To use this formats: Download free DiKe (Italy) or ArubaSign. These verify the digital signature and let you view/extract the enclosed document. The extension is used for legally signed documents in Italy/EU.

.P7M

How to Open P7M Files

Digitally Signed Documents - Verify & Extract

Quick Facts

Full NamePKCS#7 Signed Message
PurposeDigital Signature Container
StandardPKCS#7 / CMS
Common InItaly, EU
ContainsOriginal file + signature
Legal StatusLegally binding in EU

What is a P7M File?

A This type file is a digitally signed document using the PKCS#7/CMS cryptographic standard. It wraps an original document (usually PDF, XML, or TXT) with a digital signature that proves authenticity and integrity.

P7M files are especially common in Italy and other EU countries for:

How P7M Works

When someone signs a document digitally:

  1. Original document (e.g., contract.pdf) is taken
  2. Cryptographic signature is applied using signer's certificate
  3. Both are packaged into contract.pdf.p7m
  4. Recipient can verify signer's identity and that document wasn't modified

How to Open P7M Files

Method 1: DiKe (Free - Italy)

  1. Download DiKe from InfoCert
  2. Install and open
  3. Drag P7M file or File → Open
  4. View signature details and enclosed document
  5. Export original file if needed

Method 2: ArubaSign (Free)

  1. Download ArubaSign
  2. Open The format file
  3. Verify signature
  4. Save enclosed document

Method 3: Adobe Acrobat Reader

If P7M contains a PDF, recent Acrobat versions can open it:

  1. Open Acrobat Reader
  2. File → Open → select P7M
  3. View PDF with signature panel showing

Method 4: Online Verification

Upload The extension to verify signature and view contents online.

Method 5: OpenSSL (Technical)

Extract content via command line:

openssl smime -verify -in document.p7m -inform DER -noverify -out document.pdf

Extract Document from P7M

To get the original file (PDF, XML) from P7M:

Using DiKe/ArubaSign:

  1. Open P7M file
  2. Click "Extract" or "Save As"
  3. Choose destination
  4. Original file is saved without P7M wrapper

Using Online Tools:

Verify P7M Signature

When opening P7M, check for:

⚠️ Warning: If signature shows "Invalid" or "Unknown signer," the document may have been tampered with or the certificate is not trusted. Do not rely on such documents for legal purposes.

Create P7M Files (Sign Documents)

To create your own digitally signed P7M documents, you need:

In Italy, digital signature certificates are issued by accredited CAs like InfoCert, Aruba, Poste Italiane.

Programs That Open P7M

ProgramPlatformPrice
DiKeWindows, MacFree
ArubaSignWindows, Mac, LinuxFree
Adobe Acrobat ReaderWindows, MacFree
FirmaOK!WindowsFree
OpenSSLAllFree

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a P7M file? +
The format is a digitally signed document container using PKCS#7/CMS standard. It wraps an original file (PDF, XML) with a cryptographic signature proving authenticity. Common in Italy and EU for legal documents.
How do I open This format without software? +
Use online verification services like Poste Italiane or InfoCert. Upload your These files to verify signature and view/download the enclosed document.
Is a Such files signature legally valid? +
Yes, in the EU and many countries, qualified electronic signatures (QES) in P7M format are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures under eIDAS regulation.
Can I convert Such files to PDF? +
If the P7M contains a PDF, you can extract it using DiKe, ArubaSign, or OpenSSL. The extracted PDF loses the signature wrapper but contains the original content.
Why can't I open This file in Word/PDF reader? +
P7M is a signature container, not a document format. You need software that understands PKCS#7 format to unwrap and verify the signature before accessing the enclosed document.

Related Formats

PDF Documents XML Files PGP Encryption GPG Files