What is MIME type "model/vnd.gs-gdl"?

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

model/vnd.gs-gdl is a vendor-specific MIME type. It represents 3D model data created with Graphisoft’s Geometric Description Language (GDL).

Files with this MIME type store parametric building components. They form part of a BIM workflow in ArchiCAD. Users design items like custom windows, doors, and other architectural parts using script-based definitions. These files let the software update objects according to design parameters, promoting consistency and adaptability in building models.

Main use: Handling detailed, script-driven 3D models within ArchiCAD.
Supports dynamic elements in architectural designs.
Facilitates sharing and reuse of standard building parts.

Files using this MIME type typically have the GSM extension. For more technical details, check out resources on ArchiCAD or visit Graphisoft.

Associated file extensions

.gsm

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: model/vnd.gs-gdl

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="model/vnd.gs-gdl">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/vnd.gs-gdl');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.gsm

FAQs

What is the model/vnd.gs-gdl MIME type used for?

This MIME type identifies Graphisoft GDL (Geometric Description Language) files, which typically use the .gsm extension. These files act as containers for parametric 3D building components, such as doors, windows, and furniture, specifically for use in ArchiCAD and related BIM software.

How do I configure Apache to serve .gsm files correctly?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct headers for ArchiCAD library parts, add the following line to your .htaccess file or httpd.conf: AddType model/vnd.gs-gdl .gsm. This prevents browsers from misinterpreting the binary data as text.

Can web browsers display model/vnd.gs-gdl files natively?

No, standard web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge cannot render GDL content directly. When a user navigates to a file served with this MIME type, the browser will usually trigger a file download so the user can open it in Graphisoft ArchiCAD.

How do I add this MIME type to an Nginx server?

You should edit your mime.types file or the types block within your nginx.conf. Add the entry: model/vnd.gs-gdl gsm;. After saving the file, restart or reload Nginx to ensure .gsm files are delivered with the correct content type.

Why is my .gsm file being identified as text/plain?

If a server encounters a file extension it does not recognize, it often defaults to text/plain or application/octet-stream. You must explicitly register model/vnd.gs-gdl for the gsm extension in your web server configuration to fix this issue.

Is model/vnd.gs-gdl compatible with other 3D software like Blender?

Generally, no. This is a vendor-specific format (vnd.) designed for Graphisoft products. While some converters may exist, the parametric scripts inside GDL files are unique to the ArchiCAD ecosystem and do not translate directly to static mesh formats used by Blender or Maya.

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.