What is MIME type "application/x-oom"?

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

application/x-oom is a custom MIME type used for files created by PowerDesigner. These files store detailed design models that capture complex data structures and relationships.

When a system or browser sees this MIME type, it knows the file holds modeling information specific to PowerDesigner. For example, files with the extension OOM use this MIME type.

Main Use: Storing and exchanging enterprise design models.
Format Nature: The x- prefix shows it is a vendor-specific type not standardized by IANA.
Functionality: Helps systems recognize and correctly process the model data contained in these files.

This MIME type ensures that the appropriate software, like PowerDesigner, handles the file properly. For more on MIME types, check the IANA Media Types page.

Associated file extensions

.oom

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-oom

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.oom

FAQs

What software opens files with the MIME type application/x-oom?

This MIME type is primarily associated with SAP PowerDesigner (formerly Sybase PowerDesigner). It designates an Object-Oriented Model (OOM) file, which contains UML diagrams and architectural designs used in software engineering.

How do I configure Apache to serve .oom files correctly?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct headers for these files, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/x-oom .oom. This helps client browsers identify the file type immediately.

Why does the MIME type start with 'x-'?

The x- prefix indicates that application/x-oom is a non-standard or proprietary subtype. It is not strictly standardized by the IANA but is used specifically by vendor software to identify OOM files.

Can web browsers display application/x-oom files directly?

No, standard web browsers like Chrome or Firefox cannot render PowerDesigner models. Instead, the browser will usually prompt you to download the file so it can be opened locally with the specific modeling software.

How do I add support for this MIME type in Nginx?

You can enable support in Nginx by editing your mime.types file or the http block of your configuration. Add the entry application/x-oom oom; inside the types block and reload the server to apply the changes.

Is application/x-oom a text or binary format?

PowerDesigner OOM files are typically XML-based text files, though they may contain binary data depending on the version and save settings. Because the MIME type is application/, it is treated as a generic application data stream rather than plain text.

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.