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

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

The MIME type text/x-uuencode marks files that use the uuencode method to turn binary data into plain text. This makes the files safe for transmission over systems that only support text.
When a file is uuencoded, it converts binary information into ASCII characters. The output includes a header and footer to indicate the encoded block and potential file information.

Used for emailing attachments where binary data might get corrupted.
Helps transfer files over networks that only handle text.
Often found in legacy systems and scripts that need safe data transport.

Common file identities for such data include files with the extensions UU and UUE.
For more details on the process and its history, check out uuencoding on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.uu, .uue

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-uuencode

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.uu, .uue

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.