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

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

The MIME type application/vnd.hp-hps is a proprietary format created by HP. It is used to send print commands and graphic data to HP printers.
It carries instructions and layout details that help produce accurate printed output.

Print command delivery: Transmits precise printing instructions.
Graphics rendering: Ensures images are printed correctly.
Document workflow integration: Fits into HP’s specialized print environments.

Files that use this MIME type typically have the HPS extension. They are most common in systems built around HP hardware and software. For more technical details on MIME types, see MDN Web Docs.

Associated file extensions

.hps

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.hp-hps

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.hps

FAQs

What is the application/vnd.hp-hps MIME type used for?

This is a proprietary format used by HP systems to transmit print commands and graphic data to compatible hardware. Files with this type usually utilize the .hps extension and contain specific instructions for layout and rendering within HP's printing workflow.

How do I configure Nginx to serve .hps files correctly?

To ensure Nginx serves these files with the correct header, you must update your mime.types file or server configuration. Add the line application/vnd.hp-hps hps; to map the extension to the correct content type.

Can web browsers display application/vnd.hp-hps files directly?

No, browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not natively support rendering HP print stream data. Typically, the browser will force a file download rather than attempting to display the content in the window.

How do I fix "Unknown File Type" errors for .hps files on Apache?

If your Apache server does not recognize the file, add the MIME type definition to your .htaccess file or httpd.conf. Insert the directive AddType application/vnd.hp-hps .hps to resolve the issue.

What software opens files with the application/vnd.hp-hps content type?

These files are generally processed by HP printer drivers or specialized document management software provided by HP. They are binary files meant for machine interpretation, so opening them in a text editor will likely result in unreadable characters.

What does the "vnd" prefix signify in this MIME type?

The vnd prefix stands for vendor, indicating that this is a proprietary format controlled by a specific organization (in this case, HP) rather than a standard open format. See mime-type.com for more details on MIME naming conventions.

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.