---
name: "gpgcompose"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "gnupg-utils"
version: "2.2.40-1.1+deb12u2"
release: "Debian 12 (Bookworm)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/gpgcompose"
---

# gpgcompose(1)

Generate a stream of OpenPGP packets

## NAME

gpgcompose - Generate a stream of OpenPGP packets

## SYNOPSIS

**gpgcompose** \[\[*OPTION* \[*ARGS*\]\] ... \]

**gpgcompose --help**

**gpgcompose** *OPTION* **--help**

## DESCRIPTION

**gpgcompose** generates a stream of OpenPGP packets, including some which can include other nested packets within a layer of encryption.  The syntax on the command line isn't stable enough to document currently, but additional hints and examples can be found from the command line using **--help**.

## EXTERNAL DEPENDENCIES

**gpgcompose** is not capable of performing secret key operations on its own. Creation of any OpenPGP object that requires secret key operations (e.g., **--signature**) will need to speak to an already-running **gpg-agent**.

## FILES

Occasionally, **gpgcompose** will need to look up existing public keys for reference (e.g., **--public-key**). It will do so in **~/.gnupg/keyring.kbx,** or in **$GNUPGHOME/keyring.kbx** if that variable is set.

## SEE ALSO

RFC 4880, [gpg(1)](/gpg/1.md), [gpg-agent(1)](/gpg-agent/1.md), [gpg-connect-agent(1)](/gpg-connect-agent/1.md)

## AUTHOR

gpgcompose is copyright (C) 2016, g10 Code GmbH.

This manpage was written by Daniel Kahn Gillmor \<dkg@fifthhorseman.net\>.