A MIME type (also called Media Type or Content-Type) is a standardized string that identifies the format of a file or data. It consists of a type and subtype separated by a slash, like 'text/html' or 'image/png'. Browsers and servers use MIME types to determine how to handle content.

Why do I need the correct MIME type?

If a server sends the wrong MIME type, browsers may mishandle the content—displaying raw text instead of rendering HTML, refusing to play a video, or downloading a file instead of displaying it. Correct MIME types are essential for proper content rendering and secure file handling.

What is the difference between MIME type and Content-Type?

They refer to the same thing in different contexts. 'MIME type' is the general term for the format identifier. 'Content-Type' is the HTTP header name that carries the MIME type value. When you set a Content-Type header, you're setting a MIME type.

Can I search by partial extension or MIME type?

Yes. The search filters as you type, so entering 'ima' will show all image types, and entering '.w' will show extensions starting with .w like .woff, .woff2, .webp, and .wav.

What happens if a file extension has multiple MIME types?

Some extensions map to multiple MIME types (e.g., .xml can be text/xml or application/xml). The tool shows all valid mappings and indicates which is the most commonly used or recommended for web serving.

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MIME Type Lookup

A MIME type lookup tool finds the correct MIME type for any file extension and vice versa. It covers the complete IANA registry, supports bidirectional search, and provides the exact values needed for Content-Type headers and server configuration.

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What is MIME Type Lookup?

A MIME type lookup is an online utility that provides bidirectional lookup between file extensions and MIME types using the IANA registry, for use in Content-Type headers, server configuration, and file handling.

Complementary Tools

These tools work great alongside MIME Type Lookup:

URL Parser Meta Tag Generator

Start Using MIME Type Lookup Today

Setting the wrong MIME type causes browsers to break—displaying raw code instead of rendering pages, refusing to play media, or downloading files instead of showing them. The MIME type lookup eliminates those errors by giving you the correct type for any extension, or the extension for any type, in milliseconds. It's the reference tool every web developer needs on speed dial.

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