What is MIME type "application/x-c2pa-manifest-store"?

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

application/x-c2pa-manifest-store is a MIME type that designates a container for storing digital provenance and authenticity data.
It is primarily used in files with the C2PA extension, which hold signed metadata detailing the file’s history and alterations.

This MIME type encapsulates details such as cryptographic signatures, editing footprints, and chain-of-custody records. It serves to verify that a file—often an image, video, or document—has not been improperly modified or tampered with.

Primary purpose: Securely store and verify metadata about file origin and edits.
Use cases: Authenticating digital media; tracking content provenance; ensuring data integrity in professional media workflows.
Technical role: Embeds cryptographic evidence and metadata following the guidelines of the C2PA standards.

For more details on the C2PA standard and its application in media authenticity, visit the C2PA official website.
This system helps average PC users and professionals alike trust the integrity and history of digital content.

Associated file extensions

.c2pa

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-c2pa-manifest-store

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/x-c2pa-manifest-store">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/x-c2pa-manifest-store');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.c2pa

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.