What is MIME type "font/collection"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

font/collection is a MIME type for files that combine several fonts in one package.

This format lets a single file hold multiple fonts that share resources, which can reduce file size and simplify management.

Main Use: Bundling related font styles or weights together for consistent typography.
Key Fact: It is common for files with the TTC and OTC extensions to use this type.
Additional Use Cases: Embedding fonts in applications, digital publishing, and operating system font management.

This MIME type ensures that systems know how to parse and render the embedded font data correctly.

Associated file extensions

.ttc, .otc

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: font/collection

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="font/collection">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'font/collection');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.ttc, .otc

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 are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.