What is MIME type "image/xcf"?

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

image/xcf is the MIME type for the native GIMP Image File format. It is used by GIMP, a popular image editing program.

This format saves images with all their layers, channels, paths, and metadata intact. It is ideal for ongoing editing projects where layers and effects need to remain editable.

Layer Preservation: Keeps each layer separate for detailed adjustments.
Non-Destructive Editing: Retains masks, paths, and other editing data.
Project Flexibility: Supports complex image compositions for a smoother workflow.

Files using this format are marked by the XCF extension. For further information on related MIME types and file usage, consider visiting external resources such as GIMP.

Associated file extensions

.xcf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/xcf

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xcf

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.