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MIM - Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Message File

What is a MIM file

MIM files are commonly used by e-mail programs like Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird to store information that has been MIME encoded. Typically, MIM files include the following information: The type of content of the message, the mime type and the method used for encoding the data. MIM files can either be sent separately or as part of the e-mail itself. Usually, the files are decoded by the e-mail program used for sending. However, other encoding programs can decode the MIM file as well.

The content of a MIM files comprises of 8-bit data and other kinds of characters including but not limited to ASCII. All kinds of 8-bit content is supported, such as files that have been attached to e-mails. That sets MIM files apart from other saved email messages that only contain 7-bit data in text form.

Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open MIM documents:

  • Apple Mail (Mac)
  • Corel WinZip (Windows)
  • KMail (Linux)
  • Microsoft Outlook (Windows & Mac)
  • Microsoft Outlook Express (Windows)
  • Mozilla Thunderbird (Windows & Mac)
  • Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe (Windows & Mac)
About
Extension MIM
MIME type message/rfc822
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