What is MIME type "text/x-web-markdown"?

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-web-markdown signals that a file contains Markdown text. Markdown is a lightweight markup language. It uses simple characters to indicate formatting. This creates plain text that can be easily converted into styled documents.
Markdown files are often used in these cases:

Documentation: Project readmes and guides use Markdown for clarity.
Content Creation: Bloggers and writers use it to draft posts.
Static Site Generation: Many tools convert Markdown into full web pages.

Files with this MIME type usually have one of these extensions: MD, MARKDOWN, MKD, or MDTEXT.
The type is used mainly for text content that might be rendered on the web or converted to other formats. Its simple syntax allows users to create well-structured documents without complex software. The format bridges ease of editing with the power of HTML conversion. For further insight, see Daring Fireball Markdown.

Associated file extensions

.md, .markdown, .mkd, .mdtext

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-web-markdown

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.md, .markdown, .mkd, .mdtext

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.