What is MIME type "image/x-adobe-dng"?

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

image/x-adobe-dng is the MIME type for files in the Adobe Digital Negative format.
It holds raw photo data directly from a camera’s sensor.
This format preserves original image details for non-destructive edits.

The format embeds crucial metadata like exposure, white balance, and camera settings.
It lets photographers adjust and process images without sacrificing quality.

Main use case: Preserving raw sensor data for flexible and high-quality photo editing.
Additional uses: Archival storage of images and integration with professional photo processing tools.

Files of this type use the extension DNG.
This standard is widely supported in imaging software.
Learn more at Adobe’s Digital Negative documentation.

Associated file extensions

.dng

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-adobe-dng

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.dng

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.