What is MIME type "application/acad"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The MIME type application/acad is used by computer‐aided design software. It defines a file format for storing detailed drawing data.
It contains vector graphics and metadata for technical drawings. This allows for the accurate sharing and editing of design information.

Files of this type include complete project drawings as well as templates. For instance, the main drawing format is stored in DWG files, while drawing templates are saved as DWT.

CAD Integration: Enables design software to handle and render complex graphic data.
Data Exchange: Facilitates reliable transfer of design files between systems.
Template Usage: Accelerates project startup by providing standard layouts.

This MIME type is essential in fields like architecture, engineering, and drafting.
Learn more at AutoDesk.

Associated file extensions

.dwg, .dwt

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/acad

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/acad">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/acad');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.dwg, .dwt

FAQs

What is the application/acad MIME type used for?

This MIME type is primarily used to identify AutoCAD drawing files and templates during network transfers. It indicates that the file contains vector graphics and metadata typically associated with .dwg or .dwt extensions.

Can web browsers render application/acad files directly?

No, standard browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge cannot natively display application/acad content. Users are usually prompted to download the file, which must then be opened with software like Autodesk AutoCAD or a specialized viewer.

How do I configure Apache to serve DWG files with this MIME type?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct header, add the following line to your .htaccess file or httpd.conf: AddType application/acad .dwg .dwt. This prevents the browser from misinterpreting the file as plain text.

Are there alternative MIME types for AutoCAD files?

Yes, while application/acad is common in legacy systems, you may also encounter image/vnd.dwg, application/x-autocad, or drawing/dwg. It is important to check which MIME type your specific client application expects.

How do I add application/acad support to Nginx?

You can add the type definition to your mime.types file, usually located in /etc/nginx/. Add the line application/acad dwg dwt; inside the types { } block, then reload the Nginx service.

Why are my DWG files opening as text characters in the browser?

This occurs when the server defaults to text/plain because it does not recognize the .dwg extension. You must explicitly configure the server to use application/acad or application/octet-stream to force a binary download.

Is application/acad an official IANA registered type?

The status of application/acad is generally considered unofficial or legacy. The official registration for DWG files is image/vnd.dwg, but many servers and older applications still rely on application/acad for compatibility.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.