--- title: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sidebar: label: FAQ order: 4 --- ## Understanding GpgFrontend **What is GpgFrontend?** GpgFrontend is a user-friendly, cross-platform tool designed to facilitate the use of OpenPGP encryption, making it easier for individuals to protect their privacy and secure their communications. **What can I do with GpgFrontend?** Beyond basic encryption and decryption, GpgFrontend supports digital signatures to verify the integrity and origin of messages. Users can manage and generate key pairs, encrypt files and emails, and sign their communications for added security. **How can I obtain and start using GpgFrontend?** You can download the latest version of GpgFrontend from [GpgFrontend's Downloads Page](/overview/downloads) and choose the installation method for your platform. **How do I update GpgFrontend to the latest version?** You can always get the latest stable or nightly release from the Downloads Page. On Windows, simply run the new installer. On macOS and Linux, replace the old app or AppImage with the new version. Your settings and keys will be preserved unless noted otherwise in the release notes. ## OpenPGP and GnuPG Explained **How do OpenPGP and GnuPG relate?** OpenPGP serves as a standardized protocol for encrypting and decrypting data, which GpgFrontend supports. GnuPG, or GPG, implements the OpenPGP standard, providing the necessary cryptographic functions. GpgFrontend leverages GnuPG for operations like encryption, decryption, and key management. **Which operating systems does GpgFrontend support?** GpgFrontend is a cross-platform application that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to nearly all users for their privacy and data protection needs. ## Troubleshooting GnuPG Installation Issues **Encountering 'GnuPG not installed correctly'?** This issue typically arises when GpgFrontend cannot locate GnuPG on your system. Here are steps to address this based on your operating system: ### For macOS Users - **Install GnuPG for OSX** from [here](https://sourceforge.net/p/gpgosx/docu/Download/), or install GpgFrontend using Homebrew with `brew install --cask gpgfrontend`. - If GnuPG is installed in a custom location, please tell GpgFrontend where the gpgconf binary it is at GnuPG Controller. ### For Linux Users - Install GnuPG via your package manager (apt, yum, etc.). - If GnuPG is installed in a custom location, please tell GpgFrontend where the gpgconf binary it is at GnuPG Controller. ### For Windows Users - The latest GpgFrontend versions include GnuPG. It's recommended to download the most recent GpgFrontend version. - Alternatively, download GnuPG from [here](https://www.gnupg.org/ftp/gcrypt/binary/gnupg-w32-2.4.0_20221216.exe) and reinstall if necessary. ### Additional Assistance - For more detailed guidance, refer to the quick start manual available at [Getting Started Guide](/overview/getting-started). ## Reporting Bugs and Contributing **Found a bug?** If you encounter any issues with GpgFrontend, please report them via the GitHub repository. You can also contact me directly if you're not on GitHub; see the [Contact](/overview/contact) section for details. **Interested in contributing?** Feel free to modify GpgFrontend's code and submit a Pull Request with your enhancements. You can also send patches via email if you prefer to contribute anonymously. ## Why the Need for GnuPG? **Importance of Installing GnuPG** GpgFrontend itself does not handle direct encryption or decryption; it requires GnuPG for these operations. This design choice ensures higher security, allowing users to rely on their own verified version of GnuPG. ## Understanding Nightly Versions A Nightly version is an automatically generated, experimental build of GpgFrontend that may include the latest features, urgent fixes, and changes that are still being tested. Nightly builds are less stable than official releases, may introduce breaking changes without notice, and are not GPG-signed. They are ideal for users who want early access and are willing to help test, but not recommended for production use. For integrity, please verify the provided SHA256 checksums. Your feedback is invaluable—please report any issues or suggestions on GitHub to help improve future stable releases. ## Security and Privacy **How does GpgFrontend ensure my communications are secure?** GpgFrontend uses GnuPG to implement the OpenPGP standard, securing your data with robust encryption algorithms to prevent unauthorized access. It supports public and private key encryption methods, ensuring only intended recipients can decrypt and read your messages. ## Importing and Exporting Keys **How do I import or export keys in GpgFrontend?** Use the Key Management section to import or export public/private keys. You can also drag-and-drop key files directly into the application's Key ToolBox. ## File Encryption and Decryption **Can I encrypt and decrypt files as well as text?** Yes, GpgFrontend supports both text and file encryption/decryption. Use the dedicated file options in the main interface to protect or unlock files. ## Compatibility With Other OpenPGP Software **Can I use keys and encrypted data created in other OpenPGP software?** Yes—as long as your keys and encrypted data are in a format accepted by GnuPG (GPG), they can be used with GpgFrontend. GpgFrontend relies on GnuPG for all OpenPGP operations, so compatibility is determined by what GnuPG supports. Most keys and data produced by standard-compliant GPG or PGP programs will work seamlessly. ## Supported Languages **Is GpgFrontend available in my language?** GpgFrontend supports multiple languages. You can change the display language from the `Settings > General` tab. Want to help translate? See the [contribution guide](/appendix/translate-interface) on GitHub! ## Password & PIN Handling **How does GpgFrontend handle passphrases or PINs?** GpgFrontend does not process or store your GPG key passphrases or smart card PINs. All password and PIN entry for GPG keys is securely handled by the GnuPG pinentry component, which operates independently of GpgFrontend. GpgFrontend never sees, intercepts, or retains your passphrases or PINs. For application-specific encryption features (such as KeyPackage protection), passphrases or PINs are used only in memory for cryptographic operations and immediately cleared afterward. Advanced users can enable PIN caching for these features, and adjust security levels for maximum protection. **Can lost passwords or keys be recovered?** No, for your security, neither GpgFrontend nor the developer can recover lost passwords or private keys. Make sure to back up your private key and remember your passphrase! ## Using GpgFrontend With Smart Cards **Does GpgFrontend support OpenPGP smart cards or tokens?** Yes, GpgFrontend supports smart card operations (such as viewing, key generation, and signing) if your GnuPG installation is configured for smart card support. Users can manage their OpenPGP smart cards directly using the SmartCard Controller within GpgFrontend. ## Privacy Policy **What data does GpgFrontend collect?** GpgFrontend does not collect or transmit any personal or usage data. All cryptographic operations are performed locally. Update checks can be disabled, and no tracking or analytics are built in. ## Feature Requests **How can I request a new feature?** You can suggest new features by opening an issue on GitHub or contacting the maintainer directly.