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

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

The MIME type image/x-lws is a specialized identifier for files that store LightWave Scene data. These files contain information on 3D setups such as camera positions, lighting, and object placement. They are used by LightWave 3D software for managing and rendering scenes.

Files with this MIME type include formats like SCN and LWS.

Main Use: Storing the layout and settings of a 3D scene in LightWave software.
Key Fact: Although it falls under the image category, it holds scene data—not a traditional raster image.
Practical Application: Used for importing and editing scene setups, aiding in smooth data exchange between projects.
Helps operating systems and software automatically recognize and process these specialized files.

For more details on MIME types and file formats, you may visit resources like MIME on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.scn, .lws

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-lws

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.scn, .lws

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.