MIME Type List & Content-Type Reference
Look up reference MIME values by extension or media type
This is an extension reference, not a file inspection. An extension can represent more than one format.
Popular MIME quick lookup
The full guide also includes pitfalls, worked examples, snippets, FAQs, and related tools for checking results or troubleshooting.
About this tool
Search this local reference by file extension, media type, or a short English query. Category filters narrow the list, and each row lets you copy its extension or MIME value. The table is a starting point for configuring known formats; it does not inspect files or fetch response headers, and some extensions have more than one interpretation.
Suggested Workflow
API Debugging Checklist: From Broken Response to Root Cause
A practical debugging flow for API payload errors, auth failures, and malformed responses.
Document Handoff: Split a PDF, Check Extracted Text, and Deliver the Right Version
Prepare smaller PDF bundles, choose text extraction or OCR, check a known passage, and make the recipient’s version and access instructions clear.
Base64 Decoding: Reproduce UTF-8, URL-safe, Padding, and Data URL Cases
Use known inputs and outputs to separate Base64 errors from URL escaping, short-input auto detection, and binary data displayed as text.
Failure Clinic (Common Pitfalls)
One extension can describe different formats
Cause: The catalog includes both MPEG transport streams and TypeScript source under ts. A renamed file can also have an unrelated extension.
Fix: Choose the entry for the actual format. Use File Type Detector for available signature evidence, or inspect the producing application when the format is still unknown.
A correct media type does not guarantee an inline preview
Cause: Content-Disposition, browser support, and the response body also affect how a resource opens.
Fix: Inspect the served response and its disposition. This table cannot diagnose a download or an HTTP 415 response by itself.
Scenario Recipes
Check a JavaScript response type
Goal: Find the reference value for a known JavaScript asset.
- Search text/javascript or js.
- Copy text/javascript from the matching row.
- Compare it with the actual response Content-Type in browser developer tools.
Result: The lookup supplies a reference value. It does not request the asset or inspect its bytes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an HTTP Content-Type declare?
It declares the media type of the representation, for example image/png or application/json. Parameters such as charset describe that representation where the media type defines them.
What should I use for an unknown binary format?
application/octet-stream is the generic binary media type. It does not identify the underlying format or guarantee a specific browser download behavior.
Is this a complete or live registry?
No. It is a built-in reference of common extension mappings, searched locally. For a less common or newly registered type, consult the IANA media types registry and the format specification.
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