What is MIME type "application/x-epoc-word"?

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

application/x-epoc-word is a MIME type that marks a file as an EPOC Word document. It signals compatible systems to use the correct application for reading or editing the file.

This type is mainly used in legacy environments where the EPOC operating system was common. It designates document data that follow a format unique to EPOC’s word processing software, ensuring the file gets handled properly by supporting programs.

Main use case: Identifying and processing EPOC Word documents in specialized applications.
Other uses: Assisting file conversion and ensuring compatibility on legacy systems.
Key details: The x- prefix indicates a non-standard or experimental type.

Files with this MIME type typically have the extension WRD.

For more information on MIME types in general, visit this reference.

Associated file extensions

.wrd

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-epoc-word

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.wrd

FAQs

What kind of file is application/x-epoc-word?

This MIME type identifies documents created by the Word processor on the EPOC operating system, which was widely used on Psion PDAs. It specifically denotes binary document data usually associated with the .wrd file extension.

How do I open a file sent as application/x-epoc-word?

Because this is a legacy format, modern text editors cannot open it directly. You typically need conversion tools like PsiWin, libepoc, or specialized file viewers designed for Psion/EPOC archives to convert the content into a standard format like TXT or RTF.

How do I configure Apache to serve .wrd files?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct header, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/x-epoc-word .wrd. This prevents browsers from misinterpreting the binary data as plain text.

Can web browsers display application/x-epoc-word files?

No, modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not have built-in rendering engines for EPOC Word documents. When a server sends this content type, the browser will usually trigger a file download dialogue instead of displaying the page.

What does the "x-" prefix mean in this MIME type?

The x- prefix indicates that this is a non-standard or proprietary MIME type that was not registered with the IANA. It was conventionally used by developers for experimental or private file formats, such as those specific to the EPOC system.

How do I add support for this type in Nginx?

You can add the MIME type to your mime.types file or inside a types block in your server configuration. Use the syntax: application/x-epoc-word wrd; to associate the extension with the MIME type.

Is an EPOC .wrd file the same as a Microsoft Word document?

No, despite the similar name and extension, EPOC Word files use a completely different binary structure than Microsoft Word files (like application/msword). Renaming the extension will not make the file readable in Microsoft Office; it requires conversion.

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.