Which content type does a PDF file use on the web? The MIME Type Finder answers that question from a built-in lookup table. It helps you find the MIME type for an extension, a media type, or a keyword.
The tool suits web developers, API builders, and anyone who sets up file uploads or server headers. You type an extension, a MIME type, or a word from the description. The table then shows each matching row with a Copy button.
Table of Contents
- What the MIME Type Finder Does
- How to Use It, Step by Step
- The Search Rule
- Worked Example
- How to Read the Results
- Common Searches and Tips
- Limitations and Assumptions
- FAQs About the MIME Type Finder
What the MIME Type Finder Does
The tool searches a fixed table of 38 common web, document, media, and archive types. Each row holds an extension, a MIME content type, and a short description. The table is a partial list, and the page says so under the search box.
- Search box: accepts an extension, a MIME type, or a word from the description.
- Matching Items: shows how many table rows match the current search.
- Search Query: repeats your search with outer spaces removed. Letter case stays as you typed it.
- Copy button: copies that row's MIME type. The button then reads Copied.
- Status line: sits under the search box and reports whether the copy worked.
- Live updates: the table changes after every keystroke. Pressing Enter also runs the search.
How to Use It, Step by Step
- Click the box labeled Search File Extension or MIME Type.
- Type an extension, such as .png, or a word, such as audio.
- Read the Matching Items number to see how many rows matched.
- Check the Extension, MIME Content-Type, and Description columns.
- Press the Copy button in the Action column to copy that row's MIME type.
- Clear the box to show all 38 rows again.
The Search Rule
The tool does not calculate a number. It checks the table in three steps and stops at the first step that finds a match. Letter case does not matter, and spaces at the start or end are removed first.
Search Text→Exact Extension→Extension Prefix→MIME or Description→Matching Rows
- An exact extension match comes first. The search js returns only .js / .mjs.
- If no extension matches exactly, the tool checks extensions that start with the text. The search do returns .doc and .docx.
- If that finds nothing, the tool checks inside MIME types. It also checks the start of each description word.
- An empty search matches all 38 rows, so the count reads 38.
Worked Example
Priya is building an upload form that accepts images and audio. She needs the exact MIME types for those files. She runs six searches and records what the table shows.
| Search Text | Matching Items | Rows Shown |
|---|
| json | 1 | .json (application/json) |
| image | 9 | .png, .jpg / .jpeg, .svg, .webp, .gif, .ico, .bmp, .tif / .tiff, .avif |
| audio | 4 | .mp3, .wav, .ogg, .m4a |
| js | 1 | .js / .mjs |
| docx | 1 | .docx |
| Empty box | 38 | All rows |
The search for js shows only .js / .mjs. Exact extension matches come first, so .json does not appear. Priya copies image/jpeg and image/png for her form. She also adds audio/mpeg and audio/wav from the audio search.
How to Read the Results
- Extension: the file suffix. Some rows list two, such as .jpg / .jpeg.
- MIME Content-Type: the value a server sends in its Content-Type header, such as text/css.
- Description: a short plain name for the format.
- Matching Items: the number of rows left after filtering.
- Search Query: your search with outer spaces removed. Typing PDF in the box displays PDF in this card.
Common Searches and Tips
Search by the MIME type group when you need a family of files. Typing image returns all nine image rows, and typing text returns six text rows. Typing application returns twelve rows, including JSON, PDF, XML, ZIP, and Office formats.
Use the exact extension when you want one row. Typing doc or .doc both return only the .doc row. A search with no match shows one explanatory row instead of an empty table. For example, rar returns no rows because the table has no .rar entry.
Copy the MIME type column when you configure a server. For related lookups, try the MIME Type Reference or the MIME Type Checker. The File Extension Finder and the File Type Identifier cover nearby tasks. You can also browse the Developer Tools hub.
Limitations and Assumptions
- The table holds 38 rows and is a partial list. Formats such as .xls, .rar, and .heic are not listed.
- The tool does not read, upload, or inspect a file. It only searches the built-in table.
- Some formats have more than one valid MIME type. Check your server documentation before you choose one.
- Description matches must start a word. A partial word inside a description does not match.
- The Copy button uses the browser clipboard when it can. If that fails, the page tries an older copy command in a hidden text field. That command can also fail, and then the status line asks you to copy by hand.
FAQs About the MIME Type Finder
What Is a MIME Type?
A MIME type is a label such as application/pdf or image/png. Browsers and servers use it to decide how to treat the content.
What Is the Difference Between an Extension and a MIME Type?
An extension is the ending of a file name, such as .pdf. A MIME type is a standard label, such as application/pdf, that describes the content.
Why Does a Search for XLS Show the XLSX Row?
No row has the extension .xls, so the tool checks extensions that start with those letters. The extension .xlsx starts with xls, so its row appears. Check the row before you copy its MIME type.
Where Can I Find a Complete List of MIME Types?
The IANA media types registry is the official list of MIME types. It is much longer than this table, so check it when you need a less common format.
Are the Rows Sorted Alphabetically?
No, the rows keep the order of the built-in list, so .json comes first and .otf comes last. Typing a search does not change that order.
Does the Tool Store My Searches?
The code in this tool makes no network requests. Your search text stays in your browser while the page is open.
This calculator gives general estimates only and is not professional advice. Reviewed for general accuracy by Prof. Dr. Khalil Mudassar, PhD.