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

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

application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text is the MIME type for text documents that follow the OpenDocument standard. It stores formatted text along with style, metadata, and other content in a compressed, XML-based package.

This format helps users create, share, and archive documents across different platforms and software. Common examples include files saved as ODT or the flat XML version FODT.

Open Standard: It is based on published, vendor-neutral guidelines by the OASIS consortium.
XML-Based Format: The content and formatting are stored separately, which aids in flexibility and future-proofing.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Widely supported by applications like LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice for document editing and viewing.
Efficient Storage: The use of compression helps reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

This MIME type ensures that text documents remain accessible and editable long into the future. Its open design encourages interoperability and reliable document exchange. For more depth on the OpenDocument standards, you can visit the OASIS 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.text

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text">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.text');
      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.