lookup> .shex

.SHEX·File Extension

SHEX Data & Text — A .shex file is a SHEX Data & Text. It is a text-based data format widely used for configuration files, data interchange and API payloads.

Data & Texttext/shex

Quick facts

Extension.shex

File typeSHEX Data & Text

MIME typetext/shex

CategoryData & Text

Charset—

Compressible—

What is .shex

What is a .shex file?

A .shex file is a SHEX Data & Text. It is a text-based data format widely used for configuration files, data interchange and API payloads.

In the mime-db registry it maps to text/shex. When serving .shex over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to text/shex — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

How to open .shex files

Use VS Code or Notepad++ to open and edit .shex files.
Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

Developer info

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: text/shex

Common software that reads/writes .shex:

VS CodeNotepad++Sublime Textjq

Relation chain

.shexextension of

format

SHEX Data & Textserved as

mime type

text/shexsent via header

http header

Related extensions

Related MIME types

Common uses

Configuration files
Data interchange between systems
API request and response payloads
Logs and data exports

How to edit .shex files

Open the file with VS Code, make your changes and save.
Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.

How to create .shex files

Create a new file and save it with the .shex extension, or export this format from VS Code.

Frequently asked questions

What programs can open .shex files?

Common options include VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime Text. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .shex file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .shex extension.

What is the relationship between .shex and the text/shex MIME type?

text/shex is the media type identifier used for .shex files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Sources & standards

Updated 2026-09-13

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