What is MIME type "image/sgi"?

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

image/sgi is the MIME type for Silicon Graphics Image files. It holds high-detail raster graphics used in professional settings.

This format can store images with full color (RGB), color plus transparency (RGBA), and grayscale (BW) data. It was created for systems that demand precise image detail.

Used for displaying high-quality, uncompressed images.
Supports multiple color channels and deep pixel data.
Employed in specialized graphics applications and legacy systems.

Typical file types include RGB, RGBA, BW, and SGI. Each version reflects a different method to encode image information.

This MIME type remains valuable in niche professional workflows and archival systems where image fidelity is key. For more details on file extensions, visit FileXT.

Associated file extensions

.rgb, .rgba, .bw, .sgi

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/sgi

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="image/sgi">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', 'image/sgi');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.rgb, .rgba, .bw, .sgi

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.