KeePassXC is a community-driven, open-source password manager designed for users who demand high security and privacy without relying on cloud-based services. It is a cross-platform port of the Windows application KeePass, offering full compatibility with KDBX databases while adding modern features like browser integration and hardware key support. Unlike cloud-based alternatives, KeePassXC stores all credentials in an encrypted local database file that can be synced manually or via private cloud storage, giving users complete control over their data. This makes it ideal for security-conscious individuals, IT professionals, and teams managing sensitive credentials across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
The application emphasizes transparency and offline security: all encryption happens locally, no data is sent to external servers, and sensitive operations like password generation or auto-type are performed entirely on the user’s machine. With support for hardware security keys (YubiKey/OnlyKey), multi-factor authentication via TOTP, and integration with system credential stores like FreeDesktop Secret Service, KeePassXC provides enterprise-grade security while maintaining an intuitive interface suitable for beginners and power users alike.
What You Get
- KDBX database compatibility - Fully supports KDBX3 and KDBX4 formats, enabling seamless interoperability with KeePass on Windows and other compatible tools; databases can be stored locally or synced via Dropbox, Nextcloud, or any file storage system.
- Browser integration - Native extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Chromium, Vivaldi, Brave, and Tor Browser allow automatic form filling and password saving without third-party cloud services.
- Password generator - Customizable generation of strong passwords or passphrases with options for length, character sets, and exclusion of ambiguous characters.
- TOTP storage and generation - Built-in time-based one-time password support for 2FA accounts; codes are generated locally and displayed in the UI without external services.
- YubiKey/OnlyKey challenge-response support - Use hardware security keys to unlock databases or authenticate entries via FIDO U2F and challenge-response protocols.
- Command line interface (keepassxc-cli) - Automate database operations like listing entries, unlocking databases, or exporting data via terminal commands:
keepassxc-cli show --all /path/to/database.kdbx
- Browser passkey support - Store and auto-fill WebAuthn passkeys alongside traditional credentials, enabling passwordless login workflows directly from the UI.
- Database reports - Analyze password health, check for compromised passwords via HIBP (Have I Been Pwned), and generate statistics on reuse, length, and strength.
- Entry history and restore - Track changes to entries over time and revert to previous versions if a password is accidentally overwritten or corrupted.
- KeeShare synchronization - Securely share and synchronize database changes across multiple devices using encrypted, peer-to-peer sync via shared .kdbx files.
- SSH Agent integration - Use KeePassXC as an SSH key store; load private keys into ssh-agent directly from the GUI or CLI.
- FreeDesktop.org Secret Service support - Replace system keyrings (e.g., GNOME Keyring) by providing a standards-compliant API for other applications to securely retrieve passwords.
- CSV, 1Password, Bitwarden, Proton Pass, and KeePass1 import - Migrate existing password databases from other managers with one-click import tools.
Common Use Cases
- Building a secure, offline password vault for enterprise teams - Organizations that prohibit cloud-based password managers use KeePassXC to centrally manage credentials in an encrypted .kdbx file stored on a private network or encrypted USB drive, with TOTP and YubiKey for MFA enforcement.
- Creating a password system compliant with GDPR or HIPAA - Users handling sensitive personal data leverage KeePassXC’s offline encryption and audit trails to meet regulatory requirements without transmitting credentials over the internet.
- Problem → Solution flow: Forgetting complex passwords across 50+ accounts → Centralized encrypted storage with auto-type and browser integration - Users previously juggling sticky notes or unsecured spreadsheets use KeePassXC to store all passwords in one encrypted database, auto-filling forms via browser extension and generating unique, strong passwords for each site.
- DevOps teams managing SSH keys and service credentials - System administrators use KeePassXC’s SSH Agent integration to store and manage hundreds of private keys, then auto-load them into ssh-agent during session start using
keepassxc-cli unlock --auto.
- Privacy-focused individuals avoiding Google/Microsoft password managers - Users concerned about data harvesting choose KeePassXC to retain full ownership of their credentials, syncing databases manually via encrypted cloud storage without relying on vendor ecosystems.
Under The Hood
KeePassXC is a cross-platform password manager built with a strong emphasis on security, privacy, and extensibility. It offers a rich feature set while maintaining a clean, modular architecture that supports native integration across operating systems and third-party extensions.
Architecture
The project follows a well-organized monolithic architecture with clear separation of concerns and layered design principles. It enables maintainability and scalability through distinct modules for core functionality, UI, and platform-specific integrations.
- Modular structure with defined boundaries between components
- Layered approach separating business logic from UI and system interactions
- Strong adherence to SOLID principles and separation of concerns
Tech Stack
The project is developed in C++ with Qt for cross-platform UI and system integration, leveraging a wide range of cryptographic and utility libraries.
- Built primarily in C++ with Qt frameworks for UI and platform support
- Relies on cryptographic libraries such as Botan and system-level tools like PCSC and Minizip
- Uses CMake for build management with cross-platform deployment support
- Incorporates comprehensive testing and linting tools in its development workflow
Code Quality
The codebase demonstrates mature practices with strong testing coverage and consistent error handling, though some legacy patterns indicate areas for improvement.
- Comprehensive test suite covering core features and edge cases
- Consistent error handling with fallback mechanisms in user-facing components
- Adherence to coding standards and modular design principles
- Presence of conditional compilation and legacy patterns suggesting technical debt
What Makes It Unique
KeePassXC distinguishes itself through advanced cryptographic features, deep system integration, and a flexible plugin architecture that supports extensive customization.
- Implements modern encryption standards like Argon2 and AES-KDF with configurable security parameters
- Offers native integration with macOS Touch ID, Windows biometrics, and Linux Secret Service
- Supports extensible plugin architecture for Auto-Type and browser integration
- Provides full internationalization and accessibility features for diverse user needs