PKCS#12 AND PFX FORMAT: ----------------------- The pkcs#12 or pfx format is encoded in binary format. This type of certificate stores the server certificate as well as the intermediate certificates and the private key in a single encrypted file. Certificates with the .p12, .pksc#12 or .pfx extensions are identical. you can rename the extension of .pfx files to .p12 and vice versa. o They have as .pfx and .p12 extensions o They are generally used for Microsoft windows servers PKCS#12/PFX is a file in binary format that contains the certificate with a Corresponding private key and is protected by a password. Optionally, the file can include the ca chain certificates as well. Usually, pfx certificates are used on windows machines, and are essential for transferring the certificate from one windows server to another. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The file extensions are: *.P12 and *.PFX: -------------------------------------------- The pkcs#12 certificates are in binary form, contained in .PFX or .P12 files. THE PKCS#12 can store the server certificate, the intermediate certificate and the private key in a single .pfx file with password protection. These certificates are mainly used on the windows platform. Cas provide certificates in any of the above formats. to installing a certificate on different web servers In Practice The terms PKCS#12 and PFX are often used interchangeably today because they refer to essentially the same file format and functionality. When choosing between them: Use .p12 for clarity when working in cross-platform environments. Use .pfx when dealing primarily with Windows-based tools. Example Tools OpenSSL: Can create and convert .p12 or .pfx files. Windows Certificate Manager: Supports importing/exporting .pfx files.