Which MIME types are related to file extension ".ai"?
The .ai file extension is associated with 4 MIME types:
application/postscript, application/illustrator, application/pdf, application/vnd.adobe.illustrator.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .ai Files
AI files are vector-based graphic files created by Adobe Illustrator.
They store artwork, designs, and illustrations in a scalable format that does not lose quality when resized.
They can contain multiple layers, paths, and effects.
- Main Use: Professional graphic design and illustration work.
- MIME Types:
- application/postscript: Used in early versions (Illustrator 1.0/1.1) with a PostScript basis.
- application/illustrator: Specifically identifies Adobe Illustrator Artwork.
- application/pdf: Indicates that the file may include PDF elements for broader compatibility.
- application/vnd.adobe.illustrator: Standardized MIME type for Adobe Illustrator Artwork.
- Software Support: Open with Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, or PDF viewers in some cases.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
application/postscript, application/illustrator, application/pdf, application/vnd.adobe.illustrator
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 can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.