What is MIME type "image/x-amff"?

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

image/x-amff is the MIME type for the Amiga Metafile. It marks files that store image data produced on Amiga systems.

Files using this format, such as those with the extension AMF, often contain vector-like instructions or drawing commands. This helps retain image details during scaling or printing.

Main use case: Identifies images created in the Amiga environment.
Legacy support: Used in retro computing and emulator setups.
Technical note: The “x-” prefix indicates a non-standard, experimental MIME type.

For more detailed information on file handling and usage, see resources like FileXT’s explanation of AMF.

Associated file extensions

.amf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-amff

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.amf

FAQs

What is the image/x-amff MIME type used for?

This MIME type identifies Amiga Metafile images, a legacy vector graphics format from Commodore Amiga systems. These files, typically ending in .amf, contain drawing commands rather than simple bitmap pixels, allowing for scalable graphics.

Do web browsers support displaying image/x-amff files?

No, modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari do not natively render Amiga Metafiles. To display these images on the web, you must convert them to standard formats like PNG or SVG using an image converter.

How do I configure an Apache server to serve .amf files?

To ensure browsers download the file correctly rather than treating it as text, add the type to your .htaccess or httpd.conf file. Use the line: AddType image/x-amff .amf.

Is the .amf extension always an Amiga Metafile?

No, the .amf extension is shared by other formats, most notably Additive Manufacturing File (used in 3D printing) and Adobe's Action Message Format. The MIME type image/x-amff specifically refers to the Amiga graphic variant.

What software can open or convert image/x-amff files?

You generally need multi-format image viewers or retro-computing tools. Software like XnView MP or IrfanView (often requiring plugins) can usually view and convert these files on modern Windows or macOS systems.

What does the "x-" prefix mean in this MIME type?

The x- prefix signifies that image/x-amff is a non-standard or experimental type that is not officially registered with the IANA. It was conventionally used for proprietary formats before standard types were established.

General 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.