What is MIME type "application/x-font-afm"?

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-font-afm is linked to Adobe Type 1 ASCII Font Metrics files. These files carry text-based data that describes font measurements and spacing details. They help software know exactly how each character should appear and be spaced in a printed or digital document.

This metric data is essential for accurate font rendering and layout. It lets programs calculate character widths, kerning, and line spacing, ensuring a professional look.

Typography: It provides precise measurements for accurate text layout.
Printing: Printers use these numbers to match on-screen text with printed output.
Desktop Publishing: Design software relies on these metrics for high-quality document formatting.

Its content is often paired with actual font files to complete a typeface package. Files of this kind use the AFM format. For further technical details, you can explore more resources on font metrics and MIME types.

Associated file extensions

.afm

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-font-afm

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.afm

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.