Getting Started with TimeProof
What Is TimeProof?
TimeProof provides cryptographic proof that your files existed at a specific moment in time. It works by computing a SHA-256 hash of your file in your browser and permanently recording that hash on the Polygon blockchain — a public, tamper-proof ledger.
Your file never leaves your device. Only the 64-character hash string is transmitted. The blockchain record is permanent and independently verifiable by anyone, with or without a TimeProof account.
Why Blockchain Timestamps Matter
Traditional methods of proving when a document existed — emails, notary stamps, cloud storage dates — rely on trusted intermediaries who can alter records. Blockchain timestamps remove that dependency:
- Tamper-proof: Once written to the blockchain, the record cannot be changed by anyone — not TimeProof, not you, not any government or corporation
- Independently verifiable: Anyone can check the Polygon blockchain directly via Polygonscan without contacting TimeProof
- Permanent: The Polygon blockchain has maintained 99.9%+ uptime since launch. Even if TimeProof ceases to exist, your blockchain records remain forever
- Instant: Polygon’s ~2-second block times mean your proof is confirmed almost immediately
How TimeProof Works
The timestamping process follows three steps:
Step 1: Hash Your File
When you select a file in the TimeProof dashboard, your browser computes its SHA-256 hash locally. This hash is a unique 64-character fingerprint. Change a single byte in the file, and the hash changes completely. The hash is a one-way function — no one can reconstruct your file from it.
Step 2: Anchor to the Blockchain
TimeProof submits your file’s hash to a smart contract on the Polygon blockchain. The smart contract records the hash, a timestamp (the block time), and a transaction ID. For batches, multiple file hashes are combined into a Merkle tree, and the root hash is anchored in a single transaction.
Step 3: Receive Your Proof
After anchoring, you receive a PDF certificate with the file hash, blockchain transaction details, and verification instructions, plus a direct Polygonscan link for public verification. Verified instant timestamps add a verified identity badge, and Legal-Grade adds the Courtroom-Ready PDF, JSON metadata, JWS identity attestation, and Complete Evidence ZIP.
Setting Up Your Account
TimeProof uses wallet-based authentication — no email or password required.
Connect a Wallet
- Visit app.timeprooflabs.com and click Connect Wallet
- Choose your preferred method:
- Google, Apple, or social login — a wallet is created for you automatically (custodial wallet)
- MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or WalletConnect — connect your existing wallet (external wallet)
- Sign the SIWE (Sign-In With Ethereum) message to authenticate
You do not need to own any cryptocurrency. The custodial wallet option means you can sign up with just a Google or Apple account.
Add Credits
Choose a one-time pack if you only need scheduled timestamps, or start a monthly plan if you need verification, instant timestamps, or Legal-Grade:
| Option | Price | Credits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro pack | $15 | 100 | Light scheduled usage |
| Basic pack | $49 | 350 | Small recurring projects |
| Starter plan | $19/mo | 100 | Verified individual use |
| Pro plan | $49/mo | 500 | Verified recurring workflows |
Credits never expire. Purchase them when convenient and use them whenever you need proof.
Choose Your Timestamp Type
| Type | Cost | Speed | Use When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 1 credit/file | Within 6 hours | You want batched proof and do not need immediate confirmation |
| Instant | 2 credits/file | ~2 seconds | You are verified and need immediate anchoring |
Both produce identical blockchain proof. The difference is timing and access: scheduled works with packs or plans, while instant requires verification through a monthly plan.
Your First Timestamp
- Open the TimeProof dashboard and click Create Timestamp
- Drag a file onto the upload area (or click to browse)
- Select Scheduled or, if you are verified, Instant as your timestamp type
- Click Confirm — your file is hashed in-browser and submitted for anchoring
- Download your PDF certificate and save it alongside the original file
For a detailed walkthrough, see the Creating Your First Timestamp guide.
What You Receive
Every timestamp includes:
- PDF Certificate — printable proof with file hash, blockchain timestamp, and transaction reference
- Polygonscan Link — direct public verification on the blockchain explorer
Verified instant timestamps also add a verified identity badge on the certificate.
With the Legal-Grade upgrade, you also receive the Courtroom-Ready PDF, JSON metadata, Identity Attestation (JWS), and the Complete Evidence ZIP.
Next Steps
- Creating Your First Timestamp — detailed walkthrough
- Scheduled vs Instant Timestamps — choosing the right type
- Credit System — packs, pricing, and value
- Packs and Plan Verification — current onboarding options
Use the live product for timestamping and verification.
The company site owns the technical reference. The app handles runtime workflows.