What is MIME type "image/svg"?

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

The MIME type image/svg defines graphics through code rather than pixels.
It represents scalable vector graphics that can resize without losing quality.

Used in web design for crisp logos and icons
Ideal for responsive layouts that adjust across devices
Supports interactive and animated graphics in web applications

It handles files like SVG and compressed SVGZ.
These are text-based formats that browsers render directly and can be modified with CSS and JavaScript.
The format is standardized by the W3C and widely supported across modern software.
For more details, visit W3C SVG.

Associated file extensions

.svg, .svgz

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/svg

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.svg, .svgz

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.