What is MIME type "application/zip"?

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

The MIME type application/zip designates a file that bundles and compresses data. It makes files smaller and easier to transfer.
It works by packaging multiple items into a single compressed archive while keeping file structures and metadata intact.

• Primary use: Consolidating files for storage or transfer.
• Common in software updates and backups.
• Ensures data integrity with built-in error-checking.
• Operates across many operating systems and web platforms.

This MIME type is associated with various file types. For example, standard archives use ZIP. Some design programs use SH3D files. Enhanced archive formats appear as ZIPX. Additionally, specialized components like FB2K-COMPONENT and structured data files for rail systems such as RAILML and RAILMLX also use this MIME type.

Files labeled as application/zip can be managed using standard archive utilities. For more details, see this reference.

Associated file extensions

zip, sh3d, zipx, fb2k-component, railml, railmlx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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

    Content-Type: audio/ogg
  

HTML

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

    <a href="file.dat" type="application/zip">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/plain');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);
  

Associated file extensions

zip, sh3d, zipx, fb2k-component, railml, railmlx