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

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

application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.template is an XML-based format used for text document templates created with OpenOffice.org. It stores a predefined layout and style settings so you can start new documents quickly with a consistent design.

This MIME type identifies files that serve as bases for text documents. For example, when you open a template file like STW, the application knows to treat it as a template rather than a finished document.

It speeds up document creation by preloading styles, layouts, and formatting.
It supports embedded settings such as macros and custom formatting.
It is part of the OpenOffice.org suite, which includes several XML-based file types for various document purposes.

Learn more about OpenOffice.org file formats at OpenOffice.org.

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.template

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

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

FAQs

What is the primary use of application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.template?

This MIME type is used for OpenOffice.org Writer templates. It defines the structure, styles, and layout for text documents created in older versions of the OpenOffice suite (versions 1.x), allowing users to generate consistent documents based on a pre-defined format.

Which file extension is most commonly associated with this MIME type?

The primary file extension for this MIME type is .stw. While the OpenOffice suite uses various extensions like sxw (documents) and sxc (spreadsheets), the application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.template type specifically identifies the Writer template file.

How does this format differ from the modern OpenDocument Format (ODF)?

This is a legacy format used by OpenOffice.org 1.0. It was the predecessor to the standardized OpenDocument Format (ODF). Modern word processors generally use the MIME type application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text-template and the extension .ott, though most can still read the older .stw files.

How do I configure an Apache server to serve these files correctly?

To ensure browsers and applications handle the file correctly, add the following line to your .htaccess file or server configuration: AddType application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.template .stw. This ensures the file is recognized as a template rather than a generic binary or XML file.

Can I open application/vnd.sun.xml.writer.template files in Microsoft Word?

Microsoft Word does not natively support the legacy OpenOffice 1.0 XML format by default. To open these files, it is recommended to use LibreOffice or Apache OpenOffice to convert the file to a modern format like .docx or .odt before opening it in Word.

What software is required to edit files with this MIME type?

You can open and edit these files using Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice, or NeoOffice. These suites maintain backward compatibility with the legacy OpenOffice.org XML format and allow you to save the templates in newer formats.

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.