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

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

text/x-vcard is a MIME type for files that store contact data. It uses a plain text format to hold details like names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses. This format adheres to the vCard standard.

Used in email systems to share contact information.
Imported into digital address books and contact management software.
Facilitates data exchange between different computer platforms.
Maintains human readability and easy editing in text editors.

Files using this MIME type normally carry the VCF or VCARD extension. This standardization ensures proper handling across various applications. For more details on the format, refer to Wikipedia: vCard.

Associated file extensions

.vcf, .vcard

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-vcard

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.vcf, .vcard

FAQs

What is the difference between text/x-vcard and text/vcard?

The MIME type text/vcard is the official standard defined in RFC 6350, while text/x-vcard is an older, non-standard convention. Many legacy applications and older mobile devices still rely on text/x-vcard for compatibility, so developers often support both.

How do I configure Apache to serve .vcf files correctly?

To ensure browsers and email clients recognize the file as a contact card, add AddType text/x-vcard .vcf .vcard to your .htaccess or httpd.conf file. This prevents the server from sending the file as generic plain text.

Why does my browser download the .vcf file instead of displaying it?

Most browsers are configured to download text/x-vcard content so it can be imported into your system's address book (like Outlook or macOS Contacts). If you need to view the raw data, you can open the VCF file in a simple text editor like Notepad.

Can I open text/x-vcard files on iPhone or Android?

Yes, mobile operating systems have native support for this MIME type. When you tap a link serving text/x-vcard, your phone will usually prompt you to add the contact details directly to your device's address book.

How do I set the correct MIME type in Nginx?

Edit your mime.types file (usually located in /etc/nginx/) and add the line text/x-vcard vcf vcard;. Restart Nginx to ensure that files with these extensions are delivered with the correct headers.

Are text/x-vcard files safe to open?

Generally, yes, because vCards are plain text files and cannot execute code like an .exe file. However, malicious files could contain misleading URLs or attempt to exploit buffer overflows in vulnerable contact management software, so only import data from trusted sources.

General 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.