> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.duplicati.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.duplicati.com/duplicati-programs/command-line-interface-cli-1/sharpaescrypt.md). # SharpAESCrypt This page describes the SharpAESCrypt commandline encryption tool The SharpAESCrypt commandline tool uses the provided AES encryption library but exposes it as a commandline tool. The SharpAESCrypt tool is called `Duplicati.CommandLine.SharpAESCrypt.exe` on Windows and `duplicati-aescrypt` on Linux and MacOS. The library and commandline tool implements the [AESCrypt file format](https://www.aescrypt.com/aes_stream_format.html), so the commandline tool is compatible with any other tool using the [AESCrypt file format](https://www.aescrypt.com/download/). To encrypt a file, use the syntax: ``` duplicati-aescrypt e ``` And similarly to decrypt a file: ``` duplicati-aescrypt d ``` For decryption, it is possible to use the "optimistic mode", which will leave the decrypted file on disk, even if it does not pass the validation. This is insecure, because the file contents can be modified if the integrity checks fail, but in some cases it can help to recover lost data: ``` duplicati-aescrypt do ``` If you are encrypting files with a different tool, note that SharpAESCrypt adds an additional check, similar to [PCKS#7 padding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padding_\(cryptography\)#PKCS#5_and_PKCS#7), which is not part of the AESCrypt specification. This does not change the file format, but makes it harder to inject trailing bytes. However, since other tools do not follow this standard, the decryption will reject such (otherwise valid) files. To decrypt such files, enable the compatibility mode: ``` duplicati-aescrypt dc ``` To enable the compatibility check for regular Duplicati operations, add the environment variable: ``` DUPLICATI__AES_IGNORE_PADDING_BYTES=1 ``` --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.duplicati.com/duplicati-programs/command-line-interface-cli-1/sharpaescrypt.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.