What is MIME type "application/vnd.hp-hpgl"?

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

application/vnd.hp-hpgl defines files that contain HPGL commands.
It is used by HP plotters and printers to render vector graphics.
These files are not images but sets of instructions for drawing lines, curves, and shapes.

Main use: To control HP plotters and specialized printers.
Technical functionality: It encodes vector drawing commands that direct pen movements.
Other uses: It has been applied in CAD and legacy printing systems.

Files with this MIME type often carry extensions like HPGL and 000.
These commands streamline the printing process on specific hardware.
For additional technical details, visit File Extension Info.

Associated file extensions

.000, .hpgl

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.hp-hpgl

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.000, .hpgl

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.