Guides
Command Line Interface (CLI)
The AxCrypt Command Line Interface (CLI) is a free, open-source tool that allows you to encrypt and decrypt files directly from your terminal or command prompt.The AxCrypt Command Line Interface (CLI) is a free, open-source tool that allows you to encrypt and decrypt files directly from your terminal or command prompt.
Use AxCrypt from scripts, terminals, and scheduled jobs
The AxCrypt Command Line Interface (CLI) is a free, open-source tool that allows you to encrypt and decrypt files directly from your terminal or command prompt.
Built for automation
Run encryption and decryption from scripts, scheduled jobs, servers, and terminal workflows.
Strong file protection
Protect sensitive files without opening the desktop interface or changing your workflow.
Works offline
Use passphrase-based commands locally when a signed-in desktop session is not available.
Command Syntax Overview
Start with the AxCrypt CLI executable, choose an operation, then pass the file paths the command should process.
AxCryptCli --[command] [arg1 arg2 arg3 ...]Where:
- AxCryptCli → The program name that performs file encryption or decryption
- --[command] → The operation to be performed (e.g., )
- [args] → Inputs required by the command, such as file paths
Setting the Password
Before running any encryption or decryption operation, you must provide a passphrase.
Syntax
--passphrase [password]Full Command Example
AxCryptCli --passphrase fileSecretThis sets the password for the operations that follow.
Encrypting Files
To encrypt one or more files, use the command.
Syntax
--encrypt [file1 file2 file3 ... fileN]Full Command Example
AxCryptCli --passphrase fileSecret --encrypt C:\Docs\file.docxEach file must be referenced using its full file path.
After encryption, the output file will have the extension.
Decrypting Files
To decrypt encrypted files, use the command.
Syntax
--decrypt [file1 file2 file3 ... fileN]Full Command Example
AxCryptCli --passphrase fileSecret --decrypt C:\Docs\file.docx.axxYou must use the same passphrase that was used during encryption.
- Quick one-off encryption and decryption
- Automating routine file-protection tasks using scripts
- Environments where GUI tools are not available
The AxCrypt CLI does not require an account or sign-in. You only need to supply a password to perform secure 128-bit AES encryption or decryption.
- You can encrypt or decrypt multiple files in one command by listing them all after the command.
- Ideal for scripts (PowerShell, Bash, batch files) for automated protection workflows.
- You do not need to register or create an AxCrypt account to be able to use Axcrypt CLI.
How the Command Line Works
A command line is a text-based interface that allows you to interact with your computer by typing commands instead of clicking buttons. A password is required for both encryption and decryption. It’s commonly used by developers, system administrators, and power users because it’s fast, precise, and ideal for automation.
1. You type a command
A command is a line of text that tells the computer what action you want it to perform.
AxCryptCli --encrypt C:\Docs\file.docx2. The command line reads and interprets what you typed
The command line (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Terminal) breaks your input into:
- Program name (the tool you want to run)
- Commands or switches (what you want that tool to do)
- Arguments (additional information like file paths)
3. The program executes your instruction
Once interpreted, the command is passed to the program (in this case, AxCryptCli). The program then performs the action — such as encrypting, decrypting, copying, moving, or creating files
- Encrypting a file
- Decrypting a file
4. The program returns output
After processing the command, the program usually displays the result in the terminal.
- “File encrypted successfully”
- “Incorrect passphrase”
- “File not found”
- No message at all (if it executed silently)
5. You can chain commands or automate them
Command line tools can be placed inside:
- Batch files (.bat)
- PowerShell scripts (.ps1)
- Bash scripts (.sh)
- Cron jobs / scheduled tasks
AxCryptCli --passphrase mySecret --encrypt C:\Backups\*.txtFAQ
Do I need an AxCrypt account to use the Command Line Interface?
No. The AxCrypt CLI works completely offline and does not require an account or sign-in. You only need to provide a passphrase to encrypt or decrypt files.
What type of encryption does the CLI use?
The AxCrypt CLI uses 128-bit AES encryption, which is secure and widely trusted for protecting sensitive files.
Can I encrypt multiple files at once?
Yes. You can list multiple files in a single command.
What file formats does AxCrypt CLI support?
AxCrypt CLI works with any file type like documents, images, videos, zip files, etc.
How do I share the password of files?
Users need to securely share the passwords manually with receivers of Encrypted files.
Can AxCrypt CLI need Internet connection?
AxCrypt CLI can be used in offline mode - users do not need to be online to encrypt or decrypt.