What is MIME type "model/x3d-vrml"?

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

The MIME type model/x3d-vrml indicates that the file holds a 3D scene using a VRML-style encoding of the X3D standard.

This format lets software know that the file contains structured, interactive 3D graphics. It evolved from the original VRML language and offers modern features for real-time rendering.

Interactive Rendering: Enables real-time 3D visualization in applications and web pages.
Cross-Platform Sharing: Assists various programs to open, display, and exchange 3D content seamlessly.
Simulation & Visualization: Widely used in virtual reality, engineering, and architectural projects.

Files in the X3D File Format Family include those with the extensions X3D, X3DB, X3DV, X3DBZ, X3DVZ, and X3DZ. Although they may use different encodings or compression methods, they all serve the same purpose in describing 3D scenes.

The designation model/x3d-vrml guides browsers and modeling tools to process the file correctly. It informs them how to render the scene and interact with its elements.

For more technical details, visit the Web3D Consortium website.

Associated file extensions

.x3d, .x3db, .x3dv, .x3dbz, .x3dvz, .x3dz

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: model/x3d-vrml

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="model/x3d-vrml">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/x3d-vrml');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.x3d, .x3db, .x3dv, .x3dbz, .x3dvz, .x3dz

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.