What is MIME type "application/binhex"?

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

application/binhex is a MIME type that indicates a file encoded using the BinHex method. This encoding converts binary data into plain text so it can pass through channels that may distort raw binary content.

It is especially associated with files originally used on Macintosh systems. The method converts all 8-bit data into a 7-bit safe format. This helps prevent corruption when files are sent over email or other text-only networks.

Main purpose: To safely encapsulate binary Mac files into a text format.
Key functionality: Transforms binary data preserving resource forks and metadata.
Practical use: Sending Mac binary files over systems that require 7-bit text.

Files using this MIME type include those with extensions such as HEX, HQX (also seen as application/mac-binhex40), and HCX.

For additional technical details, check the IANA Media Types registry.

Associated file extensions

.hex, .hqx, .hcx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/binhex

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/binhex">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/binhex');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.hex, .hqx, .hcx

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.