OpenPGP.js is a JavaScript implementation of the OpenPGP protocol that enables encryption, decryption, signing, and key management in JavaScript environments.
The tool solves the problem of performing cryptographic operations compliant with the OpenPGP standard in JavaScript by implementing RFC 9580. It provides APIs for symmetric and asymmetric encryption, message signing and verification, key generation and revocation, and streaming operations for handling large data. The implementation relies on the Web Cryptography API's SubtleCrypto interface for underlying cryptographic primitives, which means it delegates actual cryptographic operations to platform-provided implementations rather than implementing them from scratch.
Developers should choose this tool when building web applications or Node.js services that need to interoperate with PGP-encrypted data or communicate with users of traditional PGP tools. It suits projects requiring end-to-end encryption in the browser, encrypted file handling, or integration with PGP-based workflows. The tool works in recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari 15 and later in browsers, and in Node.js v22 and later on the server side. Browser usage requires a secure context. The README indicates experimental support for Deno. The tool supports both plain data and string encryption, symmetric encryption with compression, and detached signatures for message authentication without modifying the original content.
The project maintains a security audit on record and publishes security recommendations for users. Development activity shows ongoing maintenance with updates to support current platform versions and protocol standards, including migration to the latest RFC specification. The codebase is actively managed to ensure compatibility with evolving JavaScript runtime environments and security best practices.
