A photo published without protection can be stolen within hours
You publish a shot on your portfolio or Instagram. A few days later, you find your photo used by a brand, a media outlet or another account — without permission or credit. Without timestamped proof predating the publication, it's hard to prove you're the original author. EXIF metadata can be easily stripped or falsified. Watermarks can be removed. Only independent technical proof holds up.
Certify your originals before every publication
I've just finished a shoot or a retouching session.
I generate a timestamped proof of my original file before sharing it. The SHA-256 hash is computed locally and timestamped by a third-party authority (FreeTSA) using the RFC 3161 standard.
I can prove this file existed on this date, prior to any publication, with a readable PDF certificate and a verifiable cryptographic token.
The file never leaves my device. Only the SHA-256 fingerprint is transmitted. The Proof Pack (ZIP) is verifiable by anyone.
Accepted formats: RAW, CR2, NEF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD — all photo formats
3 steps, 30 seconds
- Drop your original file: RAW, JPG, final edit… drag and drop into your browser.
- Automatic local certification: SHA-256 hash + RFC 3161 timestamp via FreeTSA. Your photo never leaves your device.
- Download your Proof Pack: Readable PDF certificate + verifiable .tsr token. Then share your photos with peace of mind.
Better than EXIF metadata, simpler than legal deposit
ProofStamper vs other protection methods
| Criterion | EXIF Metadata | Watermark | Legal Deposit | ProofStamper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falsifiable? | Yes, easily | Removable | No | No (SHA-256 + RFC 3161) |
| Cost | Free | Free / software | $15–50 | Free |
| Time required | Automatic | Manual | Days / weeks | 30 seconds |
| Supported formats | JPG only | Images only | Paper / CD | All (RAW, JPG, TIFF…) |
| Third-party verifiable | No | No | On request | Yes, free and instant |
| Confidentiality | Data in file | Alters image | Physical submission | File never uploaded |
Every photo deserves proof before publication
- Online portfolio — Protect your best photos before publishing on your website.
- Stock photo sales — Prove anteriority before submitting to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock…
- Press & reporting — Timestamp your field photos before sending to newsrooms.
- Wedding & events — Secure deliverables before handing over to clients.
- Art & gallery — Certify your prints and limited editions.
- Photo contests — Prove creation date before submission.
Frequently asked questions
- Isn't EXIF metadata enough as proof?
- No. EXIF data is embedded in the file and can be modified, deleted or falsified by any photo editing software. It doesn't constitute reliable proof of anteriority. ProofStamper's RFC 3161 timestamp is issued by an independent third-party authority.
- Can I timestamp large RAW files?
- Yes. The file is never sent to our servers — only its SHA-256 fingerprint (a 64-character string) is transmitted to the timestamping authority. Whether your RAW file is 20 MB or 200 MB, the process is identical and takes less than 30 seconds.
- Is my photo sent to your servers?
- Never. All processing happens locally in your browser. Only the cryptographic fingerprint (SHA-256) — a unique identifier that cannot reconstruct your photo — is sent to obtain the timestamp.
- What should I do if someone uses my photo without permission?
- Your Proof Pack contains a PDF certificate with the timestamp date and your original file's fingerprint. It's strong technical evidence to demonstrate you possessed this file before the infringing publication. Combine it with a bailiff's report to maximize its evidential value.