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BER Format Check Dialog Guide

The BER format check dialog checks whether BER-encoded data matches a supported PKI format. It can identify a format, validate a selected format, open format-specific details, or decode the data in the main BerEditor window. Open it from Tool > Check BER.

BER format check dialog with supported formats, file or source input, format selection, and check/view/decode actions.

Figure 1. BER format check dialog. Provide a file or encoded source, identify or select a format, then choose the appropriate check or view action.

Supported Formats

The dialog can identify or check these formats:

  • Certificate
  • CRL (certificate revocation list)
  • CSR (certificate signing request)
  • PublicKey
  • PrivateKey
  • PrivateKeyInfo
  • EncPrivateKey (encrypted private key)
  • CMS
  • PKCS7
  • OCSP response
  • CMP message

Screen Areas

  1. Format list — Shows the formats supported by the checker.
  2. BER file — Select this to use a file as the source. The Find button opens a BER file picker, and the path is shown beside the checkbox.
  3. Source format — When BER file is unchecked, choose how the source text is represented: Hex or Base64.
  4. Source length — Shows the calculated length for the selected source representation.
  5. Source input — Enter or paste the encoded bytes when using text input.
  6. BER Type Check — Detects the source's supported PKI format and selects it in the format list.
  7. Format selector — Choose a specific format to validate or inspect.
  8. Format Check — Checks whether the source conforms to the selected format and reports success or an error.
  9. V — Opens the format-specific information view after validating the selected format. Encrypted private keys require a password.
  10. D — Decodes the source in the main BerEditor window using the selected format title.
  11. Clear — Clears the file path and source text.
  12. Close — Closes the dialog.

Check a Source File or Value

  1. Choose the source method:
  2. To check a file, select BER file, then select Find and choose the file.
  3. To check encoded text, leave BER file unchecked, select Hex or Base64, and enter the source in the input area.
  4. Select BER Type Check to detect a supported format, or choose the expected format from the format selector.
  5. Select Format Check to validate the source against the selected format.
  6. Read the success message or the reported format error.

Open Details or Decode

  • After choosing a format, select V to open its detail window. The selected format must pass its format check. Available detail views include certificate, CRL, CSR, public/private key, CMS/PKCS7, OCSP response, and CMP message information.
  • Select D to decode the source in the main BER view. A format must be selected first.
  • For an encrypted private key, V prompts for the password before showing key details.

Notes and Troubleshooting

  • When using text input, the source must match its selected representation (Hex or Base64). Invalid or empty input cannot be checked.
  • BER Type Check identifies only the formats listed above. If the source is unsupported or malformed, the dialog reports that it could not determine a supported format.
  • Format Check requires a format selection. Choose the expected type or run BER Type Check first.
  • Use Clear before starting a new check to remove the previous file path and source text.