain, for example yoursite.com/pad.xml. Keep the URL stable so directories can poll updates after each release.

Do I need to install software to generate a PAD file here?

No. This tool is fully browser-based. You can generate and download PAD XML directly from the page.

Which directories still accept PAD files?

Directories such as Softpedia, SourceForge, MajorGeeks, SnapFiles, Download3k, and Apponic still accept PAD-based submissions.

Related tools and next steps

Markdown to HTML converter for release notes and docs.
HTML to Markdown converter for cleaning existing listing content.
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