---
id: pynacl
version: "1.6.2"
license: Apache-2.0
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: active
---

# PyNaCl — Python binding to the Networking and Cryptography (NaCl) library

License: permissive · Maintenance: active · Popularity: top 1,000 on PyPI

## Install

pip install pynacl
uv add pynacl
poetry add pynacl

## Description

===============================================
PyNaCl: Python binding to the libsodium library
===============================================

.. image:: https://img.shields.io/pypi/v/pynacl.svg
    :target: https://pypi.org/project/PyNaCl/
    :alt: Latest Version

PyNaCl is a Python binding to `libsodium`_, which is a fork of the
`Networking and Cryptography library`_. These libraries have a stated goal of
improving usability, security and speed. It supports Python 3.8+ as well as
PyPy 3.

.. _libsodium: https://github.com/jedisct1/libsodium
.. _Networking and Cryptography library: https://nacl.cr.yp.to/

Features
--------

* Digital signatures
* Secret-key encryption
* Public-key encryption
* Hashing and message authentication
* Password based key derivation and password hashing

`Changelog`_
------------

.. _Changelog: https://pynacl.readthedocs.io/en/latest/changelog/

Installation
============

Binary wheel install
--------------------

PyNaCl ships as a binary wheel on macOS, Windows and Linux ``manylinux1`` [#many]_ ,
so all dependencies are included. Make sure you have an up-to-date pip
and run:

.. code-block:: console

    $ pip install pynacl

Faster wheel...

## AI interpretation — verify before relying

PyNaCl provides Python bindings to libsodium for digital signatures, secret-key and public-key encryption, hashing, message authentication, and password-based key derivation.

Verdict: PyNaCl is a well-maintained, actively developed cryptography library with no known vulnerabilities, permissive Apache-2.0 licensing, and broad platform support. Medium install friction is offset by comprehensive wheel distribution and strong maintenance signals. Suitable for production use.

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