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vd is a terminal-based password manager and OTP authenticator for Linux and macOS. It offers both an interactive text interface and command-line operations. Its key trade-off is that encrypted credentials depend on the GPG key used to protect them, while the project says it does not provide backups by default.
What is vd?
vd is an open-source project described by its repository as a TUI password manager and OTP authenticator for Unix systems, specifically Linux and macOS. You can work with it interactively in a terminal or use its command-line operations, including for scripting. The repository documents binary downloads and a source-build route using Go. See the project documentation for its current instructions and availability.
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A TUI (text user interface) presents interactive controls inside a terminal rather than a conventional graphical window. That makes vd a possible fit for people who prefer terminal-centered workflows; the available documentation does not establish how it compares in practice with graphical or browser-based password managers.
What can it do?
The documented commands cover core password handling and several OTP workflows:
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- Add, retrieve, delete, change, and list passwords.
- Copy passwords and OTP codes.
- Add OTP credentials and generate random passwords.
- Export data as CSV.
- Import OTP secrets from a Google Authenticator export QR image.
The project describes its command-line interface as scriptable. That does not by itself establish a particular automation workflow or integrations with other services.
How does vd protect passwords?
The project says it uses GPG to encrypt and decrypt credentials stored on disk; it does not claim to implement its own encryption algorithms. During registration, vd can create a GPG key or use an existing one. The configured key identity is recorded in ~/.local/share/vd/gpg_email.txt.
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- Requires 3 "AAA" batteries (included)
- Unit auto-locks for 30 minutes after 5 consecutive incorrect PINs
Credentials encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with that same key. Changing the configured email does not re-encrypt existing data, so changing that setting is not a substitute for migrating or preserving the original key. Keep the key that encrypted the vault and verify that you can recover and use it before depending on the stored credentials. The reviewed project documentation does not establish further cryptographic implementation details or cite an independent security audit.
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The README identifies ~/.local/share/vd/passwords/ as the directory for encrypted password files. It also says backups are not provided by default. Local encryption protects files according to the project’s GPG model, but it does not create a backup or recovery service. The reviewed documentation does not establish automatic backup or synchronization between devices.
Plan separately for both the encrypted files and the GPG key needed to decrypt them. A backup that contains only one of those may not be enough to restore access. Before relying on vd, test that your recovery arrangement works; do not assume that reinstalling the application or changing the configured email will recover credentials.
How does OTP use fit into account security?
A TOTP authenticator generates a code that changes periodically. GitHub’s account-security documentation describes setting up an authenticator app with a QR code or setup key and recommends authenticator apps or security keys as alternatives to SMS. It also advises saving recovery codes in a secure location. These are general account-security recommendations, not claims that vd generates or stores account recovery codes. See GitHub’s guide to configuring two-factor authentication.
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If moving OTP secrets into vd, make sure you retain any account recovery methods provided by the service whose login you are protecting. The project’s documented ability to import OTP secrets from a Google Authenticator export QR image does not establish compatibility with every authenticator export or hardware security key.
Who is vd suited to?
- Potential fit: Linux or macOS users who prefer a terminal interface, want command-line password and OTP operations, and are prepared to manage GPG keys and their own backups.
- Consider carefully: Anyone who needs a built-in backup, synchronization, recovery workflow, or a graphical or browser interface. Those capabilities are not established by the reviewed documentation.
Before adopting it for important accounts, confirm the installation instructions for your system in the project repository, preserve the GPG key used for encryption, and test recovery from your own backups.
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