Which MIME types are related to file extension ".mobi"?
The .mobi file extension is associated with 3 MIME types:
application/x-mobipocket-ebook, application/vnd.amazon.ebook, application/vnd.amazon.mobi8-ebook.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .mobi Files
MOBI files are digital book files formatted for portable reading.
They use MIME types such as application/x-mobipocket-ebook, application/vnd.amazon.ebook, and application/vnd.amazon.mobi8-ebook to indicate their structure and capabilities.
- Main Use: Distributing ebooks for devices like Amazon Kindle.
- Compatibility: Openable with readers such as the Kindle App, Calibre, FBReader, and Amazon’s own Kindle software.
- Functionality: Support features like reflowable text, images, bookmarks, and annotations.
According to FilExt.com, MOBI files remain a popular format for digital publications.
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/x-mobipocket-ebook, application/vnd.amazon.ebook, application/vnd.amazon.mobi8-ebook
FAQs
How do I open a .mobi file on Windows or Mac?
You can open .mobi files using free desktop software like Calibre, FBReader, or the official Kindle for PC/Mac app. These programs allow you to view the eBook with proper formatting, bookmarks, and reflowable text.
Can I read .mobi files on my iPhone or Android device?
Yes, the Amazon Kindle app supports this format on mobile devices, though you may need to transfer the file manually. Alternatively, third-party eBook readers like Moon+ Reader (Android) or KyBook (iOS) can natively open and display .mobi files.
How do I convert a .mobi file to PDF or EPUB?
The most reliable tool for converting .mobi files is Calibre, which allows you to change formats while preserving metadata and layout. You can also use various online conversion tools to switch from .mobi to .epub or .pdf quickly.
Why can't I send .mobi files to my Kindle via email anymore?
Amazon has deprecated support for sending .mobi files via the "Send to Kindle" service, favoring the .epub format instead. However, older physical Kindle devices can still read .mobi files if you transfer them directly via a USB cable.
What is the correct MIME type for .mobi files?
The most common MIME type for serving these files is application/x-mobipocket-ebook. Servers may also use application/vnd.amazon.ebook for broader Amazon compatibility. You can verify specific type configurations on mime-type.com.
Is .mobi the same as .azw3?
No, .mobi is an older Mobipocket standard, while .azw3 (Kindle Format 8) supports newer technologies like HTML5 and CSS3. While .mobi offers great backward compatibility for old devices, .azw3 allows for richer formatting on modern screens.
How can I edit the title or author of a .mobi file?
You can edit metadata using Calibre. Import the book, right-click it to select Edit metadata, and update fields like the title, author, or cover art before saving the file back to disk.
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.