What is MIME type "application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.base"?

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.oasis.opendocument.base identifies files built on the OpenDocument technology. It signals that the file follows an open, XML-based structure defined by the OASIS OpenDocument standard. This lets your system know how to parse and display the file correctly.

It is a base descriptor for many document types used in office suites. Programs rely on it to choose the right tools for editing and viewing these files. For example, word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and even databases all use this standard. Other related formats also rely on this base, ensuring consistent structure and compatibility across different software.

Common use cases and key facts include:
Other members of the OpenDocument file family—like those with the extensions OTF, ODM, ODC, ODF, OTC, OTG, OTI, OTH, ODI, FODG, FODP, FODS, and FODT—adhere to similar structural standards.

Its open standard nature makes it widely supported by free and commercial office software. For more detailed information on how this format works, visit the OpenDocument Wikipedia page or the official OASIS OpenDocument website.

Associated file extensions

.odt, .ods, .otf, .odg, .odp, .odm, .odb, .odc, .odf, .otc, .ots, .ott, .otg, .oti, .otp, .oth, .odi, .fodg, .fodp, .fods, .fodt

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.base
  

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.odt, .ods, .otf, .odg, .odp, .odm, .odb, .odc, .odf, .otc, .ots, .ott, .otg, .oti, .otp, .oth, .odi, .fodg, .fodp, .fods, .fodt

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.