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

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

application/x-filemaker is a MIME type used to identify database files created with FileMaker Pro. It tells systems that the content is a proprietary FileMaker database, so applications know how to open and process the file.

Files marked with this MIME type store structured and relational data along with custom layouts. They help servers and email clients manage file transfers correctly.

Common file types using this MIME type include those with extensions such as FP3, FM, FP5, FP7, FP, and FMP.

The primary use is to manage and store FileMaker Pro databases.
It organizes relational data and user-defined layouts.
It spans several versions, from early releases (Database 3) to later ones (such as FileMaker Pro 7).

For more details on MIME types in general, visit MDN Web Docs on MIME types.
Learn more about FileMaker Pro on the Claris FileMaker website.

Associated file extensions

.fp3, .fm, .fp5, .fp7, .fp, .fmp

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-filemaker

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.fp3, .fm, .fp5, .fp7, .fp, .fmp

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.