PGP Key Pair Generator
Generate secure PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) key pairs for email encryption, digital signatures, and secure communication. Compatible with GPG and OpenPGP standards.
User Identity
Key Configuration
How to Use Your PGP Keys
1. Import Keys into GPG
Save your keys to files and import them into your GPG keyring:
gpg --import public-key.ascgpg --import private-key.ascgpg --list-secret-keys --keyid-format LONG2. Encrypt a Message
Encrypt a message for someone using their public key:
echo 'Secret message' | gpg --encrypt --armor --recipient [email protected]gpg --encrypt --armor --recipient [email protected] message.txtThe encrypted output can be safely sent via email or any insecure channel.
3. Decrypt a Message
Decrypt messages sent to you:
gpg --decrypt encrypted-message.ascecho '-----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----...' | gpg --decrypt4. Sign a Message
Create a digital signature to verify message authenticity:
gpg --clearsign message.txtecho 'Important message' | gpg --clearsigngpg --detach-sign --armor document.pdf5. Verify Signatures
Verify the authenticity of signed messages:
gpg --verify signed-message.ascgpg --verify document.pdf.asc document.pdf6. Export and Share Keys
Share your public key with others:
gpg --export --armor [email protected] > public-key.ascgpg --send-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com YOUR_KEY_IDgpg --search-keys [email protected]Email Client Integration Examples
Thunderbird Setup
- Install Thunderbird and set up your email account
- Go to Tools → Account Settings → End-to-End Encryption
- Click "Add Key" → "Import a personal key from file"
- Select your private key file and enter passphrase
- Enable "Digital signing" and "Require encryption" as needed
Mailvelope (Web)
- Install Mailvelope browser extension
- Open Mailvelope Options → Key Management
- Click "Import Keys" and paste your private key
- Add your email accounts to Mailvelope
- Compose encrypted emails directly in your webmail
Apple Mail (macOS)
- Import your key into GPG Suite for macOS
- Open Apple Mail preferences
- Go to Accounts → Select account → Advanced
- Enable "Encrypt outgoing mail" and "Sign outgoing mail"
- Mail will automatically use your PGP key
Outlook with Gpg4win
- Install Gpg4win (includes Kleopatra key manager)
- Import your key using Kleopatra
- Install GpgOL plugin for Outlook integration
- Restart Outlook and look for encryption options
- Use encrypt/sign buttons when composing emails
Real-World Use Cases & Examples
🏢 Business Communication
Secure client communications and confidential documents:
gpg --encrypt --armor --recipient [email protected] contract-v2.pdfgpg --clearsign --local-user [email protected] press-release.txt💻 Software Development
Sign git commits and release packages:
git config --global user.signingkey YOUR_KEY_IDgit config --global commit.gpgsign truegpg --detach-sign --armor myapp-v1.2.3.tar.gz🏥 Healthcare & Legal
HIPAA-compliant communication and legal document verification:
gpg --cipher-algo AES256 --encrypt --recipient [email protected] patient-file.pdfgpg --clearsign --local-user [email protected] legal-brief.txt🔒 Personal Privacy
Secure personal communications and file backup:
tar czf - important-docs/ | gpg --symmetric --cipher-algo AES256 > backup.tar.gz.gpgecho "Family news..." | gpg --encrypt --armor --recipient [email protected]About PGP Encryption
Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is a data encryption and decryption program that provides cryptographic privacy and authentication for data communication. PGP uses a combination of symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography.
Key Features
- • End-to-end encryption for emails
- • Digital signatures for authenticity
- • Key distribution and management
- • Cross-platform compatibility
- • Open source implementations (GPG)
Use Cases
- • Secure email communication
- • File encryption and signing
- • Software distribution verification
- • Secure messaging applications
- • Document authentication
Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Performance | Security Level | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA 2048 | 2048 bits | Fast | Good | General use, compatibility |
| RSA 4096 | 4096 bits | Slower | Excellent | Long-term security |
| ECC P-256 | 256 bits | Very Fast | Good | Mobile, IoT devices |
| ECC P-384 | 384 bits | Fast | Excellent | High security applications |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RSA and ECC keys?
RSA keys are widely supported and use larger key sizes (2048-4096 bits). ECC keys are newer, more efficient, and provide equivalent security with smaller key sizes (256-384 bits). Choose RSA for maximum compatibility, ECC for better performance.
How do I use the generated PGP key?
Import your keys into GPG using gpg --import. For email, configure your email client (Thunderbird, Apple Mail) or use browser extensions like Mailvelope for webmail. Always keep your private key secure and never share it.
Should my PGP key expire?
Yes, setting an expiration date is recommended for security. You can always extend the expiration later if needed. If you lose access to your key, expiration prevents it from being used indefinitely. Choose 1-2 years for personal use, shorter for high-security contexts.
Is it safe to generate keys in a browser?
Our generator runs entirely in your browser using secure Web Crypto APIs, and keys never leave your device. However, for highest security, use offline tools like GPG on an air-gapped computer, especially for keys protecting sensitive data.
What should I do with the revocation certificate?
Store your revocation certificate in a safe place separate from your private key. If your private key is ever compromised or lost, you can use the revocation certificate to notify others that the key should no longer be trusted.
Can I use PGP for file encryption, not just email?
Absolutely! PGP can encrypt any type of file or data. Use gpg --encryptto encrypt files, documents, backups, or any sensitive data. Many backup tools and applications also support PGP encryption natively.
Security Notice