What is MIME type "application/toolbook"?

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

The MIME type application/toolbook is linked with interactive multimedia files. It is used by the Asymetrix ToolBook application to deliver dynamic educational content.
Files of this type may include interactive lessons, tutorials, and simulations. They merge text, images, sound, and programmed actions to create engaging courseware.
Typical files use the formats SBK, TBK, and TBKX.

Main Use Case: Delivering interactive, multimedia e-learning courses.
Content Creation: Authors build tutorials, quizzes, simulations, and training programs.
Media Integration: Combines various media elements such as graphics, audio, and text.
Platform Deployment: Works in environments designed for interactive courseware.

This MIME type ensures that systems recognize and process files correctly when using the ToolBook authoring platform. For more details on ToolBook, visit Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.sbk, .tbk, .tbkx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/toolbook

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.sbk, .tbk, .tbkx

FAQs

What is the application/toolbook MIME type used for?

The application/toolbook MIME type represents multimedia files created with Asymetrix ToolBook (later SumTotal ToolBook). These files, typically ending in .tbk or .sbk, contain interactive e-learning courses, quizzes, and simulations powered by the OpenScript programming language.

Can I open ToolBook files in modern web browsers like Chrome or Edge?

No, modern browsers do not natively support application/toolbook files. In the past, these files required the Neuron browser plugin or specific ActiveX controls, but modern browsers have discontinued support for these legacy technologies. Users must usually download the file and run it with a standalone ToolBook viewer.

How do I configure an Apache server to serve ToolBook files correctly?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct headers for ToolBook files, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/toolbook .tbk .sbk .tbkx. This ensures browsers recognize the file type rather than treating it as generic binary data.

How do I add support for .tbk files in IIS?

In Internet Information Services (IIS), you must add a MIME Map to serve these files. Go to the MIME Types feature for your site, click Add, and enter .tbk as the file name extension and application/toolbook as the MIME type.

Why does my browser download the .tbk file instead of playing it?

Because modern browsers lack the plugin required to render application/toolbook content, the default behavior is to download the file. To view the content, you generally need the original ToolBook runtime software installed on your local machine.

Are application/toolbook files secure?

ToolBook files contain executable scripts and logic used to create interactivity. As with any file containing code, you should verify the source of the file before opening it, as malicious scripts could potentially be embedded in unauthorized .tbk files.

What is the difference between .tbk and .sbk extensions?

Generally, .tbk refers to the standard ToolBook book file containing the application or courseware. The .sbk extension is often used for system books or shared libraries within the ToolBook environment, though both share the application/toolbook MIME type.

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.