---
title: "GpgFrontend: Your OpenPGP Companion"
sidebar:
  label: At a Glance
  order: 1
---

import { Tabs, TabItem } from "@astrojs/starlight/components";

**GpgFrontend** is not just another [OpenPGP](https://www.openpgp.org/)
tool—it’s your fast, portable, and truly independent encryption companion.
Whether you’re just starting out or already a privacy expert, GpgFrontend
empowers you with secure communication—no clutter, no bloat, total control.

## Why GpgFrontend?

GpgFrontend is more than a simple “button-and-command” wrapper around GnuPG.
Every detail is designed for real-world usability, security, and portability:

- **Effortless Encryption & Signing:** Quickly encrypt, decrypt, and sign texts,
  files, and emails in one click.
- **Multiple Independent Key Databases:** Manage different keys and identities
  for various projects or teams—keep everything organized and secure.
- **Truly Portable:** Run GpgFrontend from a USB drive and carry your keys and
  settings easily between devices.
- **Advanced Yet Accessible:** Supports modern algorithms (RSA, EdDSA, ECDSA,
  ECDH, etc.), advanced features like KeyPackage, public key sync,
  backup/restore, and powerful security options—all while remaining easy for
  beginners.
- **Error Prevention:** Built-in checks, clear workflows, and guidance help you
  avoid accidental mistakes.
- **Lightweight & Efficient:** No browser engines, no heavy frameworks. Minimal
  memory usage, instant startup, and zero background bloat.
- **Consistent Experience Everywhere:** Native support for Windows, macOS,
  Linux, and buildable on FreeBSD—always the same look and feel.

> Give GpgFrontend a ⭐ on [GitHub](https://github.com/saturneric/GpgFrontend).
> Your support helps our community grow and brings strong privacy to everyone.

## Who Is GpgFrontend For?

- Anyone seeking strong encryption without a steep learning curve.
- Users who value true cross-platform portability—run anywhere, even from a USB
  stick.
- Professionals who need advanced key management and modern cryptography.
- Privacy advocates who demand open-source, no vendor lock-in, and no hidden
  data collection.
- Users who want to stay up-to-date—GpgFrontend quickly adopts the latest stable
  GnuPG releases and cryptographic innovations.
- Those who value a minimal attack surface—no web engines, telemetry, or
  unnecessary dependencies.

## What Problems Does GpgFrontend Solve?

- Makes OpenPGP encryption accessible, even for non-technical users.
- Avoids the “feature bloat” and confusion of other frontends—no X.509, no
  unrelated complexity.
- Enables advanced security options and portable key management out of the box.
- Ensures your encryption is always under your control—never tied to cloud
  services or proprietary platforms.

## User Interface Glimpse

GpgFrontend’s interface is designed for clarity and efficiency, not for show. No
flashy graphics, no trendy animations—just the simplest layouts and most direct
logic to help you get professional results.

- **Lightweight:** Minimal memory usage and instant startup.
- **Practical:** Every function is easy to find, every action is straightforward.
- **Uncluttered:** Advanced features are organized and hidden until needed;
  beginners see only what matters.
- **Consistent:** The app works the same across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

<Tabs>
  <TabItem label="macOS">
    ![](https://image.cdn.bktus.com/i/2025/06/24/8725f93f511017055e6df799dac5262a5e9c3254.webp)
  </TabItem>
  <TabItem label="Windows">
    ![](https://image.cdn.bktus.com/i/2025/06/25/82aae58a6e35a26aec366cea65178057a8817f12.webp)
  </TabItem>
  <TabItem label="Linux">
    ![](https://image.cdn.bktus.com/i/2025/06/25/126a292375472a3c559a0a0de775283e4ea05875.webp)
  </TabItem>
</Tabs>

:::tip[Note]

Most screenshots in this manual are from the macOS version to ensure consistent
quality and style. The core features and workflows are the same across all
platforms, even if fonts or window borders look slightly different.

:::

## Mission and Origins

GpgFrontend draws its inspiration and core philosophy from the stable, portable,
and cross-platform [gpg4usb](https://www.gpg4usb.org/) project. Inheriting the
spirit of true portability and platform independence, GpgFrontend builds on this
foundation to deliver even more advanced features, modern algorithm support, and
an intuitive user experience. Our mission is to make powerful OpenPGP encryption
truly accessible—simple, robust, and convenient for everyone, on any major
operating system.

## Open Source, Always

As a community-driven, open-source project, GpgFrontend is entirely free and
transparent, welcoming contributions, feedback, and ideas from users worldwide.

## User-Driven Development

What truly sets GpgFrontend apart is its commitment to users. From day one,
nearly every piece of user feedback—whether about interface design, new
features, or compatibility—has been addressed in the very next release. Your
ideas and needs directly shape the roadmap. GpgFrontend evolves with you, not
just for you.

## Your Privacy First

GpgFrontend is built with privacy as its top priority—designed for true offline
security. No telemetry, no cloud syncing, and no outside dependencies. All
encryption, decryption, and signing are performed **locally** on your device, so
your secrets never leave your machine.

Whether you’re online or offline, your data remains 100% under your control.  
Join us in making encryption simple, robust, and truly private—because your
privacy is non-negotiable.

## Explore the Source

Dive into the development journey on GitHub, where every line of code, each
update, and user feedback converge to refine and enhance GpgFrontend.

- [Source Code of Application](https://github.com/saturneric/GpgFrontend)
- [Source Code of User Manual](https://github.com/saturneric/GpgFrontend-Manual)

**Current Manual Version:**
[v2.1.9](https://github.com/saturneric/GpgFrontend/releases/tag/v2.1.9)

## License and Contributions

GpgFrontend is licensed under GPL-3.0. Contributions—from issue reports to code
patches—are warmly welcomed.
