What is MIME type "application/x-coreldraw"?

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

The MIME type application/x-coreldraw is used for CorelDRAW drawing files. It tells your system that the file is a design document created with CorelDRAW and is usually stored as a compressed file, like CDR.

It functions as the guide for programs to open and process these layered, vector-based graphics. The zipped format makes handling large designs easier and faster.

Main use: Editing and storing detailed graphic designs.
Content versatility: Combines vector shapes, text, and bitmap images in one file.
Efficiency: Compression helps reduce file size and improve transfer speeds.

This MIME type assures that systems and software know how to interpret and display complex design elements properly. For further details on MIME standards, check the MIME Wikipedia page.

Associated file extensions

.cdr

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-coreldraw

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.cdr

FAQs

Can web browsers display application/x-coreldraw files?

No, web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not natively support the application/x-coreldraw MIME type. If a web server sends a file with this type (usually a .cdr file), the browser will typically prompt the user to download the file rather than displaying the image. For web display, convert the design to image/svg+xml, PNG, or JPEG.

How do I configure Apache to serve .cdr files correctly?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct header for CorelDRAW files, edit your .htaccess file or main configuration. Add the line AddType application/x-coreldraw .cdr to map the extension to the MIME type. This ensures clients recognize the file as a CorelDRAW document instead of a generic binary stream.

What software opens files with the application/x-coreldraw type?

The primary software for this MIME type is CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. However, other vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator and the open-source tool Inkscape can often import .cdr files, though complex effects or specific formatting might not translate perfectly.

Why does the MIME type start with 'x-'?

The x- prefix in application/x-coreldraw indicates that it is a non-standard or private MIME type that was not originally registered with the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority). It is the de facto standard used by applications to identify proprietary CorelDRAW files.

Is application/x-coreldraw a compressed format?

Yes, modern CorelDRAW files (version X4 and later) generally use a ZIP-compressed XML structure. While the MIME type identifies the file as a specific application document, the underlying structure allows for efficient storage of vector shapes, bitmaps, and metadata, similar to how modern Office documents work.

How do I fix Nginx serving .cdr files as text/plain?

If Nginx serves .cdr files as text, you need to update your mime.types file. Add the entry application/x-coreldraw cdr; inside the types { ... } block and reload Nginx. This ensures the browser receives the correct Content-Type header.

Are there security risks associated with this MIME type?

Like many complex document formats, files served as application/x-coreldraw can potentially contain malicious macros or scripts. Always scan .cdr files from unknown sources before opening them in CorelDRAW, and avoid allowing web users to upload these files without strict validation.

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.