Which MIME types are related to file extension ".opml"?
The .opml file extension is associated with 4 MIME types:
text/x-opml, application/xml, text/x-opml+xml, text/xml.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .opml Files
OPML files are outline processor markup language files that store structured information in an XML format.
They use a set of tags to represent hierarchical data, often in the form of outlines or lists.
Their MIME types (text/x-opml, application/xml, text/x-opml+xml, and text/xml) show that they are text-based and follow XML standards.
- Main use case: Sharing lists of RSS feeds between feed readers.
- Building and exchanging hierarchical outlines.
- Supporting data import and export in outliner or planning apps.
Based on information from FilExt.com, OPML remains a stable and versatile format for exchanging outline data.
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-opml, application/xml, text/x-opml+xml, text/xml
FAQs
What is an OPML file used for?
An OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) file is a structured XML document used primarily to exchange lists of RSS feed subscriptions between different feed readers. It is also used by outliner applications, such as OmniOutliner or Workflowy, to store and share hierarchical outline data.
How do I open an OPML file on my computer?
You can open an OPML file with any standard text editor, such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS, to view the raw XML code. To view the file as a structured list or to subscribe to the feeds inside, you must import it into an RSS reader like Feedly or a dedicated outlining application.
How do I import OPML files into an RSS reader?
Most news aggregators (like Inoreader, Feedly, or Thunderbird) include an 'Import' feature in their settings or subscription management menu. Selecting your .opml file via this tool will automatically populate your account with the list of websites and feeds contained in the file.
Can I convert an OPML file to Excel or CSV?
Yes, because OPML is based on XML, Microsoft Excel can often import the file directly as an XML table. There are also many free online converters that can parse the hierarchical structure of an OPML file and flatten it into a CSV format suitable for spreadsheets.
What is the correct MIME type for serving OPML files?
The most specific MIME type for these files is text/x-opml. However, because they are valid XML, they are often served as text/xml or application/xml. Correct server configuration ensures that feed readers recognize the file type immediately.
Why does my OPML file look like programming code?
OPML files are plain text documents written in XML, which uses tags (like <outline>) to define data. If you see this code, you are viewing the file in a text editor; to see the intended list or hierarchy, you need to open it in an app designed to interpret the OPML format.
Is an OPML file safe to open?
Generally, yes, OPML files are plain text data files and do not contain executable code. However, as with any file downloaded from the internet, you should verify the source. You can inspect the contents safely using a basic text editor to ensure it only contains outline 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.