.. _download-certificate-ref:

Download a Certificate
=======================

Once you've identified the appropriate certificate, click the Download button:

.. image:: ACMScreenshots/ACM-DownloadButton.png

This will load the **Download Certificate** screen.

.. image:: ACMScreenshots/ACM-DownloadCertificate.png

There are two main decisions to make when downloading a certificate for use in an application:

   * What file format is needed? The primary choices are **DER**, which is a binary format. If you try and open it in a text editor, you'll see a bunch of random characters and spaces. The second is **PEM** (Privacy-Enhanced Mail). If you open this type in a text editor, you'll see an ordered block of characters that starts with "------BEGIN CERTIFICATE------" and ends with "------END CERTIFICATE------".

   * Do you need the **Certificate Chain**? This option includes the Root CA, the Issuing CA and the leaf certificate in a single file.

Once you've made your selection click the **Download** button and the file will be saved to your default download location. You can download the certificate as many times and in as many formats as you need.