Frontend Frameworks

file-type

Detect file types from Buffers with ease.

Status
Generally available
Last checked
Checked · Oct 8, 2026
License
Open source
Pricing
Free tier · from $0
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What it is

File-Type is a Node.js library that detects the type of a given Buffer based on its binary signature. It's useful for developers who need to determine file types without relying on file extensions, ensuring accurate and reliable file handling in applications.

File-Type stands out as a lightweight, reliable, and easy-to-integrate Node.js library specifically designed to detect file types from Buffers without relying on potentially unreliable file extensions.

When it fits — and when it doesn’t

A good fit for

  • Developers building Node.js applications that need to handle various file types securely and accurately.

  • Projects where file extension reliability is questionable, ensuring the correct handling of uploaded or processed files.

Look elsewhere if

  • Applications requiring real-time file type detection in environments other than Node.js.

  • Scenarios where a web-based UI for file management is required instead of a library solution.

Known weaknesses

Each one links to the public issue, changelog or docs page it came from, where we have one.

  1. 01

    Limited support for less common file formats

    The library primarily supports popular and widely used file types, which may not cover niche or specialized formats.

  2. 02

    No real-time updating of supported file signatures

    New file formats or updated signatures are only added in new releases, which might be infrequent depending on the project's maintenance activity.

  3. 03

    Does not provide metadata extraction beyond file type detection

    While it can detect file types effectively, additional libraries or tools would be required to extract further metadata from files.

  4. 04

    Depends on accurate buffer input for reliable detection

    If the provided Buffer is incomplete or corrupted, the library may fail to accurately detect the file type.

What it does well

  • Detects file types from Buffers based on binary signatures.

  • Supports a wide range of file formats.

  • Lightweight and easy to integrate into Node.js projects.

Pricing

Free tier
YesOpen source — free to use
Paid from
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise plan
No

Pricing not independently confirmed — check the vendor’s page.

Performance benchmarks

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Set up file-type

Setup steps, common gotchas and what to check after 30 days.

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