What is MIME type "application/vnd.cups-ppd"?

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

application/vnd.cups-ppd is a MIME type for PostScript Printer Description data. It labels files that guide the CUPS printing system on how to manage printer settings.

These files contain plain-text instructions that define printer features, such as resolution, paper sizes, and special printing modes. They help software communicate clear commands to a printer.

Printer configuration: Stores detailed settings and capabilities.
Driver communication: Ensures that print jobs use the proper commands.
System compatibility: Helps maintain consistent performance across different printers.

File details are in PPD files. For additional information on CUPS and its file handling, visit CUPS documentation.

Associated file extensions

.ppd

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.cups-ppd

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.ppd

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.