What is MIME type "application/x-vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet"?

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-vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet marks files that use the OpenDocument Spreadsheet format. It tells your system that the file holds spreadsheet data with formulas, charts, and tables.

Files with this type are usually saved with the ODS extension. They use an XML-based structure.

Main use: Storing and processing spreadsheet data similar to what you’d do in programs like Excel.
Editing: Supports calculations, data entry, and formatting.
Visualization: Embeds charts and graphical data presentations.
Compatibility: Works with open-source suites like LibreOffice and OpenOffice, and some proprietary software.

Files in this format follow open standards developed by organizations such as OASIS. This ensures broad support and long-term accessibility.

Associated file extensions

.ods

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.ods

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.