Which MIME types are related to file extension ".kicad_mod"?
The .kicad_mod file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:
text/x-common-lisp, application/octet-stream.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .kicad_mod Files
KICAD_MOD files are used by KiCad software to store module footprint information for printed circuit boards.
They contain layout details such as pad configurations, copper layers, and silkscreen outlines. Some files use a text-based format resembling Lisp syntax, which is why one MIME type is text/x-common-lisp. Others may be stored in a binary format, indicated by the application/octet-stream MIME type.
- Designed for PCB layout and footprint management.
- Used primarily by KiCad for electronic design automation.
- Contains instructions for component placement and board design details.
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/x-common-lisp, application/octet-stream
FAQs
What is a .kicad_mod file used for?
A .kicad_mod file stores the physical footprint of an electronic component used in KiCad PCB designs. It defines the arrangement of pads, copper layers, and silkscreen graphics required to mount a specific part onto a printed circuit board.
How do I open and edit a .kicad_mod file?
The primary way to open and edit these files is using the KiCad Footprint Editor, which provides a graphical interface for modifying pads and outlines. Because the file often uses a text-based format, you can also view or tweak the raw data using code editors like Notepad++ or Sublime Text.
How do I import a .kicad_mod file into my KiCad library?
You do not typically 'import' a single file; instead, you manage libraries via the Manage Footprint Libraries menu in the PCB Editor. You point KiCad to the folder (often with a .pretty extension) that contains your .kicad_mod files to make them accessible in your projects.
Why is the MIME type for .kicad_mod listed as text/x-common-lisp?
Modern KiCad files use S-expressions, a nested list syntax that closely resembles the Lisp programming language. As a result, systems often detect the file as text/x-common-lisp (see mime-type.com) or treat it as plain text.
Can I convert .kicad_mod files to Eagle or Altium formats?
Direct conversion of a single footprint file usually requires third-party scripts or specific export plugins. While KiCad can easily import formats from tools like Eagle, exporting a .kicad_mod file to proprietary formats like Altium typically involves exporting the entire board design first.
Are .kicad_mod files binary or text?
They are predominantly text-based, allowing for version control with tools like Git. However, if a system does not recognize the S-expression structure, it might default to a generic application/octet-stream MIME type, treating it as binary data.
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.