What is MIME type "image/x-portable-floatmap"?

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-portable-floatmap marks image files that store grayscale pixel data as floating point numbers. This allows for a broad range of brightness values and makes it useful in applications that need high precision data.

It is used when the image data must reflect subtle variations in light. The format is often found in specialized software and research projects that require high dynamic range imaging. Files using this MIME type include PFM and PNM.

High dynamic range imaging: Supports a vast range of grayscale intensities.
Scientific visualization: Delivers precise data for analysis.
Image processing: Enables accurate numeric manipulation of pixels.

For more details on MIME types, visit this reference.

Associated file extensions

.pfm, .pnm

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-portable-floatmap

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pfm, .pnm

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.