What is MIME type "text/ini"?

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

text/ini is a plain text MIME type that marks a file as a configuration file. It organizes settings using sections and key–value pairs.

Developers use it to store application or project settings because the structure is both human-readable and easy for programs to parse. This simplicity allows quick edits without specialized tools.

Main use: Holding configuration data for software and projects.
Additional uses: Defining runtime parameters, user preferences, and system profiles.
Key benefit: Its clear, text-based format streamlines manual edits and automated processing.

Files marked with this MIME type come in many forms. For example, settings for BlueMSX are stored in INI files, Cura configurations use CFG files, UltraEdit projects use PRJ files, and Linux desktop entries appear as DESKTOP files.

This plain-text approach is also favored by many modern tools (such as those from Godot Engine and IBM iSeries) and legacy systems alike. For an in-depth look at the structure and history of this format, visit the INI file format reference.

Associated file extensions

.ini, .cfg, .prj, .desktop, .tab, .id, .sts, .ws, .ecf, .gsf, .import, .gxt, .dev, .pmp, .wpr, .prb, .tkp, .wdr, .wfs, .ksp, .prof, .gth, .tres, .kdevprj, .shortcuts, .escn, .fclr, .geany, .godot, .ktf, .lvlps, .mdsp, .sfarr, .toml, .tscn, .ugf, .ugi, .wibucmrau

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/ini

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

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.