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

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-photoshop flags files created for Adobe Photoshop. It tells your system that these files require specialized handling.

Files with this type are used to store Photoshop-specific data. For example, a Photoshop Transfer Function file (ATF) contains color and tone data. An Adobe Action file (ATN) saves a sequence of commands for batch processing.

Specialized Processing: Indicates content meant for Photoshop.
Automation: Supports recorded actions to automate tasks.
Color Management: Handles data for accurate color and tone adjustments.

This MIME type is tailored for Photoshop’s unique functions and ensures files open with the right application for precise editing.

Associated file extensions

.atf, .atn

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-photoshop

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.atf, .atn

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.