What is MIME type "application/vnd.3gpp.pic-bw-large"?

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

application/vnd.3gpp.pic-bw-large is a vendor-specific MIME type defined by 3GPP for mobile imaging. It signals that a file contains a large, black and white image. These images are optimized for mobile devices where bandwidth and storage are limited.

This format is used in mobile messaging and similar services. It helps transfer visuals quickly over low-bandwidth networks. The black and white style keeps the file sizes small while still providing good visual clarity.

Optimized for Mobile Devices: Tailored for quick transfers and low storage use.
Standardized Format: Follows 3GPP specifications for mobile communications.
Primary Usage: Used in multimedia messaging services and mobile applications.
File Association: Commonly linked to the file format used by PLB files.

For more details on 3GPP standards, visit 3GPP.

Associated file extensions

.plb

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.3gpp.pic-bw-large

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.3gpp.pic-bw-large">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/vnd.3gpp.pic-bw-large');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.plb

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.