What is MIME type "application/qbooks"?

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

The MIME type application/qbooks identifies files using the Intuit Interchange Format. These files are text-based and store financial data used by accounting software.
They allow you to transfer data such as transactions, customers, vendors, and reports between applications. This format plays a key role in importing and exporting information in software like QuickBooks.

Data Import: Bring transactional and account information into accounting software.
Data Export: Extract data for backups or migration.
Integration: Enable data exchange with third-party financial tools.

Files with this MIME type typically use the extension IIF. The MIME type ensures your system recognizes the file format and opens it with the proper application.
For more information on how these files work within finance software, see the QuickBooks overview.

Associated file extensions

.iif

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/qbooks

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.iif

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.