What is MIME type "text/css"?

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

The MIME type text/css tells browsers to process style rules. It defines how HTML elements appear on a page.

Files carrying these rules, like CSS and LESS, instruct browsers on colors, fonts, spacing, and layout.

Style Application: It applies design rules to structure the visual look of web content.
Separation of Concerns: It keeps design separate from HTML, making maintenance easier.
Browser Processing: Browsers use this MIME type to correctly parse and render style sheets.
Responsive Design: It supports layouts that adjust across diverse devices.

Using text/css ensures that web pages display as intended. For more details, see MIME types on MDN and CSS on MDN.

Associated file extensions

.css, .less

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/css

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.css, .less

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.