age

Encrypt and decrypt files using the age CLI with passphrase or multiple recipients.

Updated Mar 20, 2026

Search Tags:#cli #encryption #cryptography #data-protection #age #encrypt #key-generation

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/dljsjr/sandpiper-ai --skill age-dljsjr

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: age
Source: https://github.com/dljsjr/sandpiper-ai/tree/main/skills/sandpiper/age
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dljsjr/sandpiper-ai --skill age-dljsjr

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill simplifies protecting data by enabling encryption and decryption of files via the age CLI, removing complexity and hard-won setup for secure file handling.

Core Features & Use Cases

Key management: generate identity and recipient keys with age-keygen, and manage multiple recipients for a single encrypted payload.
Flexible encryption: support for passphrase-based symmetric encryption, public-key recipients, and armored output for easy text handling.
Practical scenarios: securely back up sensitive documents, securely share encrypted files with teammates, and protect backups and archives during transfers.

Quick Start

Install age, generate a key pair with age-keygen, and encrypt a file.

Frequently Asked Questions about age

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I encrypt files for secure backups and transfers?▼

You can encrypt files for secure backups and transfers using the age CLI, which supports passphrase-based symmetric encryption and public-key recipients. It generates armored output for easy text handling and protects data during local backups and file sharing.

Can I encrypt a single file for multiple recipients using age?▼

Yes, age supports managing multiple recipients for a single encrypted payload. You can generate identity and recipient keys with age-keygen, allowing securely sharing encrypted files with multiple teammates using their specific public keys.

What is the best way to generate encryption keys for file protection?▼

The best way to generate encryption keys for file protection is using the age-keygen binary. It creates identity and recipient keys needed to apply public-key encryption to sensitive documents and securely share encrypted files.

Does age support passphrase encryption without managing key pairs?▼

Yes, age supports passphrase-based symmetric encryption, allowing you to encrypt files without managing key pairs. This is useful for securely protecting local backups and archives when sharing public keys is not feasible.

How do I inspect or manage age encrypted files and keys?▼

You can inspect and manage age encrypted files and keys using the age-inspect binary alongside age and age-keygen. These tools handle key management, verify identities, and ensure encrypted payloads are correctly configured for intended recipients.