# AES Encryption Tool Encrypt or decrypt text and files with AES-256-GCM and export IV-based bundles > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/aes-encryption-tool - **Category:** Security - **Keywords:** aes, aes-256-gcm, encryption, decryption, file encryption, text encryption, security ## Overview Encrypt or decrypt text and files with AES-256-GCM. Text mode returns a bundle with salt, IV, auth tag, and ciphertext; file mode writes a downloadable encrypted package. ## Inputs - **Input Type** (select) - **Operation** (select) - **Text or Bundle** (textarea): Enter plaintext to encrypt or paste an AES bundle JSON to decrypt - **Encryption File** (file) - **Secret Key** (text): Enter a strong passphrase (min 8 chars) - **Output Encoding** (select) ## When to use - When you need to securely encrypt sensitive text snippets, passwords, or API keys before sharing them over insecure communication channels. - When you want to protect local files with authenticated AES-256-GCM encryption before uploading them to cloud storage providers. - When you need to decrypt an AES bundle JSON or encrypted file package using a pre-shared secret key. ## How it works - Select the input type (text or file) and choose whether to encrypt or decrypt. - Enter your plaintext or upload your file, then provide a strong secret key passphrase of at least 8 characters. - Choose your output encoding (Base64 or Hex) and run the tool to generate a secure JSON bundle or download the encrypted package. ## Use cases - Encrypting database credentials or configuration files before committing them to public version control repositories. - Sharing confidential text messages or notes securely via email or chat applications using a pre-shared passphrase. - Securing personal documents, PDFs, or images locally before storing them on public cloud drives. ## Frequently asked questions ### What encryption algorithm does this tool use? It uses AES-256-GCM, which provides both data confidentiality and authenticated integrity checks. ### What is included in the output text bundle? The output JSON bundle contains the algorithm name, output encoding, salt, initialization vector (IV), authentication tag, and ciphertext. ### Can I decrypt files that were encrypted using this tool? Yes, you can decrypt them by selecting the decrypt operation, uploading the encrypted package, and entering the correct secret key. ### What is the maximum file size supported? The tool supports file uploads up to 20 MB for encryption and decryption. ### Is my secret key stored on your servers? No, all encryption and decryption operations are performed locally in your browser, and your secret key is never stored or transmitted. ## Related tools - [Age-like Encrypted File Bundle](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/age-like-encrypted-file-bundle): Encrypt or decrypt portable password-based file bundles with Argon2id, XChaCha20-Poly1305, and optional signatures - [Batch Audio Rename](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-batch-rename): Batch rename audio files using patterns, text replacement, numbering, and case conversion. Returns renamed files as a ZIP download. - [Batch Image Rename](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-batch-rename): Batch rename image files using patterns, text replacement, numbering, and case conversion. 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