What is MIME type "audio/x-flac"?

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

The MIME type audio/x-flac designates audio files encoded in the FLAC format. This means the file uses a lossless compression method that retains every bit of the original audio quality.

The format supports high-resolution audio and is popular for digital music collections. Programs and browsers use this MIME type to recognize, play, and process these files correctly.

Lossless quality: Perfect sound reproduction without data loss.
High-resolution support: Ideal for archiving studio-quality recordings.
Broad usage: Common in music libraries, streaming services, and editing software.

This MIME type helps applications manage the unique features of FLAC files. It informs the system how to display media options and handle file operations. For further technical details, visit IANA Media Types.

Associated file extensions

.flac

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: audio/x-flac

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.flac

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.