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

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

application/x-dwf is the MIME type for files in the DWF format.
It marks files that store detailed design data from AutoCAD Design Web Format 6.0.
This format bundles 2D and 3D design information along with metadata into a compact package.

Secure Distribution: It allows designers to share complex drawings without exposing raw source files.
Web-Based Viewing: Many online viewers and design applications use this MIME type to serve design renderings directly in a browser.
Optimized File Size: The format filters out unnecessary data to keep file sizes small for faster downloads and easier storage.
Cross-Platform Integration: It works with multiple CAD tools, making it easier to exchange designs among different systems.

application/x-dwf ensures that files are recognized as design data, which is key when transferring drawings between applications or over the web.

Associated file extensions

.dwf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-dwf

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.dwf

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.