How to prove you created a file first
Use a timestamped file to support authorship, show when your work existed, and strengthen copyright claims.
What a timestamp can help you prove
A timestamped file shows that your exact work already existed at a given moment. This is useful for design files, manuscripts, photos, code, proposals, music, and signed drafts.
It helps prove that your file wasn’t made up after a problem started. In other words: you had it first.
What else you should keep with it
A timestamp is strongest when it’s part of a bigger package. Keep the original file, the certificate, earlier versions, project notes, invoices, emails — anything that links the work back to you.
The more context you have, the harder it is for someone to question your claim.
- The original working file or export.
- The timestamp certificate and verification link.
- Anything that connects the work back to you or your organization.
What a timestamp does not replace
A proof of existence is not the same as a formal copyright registration, a notarization, or an electronic signature. Those tools exist for different legal purposes.
Use a timestamp when you want early, independent evidence that your file existed at a certain time and hasn’t been changed since.
Create a proof from your own file.
Your file stays on your device. Only its unique fingerprint is saved to the record. You get a certificate you can keep and verify at any time.
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What is proof of existence for a file?
Proof of existence shows that a specific file already existed at a certain time, without revealing its contents to anyone.
READ GUIDEHow to timestamp a document without uploading it
The simplest way: let your browser create a fingerprint of the file, save only the fingerprint to the record, and keep the original with the certificate.
READ GUIDETimestamp vs e-signature vs notarization: what’s the difference?
These tools are often confused, but each answers a different question: when did this exist? who agreed? was it witnessed?
READ GUIDE