What is MIME type "application/x-ms-multiplan"?

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-ms-multiplan identifies files made for Microsoft's legacy MultiPlan spreadsheet program. These files use the format reserved for data created in old MultiPlan applications and are not common on modern systems.

When you see this MIME type, it means the file holds spreadsheet data arranged in a proprietary format. The file extension linked to it is MOD, which can help software or operating systems determine how to process the file.

It marks legacy spreadsheet data for specialized software.
It aids email servers and file managers in correctly identifying file content.
It is useful for converting or archiving historical data when newer formats are needed.

For further details on MIME types and their roles, visit the MDN Web Docs on MIME types.

Associated file extensions

.mod

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-ms-multiplan

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.mod

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.