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

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

application/x-font-pcf is the MIME type for a bitmap font file format. It stores precompiled, fixed-size fonts used mainly in Unix and Linux environments, especially with the X Window System.
This format provides efficient font rendering by having all glyph details prepared in advance.

Delivers desktop fonts in systems using X-based interfaces.
Optimizes performance with ready-to-use, pixel-based glyphs.
Serves as a resource in legacy applications and environments.

Files in this format, like the PCF extension, are ideal when dynamic resizing is not needed. Their fixed sizes ensure quick and consistent display, especially on systems with limited resources.
For more detailed technical insights, see the Portable Compiled Format article.

Associated file extensions

.pcf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-font-pcf

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pcf

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.