application/*
application/gzip
File extensions: .gz
GNU zip single-stream compression.
What is application/gzip?
application/gzip is the media type for files compressed with gzip — the ubiquitous single-stream compressor used across Unix pipelines. Unlike ZIP, gzip compresses a single byte stream (often a .tar archive) rather than a collection of files.
Typical usage
Compressed logs, .tar.gz release archives, HTTP Content-Encoding for on-the-wire compression.
Common gotchas
Do not confuse the media type application/gzip with the HTTP Content-Encoding: gzip header. The first describes the payload as a whole; the second means the payload is transparently compressed and should be decoded by the client before interpretation.
HTTP header example
Response header
Content-Type: application/gzip; charset=utf-8Reference
RFC 1952
Frequently asked questions
What is the application/gzip MIME type?
application/gzip is the media type for files compressed with gzip — the ubiquitous single-stream compressor used across Unix pipelines. Unlike ZIP, gzip compresses a single byte stream (often a .tar archive) rather than a collection of files.
What file extension does application/gzip use?
Files served as application/gzip typically use the extension .gz. The most common is .gz.
How do I set the Content-Type for application/gzip?
Send the HTTP response header Content-Type: application/gzip; charset=utf-8. Compressed logs, .tar.gz release archives, HTTP Content-Encoding for on-the-wire compression.
Is application/gzip an official MIME type?
Yes. application/gzip is officially registered with IANA (RFC 1952), so standards-conformant clients recognize it.
What are common mistakes with application/gzip?
Do not confuse the media type application/gzip with the HTTP Content-Encoding: gzip header. The first describes the payload as a whole; the second means the payload is transparently compressed and should be decoded by the client before interpretation.