What is MIME type "application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.global"?

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.writer.global identifies an OpenOffice Writer file that holds global settings. It uses an XML structure to store defaults such as page layouts, headers, and style definitions. This file acts as a hub for application-wide formatting.

Unlike a standard document file like SXW, this file contains settings that can affect many documents. It ensures consistency across the OpenOffice suite.

XML-Based Format: The content is stored in a readable, text-based structure.
Global Configuration: It manages default styling and layout for the writer application.
Integration: Works seamlessly with other OpenOffice files such as STD, STC, SXC and more, with SXG specifically linked to this MIME type.

This setup simplifies management of application-wide styles. It helps software understand how to apply consistent formatting across documents. For further technical details, visit the IANA page on this MIME type.

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.writer.global

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

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

FAQs

What application opens files with the MIME type application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.global?

You can open these files using Apache OpenOffice or LibreOffice Writer. While this is a legacy format primarily associated with the .sxg extension, modern open-source office suites maintain backward compatibility with the StarOffice XML standard.

How do I configure Apache to serve OpenOffice Global documents correctly?

Add the directive AddType application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.global .sxg to your .htaccess file or main server configuration. This ensures that when users download the file, their browser recognizes it as a Writer Master Document rather than generic XML or text.

Is this MIME type the same as the modern OpenDocument Format (ODF)?

No, this MIME type belongs to the older OpenOffice.org 1.0 XML format (Sun XML), which predates ODF. The modern equivalent for a global/master document is application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text-master, which typically uses the .odm extension.

What is the primary file extension for application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.global?

The specific extension for this MIME type is .sxg. While it is related to other OpenOffice extensions like .sxw (standard text) and .stw (templates), the .sxg extension denotes a Master Document used to compile multiple sub-documents.

How do I add Nginx support for this legacy OpenOffice type?

Update your mime.types file or the specific server block with the line application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.global sxg;. After saving the configuration, reload Nginx to ensure the server sends the correct Content-Type header.

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

Web browsers do not have built-in rendering engines for OpenOffice XML formats. When a browser encounters application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.global, it treats it as an external application file and prompts you to save it to your disk.

How can I convert this legacy format to a modern document?

Open the .sxg file in LibreOffice Writer and use the "Save As" feature. Select the OpenDocument Master format (.odm) to update the file structure to current ISO standards supported by modern software.

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.