.PEM File Extension

How to Convert the File?

Windows

To convert PEM files on Windows, you typically need to use specialized software or command-line tools like OpenSSL:

1. Using OpenSSL:
   • Download and Install OpenSSL: First, you need to install OpenSSL on your Windows system. You can find installers for OpenSSL on various websites.
   • Open Command Prompt: Open a Command Prompt window.
   • Run Conversion Commands: Use OpenSSL commands to convert PEM files to other formats. For example, to convert a PEM certificate to DER format, you would use OpenSSL commands.
2. Using Certificate Manager:
   • Import and Export: For some conversions, you might import PEM files into Windows Certificate Manager and export them in different formats such as DER or PFX. This involves using the MMC (Microsoft Management Console) to manage certificates.

Linux

On Linux, converting PEM files is commonly done using command-line tools:

1. Using OpenSSL:
   • Install OpenSSL: OpenSSL is usually pre-installed on most Linux distributions. If not, you can install it using your package manager.
   • Open Terminal: Launch a terminal window.
   • Run Conversion Commands: Use OpenSSL commands to convert PEM files into other formats. OpenSSL handles various conversions, including PEM to DER, PEM to PFX, and more.
2. Graphical Tools:
   • CertTool: Some Linux distributions provide graphical tools for certificate management, but they may not support all conversions directly. You might need to use command-line tools for comprehensive conversions.

macOS

On macOS, you can use both command-line tools and built-in utilities:

1. Using OpenSSL:
   • Install OpenSSL: OpenSSL can be installed via Homebrew or is available in some macOS versions.
   • Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application.
   • Run Conversion Commands: Use OpenSSL commands to convert PEM files into other formats, such as DER or PFX.
2. Using Keychain Access:
   • Import PEM Files: Open Keychain Access and import the PEM file.
   • Export to Other Formats: Once imported, you can export the certificate in different formats like .CER or .P12 through the Keychain Access interface.

Android

On Android, conversions typically involve using apps or programmatic approaches:

1. Using Apps:
   • Install Certificate Management Apps: There are apps available on the Google Play Store that can handle PEM files, including converting them to other formats like DER.
   • Follow App Instructions: Use the app’s built-in features to convert or manage PEM files.
2. Programmatically:
   • Custom Applications: Developers can use libraries like BouncyCastle within custom Android applications to perform conversions programmatically.

iOS

On iOS, conversions generally involve using apps or programmatic methods:

1. Using Apps:
   • Install Certificate Management Apps: Look for apps on the App Store that support certificate management and conversion.
   • Use App Features: Follow the app’s instructions to import and convert PEM files as needed.
2. Programmatically:
   • Custom Development: Developers can use iOS frameworks such as the Security framework to handle and convert PEM files within custom iOS apps.

Others

For other systems or environments:

1. Web-Based Tools:
   • Online Conversion Tools: There are online services that allow you to upload a PEM file and convert it to other formats. Ensure the tool is reputable to avoid security risks.
2. Text Editors and Utilities:
   • Simple Conversion: For basic operations, you can manually copy and adjust the Base64-encoded content if needed. This approach requires caution to ensure that the file structure remains intact.