HOW TO: Import PGP Keys - Symantec Encryption Desktop for Mac

Products

• Desktop Email Encryption
• Drive Encryption
• File Share Encryption Powered by PGP Technology

Issue/Introduction

 

Resolution

This article describes how to import PGP keys to Symantec Encryption Desktop (previously PGP Desktop) for Mac OS X.

PGP keys can be exported from PGP Desktop as .asc files. This is a good way to back up your keys or exchange your public keys with others. If you have an .asc file on your system that includes a PGP key that you want on your keyring, you can import it from the Finder.

Import a PGP Key

To import keys from an .asc file in the Finder

1. In Finder, locate the PGP key (.asc) file with the PGP keys you want to import.
    
2. Double-click the selected .asc file. PGP Desktop opens and the Select Keys dialog box is displayed.
    
3. Select the PGP key(s) you want to import, then click OK. The selected key(s) are added to your keyring.
    

Tip: You can also import a key by selecting File > Open and browsing to the desired .asc file.

 

Add PGP Public Keys to Your Keyring

PGP Desktop stores your PGP keys on keyrings; you always have one private keyring (.skr) file that holds private keys and one public keyring (.pkr) file that holds public keys.
If you have a public keyring file (not your active public keyring file) on your system that holds keys you would like to add to your active keyring, you can add them from the Finder.

 

To add PGP public keys from a keyring file in the Finder

1. In the Finder, drag the PGP public keyring (.pkr) or PGP private keyring (.skr) file and drop it onto your active keyring in the PGP DT window. The Select Keys dialog box opens and displays the public keys on the selected public keyring file.
2. Select the keys you want to add to your active keyring, then click OK. You can use Select All or Select None and the Shift and Command keys to select the desired keys. The Select Keys dialog disappears and the selected keys are added to your active keyring.
    

Tip: In the Finder, double-click the PGP public keyring (.pkr) or PGP private keyring (.skr) file. The new keyring will appear in PGP Desktop, below your existing keyrings, as "PGP Public Keyring."