What is MIME type "application/vnd.ms-publisher"?

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

application/vnd.ms-publisher is a MIME type for files created with Microsoft Publisher.
It signals that the file holds desktop publishing content used for print materials such as brochures, newsletters, and flyers. Files using this type generally have the file extension PUB.

It helps systems and browsers identify the file's format.
It enables proper handling in email attachments and downloads.
It links the file to the correct software for editing and viewing.

Learn more about MIME types at IANA.

Associated file extensions

.pub

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.ms-publisher

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pub

FAQs

Can web browsers display application/vnd.ms-publisher files directly?

No, standard web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge cannot render Microsoft Publisher files natively. When a server sends the application/vnd.ms-publisher MIME type, the browser will usually force a download of the file so it can be opened locally with the appropriate software.

Which software opens files with this MIME type?

This MIME type is specifically associated with Microsoft Publisher, which is part of the Microsoft Office suite. Files usually have the .pub extension. While some open-source tools like LibreOffice Draw can attempt to import them, the layout may not be preserved perfectly.

How do I configure Apache to serve .pub files correctly?

To ensure Apache sends the correct headers for Publisher files, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main server config: AddType application/vnd.ms-publisher .pub. This prevents the file from being identified generically as a binary stream.

What is the difference between application/vnd.ms-publisher and application/x-mspublisher?

The application/vnd.ms-publisher string is the standard, registered media type for these files. The version with the x- prefix (application/x-mspublisher) is an older, non-standard convention. You should use the vnd (vendor) version for modern compatibility.

How do I add support for Publisher files in Nginx?

You should edit your mime.types file, typically located in /etc/nginx/. Add the line application/vnd.ms-publisher pub; inside the types block, and then restart or reload the Nginx service.

Is it safe to open files sent with this MIME type?

As with many Office formats, Publisher files can potentially contain malicious macros or scripts. You should only open application/vnd.ms-publisher attachments from trusted sources and ensure your antivirus software scans the file upon download.

Why should I convert this MIME type to PDF for web distribution?

Since users need specific desktop software to view .pub files, they are poor candidates for web content. Converting the file to application/pdf ensures that almost all users can view the document directly in their browser on any device.

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.