# Key encoding

This section relates on how raw key data is encoded. The encoding of DiME key items is outlined in the previous chapter [General encoding](https://docs.dimeformat.io/encoding/general-encoding). As with the overall DiME item, Base64 is also used to encode raw key material. 

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```json
"key": "DSC.7VN2b6f0nxqubSU955PuMenLtV6u9ltQr0ovUG0CL0Rfhb9S9IvUapNj58CHcsVwMYr3bOw/aghjECVcua2M+Q"
"pub": "DSC.X4W/UvSL1GqTY+fAh3LFcDGK92zsP2oIYxAlXLmtjPk"
```

{% endcode %}

The ‘key’ claim contains the secret key whereas the ‘pub’ claim contains the public key. The cryptographic suite used to generate the key is indicated by the initial header (‘DSC’). For more information about suites, see the chapter [Suites](https://docs.dimeformat.io/cryptography/profiles), which details out the use of cryptographic suites.