In this article, we will explore the process of converting PEM to KEY and CRT. A PEM file is a base64 encoded format that contains a private key, while a CRT file is a certificate file that contains a public key. A KEY file, on the other hand, contains a private key in binary format. We will walk through the steps involved in converting these files and provide detailed explanations of the commands used.

Understanding PEM, KEY, and CRT Formats

Before we delve into the conversion process, it’s important to understand the differences between PEM, KEY, and CRT formats. A PEM file is a privacy-enhanced mail format that contains a private key. It is often used for SSL/TLS certificates. A KEY file, on the other hand, contains a private key in binary format. It is typically used for server-to-server communication. A CRT file is a certificate file that contains a public key. It is often used for web servers and other applications that require secure communication.

PEM Format

The PEM format is a base64 encoded format that contains a private key. The file typically has a .pem or .key extension. PEM files are often used for SSL/TLS certificates and other security-related applications. The format is widely supported and can be used on most platforms.

KEY Format

The KEY format is a binary format that contains a private key. The file typically has a .key extension. KEY files are often used for server-to-server communication. The format is widely supported and can be used on most platforms.

CRT Format

The CRT format is a certificate file that contains a public key. The file typically has a .crt extension. CRT files are often used for web servers and other applications that require secure communication. The format is widely supported and can be used on most platforms.

Converting PEM to KEY and CRT

Now that we understand the differences between the PEM, KEY, and CRT formats, let’s walk through the steps involved in converting a PEM file to a KEY file and a CRT file.

A PEM file is a base64 encoded format that contains a private key, while a CRT file is a certificate file that contains a public key. A KEY file, on the other hand, contains a private key in binary format. It is important to understand the differences between these formats before converting them. The OpenSSL commands provided in the article can be used to convert PEM files to KEY and CRT formats. It is important to verify the output files and ensure that you are using the correct commands for the conversion process.

Step 1: Convert PEM to KEY

To convert a PEM file to a KEY file, we can use the following OpenSSL command:

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This command will extract the private key from the PEM file and save it in the KEY format. The output file will have a .key extension.

Step 2: Convert PEM to CRT

To convert a PEM file to a CRT file, we can use the following OpenSSL command:

This command will extract the public key from the PEM file and save it in the CRT format. The output file will have a .crt extension.

Step 3: Verify the Output Files

Once the conversion process is complete, we should verify that the output files are correct. We can use the following OpenSSL commands to verify the output files:

These commands will check the integrity of the KEY and CRT files and provide detailed information about the certificates.

Common Mistakes

When converting PEM to KEY and CRT, there are a few common mistakes that people make. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to specify the output file name. If the output file name is not specified, OpenSSL will use the default name, which may not be what you want.

Another common mistake is using the wrong command to convert the files. For example, using the “openssl rsa” command to convert a CRT file to a KEY file will not work, as the “openssl rsa” command is specifically for private keys.

FAQs for convert pem to key and crt

What is a PEM file?

PEM (Privacy-enhanced Electronic Mail) is a base64 encoded file format that contains various types of cryptographic objects like SSL certificates, public and private keys, and certificates of authority. PEM files have a .pem, .crt, or .key extension, depending on what type of object they contain.

What is a CRT file?

A certificate file that contains a server or client certificate, which is used to establish the identity of a website or application to the users or clients. CRT files typically have a .crt or .pem file extension.

What is a KEY file?

A key file is a file that contains either a public or private key that is used for encryption or decryption. A key file is typically used in an SSL certificate that secures a website or application. KEY files typically have a .key or .pem file extension.

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

To convert a PEM file to a CRT file, you can simply rename the file extension from .pem to .crt. Alternatively, you can use OpenSSL to extract the certificate from the PEM file and save it as a CRT file using the following command: openssl x509 -in example.pem -out example.crt

How can I convert a PEM file to a KEY file?

To convert a PEM file to a KEY file, you can use OpenSSL to extract the private key from the PEM file and save it as a KEY file using the following command: openssl rsa -in example.pem -out example.key

Can I convert a CRT file to a PEM file?

Yes, you can convert a CRT file to a PEM file by using OpenSSL to extract the certificate from the CRT file and convert it to a PEM file using the following command: openssl x509 -in example.crt -out example.pem

Can I convert a KEY file to a PEM file?

Yes, you can convert a KEY file to a PEM file by using OpenSSL to convert the private key to a PEM format using the following command: openssl rsa -in example.key -out example.pem