What is MIME type "application/vnd.visio2013"?

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

application/vnd.visio2013 is a MIME type for Microsoft Visio files.
It marks files with structured diagram data saved from Visio 2013.
These files store detailed elements for complex diagrams, including shapes, connectors, and text.
They are most often saved with the extension VSDX.

Main use case: Create and share technical diagrams such as flowcharts and process maps.
Other uses: Build organizational charts, network diagrams, and floor plans.
Practical functionality: Supports integration with applications that render and edit detailed visual data.

It ensures that files are processed by the correct software and retains rich, layered graphics.
For further details, see the IANA media type registration.

Associated file extensions

.vsdx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.visio2013

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.visio2013">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.visio2013');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.vsdx

FAQs

Which file extension is associated with application/vnd.visio2013?

This MIME type is specifically assigned to the .vsdx file extension. It was introduced with Microsoft Visio 2013 to denote the newer, Open XML-based diagram format, replacing the older binary .vsd files found in previous versions.

How do I configure Apache to serve VSDX files?

To ensure Apache serves Visio files with the correct headers, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/vnd.visio2013 .vsdx. This prevents browsers from misinterpreting the file as a generic ZIP archive.

Can web browsers display application/vnd.visio2013 content natively?

No, most modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) cannot render application/vnd.visio2013 content directly. When a user clicks a link to a vsdx file, the browser will typically prompt the user to download the file to be opened in the Microsoft Visio desktop application or a specialized viewer.

Why does my VSDX file download as a ZIP file?

This happens because the .vsdx format is based on the Open Packaging Conventions (OPC), which uses a ZIP container structure. If the web server is not configured with the correct MIME type (application/vnd.visio2013), the browser detects the underlying ZIP structure and changes the extension. Correcting the server's MIME settings fixes this.

What is the difference between application/vnd.visio and application/vnd.visio2013?

The type application/vnd.visio is generally used for older, binary Visio files (extensions like .vsd, .vst, .vsw). The type application/vnd.visio2013 is specific to the newer XML-based format used by .vsdx files introduced in Visio 2013.

How do I add support for VSDX files in Nginx?

Open your mime.types file (usually located in /etc/nginx/) or your main nginx.conf and add the following entry inside the types block: application/vnd.visio2013 vsdx;. Reload Nginx to apply the changes.

Is application/vnd.visio2013 safe to open?

Files with the .vsdx extension and this MIME type are generally safer than older formats because they cannot contain VBA macros. To use macros, the file must be saved as a .vsdm file, which uses a different MIME type. However, you should always scan downloads from untrusted sources.

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.