Converting CRT to PEM Digicert: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to SSL certificate conversions, there are a plethora of file types that one might encounter. One such example is the conversion of CRT to PEM Digicert. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of this process, offering detailed explanations and practical examples of the OpenSSL commands required to make this conversion a success.

Understanding the Difference between CRT and PEM Formats

Before we dive into the conversion process, it’s essential to understand the difference between CRT and PEM formats. A CRT file contains a certificate, which is a public key and metadata about the certificate’s owner. A PEM file, on the other hand, is a Base64-encoded certificate that also contains the private key associated with the certificate.

What is Digicert?

Digicert is a trusted Certificate Authority that provides SSL certificates to secure websites and other digital assets. To install a Digicert SSL certificate, you need to convert the CRT file to a PEM file.

Converting CRT to PEM Format

To convert a CRT file to a PEM file, you will need to use OpenSSL, a robust open-source implementation of the SSL and TLS protocols. OpenSSL is available on most Linux and Unix systems, as well as on Windows.

The process of converting a CRT file to a PEM file using OpenSSL can be completed by simply using the ‘openssl x509’ command. It is important to understand the difference between CRT and PEM formats, as well as to ensure that the downloaded certificate file is not corrupted before attempting the conversion process. Digicert is one trusted Certificate Authority that commonly requires the conversion of CRT files to PEM files.

Step 1: Download the CRT File

The first step in the conversion process is to download the CRT file from your Certificate Authority, in this case, Digicert.

Step 2: Convert the CRT File to PEM Format

Once you have downloaded the CRT file, you can convert it to PEM format using the following OpenSSL command:

openssl x509 -in yourdomain.crt -out yourdomain.pem -outform PEM

This command takes the CRT file (yourdomain.crt) and converts it to a PEM file (yourdomain.pem) in PEM format.

Step 3: Verify the PEM File

After the conversion process is complete, you can verify the PEM file using the following OpenSSL command:

openssl x509 -in yourdomain.pem -text -noout

This command will display the metadata associated with the certificate, allowing you to verify that the conversion process was successful.

Troubleshooting the Conversion Process

If you encounter any issues during the conversion process, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem. First, make sure that you have downloaded the correct CRT file from Digicert and that it is not corrupted.

You can also try using a different OpenSSL command to convert the CRT file to PEM format. For example, you can use the following command:

openssl x509 -inform der -in yourdomain.crt -out yourdomain.pem

This command specifies that the input format is DER instead of CRT, which can sometimes resolve issues with the conversion process.

FAQs on Convert CRT to PEM Digicert

Digicert is a trusted digital certificate provider that provides cybersecurity solutions to businesses and individuals. Their aim is to help their clients protect their online identity, data, and transactions.

What is a CRT file?

A CRT file, also known as a certificate file, is a digital certificate that contains information about the owner of a website or online service. It is often used to establish a secure connection between a web server and a web browser.

What is a PEM file?

A PEM file is a text file that contains a certificate, a private key, and a chain of intermediate certificates. It is often used to establish a secure connection between a web server and a web browser.

Why do I need to convert a CRT file to a PEM file?

You may need to convert a CRT file to a PEM file to establish a secure connection between your web server and a web browser. This is because some web browsers, including Google Chrome, require a PEM file to establish a secure connection.

How can I convert a CRT file to a PEM file using Digicert?

To convert a CRT file to a PEM file using Digicert, you can use their online certificate conversion tool. Simply upload your CRT file and select the output format as PEM. You will then be provided with a PEM file that you can use to establish a secure connection between your web server and a web browser.

Is there a cost for converting a CRT file to a PEM file using Digicert?

No, there is no cost for converting a CRT file to a PEM file using Digicert’s online certificate conversion tool. It is a free service that is available to everyone.

Is it safe to convert a CRT file to a PEM file using Digicert?

Yes, it is safe to convert a CRT file to a PEM file using Digicert’s online certificate conversion tool. The tool uses SSL encryption to ensure that your data is secure and protected throughout the conversion process. Additionally, Digicert is a trusted digital certificate provider, so you can be confident that the converted PEM file is authentic and secure.