SSL Certificate Decoder — Decode PEM/DER Certificate

Decode PEM or DER cert to human-readable fields. Free SSL certificate decoder.

The SSL Certificate Decoder accepts a certificate in PEM or DER format and displays all fields in human-readable form. Paste a PEM block (-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE----- ... -----END CERTIFICATE-----) or upload a DER/binary file, and the tool shows subject, issuer, validity dates, serial number, key algorithm and size, extensions (SANs, key usage, basic constraints, etc.), and signature. Use it to inspect a certificate you received, verify what was actually installed on a server after decoding the cert from a TLS connection, or debug certificate-related errors. It does not validate the chain or revocation; it only parses and displays the contents. Helpful for developers and admins who need to confirm SANs, expiry, or issuer without using OpenSSL command line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PEM and DER?

DER is binary; PEM is base64-encoded DER with header/footer lines. Most tools and configs use PEM.

Can I decode the whole chain?

Paste each certificate in the chain separately, or use a tool that accepts multiple PEM blocks and decodes each.

Does it check if the cert is revoked?

No. Decoding only shows the cert contents. Use an OCSP checker or CRL to verify revocation status.

What are SANs?

Subject Alternative Names: the list of domain names the certificate is valid for. Shown in the extensions section.

Is my certificate sent to a server?

If the decoder runs client-side, the cert never leaves your device. Verify the tool's implementation for privacy.

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