File Extension Database

Open PEM File

The .PEM file extension stands for Privacy Enhanced Mail, a file format originally intended for securing email communications via a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Despite its name, PEM formatting is used in many contexts beyond email, serving as a traditional format for storing cryptographic information such as certificates and keys.

Understanding .PEM Files

.PEM files can contain various types of cryptographic data. This includes private keys, public keys, certificates, and other types of data necessary for the operation of a PKI. PEM files are text-based and are typically used in a Base64 encoding scheme, with the data enclosed between 'BEGIN' and 'END' statements that identify the type of data contained in the file.

Opening and Using .PEM Files

Command Line Tools

Many command-line tools exist that can open and manipulate .PEM files. One of the most popular is OpenSSL, a robust toolkit for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols. With OpenSSL, you can generate, examine, and convert PEM files.

Text Editors

As PEM files are text-based, they can be opened with any text editor. While this won't allow you to decode the cryptographic data within the file (unless you're adept at reading Base64-encoded data), it can still be useful for quickly viewing the contents of a .PEM file, especially for debugging purposes.

Web Browsers

Web browsers can import .PEM files that contain certificates, allowing the browser to recognize and trust the websites that use these certificates. The specific steps for importing a .PEM file depend on the browser in question.

PEM File Important Information

.PEM files are a fundamental part of cryptographic operations and internet security. It's important to keep them secure, especially when they contain private keys, as this could lead to unauthorized access if they fall into the wrong hands. As with any file type, it's also crucial to only open .PEM files from trusted sources to minimize potential security risks.

How Can I Open PEM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PEM file is to find a PEM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PEM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PEM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PEM file opener then try to search online for "PEM viewer", "application to open PEM file" or "open PEM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PEM file

How Can I Open PEM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PEM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PEM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PEM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PEM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PEM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PEM file then try to search for "PEM viewer", "application to open PEM file" or "read PEM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PEM file

How Can I Open PEM File on Android

If you downloaded a PEM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PEM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PEM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PEM viewer", "PEM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PEM File on iPhone or iPad

To open PEM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PEM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PEM". This way you can find apps which can open PEM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PEM viewer" or "PEM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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