SSL Converter

Certificate File to Convert

Private Key File

Chain Certificate File (optional)

Chain Certificate File 2 (optional)

Type of Current Certificate Standard PEM DER/Binary PFX/PKCS#12 Detected type from file extension

Type To Convert To Standard PEM DER/Binary PFX/PKCS#12

PFX Password

Convert Certificate

SSL Converter

Table of Contents

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SSL Converter

An SSL Converter tool is a handy online utility designed to convert SSL certificates and their corresponding keys to various formats used by different servers or systems. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates establish secretions between web servers and browsers. However, depending on the server or the software, the format required for these certificates and keys can differ. In this scenario, the converter tool helps convert the certificates into the necessary ones for an SSL converter.

To use an SSL converter, choose the certificate file and its type (the type is automatically chosen based on the file extension). Then, you will have to pick the type of certificate for conversion. To do this, click on the button "Convert."

How SSL Converter Tool Works

Input:

The user uploads the SSL certificate file or the private key file that needs to be converted. Some tools also allow pasting the content of the certificate or key directly into a text box.

Specify Format:

The user selects the target format to which the file needs to be converted, such as PEM to DER, PEM to P12, DER to PEM, etc.

Conversion:

The tool processes the input file/content into the desired format.

Output:

The user can then download the converted file. If a private key or certificate is included in the conversion process, secure practices are usually in place to ensure that the private data is not compromised.

PEM format

PEM format is one of the most used and popular formats of certificate files. Usually, PEM files have the extensions .pem, .crt, .cer, and .key. They are Base64-encrypted ASCII files and contain the lines "----- BEGIN CERTIFICATE -----" and "----- END CERTIFICATE -----." PEM format can store server certificates, intermediate certificates, and private keys. Different servers, including Apache and others, use PEM format certificates. Sometimes, the PEM certificate and private key can be combined into a single file, but the certificate and private key must be separated for most platforms.

DER format

DER format is a binary form of a certificate. Files in this format can have the extension .der or .cer. The only difference between them is the BEGIN/END lines. Any certificate and private keys can be represented in DER format. Commonly, this format is used with the Java platform. With an SSL converter, you can convert SSL certificates in DER format.

PKCS # 7 / P7B

The PKCS # 7 or P7B format is a Base64 ASCII file with the extension .p7b or .p7c. P7B certificates contain the string "----- BEGIN PKCS7 -----" and "----- END PKCS7 -----". Files of these certificates do not include the private key. The P7B files include only the certificates and certificate chains. P7B format is supported by platforms such as Microsoft Windows 10 &Java Tomcat.

PKCS # 12 / PFX

PKCS # 12, or PFX, is a binary format that stores intermediate certificates, server certificates, and private keys in a single file. Extensions of PFX-file - .pfx and .p12. Most of these files are utilized on Windows devices to import and export private keys and certificates. After converting PFX to PEM, you must open the resulting file in a text editor and save each certificate and private key to a text file - for example, cert.cer, CA_Cert.cer, and private. Key. You should copy the required snippets jointly with BEGIN / END.

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is an SSL Converter tool?

An SSL Converter tool is an online utility that helps you convert SSL certificates and keys into different formats required by various servers or systems. It supports PEM, DER, PFX/P12, and CER/CRT formats.

2. Why do I need to convert SSL certificate formats?

Different servers and software systems require SSL certificates and keys in specific formats. If your certificate is not in the required format, your server might not recognize it, and you won't be able to establish a secure connection.

3. What are the most common SSL certificate formats?

The most common formats include:

PEM (Privacy Enhanced Mail): Plain text format used by Apache and similar servers.

DER (Distinguished Encoding Rules): Java platforms and some servers use the binary format.

PFX/P12 (Personal Information Exchange): Used by Windows servers, usually containing the certificate, intermediate certificate, and private key.

CER/CRT: Commonly used for SSL certificates, it can be in PEM (ASCII) or DER (binary) format.

4. Is it safe to use an online SSL Converter tool?

While many online SSL Converter tools are legitimate and take measures to ensure security, there's an inherent risk in transmitting sensitive information like private keys over the internet. It's generally safer to use local conversion tools like OpenSSL.

5. How can I convert an SSL certificate locally without using an online tool?

OpenSSL, a command-line tool, can convert certificates and keys on your local machine. This method is more secure as it doesn't involve transmitting your private keys over the internet.

6. Can I convert an SSL certificate to any format?

Most certificates can be converted between the standard formats (PEM, DER, PFX/P12, and CER/CRT). However, the specific capabilities might depend on the tool you are using.

7. Do I need any special software to download or use an SSL Converter tool?

Online SSL Converter tools usually don't require special software — they run in a web browser. For local conversion, you might need to install tools like OpenSSL.

8. How long does the conversion process take?

The conversion process is usually quick, taking only a few seconds. However, the actual time can depend on the size of the certificate and the server's processing speed.

9. Are there any limitations to using SSL Converter tools?

While SSL Converter tools are handy, they might have limitations regarding file size, the number of conversions in a specific period, or the supported formats, mainly if you use a free tool.

10. What should I do if my converted certificate doesn't work?

Ensure that you have selected the correct input and output formats. If the converted certificate still doesn't work, verify that the certificate and the private key match and that the certificate chain is complete and in the correct order.