What is MIME type "application/vnd.stardivision.impress-packed"?

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

The application/vnd.stardivision.impress-packed MIME type is used for packed presentation files created by the StarOffice Impress application. It bundles slides, media, and formatting together in a compact, binary format for effective storage and sharing.

Files in this format handle rich presentation elements. They store complex layouts and embedded content. This design makes the file easier to transport and ensures that the presentation appears correctly on any compatible system. Many older office suites use this proprietary format.

Key points include:

Main Use: It is used for creating and displaying slide presentations.
Packaging: The format compresses and encloses all presentation resources within one file.
Compatibility: It is part of the StarOffice family. Modern suites like OpenOffice and LibreOffice can also support these files.
Standards: It follows established MIME standards. More details are available at IANA.

This MIME type is linked with several file formats. For example, one common presentation file uses the SDP format. Other related binary formats appear as SDC, SDG, and more, each designed to handle specific types of content in the StarOffice suite.

Associated file extensions

.sdb, .sds, .sdc, .sdw, .sdg, .smf, .sgl, .sda, .sdp, .sdd, .sdm, .vor

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.stardivision.impress-packed

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.sdb, .sds, .sdc, .sdw, .sdg, .smf, .sgl, .sda, .sdp, .sdd, .sdm, .vor

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.