Question 1

Does my file ever leave my device?

Accepted Answer

Never. The fingerprinting happens inside your browser using SHA-256. We only ever receive the resulting fingerprint, never the original file itself.

Question 2

Can proofd.id read my documents?

Accepted Answer

No. A SHA-256 fingerprint is a one-way transformation. It cannot be reversed to reconstruct the original file, and we do not receive the file content in the first place.

Question 3

What file types can I timestamp?

Accepted Answer

Any file type. PDFs, Word documents, photos, videos, ZIP archives, spreadsheets, and source code all work because the process is based on bytes, not on a specific format.

Question 4

What is proof of existence for a file?

Accepted Answer

Proof of existence means showing that a specific file existed, unchanged, at a specific time. The proof is tied to that exact file fingerprint, so any later change would produce a different result.

Question 5

What is a blockchain or public ledger in this context?

Accepted Answer

It is a public record maintained by many independent systems rather than one company. Once your fingerprint is anchored there, the timestamp cannot be quietly edited or deleted later.

Question 6

How long does a blockchain timestamp take to confirm?

Accepted Answer

Usually between 30 minutes and a few hours. The proof is registered first and then receives final confirmation when it is anchored to the next suitable block.

Question 7

What does pending mean on a proof page?

Accepted Answer

Pending means the proof has already been registered and is waiting for final blockchain confirmation. This is normal and does not mean the process failed.

Question 8

What is the PDF certificate for?

Accepted Answer

The certificate is your shareable record. It includes the file name, SHA-256 fingerprint, registration time, and a verification link or QR code you can keep with the original file.

Question 9

Can I verify a document without proofd.id?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because the proof is anchored to a public record and compatible with OpenTimestamps, it can be checked independently even if you are not using proofd.id later.

Question 10

Is a blockchain timestamp legally useful?

Accepted Answer

It is useful as independently verifiable evidence of prior existence and integrity. It can support commercial, creative, and authorship disputes, but it is not the same thing as an eIDAS qualified electronic signature.

Question 11

Do I need an account to timestamp a document?

Accepted Answer

No. You can create up to 3 timestamps per month without an account. Paid plans add history, folders, exports, API access, and other workflow features.

Question 12

What happens to my proofs if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Your proofs remain valid because they are anchored publicly. If you cancel a paid plan, account features such as dashboard history and folders may become limited, but the timestamp evidence itself does not disappear.

Simple answers
to the questions people actually ask.

Three steps. That's it.

Your file is fingerprinted

The fingerprint is anchored

You keep the certificate

Every question answered.

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Simple answersto the questions people actually ask.