What is MIME type "application/postscript"?

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

application/postscript is a MIME type for files that contain page description data. It is based on the PostScript language. This language instructs printers how to render text and graphics.

Main use cases:

High-quality printing in publishing and professional print services.
Graphic design workflows where precise page layout is vital.
Device-independent page rendering that adapts output across various hardware.

Files using this MIME type include versions used in graphic design and vector illustration. Examples include formats such as PDF for Adobe Illustrator work, EPS for encapsulated PostScript, and AI from early Adobe Illustrator versions.

Other variants include those marked with PS, EPI, EPSI, and EPSF. Each offers specialized features in handling vector images and graphics.

This format allows text and images to scale without quality loss. It remains common in environments that require detailed control over design and printing. For more technical details, you can visit this reference.

Associated file extensions

.pdf, .eps, .ai, .ps, .epi, .epsi, .epsf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/postscript

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pdf, .eps, .ai, .ps, .epi, .epsi, .epsf

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.