What is MIME type "image/vnd-ms.dds"?

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

image/vnd-ms.dds is the MIME type for the DirectDraw Surface format. This format stores bitmap images and texture data, optimized for fast read times.

Main use case: It is primarily used in game engines to load 3D textures quickly.
It supports hardware-friendly compression methods that reduce file size and speed up rendering.
It is also used in various graphics applications for managing high-quality images in real time.

Files using this format, such as DDS, package a header with image data. This allows efficient handling by software like Microsoft DirectX and other 3D rendering tools.

For more details on usage and technical specifications, please consult external resources like this official guide.

Associated file extensions

.dds

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/vnd-ms.dds

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.dds

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.