How to Set MIME Type of Screenshots in the WordPress Plugin Repository

I have a number of plugins in the WordPress plugin directory. There is an issue with screenshots that I have been trying to figure out for a while. In fact, I have experienced the same issue with some other plugins.

You may have noticed a download prompt when clicking on a screenshot.

screenshot showing download prompt on the WordPress plugin directory

This is a little annoying for users who are trying to view an image. Turns out it is actually caused by incorrect MIME Type.

Editing MIME Type Using TortoiseSVN

If you use TortoiseSVN (on windows) to commit to WordPress plugin directory please follow these steps to set the MIME Type of an image correctly.

1) Right Click on the screenshot and select TortoiseSVN -> Properties.

screenshot showing how to navigate to properties of an image using svn

2) As you can see that the svn:mime-type property is set to application/octet-stream. Go to Edit -> Advanced to modify it.

screemshot showing how navigate to the mime type settings of an image using svn

3) Enter the correct MIME Type. It should be set to –

a) image/jpg for a jpeg file

b) image/png for a png file

screenshot showing how to edit the mime type of an image using svn

Do it for all the screenshots (if you have more than one). Click Ok to update the value.

Now commit changes to the repository and you shouldn’t see the download prompt anymore.

Did this tweak work for you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you follow one of those affiliate links and purchase something it will provide me with a little bit of a commission. This costs you nothing extra but helps maintain my site, free plugins, and themes. So I thank you for your support.

Leave a Comment