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+---
+title: Symmetric Encryption & Decryption
+sidebar:
+  label: Symmetric Crypto
+---
+
+## 🔐 What Is Symmetric Encryption?
+
+**Symmetric encryption** is a method of securing data where the **same
+password** is used to both encrypt and decrypt information.
+
+Unlike **asymmetric encryption**, which uses a public/private key pair,
+symmetric encryption relies on a single shared secret (the password). This
+approach is:
+
+- ✅ Fast and efficient
+- ✅ Ideal for large files or quick one-time sharing
+- ❗ Best used when both parties can safely share the password
+
+> 📌 If someone intercepts the password, the encrypted data is no longer secure
+> — so always handle password exchange carefully.
+
+## 🔄 How It Works
+
+1. You choose a **strong password**.
+2. That password is used to **encrypt** the data.
+3. Anyone with the **same password** can **decrypt** it.
+4. No key pair is required — only the shared password.
+
+> 📎 Encryption security depends entirely on the strength and secrecy of the
+> password used.
+
+## ✍️ Encrypting Data Symmetrically
+
+To encrypt text using symmetric encryption in GpgFrontend (v2.1.9 and later):
+
+Enable Symmetric Encryption Feature
+
+1. Go to the Settings.
+2. Under the Appearance tab, check the `Sym. Encrypt` checkbox to enable symmetric encryption functionality.
+
+Access the Symmetric Encryption Button
+
+1. After enabling, you’ll see a dedicated `Sym. Encrypt` button on the main interface.
+
+Enter the Text or Select a File
+
+- Input the plaintext you wish to protect in the text editor.
+- Select a file to encrypt using the file panel.
+
+Symmetric Encryption
+
+1. Without selecting any public key, click the `Sym. Encrypt` button.
+2. When prompted, enter a strong, unique password.
+3. This password becomes your encryption key.
+4. The text or file will be encrypted into ciphertext.
+5. You can save or share the encrypted result.
+
+> 🔐 The recipient will need the **exact same password** to decrypt the message.
+
+## 🔓 Decrypting Symmetric Encrypted Data
+
+To decrypt content that was encrypted symmetrically:
+
+1. Paste the Ciphertext: The message should begin with `-----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----` and end with `-----END PGP MESSAGE-----`.
+2. Initiate Decryption: Choose to decrypt the message.
+3. Enter the Password: Input the **same password** that was used for
+   encryption.
+4. View the Plaintext: If the password is correct, the original message will be revealed.
+
+> 🧠 If the password is incorrect or mistyped, decryption will fail.
+
+## 💡 When to Use Symmetric Encryption?
+
+Symmetric encryption is a great choice when:
+
+- You’re encrypting something **for yourself** (e.g. storing private notes or
+  backup files).
+- You’re sharing data over a **secure channel**, and can **safely provide the
+  password**.
+- You don’t want to manage public/private key infrastructure.
+
+However, it is **not ideal** for public communication where secure password
+exchange is difficult.
+
+## 🛡️ Tips for Better Security
+
+- Always use a **strong, complex password** (longer is better).
+- Never send passwords through insecure channels (e.g., unencrypted email).
+- Consider using symmetric encryption as a supplement to public-key encryption —
+  e.g., encrypt a file symmetrically, then encrypt the password with the
+  recipient’s public key.