GUI version - Key Manager (or passwords too)

Discussion related to AES Crypt, the file encryption software for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
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Andy
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Oct 08, 2024 7:40 pm

GUI version - Key Manager (or passwords too)

Post by Andy »

I really liked your tool, it is very helpful to me. In the GUI version I miss the option of something like a key repository. Typing a key during encryption is very problematic especially if our passwords are very long and complex.

If such a function was available (Key manager), then it would be possible to select the key to be used for encrypting files while indicating them for encryption.

I use the CLI version together with Auto Hotkey because it is, for me, more configurable. I can use the -k parameter and indicate the key to be used.

aescrypt -e -k 'secret 1.key' 'some file.txt'

Please consider adding a "Key or Password manager" option to the GUI version.
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paulej
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Location: Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Re: GUI version - Key Manager (or passwords too)

Post by paulej »

Andy,

This is something that has been requested in the past, but not implemented in v4. I have added it to the wish list (first item now on the new feature request list). You can see it here: https://www.aescrypt.com/wishlist.html

I think a feature like that would be useful. Speaking from my own experience using AES Crypt, what I currently have is a directory containing individual key files. Consolidating those into a single file would have practical utility.

Sometimes, more advanced features are left only for command-line users, since there is a significant advantage to keeping the GUI interface as simple as possible. So, I can imagine extending the command-line to work like this:

Code: Select all

aescrypt -e -k key_file.key -n key_name some_file.txt
As I understand, you want something in the UI, too. That gets a bit more complex, especially as we have to consider the user experience and (as much as possible) the user experience across all platforms. One of the major appeals to AES Crypt is simplicity. It's powerful under the hood, but the UI is purposely simple.

Anyway, this will definitely be taken into consideration.

Paul
Andy
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Oct 08, 2024 7:40 pm

Re: GUI version - Key Manager (or passwords too)

Post by Andy »

Thank you for your reply. I have to admit I haven't had a look at Wish List before :oops: As you wrote the ability to read keys from a single text file (-n parameter) would also be helpful. You write that the GUI version should be simple, you are probably right but the user can always add the options they want to see in the context menu. Anyway it is good that this option is on the to do list :D
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