SSL Converter Tool
Convert Your SSL Certificates to Different Formats
The converter maintains parameters like encryption algorithm, key size, subjects and issuers during conversion. With support for all major formats, the SSL Converter Tool is a simple yet powerful utility for SSL management and troubleshooting.
Why Use an SSL Converter?
Here are some common reasons why you may need to use an SSL converter tool:
Switching Web Hosts
When switching web hosting providers, your current SSL certificate may not work on the new host. This is because different web hosts use different server software which support different SSL certificate formats.
An SSL converter allows you to convert your existing SSL certificate to be compatible with your new web host. This saves you from having to purchase a new certificate.
Switching Certificate Authorities
Sometimes website owners decide to switch CAs to get a better deal or service. Since each CA issues certificates in their own format, your current SSL certificate will not work on your existing web server after switching CAs.
An SSL converter tool allows you to convert your old CA-issued certificate into the format required by the new CA. This enables you to switch CAs without downtime or having to install a new certificate.
Renewing SSL Certificates
When renewing an SSL certificate, CAs often issue the renewed certificate in a different file format than the original. This new certificate would not be compatible with your current web server setup.
Using an SSL converter allows you to renew your certificate while keeping its format compatible with your existing web server. This avoids any need to make changes to your web server or application when renewing certificates.
Migrating Servers
If you are migrating your website from an older web server to a newer one, any existing SSL certificates may not work on the new server.
An SSL converter tool can transform your current SSL certificate into a format fully compatible with the new web server. This lets you migrate web servers without SSL issues.
How Does a Free SSL Converter Tool Work?
SSL converter tools work by analyzing the structure of your existing SSL certificate file. They then reformat and repackage the certificate information into the new required format.
Different SSL certificates store information in different ways. For example:
- PEM certificates store information in Base64 encoded plain text within a defined header and footer.
- DER certificates encode information in binary format according to the X.509 standard.
- P7B certificates bundle multiple certificates into a single PKCS#7 store.
A proper SSL converter tool should be able to detect the existing format and convert the certificate into the desired new format.
Here is a simple 3-step process of how SSL conversion works:
- Upload Original SSL Certificate: You first upload your current SSL certificate file (e.g. PEM file) to the SSL converter tool.
- Select Target Format: Specify the format you need the certificate converted into (e.g. PFX, DER, P7B, etc.)
- Download Converted Certificate: The tool converts and packages the certificate information into the target format. You can then download the converted certificate file.
The converted certificate file should now be fully compatible with your new server or environment. You can install it to enable SSL encryption.
What Information is Required for SSL Conversion?
To successfully convert an SSL certificate, the SSL converter tool needs access to certain information:
- Public Certificate: This is the public key component of the SSL certificate containing identifying information about the certificate owner.
- Private Key: The private key is required to recreate the certificate file in the new format. For maximum security, a private key is usually required for any SSL certificate conversion.
- Intermediate Certificates: These are optionally bundled with SSL certificates by CAs to create a full certificate chain and improve browser compatibility. Including any intermediates in the conversion ensures the new certificate works reliably.
- Key Passphrase: If the private key is encrypted, the pass phrase is required to decrypt it before conversion. Typically, passphrases encrypt private keys as an additional security measure.
- Domain Names: The SSL certificate will contain one or more domain names it is valid for. This information needs to be accurately transferred to the new certificate.
Having all this information on-hand ensures the SSL converter tool can fully recreate your certificate without errors or missing information.
Converting an SSL Certificate Using an Online Tool
Here is an overview of the typical steps to convert an SSL certificate using an online SSL converter tool:
- Select your existing SSL certificate file (PEM, DER, P7B etc.) from your computer.
- Go to the SSL converter tool website and upload your existing SSL certificate.
- Enter any other information like private key, intermediates, passphrases if prompted.
- Choose the target file format you want to convert the certificate to. Common formats include PFX, PKCS#12, PEM, DER, P7B.
- Provide an export password to encrypt the converted certificate file.
- Click on the “Convert” or “Submit” button to start the conversion process.
- Once conversion is complete, download the new SSL certificate file to your computer.
- You can now install the new certificate on your desired web server or environment.
The entire conversion process typically completes within a few minutes. Ensure you follow all steps carefully to avoid any errors.
Frequently Asked Questions: Free SSL Converter Tool
Is an SSL converter free to use?
Some basic SSL converters are free while more advanced converters require paid subscriptions. Free tools may have limited output formats or lack customer support. Paid converters typically provide expanded file format support and user assistance.
What are the most common conversion formats?
Common SSL certificate format conversions include PEM to PFX, P7B to PEM, DER to PFX, PFX to PEM, and PKCS#12 to PEM. SSL converters support transforming between any major certificate formats.
Can I convert SSL certificates manually?
Technically advanced users can convert SSL certificate formats manually using openssl commands. However, this is complex and error-prone compared to using a dedicated online SSL converter tool.
Does converting a certificate alter the expiration date?
No, converting an SSL certificate from one format to another does not impact the original expiration date or validity period. Only renewing a certificate can extend its expiry and validity.
Can I convert wildcard and SAN certificates?
Yes, SSL converters support converting wildcard, multi-domain (SAN), and other specialty certificates. The tool will preserve the certificate type, CSR info, domains list and other metadata during conversion.
Is it safe to use an online SSL converter tool?
Using a trustworthy online SSL converter from a reputable provider is completely safe. Avoid tools that ask you to email your private key or certificate, as this is not secure. As long as you use a secure tool, there should be no risks involved.