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

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

image/x-sgi is a MIME type for a legacy image format. It was developed for Silicon Graphics systems.
It stores detailed raster image data used in graphics and visual applications.

The format captures image dimensions, pixel encoding, and color information. It supports both color and grayscale modes. Files use this MIME type include formats like RGB, RGBA, BW, and SGI.

Primary use: High-quality image storage on Silicon Graphics platforms.
Function: Encodes comprehensive image data for accurate rendering.
Legacy support: Remains useful in software managing older graphics systems.

Modern applications often favor newer formats. However, legacy systems and specialized graphics software still support image/x-sgi.
For more on Silicon Graphics and its impact on computer imaging, see the Silicon Graphics Wikipedia page.

Associated file extensions

.rgb, .rgba, .bw, .sgi

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-sgi

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.rgb, .rgba, .bw, .sgi

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.