How to Use the MIME Type Lookup
- Type a file extension (e.g. "pdf") or a MIME type (e.g. "application/json") into the search box.
- Matching results are filtered instantly from the reference table.
- Copy the MIME type you need directly from the results.
Why MIME types matter
When a server sends a file, it includes a Content-Type header describing the MIME type so the receiving application knows how to handle it — whether to render it as an image, parse it as JSON, or offer it as a download. Getting this wrong can cause browsers to display raw code instead of an image, or refuse to process an upload that has the correct extension but the wrong declared type.
Structure of a MIME type
A MIME type has the format `type/subtype`, such as `text/html`, `image/png`, or `application/json`. The type describes the general category (text, image, application, audio, video, multipart) and the subtype describes the specific format within that category.
Example
.json, .png, .pdf
application/json, image/png, application/pdf
Tips
- Always validate uploaded file content, not just the extension or claimed MIME type, since both can be spoofed.
- Use `application/octet-stream` as a generic fallback for unknown binary data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a file extension have more than one MIME type?
It's uncommon but possible in some legacy or vendor-specific cases. Where ambiguity exists, prefer the type registered with IANA.
Is a MIME type the same as a file extension?
No. A file extension is just a naming convention; the MIME type is what actually tells software how to interpret the file's content.