What is MIME type "application/x-mgx-designer"?

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

application/x-mgx-designer is a vendor-specific type. It marks design files made by Micrografx Designer software.

This format stores vector graphics, layout details, and drawing instructions. It is built for precise design work and advanced desktop publishing.

Files using this type include those from Micrografx’s programs such as DRW (from Micrografx Draw) and DSF (the native Micrografx Designer format).

Main use: Storing and editing professional design documents.
Other uses: Managing detailed vector drawings and complex layout data.

The x- prefix signals an experimental or proprietary format. Opening these files usually requires the original or compatible design software. For more on MIME types, visit MIME on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.drw, .dsf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-mgx-designer

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.drw, .dsf

FAQs

What software is required to open application/x-mgx-designer files?

You generally need Micrografx Designer or CorelDRAW Technical Suite to open these files. Since Corel acquired Micrografx, modern Corel software often includes filters to import legacy .dsf and .drw vector graphics.

Can web browsers display application/x-mgx-designer content directly?

No, web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge cannot render this proprietary vector format. To display these designs on a website, you must convert the file to a standard web format like SVG, PNG, or application/pdf.

How do I configure Apache to serve Micrografx Designer files correctly?

You can enable support by adding the MIME type definition to your .htaccess file or main configuration. Use the following directive: AddType application/x-mgx-designer .drw .dsf.

How do I add this MIME type to an Nginx server?

Update your mime.types file or the specific server block configuration. Add the line application/x-mgx-designer drw dsf; to ensure the server sends the correct headers for these downloads.

Why is the .drw extension ambiguous?

The .drw extension is used by several different drawing programs, not just Micrografx. While application/x-mgx-designer specifically denotes Micrografx files, other software may associate .drw with different MIME types, such as generic binary drawing formats.

What does the 'x-' prefix indicate in this MIME type?

The x- prefix signifies that application/x-mgx-designer is a non-standard or proprietary type not registered with IANA. It indicates the format is specific to Micrografx software rather than being an open web standard.

General 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.