The Ultimate MIME Type Reference
Your comprehensive guide to all MIME types and file extensions. Find detailed information about specific media types and their associated file formats.
What is a MIME Type?
A standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes.
Understanding MIME Types
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) types are a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. They are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg).
Example MIME Type Structure
Content-Type: application/json
{
"type": "application",
"subtype": "json",
"fullType": "application/json",
"extensions": [".json"],
"description": "JavaScript Object Notation"
}Server Communication
MIME types tell servers and browsers how to interpret and display content correctly.
Content Negotiation
They enable clients and servers to agree on the format of data being exchanged.
Security
Proper MIME types help prevent security vulnerabilities and ensure content is handled safely.
MIME Types by Category
Explore MIME types organized by their main categories
application
Popular File Extensions
Discover information about common file extensions and their associated MIME types
Why MIME Types Matter
Understanding MIME types is essential for web developers, system administrators, and content creators
For Web Developers
Setting the correct MIME type in HTTP headers ensures browsers interpret and render content correctly. Improper MIME types can lead to security warnings, rendering issues, or content being downloaded instead of displayed.
For System Administrators
Configuring web servers with proper MIME type mappings is essential for serving content correctly. This affects caching, compression, and how browsers handle the content.
For Content Creators
Understanding MIME types helps in choosing the right file formats for different types of content, ensuring compatibility across platforms and optimal user experience.
For Security
MIME types play a role in content security policies and help prevent certain types of attacks by ensuring content is interpreted as intended.
Ready to explore MIME types?
Dive into our comprehensive database of MIME types and file extensions to find exactly what you need.