What is MIME type "text/xml"?

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

The MIME type text/xml indicates that a file is written in XML. It means the content is plain text formatted with tags. Programs use this information to decide how to read and process the file.

Structured Data: XML uses custom tags to define data. It organizes information in a hierarchical way.
Interoperability: Many applications and web services rely on XML for data exchange and configuration.
Editable Format: Because it is text-based, files typed as text/xml can be easily read and updated with simple editors.
Broad Use Cases: It is used in various files like those for graphics (SVG), schema definitions (XSD), geographic data (KML), property lists (PLIST), and many project and configuration files.

This MIME type is a core standard for applications that need to exchange structured data efficiently.

For more about file types and usage, visit Filext.

Associated file extensions

.wav, .svg, .dat, .txt, .xml, .mp4, .mp3, .xmp, .gpx, .ts, .pkg, .plist, .kml, .manifest, .sln, .iml, .nc, .nfo, .ct, .xsd, .qif, .rdf, .scn, .gml, .brd, .res, .sch, .prj, .mod, .rss, .uml, .rdl, .prproj, .lbl, .tsx, .ppd, .conf, .dae, .mlt, .x3d, .msd, .sif, .atp, .pt, .jmx, .fnt, .apm, .lss, .stp, .jws, .repx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/xml

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="text/xml">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/xml');
      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.