What is MIME type "application/x-iso9660-image"?

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-iso9660-image represents a digital snapshot of an optical disc. It stores an entire disc's structure and data in a single file.
This is useful when you want an exact copy of a CD or DVD for backup, sharing, or virtual use.

Backup: Save a complete physical disc on your PC.
Distribution: Share software or media without needing the original disc.
Emulation: Mount the image using virtual drive software to run programs or media as if from a physical disc.

Files using this MIME type often come with extensions like ISO, CDR, IMG, and ISOIMG.
These files mimic the structure of an optical disc. They store the disc's filesystem and boot sectors just as they appear on a CD or DVD.

For more technical details, check the ISO 9660 standard.

Associated file extensions

.iso, .cdr, .img, .isoimg

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-iso9660-image

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/x-iso9660-image">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-iso9660-image');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.iso, .cdr, .img, .isoimg

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.