A MIME type is a standard identifier for file formats on the Internet, consisting of a 'type' and a 'subtype' (e.g., 'image/jpeg'). It is sent in the 'Content-Type' header to tell browsers how to process a file.

MIME Type Lookup - Find Content-Types for File Extensions

Q: Why are MIME types important?

MIME types are essential for the web. They tell a browser whether to display a file as an image, an HTML page, or to download it. Incorrect MIME types can cause websites to break or create security risks.

Q: What does application/octet-stream mean?

'application/octet-stream' is the default MIME type for a binary file or any file of an unknown type. It instructs the browser to download the file rather than trying to display it.

Q: Can a file extension have more than one MIME type?

While uncommon, some extensions can be associated with multiple MIME types due to evolving standards. However, there is typically one official or most widely accepted type, which this tool provides.

Q: Is this list of MIME types complete?

This tool includes a comprehensive list of the most common MIME types used on the web, covering hundreds of file formats. While not exhaustive of every type ever registered, it covers over 99% of practical use cases.

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MIME Type Lookup

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Search by Extension, MIME Type, or Description

Extension	MIME Type	Description	Copy

No matching MIME types found.

About the MIME Type Lookup Tool

We built this tool as a quick and easy reference for web developers, system administrators, and anyone who works with files on the internet. A MIME type (now officially called a "Media Type", but often still referred to as MIME type) is a standard label used to identify the type of a file. It acts like a file's ID card, telling a web browser or email client how to handle the file—whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open, or a video to play.

Our tool provides a comprehensive, searchable list of the most common MIME types and their associated file extensions. You can search by an extension (like `.jpg`) to find its MIME type (`image/jpeg`), or search by the type itself to see which extensions it's used for. It's fast, works entirely in your browser, and is designed to be the best possible quick-reference for all your Content-Type needs.

How to Use the Tool

Simply start typing in the search box.
You can enter a file extension (e.g., `.html`), a media type (e.g., `application/json`), or a description (e.g., `word`).
The table will instantly filter to show you all matching results.
Click the copy icon in any row to copy the MIME type to your clipboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MIME type?

A MIME type is a two-part identifier for file formats and format contents transmitted on the Internet. It consists of a `type` and a `subtype`, such as `text/html` or `image/jpeg`. Web servers and browsers use this `Content-Type` header to determine how to process and display a file correctly.

Why are MIME types important?

They are essential for the web to function. A web browser needs the MIME type to know whether to render a file as an image, an HTML page, a stylesheet, or to download it. Incorrect MIME types can lead to security vulnerabilities or cause a website's resources not to load or display properly.

What does `application/octet-stream` mean?

`application/octet-stream` is the default MIME type for a binary file or any file with an unknown type. It tells the browser that the file is just a stream of bytes and that it should prompt the user to download it, rather than trying to display it.

Can a file extension have more than one MIME type?

While it's rare, some file extensions can be associated with multiple MIME types, especially for historical or evolving formats. However, there is usually one official or most common type. This tool lists the most widely accepted MIME type for each extension.

Is this list of MIME types complete?

This tool contains a comprehensive list of the most common and important MIME types used on the web today, covering hundreds of file formats. While the official IANA registry contains thousands of types, this curated list is designed to cover over 99% of all practical use cases for developers and webmasters.