Java & KeytoolBeginner

Java KeyStore (JKS) Fundamentals

Understand Java KeyStore format and structure. Learn JKS basics for managing certificates in Java applications.

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KeyStore Fundamentals

Key Insight

Always use PKCS12 format for new keystores. Java 9+ defaults to PKCS12, and it's the industry standard for certificate storage. JKS and JCEKS are legacy formats.

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Select KeyStore Type:

Step 0 of 4

PKCS12

Extension: .p12 / .pfxRecommended

Click "Start Tour" to explore PKCS12

Migration: Convert JKS to PKCS12

keytool -importkeystore -srckeystore keystore.jks -srcstoretype JKS \
  -destkeystore keystore.p12 -deststoretype PKCS12

This command converts a legacy JKS keystore to modern PKCS12 format.