What is MIME type "image/x-canon-cr2"?

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

image/x-canon-cr2 is a MIME type that signifies Canon’s raw photographic format. It links to the proprietary CR2 files used by Canon cameras.

This format captures the unprocessed sensor data along with detailed metadata. The result is a high-quality image ideal for post-processing and precise editing.

Main Use: Preserving complete image data for advanced editing.
Data Accuracy: Retains full sensor and camera settings details.
Editing Flexibility: Provides raw information that editing software can fine-tune.
Professional Workflow: Often converted to more common formats after adjustments.

For further technical details, check out resources on Canon RAW.

Associated file extensions

.cr2

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-canon-cr2

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="image/x-canon-cr2">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-canon-cr2');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.cr2

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.