diff --git a/examples/repl/cmdline.rs b/examples/repl/cmdline.rs
index e44f6d868..92e95d461 100644
--- a/examples/repl/cmdline.rs
+++ b/examples/repl/cmdline.rs
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ use deltachat::download::DownloadState;
 use deltachat::imex::*;
 use deltachat::location;
 use deltachat::log::LogExt;
-use deltachat::message::{self, Message, MessageState, MsgId};
+use deltachat::message::{self, Message, MessageState, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use deltachat::peerstate::*;
 use deltachat::qr::*;
 use deltachat::sql;
diff --git a/src/blob.rs b/src/blob.rs
index 1770af2a6..d652add20 100644
--- a/src/blob.rs
+++ b/src/blob.rs
@@ -19,13 +19,13 @@ use thiserror::Error;
 
 use crate::config::Config;
 use crate::constants::{
-    MediaQuality, Viewtype, BALANCED_AVATAR_SIZE, BALANCED_IMAGE_SIZE, WORSE_AVATAR_SIZE,
-    WORSE_IMAGE_SIZE,
+    MediaQuality, BALANCED_AVATAR_SIZE, BALANCED_IMAGE_SIZE, WORSE_AVATAR_SIZE, WORSE_IMAGE_SIZE,
 };
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::log::LogExt;
 use crate::message;
+use crate::message::Viewtype;
 
 /// Represents a file in the blob directory.
 ///
diff --git a/src/chat.rs b/src/chat.rs
index 5a56fd804..2d6a7317d 100644
--- a/src/chat.rs
+++ b/src/chat.rs
@@ -15,10 +15,9 @@ use crate::blob::{BlobError, BlobObject};
 use crate::color::str_to_color;
 use crate::config::Config;
 use crate::constants::{
-    Blocked, Chattype, Viewtype, DC_CHAT_ID_ALLDONE_HINT, DC_CHAT_ID_ARCHIVED_LINK,
-    DC_CHAT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_DEVICE, DC_CONTACT_ID_INFO,
-    DC_CONTACT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_GCM_ADDDAYMARKER, DC_GCM_INFO_ONLY,
-    DC_RESEND_USER_AVATAR_DAYS,
+    Blocked, Chattype, DC_CHAT_ID_ALLDONE_HINT, DC_CHAT_ID_ARCHIVED_LINK, DC_CHAT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL,
+    DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_DEVICE, DC_CONTACT_ID_INFO, DC_CONTACT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL,
+    DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_GCM_ADDDAYMARKER, DC_GCM_INFO_ONLY, DC_RESEND_USER_AVATAR_DAYS,
 };
 use crate::contact::{addr_cmp, Contact, ContactId, Origin, VerifiedStatus};
 use crate::context::Context;
@@ -33,7 +32,7 @@ use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::html::new_html_mimepart;
 use crate::job::{self, Action};
 use crate::location;
-use crate::message::{self, Message, MessageState, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{self, Message, MessageState, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimefactory::MimeFactory;
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::{Param, Params};
@@ -1808,26 +1807,10 @@ pub async fn prepare_msg(context: &Context, chat_id: ChatId, msg: &mut Message)
     Ok(msg_id)
 }
 
-pub(crate) fn msgtype_has_file(msgtype: Viewtype) -> bool {
-    match msgtype {
-        Viewtype::Unknown => false,
-        Viewtype::Text => false,
-        Viewtype::Image => true,
-        Viewtype::Gif => true,
-        Viewtype::Sticker => true,
-        Viewtype::Audio => true,
-        Viewtype::Voice => true,
-        Viewtype::Video => true,
-        Viewtype::File => true,
-        Viewtype::VideochatInvitation => false,
-        Viewtype::Webxdc => true,
-    }
-}
-
 async fn prepare_msg_blob(context: &Context, msg: &mut Message) -> Result<()> {
     if msg.viewtype == Viewtype::Text || msg.viewtype == Viewtype::VideochatInvitation {
         // the caller should check if the message text is empty
-    } else if msgtype_has_file(msg.viewtype) {
+    } else if msg.viewtype.has_file() {
         let blob = msg
             .param
             .get_blob(Param::File, context, !msg.is_increation())
diff --git a/src/chatlist.rs b/src/chatlist.rs
index bae795bbd..11582cf65 100644
--- a/src/chatlist.rs
+++ b/src/chatlist.rs
@@ -375,8 +375,8 @@ mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
     use crate::chat::{create_group_chat, get_chat_contacts, ProtectionStatus};
-    use crate::constants::Viewtype;
     use crate::dc_receive_imf::dc_receive_imf;
+    use crate::message::Viewtype;
     use crate::stock_str::StockMessage;
     use crate::test_utils::TestContext;
 
diff --git a/src/configure.rs b/src/configure.rs
index 8adb30a65..4cb61d35e 100644
--- a/src/configure.rs
+++ b/src/configure.rs
@@ -11,21 +11,20 @@ use async_std::task;
 use job::Action;
 use percent_encoding::{utf8_percent_encode, NON_ALPHANUMERIC};
 
-use crate::dc_tools::EmailAddress;
+use crate::config::Config;
+use crate::constants::{DC_LP_AUTH_FLAGS, DC_LP_AUTH_NORMAL, DC_LP_AUTH_OAUTH2};
+use crate::context::Context;
+use crate::dc_tools::{time, EmailAddress};
 use crate::imap::Imap;
+use crate::job;
 use crate::login_param::{CertificateChecks, LoginParam, ServerLoginParam, Socks5Config};
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::oauth2::dc_get_oauth2_addr;
+use crate::param::Params;
 use crate::provider::{Protocol, Socket, UsernamePattern};
 use crate::smtp::Smtp;
 use crate::stock_str;
 use crate::{chat, e2ee, provider};
-use crate::{config::Config, dc_tools::time};
-use crate::{
-    constants::{Viewtype, DC_LP_AUTH_FLAGS, DC_LP_AUTH_NORMAL, DC_LP_AUTH_OAUTH2},
-    job,
-};
-use crate::{context::Context, param::Params};
 
 use auto_mozilla::moz_autoconfigure;
 use auto_outlook::outlk_autodiscover;
diff --git a/src/constants.rs b/src/constants.rs
index 294718e1a..08c5f7ca0 100644
--- a/src/constants.rs
+++ b/src/constants.rs
@@ -231,82 +231,6 @@ pub const DC_FOLDERS_CONFIGURED_VERSION: i32 = 3;
 // can be overwritten by the setting `max_smtp_rcpt_to` in provider-db.
 pub const DEFAULT_MAX_SMTP_RCPT_TO: usize = 50;
 
-#[derive(
-    Debug,
-    Display,
-    Clone,
-    Copy,
-    PartialEq,
-    Eq,
-    FromPrimitive,
-    ToPrimitive,
-    FromSql,
-    ToSql,
-    Serialize,
-    Deserialize,
-)]
-#[repr(u32)]
-pub enum Viewtype {
-    Unknown = 0,
-
-    /// Text message.
-    /// The text of the message is set using dc_msg_set_text()
-    /// and retrieved with dc_msg_get_text().
-    Text = 10,
-
-    /// Image message.
-    /// If the image is an animated GIF, the type DC_MSG_GIF should be used.
-    /// File, width and height are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension
-    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension().
-    Image = 20,
-
-    /// Animated GIF message.
-    /// File, width and height are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension()
-    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_width(), dc_msg_get_height().
-    Gif = 21,
-
-    /// Message containing a sticker, similar to image.
-    /// If possible, the ui should display the image without borders in a transparent way.
-    /// A click on a sticker will offer to install the sticker set in some future.
-    Sticker = 23,
-
-    /// Message containing an Audio file.
-    /// File and duration are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_duration()
-    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_duration().
-    Audio = 40,
-
-    /// A voice message that was directly recorded by the user.
-    /// For all other audio messages, the type #DC_MSG_AUDIO should be used.
-    /// File and duration are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_duration()
-    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_duration()
-    Voice = 41,
-
-    /// Video messages.
-    /// File, width, height and durarion
-    /// are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension(), dc_msg_set_duration()
-    /// and retrieved via
-    /// dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_width(),
-    /// dc_msg_get_height(), dc_msg_get_duration().
-    Video = 50,
-
-    /// Message containing any file, eg. a PDF.
-    /// The file is set via dc_msg_set_file()
-    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file().
-    File = 60,
-
-    /// Message is an invitation to a videochat.
-    VideochatInvitation = 70,
-
-    /// Message is an webxdc instance.
-    Webxdc = 80,
-}
-
-impl Default for Viewtype {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        Viewtype::Unknown
-    }
-}
-
 pub const DC_JOB_DELETE_MSG_ON_IMAP: i32 = 110;
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, FromPrimitive, ToPrimitive)]
@@ -318,33 +242,9 @@ pub enum KeyType {
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
-    use super::*;
     use num_traits::FromPrimitive;
 
-    #[test]
-    fn test_derive_display_works_as_expected() {
-        assert_eq!(format!("{}", Viewtype::Audio), "Audio");
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn test_viewtype_values() {
-        // values may be written to disk and must not change
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Unknown, Viewtype::default());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Unknown, Viewtype::from_i32(0).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Text, Viewtype::from_i32(10).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Image, Viewtype::from_i32(20).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Gif, Viewtype::from_i32(21).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Sticker, Viewtype::from_i32(23).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Audio, Viewtype::from_i32(40).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Voice, Viewtype::from_i32(41).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Video, Viewtype::from_i32(50).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::File, Viewtype::from_i32(60).unwrap());
-        assert_eq!(
-            Viewtype::VideochatInvitation,
-            Viewtype::from_i32(70).unwrap()
-        );
-        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Webxdc, Viewtype::from_i32(80).unwrap());
-    }
+    use super::*;
 
     #[test]
     fn test_chattype_values() {
diff --git a/src/context.rs b/src/context.rs
index bac653ac1..be11e9464 100644
--- a/src/context.rs
+++ b/src/context.rs
@@ -670,10 +670,10 @@ mod tests {
     use crate::chat::{
         get_chat_contacts, get_chat_msgs, send_msg, set_muted, Chat, ChatId, MuteDuration,
     };
-    use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+    use crate::constants::DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF;
     use crate::dc_receive_imf::dc_receive_imf;
     use crate::dc_tools::dc_create_outgoing_rfc724_mid;
-    use crate::message::Message;
+    use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
     use crate::test_utils::TestContext;
     use anyhow::Context as _;
     use std::time::Duration;
diff --git a/src/dc_receive_imf.rs b/src/dc_receive_imf.rs
index 4079ed81e..8b359812e 100644
--- a/src/dc_receive_imf.rs
+++ b/src/dc_receive_imf.rs
@@ -14,8 +14,7 @@ use sha2::{Digest, Sha256};
 use crate::chat::{self, Chat, ChatId, ChatIdBlocked, ProtectionStatus};
 use crate::config::Config;
 use crate::constants::{
-    Blocked, Chattype, ShowEmails, Viewtype, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL,
-    DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF,
+    Blocked, Chattype, ShowEmails, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF,
 };
 use crate::contact::{
     addr_cmp, may_be_valid_addr, normalize_name, Contact, ContactId, Origin, VerifiedStatus,
@@ -28,7 +27,9 @@ use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::headerdef::{HeaderDef, HeaderDefMap};
 use crate::job::{self, Action};
 use crate::log::LogExt;
-use crate::message::{self, rfc724_mid_exists, Message, MessageState, MessengerMessage, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{
+    self, rfc724_mid_exists, Message, MessageState, MessengerMessage, MsgId, Viewtype,
+};
 use crate::mimeparser::{
     parse_message_id, parse_message_ids, AvatarAction, MailinglistType, MimeMessage, SystemMessage,
 };
diff --git a/src/dc_tools.rs b/src/dc_tools.rs
index 0b61a4523..ca0af00b0 100644
--- a/src/dc_tools.rs
+++ b/src/dc_tools.rs
@@ -21,10 +21,10 @@ use mailparse::MailHeaderMap;
 use rand::{thread_rng, Rng};
 
 use crate::chat::{add_device_msg, add_device_msg_with_importance};
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_ELLIPSIS, DC_OUTDATED_WARNING_DAYS};
+use crate::constants::{DC_ELLIPSIS, DC_OUTDATED_WARNING_DAYS};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::events::EventType;
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::provider::get_provider_update_timestamp;
 use crate::stock_str;
 
diff --git a/src/download.rs b/src/download.rs
index bf7ba55f5..79c6c7402 100644
--- a/src/download.rs
+++ b/src/download.rs
@@ -6,12 +6,11 @@ use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::Viewtype;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::time;
 use crate::imap::{Imap, ImapActionResult};
 use crate::job::{self, Action, Job, Status};
-use crate::message::{Message, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{Message, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::{MimeMessage, Part};
 use crate::param::Params;
 use crate::{job_try, stock_str, EventType};
@@ -255,13 +254,15 @@ impl MimeMessage {
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
-    use super::*;
+    use num_traits::FromPrimitive;
+
     use crate::chat::send_msg;
-    use crate::constants::Viewtype;
     use crate::dc_receive_imf::dc_receive_imf_inner;
     use crate::ephemeral::Timer;
+    use crate::message::Viewtype;
     use crate::test_utils::TestContext;
-    use num_traits::FromPrimitive;
+
+    use super::*;
 
     #[test]
     fn test_downloadstate_values() {
diff --git a/src/e2ee.rs b/src/e2ee.rs
index 278eefd03..4fe3d2ebc 100644
--- a/src/e2ee.rs
+++ b/src/e2ee.rs
@@ -400,15 +400,14 @@ pub async fn ensure_secret_key_exists(context: &Context) -> Result<String> {
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
-    use super::*;
-
     use crate::chat;
-    use crate::constants::Viewtype;
-    use crate::message::Message;
+    use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
     use crate::param::Param;
     use crate::peerstate::ToSave;
     use crate::test_utils::{bob_keypair, TestContext};
 
+    use super::*;
+
     mod ensure_secret_key_exists {
         use super::*;
 
diff --git a/src/ephemeral.rs b/src/ephemeral.rs
index d42e6cc43..668407e76 100644
--- a/src/ephemeral.rs
+++ b/src/ephemeral.rs
@@ -67,14 +67,14 @@ use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 use crate::chat::{send_msg, ChatId};
 use crate::constants::{
-    Viewtype, DC_CHAT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_DEVICE, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF,
+    DC_CHAT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_DEVICE, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF,
 };
 use crate::contact::ContactId;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::time;
 use crate::download::MIN_DELETE_SERVER_AFTER;
 use crate::events::EventType;
-use crate::message::{Message, MessageState, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{Message, MessageState, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::stock_str;
 use std::cmp::max;
diff --git a/src/html.rs b/src/html.rs
index a7d0e5191..639ca56ca 100644
--- a/src/html.rs
+++ b/src/html.rs
@@ -279,9 +279,9 @@ mod tests {
     use crate::chat;
     use crate::chat::forward_msgs;
     use crate::config::Config;
-    use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+    use crate::constants::DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF;
     use crate::dc_receive_imf::dc_receive_imf;
-    use crate::message::MessengerMessage;
+    use crate::message::{MessengerMessage, Viewtype};
     use crate::test_utils::TestContext;
 
     #[async_std::test]
diff --git a/src/imap.rs b/src/imap.rs
index eb4762f94..4081a5dd4 100644
--- a/src/imap.rs
+++ b/src/imap.rs
@@ -17,11 +17,10 @@ use async_std::channel::Receiver;
 use async_std::prelude::*;
 use num_traits::FromPrimitive;
 
-use crate::chat;
-use crate::chat::ChatId;
-use crate::chat::ChatIdBlocked;
+use crate::chat::{self, ChatId, ChatIdBlocked};
+use crate::config::Config;
 use crate::constants::{
-    Blocked, Chattype, ShowEmails, Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_FETCH_EXISTING_MSGS_COUNT,
+    Blocked, Chattype, ShowEmails, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_FETCH_EXISTING_MSGS_COUNT,
     DC_FOLDERS_CONFIGURED_VERSION, DC_LP_AUTH_OAUTH2,
 };
 use crate::context::Context;
@@ -32,16 +31,17 @@ use crate::dc_tools::dc_create_id;
 use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::headerdef::{HeaderDef, HeaderDefMap};
 use crate::job::{self, Action};
-use crate::login_param::{CertificateChecks, LoginParam, ServerLoginParam};
-use crate::login_param::{ServerAddress, Socks5Config};
-use crate::message::{self, Message, MessageState, MessengerMessage, MsgId};
+use crate::login_param::{
+    CertificateChecks, LoginParam, ServerAddress, ServerLoginParam, Socks5Config,
+};
+use crate::message::{self, Message, MessageState, MessengerMessage, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser;
 use crate::oauth2::dc_get_oauth2_access_token;
 use crate::param::Params;
 use crate::provider::Socket;
+use crate::scheduler::connectivity::ConnectivityStore;
 use crate::scheduler::InterruptInfo;
 use crate::stock_str;
-use crate::{config::Config, scheduler::connectivity::ConnectivityStore};
 
 mod client;
 mod idle;
diff --git a/src/imex.rs b/src/imex.rs
index 95920b769..cb06a802c 100644
--- a/src/imex.rs
+++ b/src/imex.rs
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ use rand::{thread_rng, Rng};
 use crate::blob::BlobObject;
 use crate::chat::{self, delete_and_reset_all_device_msgs, ChatId};
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+use crate::constants::DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::{
     dc_create_folder, dc_delete_file, dc_delete_files_in_dir, dc_get_filesuffix_lc,
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ use crate::e2ee;
 use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::key::{self, DcKey, DcSecretKey, SignedPublicKey, SignedSecretKey};
 use crate::log::LogExt;
-use crate::message::{Message, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{Message, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::pgp;
diff --git a/src/location.rs b/src/location.rs
index b092c750a..47685f648 100644
--- a/src/location.rs
+++ b/src/location.rs
@@ -7,13 +7,13 @@ use quick_xml::events::{BytesEnd, BytesStart, BytesText};
 
 use crate::chat::{self, ChatId};
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+use crate::constants::DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF;
 use crate::contact::ContactId;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::time;
 use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::job::{self, Job};
-use crate::message::{Message, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{Message, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::Params;
 use crate::stock_str;
diff --git a/src/message.rs b/src/message.rs
index 736e5f2bb..8ab6552df 100644
--- a/src/message.rs
+++ b/src/message.rs
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 use crate::chat::{self, Chat, ChatId};
 use crate::constants::{
-    Blocked, Chattype, VideochatType, Viewtype, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_INFO,
-    DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_DESIRED_TEXT_LEN, DC_MSG_ID_LAST_SPECIAL,
+    Blocked, Chattype, VideochatType, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH, DC_CONTACT_ID_INFO, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF,
+    DC_DESIRED_TEXT_LEN, DC_MSG_ID_LAST_SPECIAL,
 };
 use crate::contact::{Contact, ContactId, Origin};
 use crate::context::Context;
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ impl Message {
     }
 
     pub async fn try_calc_and_set_dimensions(&mut self, context: &Context) -> Result<()> {
-        if chat::msgtype_has_file(self.viewtype) {
+        if self.viewtype.has_file() {
             let file_param = self.param.get_path(Param::File, context)?;
             if let Some(path_and_filename) = file_param {
                 if (self.viewtype == Viewtype::Image || self.viewtype == Viewtype::Gif)
@@ -619,7 +619,7 @@ impl Message {
     /// copied to the blobdir.  Thus those attachments need to be
     /// created immediately in the blobdir with a valid filename.
     pub fn is_increation(&self) -> bool {
-        chat::msgtype_has_file(self.viewtype) && self.state == MessageState::OutPreparing
+        self.viewtype.has_file() && self.state == MessageState::OutPreparing
     }
 
     pub fn is_setupmessage(&self) -> bool {
@@ -1700,9 +1700,106 @@ pub(crate) async fn rfc724_mid_exists(
     Ok(res)
 }
 
+/// How a message is primarily displayed.
+#[derive(
+    Debug,
+    Display,
+    Clone,
+    Copy,
+    PartialEq,
+    Eq,
+    FromPrimitive,
+    ToPrimitive,
+    FromSql,
+    ToSql,
+    Serialize,
+    Deserialize,
+)]
+#[repr(u32)]
+pub enum Viewtype {
+    Unknown = 0,
+
+    /// Text message.
+    /// The text of the message is set using dc_msg_set_text()
+    /// and retrieved with dc_msg_get_text().
+    Text = 10,
+
+    /// Image message.
+    /// If the image is an animated GIF, the type DC_MSG_GIF should be used.
+    /// File, width and height are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension
+    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension().
+    Image = 20,
+
+    /// Animated GIF message.
+    /// File, width and height are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension()
+    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_width(), dc_msg_get_height().
+    Gif = 21,
+
+    /// Message containing a sticker, similar to image.
+    /// If possible, the ui should display the image without borders in a transparent way.
+    /// A click on a sticker will offer to install the sticker set in some future.
+    Sticker = 23,
+
+    /// Message containing an Audio file.
+    /// File and duration are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_duration()
+    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_duration().
+    Audio = 40,
+
+    /// A voice message that was directly recorded by the user.
+    /// For all other audio messages, the type #DC_MSG_AUDIO should be used.
+    /// File and duration are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_duration()
+    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_duration()
+    Voice = 41,
+
+    /// Video messages.
+    /// File, width, height and durarion
+    /// are set via dc_msg_set_file(), dc_msg_set_dimension(), dc_msg_set_duration()
+    /// and retrieved via
+    /// dc_msg_get_file(), dc_msg_get_width(),
+    /// dc_msg_get_height(), dc_msg_get_duration().
+    Video = 50,
+
+    /// Message containing any file, eg. a PDF.
+    /// The file is set via dc_msg_set_file()
+    /// and retrieved via dc_msg_get_file().
+    File = 60,
+
+    /// Message is an invitation to a videochat.
+    VideochatInvitation = 70,
+
+    /// Message is an webxdc instance.
+    Webxdc = 80,
+}
+
+impl Default for Viewtype {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Viewtype::Unknown
+    }
+}
+
+impl Viewtype {
+    /// Whether a message with this [`Viewtype`] should have a file attachment.
+    pub fn has_file(&self) -> bool {
+        match self {
+            Viewtype::Unknown => false,
+            Viewtype::Text => false,
+            Viewtype::Image => true,
+            Viewtype::Gif => true,
+            Viewtype::Sticker => true,
+            Viewtype::Audio => true,
+            Viewtype::Voice => true,
+            Viewtype::Video => true,
+            Viewtype::File => true,
+            Viewtype::VideochatInvitation => false,
+            Viewtype::Webxdc => true,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
-    use super::*;
+    use num_traits::FromPrimitive;
+
     use crate::chat::{marknoticed_chat, ChatItem};
     use crate::chatlist::Chatlist;
     use crate::constants::DC_CONTACT_ID_DEVICE;
@@ -1710,6 +1807,8 @@ mod tests {
     use crate::test_utils as test;
     use crate::test_utils::TestContext;
 
+    use super::*;
+
     #[test]
     fn test_guess_msgtype_from_suffix() {
         assert_eq!(
@@ -2154,4 +2253,29 @@ mod tests {
 
         Ok(())
     }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_viewtype_derive_display_works_as_expected() {
+        assert_eq!(format!("{}", Viewtype::Audio), "Audio");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_viewtype_values() {
+        // values may be written to disk and must not change
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Unknown, Viewtype::default());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Unknown, Viewtype::from_i32(0).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Text, Viewtype::from_i32(10).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Image, Viewtype::from_i32(20).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Gif, Viewtype::from_i32(21).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Sticker, Viewtype::from_i32(23).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Audio, Viewtype::from_i32(40).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Voice, Viewtype::from_i32(41).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Video, Viewtype::from_i32(50).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::File, Viewtype::from_i32(60).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(
+            Viewtype::VideochatInvitation,
+            Viewtype::from_i32(70).unwrap()
+        );
+        assert_eq!(Viewtype::Webxdc, Viewtype::from_i32(80).unwrap());
+    }
 }
diff --git a/src/mimefactory.rs b/src/mimefactory.rs
index 7499bfc7d..675005ade 100644
--- a/src/mimefactory.rs
+++ b/src/mimefactory.rs
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ use chrono::TimeZone;
 use lettre_email::{mime, Address, Header, MimeMultipartType, PartBuilder};
 
 use crate::blob::BlobObject;
-use crate::chat::{self, Chat};
+use crate::chat::Chat;
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Chattype, Viewtype, DC_FROM_HANDSHAKE};
+use crate::constants::{Chattype, DC_FROM_HANDSHAKE};
 use crate::contact::Contact;
 use crate::context::{get_version_str, Context};
 use crate::dc_tools::IsNoneOrEmpty;
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ use crate::ephemeral::Timer as EphemeralTimer;
 use crate::format_flowed::{format_flowed, format_flowed_quote};
 use crate::html::new_html_mimepart;
 use crate::location;
-use crate::message::{self, Message, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{self, Message, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::peerstate::{Peerstate, PeerstateVerifiedStatus};
@@ -1140,7 +1140,7 @@ impl<'a> MimeFactory<'a> {
         }
 
         // add attachment part
-        if chat::msgtype_has_file(self.msg.viewtype) {
+        if self.msg.viewtype.has_file() {
             if !is_file_size_okay(context, self.msg).await? {
                 bail!(
                     "Message exceeds the recommended {} MB.",
@@ -1452,12 +1452,13 @@ fn maybe_encode_words(words: &str) -> String {
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
-    use super::*;
+    use async_std::fs::File;
     use async_std::prelude::*;
+    use mailparse::{addrparse_header, MailHeaderMap};
 
     use crate::chat::ChatId;
     use crate::chat::{
-        add_contact_to_chat, create_group_chat, remove_contact_from_chat, send_text_msg,
+        self, add_contact_to_chat, create_group_chat, remove_contact_from_chat, send_text_msg,
         ProtectionStatus,
     };
     use crate::chatlist::Chatlist;
@@ -1466,9 +1467,7 @@ mod tests {
     use crate::mimeparser::MimeMessage;
     use crate::test_utils::{get_chat_msg, TestContext};
 
-    use async_std::fs::File;
-    use mailparse::{addrparse_header, MailHeaderMap};
-
+    use super::*;
     #[test]
     fn test_render_email_address() {
         let display_name = "ä space";
diff --git a/src/mimeparser.rs b/src/mimeparser.rs
index 9fd126586..9a2996631 100644
--- a/src/mimeparser.rs
+++ b/src/mimeparser.rs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ use once_cell::sync::Lazy;
 
 use crate::aheader::Aheader;
 use crate::blob::BlobObject;
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_DESIRED_TEXT_LEN, DC_ELLIPSIS};
+use crate::constants::{DC_DESIRED_TEXT_LEN, DC_ELLIPSIS};
 use crate::contact::{addr_normalize, ContactId};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::{dc_get_filemeta, dc_truncate, parse_receive_headers};
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ use crate::format_flowed::unformat_flowed;
 use crate::headerdef::{HeaderDef, HeaderDefMap};
 use crate::key::Fingerprint;
 use crate::location;
-use crate::message;
+use crate::message::{self, Viewtype};
 use crate::param::{Param, Params};
 use crate::peerstate::Peerstate;
 use crate::simplify::simplify;
diff --git a/src/quota.rs b/src/quota.rs
index 133db6595..1820e6e2f 100644
--- a/src/quota.rs
+++ b/src/quota.rs
@@ -6,13 +6,12 @@ use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 
 use crate::chat::add_device_msg_with_importance;
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::Viewtype;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::time;
 use crate::imap::scan_folders::get_watched_folders;
 use crate::imap::Imap;
 use crate::job::{Action, Status};
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::param::Params;
 use crate::{job, stock_str, EventType};
 
diff --git a/src/securejoin.rs b/src/securejoin.rs
index 0c2e821a0..9e385fe95 100644
--- a/src/securejoin.rs
+++ b/src/securejoin.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use percent_encoding::{utf8_percent_encode, AsciiSet, NON_ALPHANUMERIC};
 use crate::aheader::EncryptPreference;
 use crate::chat::{self, Chat, ChatId, ChatIdBlocked};
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Blocked, Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL};
+use crate::constants::{Blocked, DC_CONTACT_ID_LAST_SPECIAL};
 use crate::contact::{Contact, ContactId, Origin, VerifiedStatus};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::time;
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ use crate::e2ee::ensure_secret_key_exists;
 use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::headerdef::HeaderDef;
 use crate::key::{DcKey, Fingerprint, SignedPublicKey};
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::{MimeMessage, SystemMessage};
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::peerstate::{Peerstate, PeerstateKeyType, PeerstateVerifiedStatus, ToSave};
diff --git a/src/securejoin/bobstate.rs b/src/securejoin/bobstate.rs
index fe0038f8d..66b9bc58b 100644
--- a/src/securejoin/bobstate.rs
+++ b/src/securejoin/bobstate.rs
@@ -11,13 +11,12 @@ use anyhow::{Error, Result};
 use rusqlite::Connection;
 
 use crate::chat::{self, ChatId};
-use crate::constants::Viewtype;
 use crate::contact::{Contact, Origin};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::events::EventType;
 use crate::headerdef::HeaderDef;
 use crate::key::{DcKey, SignedPublicKey};
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::{MimeMessage, SystemMessage};
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::sql::Sql;
diff --git a/src/sql.rs b/src/sql.rs
index ac7bbe2e2..89375b452 100644
--- a/src/sql.rs
+++ b/src/sql.rs
@@ -15,11 +15,11 @@ use rusqlite::{config::DbConfig, Connection, OpenFlags};
 use crate::blob::BlobObject;
 use crate::chat::{add_device_msg, update_device_icon, update_saved_messages_icon};
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH};
+use crate::constants::DC_CHAT_ID_TRASH;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::{dc_delete_file, time};
 use crate::ephemeral::start_ephemeral_timers;
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::param::{Param, Params};
 use crate::peerstate::{deduplicate_peerstates, Peerstate};
 use crate::stock_str;
diff --git a/src/stock_str.rs b/src/stock_str.rs
index c6299b377..e3e3a421f 100644
--- a/src/stock_str.rs
+++ b/src/stock_str.rs
@@ -10,11 +10,11 @@ use strum_macros::EnumProperty;
 use crate::blob::BlobObject;
 use crate::chat::{self, Chat, ChatId, ProtectionStatus};
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+use crate::constants::DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF;
 use crate::contact::{Contact, ContactId, Origin};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::dc_timestamp_to_str;
-use crate::message::Message;
+use crate::message::{Message, Viewtype};
 use crate::param::Param;
 use humansize::{file_size_opts, FileSize};
 
diff --git a/src/summary.rs b/src/summary.rs
index d26c89377..7801b108e 100644
--- a/src/summary.rs
+++ b/src/summary.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 //! # Message summary for chatlist.
 
 use crate::chat::Chat;
-use crate::constants::{Chattype, Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+use crate::constants::{Chattype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
 use crate::contact::Contact;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::dc_truncate;
-use crate::message::{Message, MessageState};
+use crate::message::{Message, MessageState, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::stock_str;
diff --git a/src/sync.rs b/src/sync.rs
index 3054f4a70..fbecedfb9 100644
--- a/src/sync.rs
+++ b/src/sync.rs
@@ -2,10 +2,10 @@
 
 use crate::chat::{Chat, ChatId};
 use crate::config::Config;
-use crate::constants::{Blocked, Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
+use crate::constants::{Blocked, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::time;
-use crate::message::{Message, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{Message, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::sync::SyncData::{AddQrToken, DeleteQrToken};
diff --git a/src/test_utils.rs b/src/test_utils.rs
index feeaf6be0..029bb9c83 100644
--- a/src/test_utils.rs
+++ b/src/test_utils.rs
@@ -22,14 +22,14 @@ use crate::chat::{self, Chat, ChatId};
 use crate::chatlist::Chatlist;
 use crate::config::Config;
 use crate::constants::Chattype;
-use crate::constants::{Viewtype, DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_MSG_ID_DAYMARKER, DC_MSG_ID_MARKER1};
+use crate::constants::{DC_CONTACT_ID_SELF, DC_MSG_ID_DAYMARKER, DC_MSG_ID_MARKER1};
 use crate::contact::{Contact, Modifier, Origin};
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_receive_imf::dc_receive_imf;
 use crate::dc_tools::EmailAddress;
 use crate::events::{Event, EventType};
 use crate::key::{self, DcKey, KeyPair, KeyPairUse};
-use crate::message::{update_msg_state, Message, MessageState, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{update_msg_state, Message, MessageState, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::MimeMessage;
 
 #[allow(non_upper_case_globals)]
diff --git a/src/webxdc.rs b/src/webxdc.rs
index fbf15154c..c3d1920be 100644
--- a/src/webxdc.rs
+++ b/src/webxdc.rs
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 //! # Handle webxdc messages.
 
 use crate::chat::Chat;
-use crate::constants::Viewtype;
 use crate::context::Context;
 use crate::dc_tools::{dc_create_smeared_timestamp, dc_open_file_std};
-use crate::message::{Message, MessageState, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{Message, MessageState, MsgId, Viewtype};
 use crate::mimeparser::SystemMessage;
 use crate::param::Param;
 use crate::{chat, EventType};