Encrypting a PGP Message

Last updated: July 21, 2026 · 9:15 PM ET

Encrypt so only the holder of the matching private key can read the content. On markets, that usually means the vendor’s or market’s public key.

Before you encrypt

1. Create your key pair — Create a Key Pair.
2. Import the recipient’s public key — Import a Public Key.
3. Optionally verify fingerprints against a trusted source — Verify.

Encrypt with GnuPG (CLI)

gpg --encrypt --armor -r recipient@example.com message.txt

Or select the recipient by name/fingerprint from your keyring. The output is ASCII-armored ciphertext — paste that into the market message box, never the plaintext.

Encrypt with Kleopatra / Seahorse / GPA

1. Open the encrypt / sign tool.
2. Choose the recipient’s public key.
3. Paste or load your message.
4. Copy the armored block starting with BEGIN PGP MESSAGE.