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MIME enables the sending of non-text email attachments through the internet. studiostockart / Getty ImagesA .mim or .mme file is in the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME) format.
MIME is a standard for formatting non-text email attachments, allowing them to be transmitted over the Internet. It enables your email client or Web browser to send and receive various file types like spreadsheets, audio, video, and graphic files via email.
MIME was established in 1992 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The key feature of a MIME message is the inclusion of MIME headers. As long as your recipients are using MIME-compatible email software (which most email systems are), file attachments can be sent automatically.
Here are some helpful tips for sending email attachments:
- Use a tool like WinZip (for PC) or StuffIt (for Mac) to compress large files before sending. Many email systems will reject messages that exceed a certain size limit.
- It’s recommended to send photos in JPEG format (.jpg) instead of GIF or TIFF. JPEG files are smaller in size and upload faster.
- AOL and some email software use .mme or .mim files as a wrapper for emails with non-text attachments. Be cautious when sending MIME attachments to users with older AOL versions, as they might not handle MIME properly. Send one attachment per email. AOL users can use the keyword (Ctrl+K) MIME for help with decoding MIME files.
These links can help you learn more:
- What is MIME?
- The MIME Information Page
- MIME FAQ
- How E-mail Works
- How File Compression Works
- Why are there so many different image formats on the Web?
- Why are my digital photo files so large while images on other websites are much smaller?
