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Export & Import Encrypted Files

Qpher Vault can create a portable encrypted .qpher file that you move any way you like — AirDrop, email, a USB drive. The recipient imports it into Qpher Vault, which checks the sender's signature and that the file was made for their account or organization. Opening it always needs Qpher Vault. It is bound to the recipient's keys — for a member of an organization, the organization's — so any member of that organization can import it.

Offline transfer, online decrypt.

Share Encrypted (.qpher)​

Send an encrypted copy of a document to another Qpher Vault user:

  1. Open the document page
  2. Tap ⋮, then Share Encrypted
  3. Under Export to, enter the recipient's email address
  4. Tap Share Encrypted File — Qpher creates the .qpher file
  5. Tap Share File and send it by AirDrop, Mail or Messages, or save it to Files
The recipient needs a Qpher Vault account

If they don't have one, the app offers Share via Qpher instead; they receive the document after signing up.

Backup Encrypted​

Create a .qpher backup bound to your keys (for a member of an organization, the organization's):

  1. Open the document page
  2. Tap ⋮, then Backup Encrypted
  3. Tap Backup Encrypted File
  4. Tap Share File and save it to Files, iCloud Drive or an external drive

Import a .qpher file​

From the app​

  1. On the Documents tab, tap +
  2. Choose Import .qpher file; the file picker opens (if you close it, tap Choose file)
  3. Pick the file. Qpher checks the sender's signature and that the file was made for your account, then adds the document to your vault
  4. Tap Open document

From AirDrop or "Open In"​

When you receive a .qpher file by AirDrop, or tap one in Files or Mail, Qpher Vault opens and starts the import.

Security Properties​

PropertyDescription
Sender SignatureAn ML-DSA digital signature shows who created the file
Post-Quantum Key WrappingAES-256-GCM encryption; the file key is wrapped with X-Wing
Recipient BindingBound to the recipient's keys; for a member of an organization, any member of that organization can import it
Header IntegrityAAD binding detects any change to the header

Qpher Vault cannot revoke a .qpher file after you send it.

Tamper detection

If anyone changes the .qpher file after export — even a single byte — the import fails.

Import Error Messages​

ErrorMeaning
Invalid file formatThe file is not a valid .qpher file
File too large (max 50 MB)The file is larger than the app imports
Sender signature verification failedThe file was changed after export, or the signature does not match
This export was not intended for youThe file was made for a different account or organization
Sender not found or key archivedThe sender's account or signing key is no longer available

Plans​

Exports are available on every plan except Free. How many you can create each month depends on your plan; Settings shows how many exports you have left.