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Electron Code Signing Certificates
Digitally sign your Windows app executables and packages using an Electron Code Signing Certificate for as little as $195 per year (save 19% off retail).
Cross-platform app development has enough challenges without throwing “unknown publisher” warning messages into the mix. Digitally signing your Electron apps’ packages and executables shouldn’t be overly complicated or break the bank.
Use a publicly trusted code signing certificate (starting at $195/year) that allows you to display your verified identity and build trust in your products over time.
Wondering where to get an Electron Code Signing Certificate at the best price? Let’s compare code signing certificates to help you select the best option for your Windows apps.
Compare Electron App Code Signing Certificates
Electron, formerly known as Atom Shell, is a popular choice for Windows, Apple and Linux developers because it’s a versatile open-source framework. It’s particularly useful for devs who don’t want to retool or learn a new language to create Windows desktop apps. Rather, they can do it all using their JavaScript, HTML, and CSS language and technologies knowledge.
Numerous popular apps you likely use were created using Electron, including:
- 1Password
- Figma
- Slack
- Skype
- Visual Studio Code
- WordPress Desktop
Not all code signing certificates are created equally. If you’re leaning toward a particular certificate but aren’t sure whether you’re ready to pull the trigger, we have information that can help. Check out our comparison table that highlights multiple code signing certificate options to find one that fits your project and budget:
Choose Validation Type
Standard Electron Code Signing Certificates
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| Digicert Code Signing | Sectigo Code Signing | Comodo Code Signing | GoGetSSL Code Signing | GoGetSSL Cloud Signing | |
| Pricing | MSRP$512.00/yr$374.66Per year | MSRP$266.00/yr$211.46Per year | MSRP$266.00/yr$211.46Per year | MSRP$242.25/yr$195.00Per year | MSRP$687.75/yr$372.69Per year |
| Validation Type | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Issuance Time | 1-4 Days | 4-8 Days | 4-8 Days | 1-4 Days | 1-4 Days |
| Removes Unknown Publisher Warning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trusted for Driver Signing/Windows Developer Center | No | No | No | No | No |
| Enables ClickOnce Signing | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* |
| Type of Included Secure Key Storage Hardware | USB device | USB device | USB device | USB device | Integrated HSM |
NOTE: These annual prices are based on three-year certificate bundles.
Electron EV Code Signing Certificates
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| Digicert EV Code Signing | Sectigo EV Code Signing | Comodo EV Code Signing | GoGetSSL EV Code Signing | GoGetSSL EV Cloud Signing | |
| Pricing | MSRP$717.00/yr$524.66Per year | MSRP$349.00/yr$277.71Per year | MSRP$349.00/yr$277.71Per year | MSRP$284.25/yr$250.00Per year | MSRP$871.60/yr$469.11Per year |
| Validation Type | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Issuance Time | 1-4 Days | 4-8 Days | 4-8 Days | 1-4 Days | 1-4 Days |
| Removes Unknown Publisher Warning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trusted for Driver Signing/Windows Developer Center | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Enables ClickOnce Signing | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* | Yes – Using RSA certificates only* |
| Type of Included Secure Key Storage Hardware | USB device | USB device | USB device | USB device | Integrated HSM |
NOTE: These annual prices are based on three-year certificate bundles.
Code Signing Your Electron Projects Is Easier Than You Think…
Getting a code signing certificate shouldn’t feel like you’re running through an obstacle course. At CodeSigningStore.com, we’re here to provide best-in-class products without all of the headaches you’re accustomed to dealing with from other places. We do this by providing:
- Low-priced code signing certificates from industry-trusted brands
- A price-match guarantee on Electron certificates and other products
- Simplified certificate and token issuance
- Best-in-class resources (technical guides and tutorials)
- 24/7 support from knowledgeable code signing experts
Still looking for more information about code signing certificates for Electron? Look no further…
What Is an Electron Code Signing Certificate?
An Electron code signing certificate is a type of digital certificate that you can use in the Electron ecosystem or in a supporting third-party tool. A digital certificate is a small file containing your organization’s verified identity data that can be used with a private key to attach your digital signature to your app package. (The process is more straightforward than it sounds, we promise!)
Electron code signing certificates can be used across Electron’s environments, including:
- Electron-Forge is ElectronJS’s official tool for that allows you to generate your executables, package your app files, and publish everything online. The Electron universe of tools also includes packages like Electron-Packager (now named “@Electron/Packager” on GitHub) and Electron-Rebuild (i.e., “@Electron/Rebuild” on GitHub).
- Electron-Builder is an alternative to Electron Forge (and is supported by Electron’s open-source community) that replaces standard Electron features and modules with customizable ones.
A Digital Signature Proves You and Your Software Are Legitimate
But what is a digital signature? Think of it like the digital representation of your notarized signature. It’s a way to prove your vetted identity to people and devices that have never met you. This enables Windows operating systems and users to trust your software products and brand are legitimate.
Electron code signing gives software publishers who rely on the open-source framework a way to prove their apps are authentic and haven’t been tampered with since they were signed. Why is this necessary? Because bad guys like to cause trouble and may be tempted to modify your legitimate apps to use them to commit scams.
If you don’t want your good name and reputation associated with scams and software supply chain compromises, start adding your digital identity to your Electron Builder projects today.
What You Can Sign Using an Electron Code Signing Certificate
Electron is a highly versatile framework. It enables you to sign many types of files using an Electron code signing certificate, including:
- Appx packages
- DIR files
- DMG (disk images for MacOS apps)
- NSIS
- MSI
Ultimately, when it comes to signing your Windows and MacOS desktop apps, the general rule is that you’ll sign:
- Distributable installer files for Windows apps,
- App packages for MacOS desktop apps.
For MacOS desktop app creators, there are also additional Apple-specific code signing requirements to meet, which will involve getting Apple’s digital signature as well.
How to Use a Code Signing Certificate to Sign Your Electron Projects
You can use a code signing certificate to sign your app packages using Electron Forge, Electron-Builder, and Electron Packager (which is part of Electron Forge). You can use Electron/Windows-Sign to use your code signing certificate, which is stored on a secure hardware token (USB device).
For example, there are two ways to sign your Electron Builder projects:
- Incorporate your digital signature into the building process. Yes, you can add your digital signature to Electron builds while you’re creating them. This is typically done through the package.json file.
- Add your digital signature to your app files after the fact. You can do this using a graphic user interface (GUI) tool like DigiCert’s Certificate Utility for Windows. Just be sure to check you’ve properly configured your Electron Builder Windows target config file.
Why You Should Sign Your Electron Apps Projects
Both ElectronJS’s and Electron Builder’s websites indicate that app packages that are created for distribution should be code signed. This means that any desktop apps you build and package using Electron should be digitally signed.
Is there much of a need for code signing Windows apps anymore? Absolutely. Data from GlobalStats’ Statscounter shows that more than one-third (nearly 38%) of surveyed users indicate they’re using desktop computers. This means that even if mobile apps are still leading the way (nearly 60%), desktop apps still have a place in this world.
Of course, there are a couple of ways you can sign your apps and packages: you can do so using either a self-signed certificate or a publicly trusted one.
Hint: Don’t Use a Self-Signed Certificate
As the name implies, a self-signed certificate is something you issue and sign yourself. This means no trusted or reputable third-party validation will be able to verify your organization’s digital identity. This is one reason why a self-signed code signing certificate should never be used to sign software or code for use on another network device or distributed publicly.
Self-Signed Certificates Result in Unsigned Software Warnings
Another important reason is that when Windows users attempt to install your application, they’re going to see ugly “Unknown Publisher” or “Unsigned Software” types of warning messages. In addition to making you look bad, displaying these windows can also hurt your app download and update rates because people won’t trust your products.
Now, let’s compare this to publicly trusted certificates that are issued by third-party certification authorities…
Public CA-Issued Certificates Allow You to Build Trust Over Time
Do you want to display your verified company name on your Electron installers and packages? There’s only one way to get Windows operating systems to recognize your desktop apps are authentic, and that’s by adding your digital signature via a publicly trusted Electron code signing certificate. Using this certificate enables you to organically build trust over time, whereas self-signed certificates can’t — and shouldn’t — be trusted by operating systems.
Signing With One Helps to Prevent Windows From Blocking Your App(s)
Unsigned software is a red flag for operating systems’ security mechanisms. Because it provides no verified digital identity, OSes like to give it the ol’ side-eye and display scary warning messages. This informs users that your software may be fraudulent or potentially malicious.
When you sign your packages and installer files using an Electron code signing certificate, you’re displaying your verified digital identity up front. This provides assurance that you’re really you (i.e., not an imposter) and that your software is legitimate and untampered, which keeps Windows from automatically blocking your software’s installation.
Electron Code Signing Resources
How to Sign a Windows App in Electron Builder
This step-by-step guide walks you through Electron Builder’s process of signing your apps using a publicly trusted code signing certificate.
Give Users and Their Devices a Reason to Trust Your Electron Apps
If you’re looking for more reasons why you should always sign your Electron apps and packages using a publicly trusted certificate, then look no further. Code signing:
- Enables Windows to tell when unauthorized modifications have been made.
- Replaces the scary “unknown publisher” and “unsigned application” warnings with your verified digital identity.
- Helps Windows systems identify real from fake apps via your third-party verified identity.
- Enables trust in your code, software apps, and brand.
- Helps users feel more confident when installing and updating your software.
Get Your Electron App Code Signing Certificate Now
The risk of attackers infecting your software executables and other files is no joke. It’s no secret that attackers are always looking for cracks in organizations’ defenses. By not signing your software, you’re leaving your products at risk of being used by attackers like the mythical Roman Trojan Horse to infiltrate customers’ and users’ supply chains and cause irreparable harm.
Don’t leave your software — and by extension, your users — vulnerable any longer. Get an Electron code signing certificate starting as low as $195.00 per year with a 3-year certificate bundle.
Get your certificate issued faster with our validation concierge.
Let one of our code signing experts help you fast-track your paperwork so you can get validated sooner.
- We’ll help you identify the simplest paperwork option for your country and get the necessary forms completed and submitted for validation
- Have a question about the code signing process? Our support team is ready to help you 24/7 via phone, chat, or email.
- Hit a problem with the validation process? One of our code signing experts will help you troubleshoot the issue and fix it as quickly as possible.
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+ 1(727) 291-0611
Jacqueline SherrillValidation Concierge Agent
