What is MIME type "image/x-raw-red"?

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

image/x-raw-red is a MIME type for files that contain unprocessed image data captured by RED cameras.
It holds the sensor’s raw output and key metadata. This allows professionals to apply precise color corrections and adjustments later.
Specialized software is needed to view and edit these files.

Main use: Professional film and video post-production workflows.
Key characteristic: Preserves full sensor data for high-quality imaging.
Functionality: Embeds critical metadata like exposure and color calibration.

Files using this MIME type typically have the R3D format.
Learn more about raw image formats here.

Associated file extensions

.r3d

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-raw-red

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.r3d

FAQs

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

This MIME type is associated with REDCODE RAW files, which typically use the .r3d extension. These files contain proprietary raw sensor data captured by RED Digital Cinema cameras, primarily used in professional film and high-end video production.

Can I display image/x-raw-red files in a web browser?

No, standard web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari cannot render .r3d files natively. To display this content on a website, you must transcode the raw footage into a web-compatible format, such as video/mp4 or video/webm.

How do I open a file with the image/x-raw-red content type?

You need specialized post-production software to view or edit these files. Industry-standard tools include Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or the free REDCINE-X PRO utility provided by the camera manufacturer.

How do I configure my server to handle .r3d files?

To ensure your web server identifies these files correctly during downloads, you should map the extension to the MIME type. For Apache, add AddType image/x-raw-red .r3d to your configuration or .htaccess file. For Nginx, add image/x-raw-red r3d; to your mime.types file.

Why does the MIME type start with x-?

The x- prefix in image/x-raw-red indicates that it is a non-standard or experimental subtype not officially registered with the IANA. While it is widely recognized by editing software, some servers might default to application/octet-stream if not explicitly configured.

Is image/x-raw-red considered a video or an image format?

Although the MIME type uses the image category, .r3d files are effectively video containers holding a sequence of raw images. They function as video footage but allow for deep manipulation of parameters like white balance and ISO, similar to raw still photography.

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.