# ASiC-E File Converter: what can and cannot be converted

> An ASiC-E file converter is a slightly misleading idea. A container is not a document format, so "converting" it really means taking things out of it or wrapping things in another container.

Source: https://asiceviewer.com/en/blog/asice-file-converter/
Published: 2026-11-10 · Digixy

## In short

- From a container you can get the original files, a PDF or a ZIP.
- You cannot convert between signed formats and keep the signatures.
- Every conversion produces an unsigned copy; the container stays the original.

## The conversion table

| From | To | Possible? | Signature kept? |
| `.asice` | Original files | Yes, download | No |
| `.asice` | PDF | Yes, extract or export | No |
| `.asice` | DOCX | Yes, if a DOCX is inside, or via app export | No |
| `.asice` | ZIP of documents | Yes, "Download all" | No |
| `.asice` | `.zip` by renaming | Yes | Still inside, but invisible to ZIP tools |
| `.bdoc` | `.asice` | Not by converting | Signatures cannot be transferred |
| `.ddoc` | `.asics` | Yes, by re-time-stamping with a dedicated utility | Kept, wrapped with a time stamp |
| PDF, DOCX | `.asice` | Yes, by signing | A new signature is created |

## Why signatures do not convert

A signature is computed over exact bytes and stored in a format-specific structure. Moving it into a different container type would change what was signed. The only correct way to obtain a signature in another format is to sign again.

## What "converters" on the web actually do

They unzip the container and return the files, sometimes rendering a document to PDF on the way. Nothing more. You can do the first part yourself in [ASiCE Viewer](https://asiceviewer.com/en/#tool) without uploading anything, and the second with any office program.

## Exports that make sense

- **PDF for reading or printing.** See [ASiC-E to PDF](https://asiceviewer.com/en/blog/asice-to-pdf/).
- **DOCX for reusing text.** Useful when a contract becomes a template for the next one.
- **XML for systems.** E-invoices inside containers are often XML that software can import.
- **Original file, byte for byte.** For anything that must match the signed version exactly.

The [ASiC-E Viewer app for Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digixy.asiceviewer&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dasiceviewer.com%26utm_medium%3Dblog-md) offers these as export choices: PDF, DOCX, DOC, XML or the untouched original.

## Going the other way

To turn a PDF or Word file into an `.asice`, you sign it. In DigiDoc4, add the files to a new container and sign with ID-card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. That is creation, not conversion, and it is the only way a real `.asice` comes into being.

## A rule of thumb

If a tool promises to convert a signed container into another signed format with one click and no signing device, it is either describing extraction loosely or promising something that cannot be done.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I convert .bdoc to .asice?**

Not directly. They are different signature profiles. To have an .asice, the documents must be signed again in a new container.

**Is there an offline ASiC-E converter?**

Extraction needs no internet once the viewer page has loaded, and the Android app exports to PDF and Word fully offline.

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Open your .asice file now: https://asiceviewer.com/en/
ASiC-E Viewer on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digixy.asiceviewer