Which MIME types are related to file extension ".htm"?
The .htm file extension is associated with 3 MIME types:
text/html, application/xhtml+xml, application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.vmldrawing.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .htm Files
HTM files are text documents that use HTML markup.
They follow the text/html MIME type and are mainly used to build and display web pages in browsers.
Some files use application/xhtml+xml when written in stricter XML-based XHTML syntax.
In rare cases, HTM files may incorporate vector graphics with the application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.vmldrawing MIME type, which supports VML (Vector Markup Language).
- Web Content – They form the backbone of internet pages.
- Editability – Use programs like Notepad, Visual Studio Code, or Dreamweaver to edit them.
- Viewing – Open with browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Internet Explorer.
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
text/html, application/xhtml+xml, application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.vmldrawing
FAQs
What is the difference between .htm and .html files?
There is no functional difference between the two; both contain HTML code and use the text/html MIME type. The .htm extension originated from early DOS and Windows systems that were limited to three-character file extensions, whereas Unix systems could handle .html. Today, they are interchangeable.
How do I open an HTM file on my computer?
You can open an HTM file by double-clicking it, which will launch your default web browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. To view the source code instead of the rendered page, right-click the file and choose "Open with" to select a text editor like Notepad.
How can I convert an HTM file to PDF?
Open the HTM file in your web browser, then press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to open the print dialog. Change the printer destination to Save as PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF, and click Save to create a PDF version of the page.
Why is my HTM file opening in Microsoft Word instead of a browser?
This usually happens if your file associations have been changed. Microsoft Word can edit HTML content (sometimes utilizing the application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.vmldrawing type for graphics), but it is not ideal for browsing. Right-click the file, select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac), and change the "Opens with" application to your preferred web browser.
Is it safe to open HTM files attached to emails?
You should exercise caution, as malicious HTM files can contain scripts that download malware or redirect you to phishing sites. Always verify the sender's identity and scan the attachment with antivirus software before opening it, even if it appears to be a harmless web page.
What software do I need to edit an HTM file?
Since HTM files are plain text, you can edit them using built-in tools like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS). for more advanced coding features like syntax highlighting, it is recommended to use specialized code editors such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Adobe Dreamweaver.
What is the correct MIME type for serving HTM files?
The standard MIME type for HTM files is text/html. While stricter XML-based versions might use application/xhtml+xml, configuring your web server to send text/html ensures maximum compatibility across all web browsers.
General 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.