What is MIME type "model/prc"?

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

The MIME type model/prc defines a file format for 3D data exchange. It compresses detailed product model information into a compact file.

This format holds 3D geometry, textures, and related metadata used in technical and design applications. It is common in CAD software and engineering tools.

It is also used to embed interactive 3D content in documents, such as PDF files.

Main use case: Displaying 3D product models efficiently.
Enables sharing of intricate design data with minimal file size.
Facilitates integration into interactive documents for detailed visualizations.

Files using this format carry the PRC extension.

Additional details and standards can be reviewed at external resources like the ISO website.

Associated file extensions

.prc

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: model/prc

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.prc

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of the model/prc MIME type?

The MIME type model/prc represents Product Representation Compact files. This format is designed to store 3D geometry and structure data efficiently, allowing complex CAD models to be embedded directly into PDF documents for interactive viewing.

How do I open a file with the .prc extension?

If the file is a 3D model, it is most commonly viewed by embedding it into a PDF and opening it with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Specialized CAD software and 3D converters can also open standalone .prc files. Note that if the file is an old Palm OS application, it requires a different viewer or emulator.

Is model/prc the same as the format used for Palm OS applications?

No, this is a common source of confusion. While both use the .prc extension, Palm OS executables use MIME types like application/x-pilot. The model/prc type specifically refers to 3D data defined by ISO standards for document exchange.

Do web browsers support model/prc natively?

No, standard web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not natively render model/prc files. To display this content on the web, developers usually convert the data to WebGL-friendly formats like model/gltf+json or use a JavaScript-based PDF viewer that supports 3D annotations.

How do I configure Apache or Nginx to serve PRC files?

For Apache, add AddType model/prc .prc to your .htaccess or configuration file. For Nginx, add model/prc prc; inside the types { ... } block in your mime.types or nginx.conf file to ensure the correct Content-Type header is sent.

Why use PRC instead of U3D for 3D PDFs?

While both formats can be embedded in PDFs, PRC is often preferred for engineering workflows because it supports highly compressed B-rep (Boundary Representation) geometry. This allows for more precise measurements and smaller file sizes compared to the mesh-based U3D format.

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.