What is MIME type "application/vnd.mcd"?

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

application/vnd.mcd identifies files created by Mathcad, a software tool for technical calculations. These files hold detailed calculations, formulas, and graphs in a specialized layout.
When a system sees this MIME type, it knows to use Mathcad for proper rendering and editing. The format preserves the interactive and complex data structures typical of engineering documents.

Primary use: It marks a file as a Mathcad worksheet used by engineers and scientists.
Key fact: Files with this MIME type contain rich data such as formulas, numerical computations, and embedded graphics.
Practical usage: The type ensures that email systems or web applications launch Mathcad for editing or viewing these documents.

Files with this MIME type typically use the extension MCD. For more details on this file extension and its associated uses, visit the external reference linked above.

Associated file extensions

.mcd

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.mcd

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.mcd

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.