Exporting Root Certificate to File from macOS

This section provides a tutorial example on how to export a trusted root CA certificate pre-installed on macOS computer into a certificate file in binary .cer format.

In previous tutorial, we learned how to access certificates pre-installed on macOS. Now let's see if we can export a certificate out of macOS.

1. Repeat steps listed in the previous tutorial until you see the Keychain Access window.

2. Click "System Roots" keychain, then "Certificates" category on the left pane. And select "VeriSign Class 3 Public Primary Certification Authority - G5".

3. Click "File > Export Items" menu. The "Save As" dialog box shows up.

4. Select "Certificate (.cer)" format.

5. Change the file location and file name to ~\temp\VeriSign_Root_CA.cer.

6. Click the "Save" button, then "Finish" button. The selected certificate will be exported into the specified file.

Export Certificate from macOS Computer
Export Certificate from macOS Computer

Table of Contents

 About This Book

 Introduction of PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)

 Introduction of HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

 Using HTTPS with Google Chrome

 Using HTTPS with Mozilla Firefox

 HTTPS with Microsoft Edge

 Using HTTPS with Apple Safari

 HTTPS with IE (Internet Explorer)

 Android and Server Certificate

 iPhone and Server Certificate

 Windows Certificate Stores and Console

 RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) and Server Certificate

macOS Certificate Stores and Keychain Access

 What Is Keychain Access on macOS

 Listing of Trusted Root CA in macOS

Exporting Root Certificate to File from macOS

 Delete/Untrust Certificates from macOS

 Unlock Keychain to Access Certificate on macOS

 Import Server Certificates to macOS

 Create My Own Root CA on macOS

 Review My Root CA Certificate on macOS

 Review Private Key of My CA Certificate on macOS

 Generate CSR (Certificate Signing Request) on macOS

 Issue New Certificate with My CA on macOS

 Verify Certificate Signed by My CA on macOS

 Keychain File Locations on macOS

 CA Certificates at "/etc/ssl | /private/etc/ssl"

 Perl Scripts Communicating with HTTPS Servers

 PHP Scripts Communicating with HTTPS Servers

 Java Programs Communicating with HTTPS Servers

 .NET Programs Communicating with HTTPS Servers

 CAcert.org - Root CA Offering Free Certificates

 PKI CA Administration - Issuing Certificates

 Comodo Free Personal Certificate

 Digital Signature - Microsoft Word

 Digital Signature - OpenOffice.org 3

 S/MIME and Email Security

 PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) Terminology

 Archived Tutorials

 References

 Full Version in PDF/EPUB