What is MIME type "application/vnd.sun.xml.calc.template"?

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.sun.xml.calc.template is an XML-based format for spreadsheet templates in the OpenOffice suite.
It tells systems to treat the file as a blueprint for new spreadsheet documents that include preset formatting, formulas, and layout settings.

Used to start new spreadsheets with uniform design.
Stores default cell styles and pre-configured formulas.
Ensures files open correctly in OpenOffice applications.

Files using this MIME type mainly have the STC extension.
Other related OpenOffice XML formats include SXW, STD, SXC, STI, SXD, STW, SXI, SXM, and SXG.
This classification helps web servers and email systems handle the file properly by associating it with the correct viewer or editor.
For more technical details, see the IANA registration and visit the OpenOffice.org website.

Associated file extensions

.sxw, .std, .stc, .sxc, .sti, .sxd, .stw, .sxi, .sxm, .sxg

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.sun.xml.calc.template

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.sxw, .std, .stc, .sxc, .sti, .sxd, .stw, .sxi, .sxm, .sxg

FAQs

Which file extension is associated with application/vnd.sun.xml.calc.template?

This MIME type is specifically associated with the .stc file extension. While it is part of the broader OpenOffice XML family (which includes extensions like .sxc and .sxw), the .stc extension denotes a spreadsheet template used to create new documents with pre-set styles.

How do I open a file sent with this MIME type?

You need software compatible with the legacy OpenOffice.org XML format, such as Apache OpenOffice or LibreOffice Calc. Modern versions of these programs can still read this format and allow you to save the file as a newer OpenDocument Spreadsheet Template (.ots) or Microsoft Excel Template.

How should I configure Apache to serve these files?

To ensure browsers handle the file correctly, add the specific mapping to your .htaccess or server configuration file. Use the line: AddType application/vnd.sun.xml.calc.template .stc. This prevents the server from sending the file as generic text or XML.

Is this MIME type the same as the modern OpenDocument format?

No, this is a legacy format developed by Sun Microsystems before the standardization of ODF. The modern equivalent for spreadsheet templates uses the MIME type application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet-template and typically uses the .ots extension.

Why does my browser download the file instead of displaying it?

Most web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) do not have built-in rendering engines for OpenOffice spreadsheets. When the server sends the header Content-Type: application/vnd.sun.xml.calc.template, the browser recognizes it cannot display the content and defaults to downloading the file for local use.

What is the difference between application/vnd.sun.xml.calc.template and application/vnd.sun.xml.calc?

The suffix .template indicates the file is a blueprint (stc), whereas the version without it is for a standard saved spreadsheet (sxc). When a user opens a file with the template MIME type, the software usually creates a new, untitled document based on the file, rather than opening the original file for editing.

Can I convert this MIME type to a Microsoft Excel format?

Yes, once you open the .stc file in LibreOffice or OpenOffice, you can use the "Save As" function. You can choose to save it as a modern Excel Template (.xltx) or a standard Excel Workbook (.xlsx), which changes the underlying structure and MIME type.

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.