What is MIME type "application/xenc+xml"?

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

application/xenc+xml is a MIME type for files containing XML encryption markup. It applies the XML Encryption standard to secure parts of XML documents.

It enables developers to embed encryption details—such as keys and algorithms—directly in an XML structure. This lets programs decrypt only the sensitive parts without exposing the whole document.

Main use case: Encrypting specific sections of XML files to protect confidential data.
Key functionality: Storing encryption instructions and metadata within the XML structure.
Practical use: Securing data in web services, digital signatures, and secure document exchanges.

Files using this MIME type are typically saved with the XENC extension.

For more technical details on the standard, visit the W3C XML Encryption specification.

Associated file extensions

.xenc

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/xenc+xml

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xenc

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.