What is MIME type "text/x-ldif"?

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

text/x-ldif is a MIME type for files that use the LDAP Data Interchange Format.
It indicates a plain text document that holds directory entries and instructions for directory changes. Files like LDIF use this format.

This format is common in systems that manage directory services. It lets administrators exchange, back up, and modify LDAP data with clear, readable text. Operations such as adding, modifying, or deleting directory entries are defined directly in the file.

Data Import/Export: Transfer directory entries between systems.
Backup: Save the current state of an LDAP directory in a text file.
Migration: Move LDAP data to new servers or systems easily.
Synchronization: Apply a series of directory updates in a controlled manner.

Learn more from the technical standard in RFC 2849.

Associated file extensions

.ldif

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-ldif

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.ldif

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.