---
name: "mkimapdcert"
section: "8"
platform: "linux"
package: "courier-imap"
version: "5.2.11+1.4.1-3+deb13u2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/mkimapdcert"
---

# mkimapdcert(8)

create a test SSL certificate for IMAP over SSL

## NAME

mkimapdcert - create a test SSL certificate for IMAP over SSL

## SYNOPSIS

**/usr/sbin/mkimapdcert**

## DESCRIPTION

IMAP over SSL requires a valid, signed, X.509 certificate. The default location for the certificate file is /etc/courier/imapd.pem. **mkimapdcert** generates a self-signed X.509 certificate, mainly for testing. For production use the X.509 certificate must be signed by a recognized certificate authority, in order for mail clients to accept the certificate.

/etc/courier/imapd.pem must be owned by the courier user and have no group or world permissions. The **mkimapdcert** command will enforce this. To prevent an unfortunate accident, **mkimapdcert** will not work if **/etc/courier/imapd.pem** already exists.

**mkimapdcert** requires OpenSSL to be installed.

## FILES

/etc/courier/imapd.pem

X.509 certificate.

/etc/courier/imapd.cnf

Parameters used by OpenSSL to create the X.509 certificate.

## SEE ALSO

[**courier**(8)](/courier/8.md)\[1\]

## AUTHOR

**Sam Varshavchik**

Author

## NOTES

- 1\.

  [**courier**(8)](/courier/8.md)

  http://www.courier-mta.org/courier.html