Which MIME types are related to file extension ".cdx"?
The .cdx file extension is associated with 3 MIME types:
chemical/x-cdx, text/plain, application/octet-stream.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .cdx Files
CDX files are specialized data containers that vary by purpose and MIME type.
For the chemical/x-cdx MIME type, these files store chemical structure information. They hold data for molecules—such as atoms, bonds, and connectivity—and are often created by chemical drawing software like ChemDraw. This format is common in scientific and chemical research applications.
When the MIME type is text/plain, a CDX file functions as an internet archive index. It is used to store lists or metadata for archived content, helping organize and reference resources online.
With the application/octet-stream MIME designation, CDX files serve as compressed graphic files. In this instance, they are often associated with CorelDraw. These files store vector graphics or other design elements in a compressed format that CorelDraw and similar software can open and edit.
- Chemical Diagrams: Store detailed molecule structures for use in scientific applications.
- Archive Indexes: Contain plain text listings or metadata for organizing archived data.
- Compressed Graphics: Hold CorelDraw vector graphics and design elements in a compressed binary format.
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
chemical/x-cdx, text/plain, application/octet-stream
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.