Definition

MIME type

A MIME type is a label that describes the kind of content in a file, such as image/jpeg or application/pdf.

Where MIME types appear

MIME types are used by browsers, servers, upload forms, and storage systems to describe file content.

They help software decide how to preview, handle, validate, or serve a file.

Why MIME types are worth checking

A MIME type helps you confirm how a platform or browser sees the file. That can explain upload errors, preview problems, or mismatches between the extension and the reported format.

For better confidence, compare the MIME type with the extension and, when needed, with the file signature.

Related tools

More tools that cover similar file tasks.

MIME type | FileMetaHub