What is MIME type "application/x-font-adobe-metric"?

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

This MIME type, application/x-font-adobe-metric, is used for files that store font metrics data. This data defines how a font is measured. It contains numeric values for character dimensions, spacing, and kerning. These details help software render text accurately on screen and in print.

Software in graphic design and desktop publishing uses these metrics to ensure that fonts display consistently. They factor in the exact sizes and spacings needed for professional layouts.

Main use: Provides measurement data for precise text layout.
Other uses: Supports digital typography and high-quality print production.
Key fact: Contains values like character width, kerning pairs, and baseline positions.

Files using this MIME type include those with extensions like AFM, ACFM, and AMFM.

For more details, see the Adobe Font Metric reference on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.afm, .acfm, .amfm

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-font-adobe-metric

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.afm, .acfm, .amfm

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.