What is MIME type "application/vnd.lotus-freelance"?

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

application/vnd.lotus-freelance is a MIME type for files created by the Lotus Freelance suite. It designates files containing presentation data and master graphic information.

Files using this MIME type include those for Lotus Freelance Show and Lotus Freelance Smartmaster Graphics. For example, the presentation data files come as PRZ and PRE, while design layouts are stored in MAS files.

Main use: Distinguish Lotus Freelance presentation documents.
Functionality: Embed slide layouts, text, graphics, and design templates.
Legacy support: Enable older Lotus software to recognize and handle its native file formats.

The binary format encapsulates design and content to preserve the look and structure of a presentation. It ensures that when these files are shared via email or web download, systems can identify them as Lotus Freelance documents.

For further details on MIME type registrations, see the IANA entry.

Associated file extensions

.prz, .pre, .mas

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.lotus-freelance

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.prz, .pre, .mas

FAQs

What is the application/vnd.lotus-freelance MIME type used for?

This MIME type is used to identify presentation files created by Lotus Freelance Graphics, a part of the IBM Lotus SmartSuite. It covers presentation data files (often ending in prz or pre) and SmartMaster design layouts (mas).

How do I configure Apache to serve Lotus Freelance files?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct headers, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/vnd.lotus-freelance .prz .pre .mas. This helps client browsers understand that the file is a proprietary presentation document.

Can web browsers display application/vnd.lotus-freelance files directly?

No, modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not have built-in support for rendering Lotus Freelance files. When a user clicks a link to a file served with this MIME type, the browser will typically prompt the user to download the file rather than displaying it.

Which software opens files with this MIME type?

Files with the application/vnd.lotus-freelance type are best opened with the original Lotus Freelance Graphics software or the IBM Lotus SmartSuite. Support in third-party tools is limited due to the legacy nature of the format, though some older versions of Microsoft PowerPoint provided import filters.

How do I add this MIME type to Nginx?

In your Nginx configuration file (usually nginx.conf or inside a mime.types file), add the following entry within the types block: application/vnd.lotus-freelance prz pre mas;. Reload Nginx to apply the changes.

What are the common file extensions for this MIME type?

The most common extensions associated with application/vnd.lotus-freelance are .prz, .pre, and .mas. The .prz extension is the standard for presentation files, while .mas denotes master style templates.

Are there security risks associated with Lotus Freelance files?

Yes, as with many legacy binary formats, caution is advised. Older presentation files can sometimes contain macro viruses or exploit vulnerabilities in the parsing software. Always scan files from unknown sources before opening them in legacy software.

How do I set up this MIME type in Microsoft IIS?

In the IIS Manager, navigate to the specific site or directory, double-click MIME Types, and select Add. Enter .prz (or .mas) as the file name extension and application/vnd.lotus-freelance as the 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.