What is MIME type "application/x-pef+xml"?

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

application/x-pef+xml is a MIME type that marks files using an XML structure for the Portable Embosser Format.

This format is built on XML. It stores detailed instructions for formatting text into embossed (tactile) output. The XML markup lets software deliver rich, structured data for embossers.

Primary use: Provides layout and embossing instructions for devices that create tactile or braille documents.
Flexibility: The XML base allows easy updates and customization of document structure.
Workflow integration: Fits into systems that convert standard digital text into embossed output.

Files using this MIME type carry the PEF extension. This type is common in specialized software dealing with braille and tactile printing.

For more on XML and its applications in file formats, visit the W3C XML page.

Associated file extensions

.pef

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-pef+xml

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pef

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of the application/x-pef+xml MIME type?

This MIME type identifies files formatted in the Portable Embosser Format (PEF). It is an XML-based standard used to represent braille documents electronically, ensuring that layout and tactile data are correctly preserved for braille embossers and specialized reading software.

Which file extension is associated with application/x-pef+xml?

The standard file extension for this MIME type is .pef. You can learn more about how this extension is used in file systems at pef.

How do I configure an Apache server to serve PEF files?

To ensure Apache serves .pef files with the correct headers, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/x-pef+xml .pef. This helps client software recognize the file as a braille document rather than generic XML.

Can web browsers natively display application/x-pef+xml files?

Most standard browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) do not have built-in renderers for the visual representation of PEF braille data. They will typically display the raw XML tree or prompt the user to download the file. To view the braille layout visually, specialized software or a browser plugin is usually required.

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

In your Nginx configuration file (usually nginx.conf or inside sites-available), locate the types block. Add the entry application/x-pef+xml pef; to map the extension to the correct Content-Type.

What is the difference between application/x-pef+xml and text/xml?

While PEF files are built on XML, application/x-pef+xml is a specific subtype that tells the receiving application the file adheres to the Portable Embosser Format schema. Using generic text/xml might cause specialized braille software to fail to trigger the correct import or embossing workflows.

What kind of software opens files with this MIME type?

Files served as application/x-pef+xml are typically processed by braille transcription software, such as the Braille Utils suite or drivers for braille embossers. Because the format is text-based XML, developers can also open and edit these files in standard text editors like VS Code or Notepad++.

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.