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GpgFrontend

Encrypt & Sign File

GpgFrontend offers a fast and convenient method for working with files. The encryption and decryption process for files is nearly identical to that of text, with the exception that file operations involve binary input and output.

Using File Browser for Encryption and Decryption

After clicking the File Browser button, a system directory selection dialog will appear. Follow these steps to perform encryption, decryption, and signing operations:

  1. Open File Browser:

    • Click the File Browser button in the toolbar at the top of the interface. This will open a system dialog allowing you to choose a directory.

  2. Select Directory:

    • In the system dialog, navigate to the desired directory and select it. Once selected, a new tab named “File Browser” will open in GpgFrontend, displaying the contents of the chosen directory.

  3. Select a File:

    • In the File Browser tab, you will see a list of files and folders within the selected directory. Click on the file you want to encrypt, decrypt, or sign.

  4. Encrypt the File:

    • To encrypt a file, first select the file in the File Browser. Then, in the Key Toolbox on the right, select the public key of the recipient by checking the box next to the desired key. Finally, click the Encrypt button in the toolbar at the top.

  5. Decrypt the File:

    • To decrypt a file, select the encrypted file in the File Browser. Ensure you have the corresponding private key in your keyring. Click the Decrypt button in the toolbar. If the correct key is available, the file will be decrypted.

File Operations

By following these steps, you can easily manage file encryption, decryption, and signing using the GpgFrontend’s File Browser feature. This streamlined process allows you to handle your cryptographic needs directly from the file system interface.

File Extension Requirements

GpgFrontend supports different file extensions for various cryptographic operations. Understanding these extensions helps in properly managing encrypted and signed files. Here’s a breakdown of the file extensions used:

ASCII Format

  • .asc: Files with the “.asc” extension are in ASCII format. These files contain ASCII-armored ciphertext, which is a text representation of the encrypted data. ASCII format is typically used for easy sharing via email or text editors, as it ensures compatibility with text-based applications.

Binary Format

  • .gpg: Files with the “.gpg” extension are in binary format. Binary ciphertext files are more compact than their ASCII counterparts and are generally used for more efficient storage and transmission. They cannot be viewed directly in text editors, as the content is in a binary format.

Combined Content

  • .gpg: When you use the encryption and signing functions together, GpgFrontend generates a file with the “.gpg” extension. This file contains both the encrypted content and the signature, ensuring that the recipient can verify that the ciphertext originates from you.

To perform decryption and verification operations, you need to use files with either the “.gpg” or “.asc” extension. These files contain the necessary ciphertext and signature content required for these operations.

By adhering to these file extension requirements, you can ensure that your encrypted and signed files are correctly recognized and processed by GpgFrontend.

Default Output Mode

Before version 2.0.4, GpgFrontend generated ciphertext files exclusively in ASCII format. However, beginning with version 2.0.4, GpgFrontend now generates ciphertext files in binary format by default. This setting can be adjusted in the program’s settings.

Changing Output Mode

To change the output mode between ASCII and binary formats, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Navigate to the GnuPG Controller settings within GpgFrontend. This can be done by accessing the settings menu from the main interface.

  2. Locate Binary Mode Option:

    • In the settings interface, under the “General” section, locate the option labeled “Use Binary Mode for File Operations”.

  3. Toggle Binary Mode:

    • Check or uncheck this option to switch between binary (gpg) and ASCII (asc) output formats. Checking the box will enable binary mode, while unchecking it will revert to ASCII format.

By following these steps, you can customize how GpgFrontend handles the format of ciphertext files according to your preference or needs.

Locate Binary Mode Option