FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
FileQED allows you to create a cryptographic timestamp proving that a file existed at a specific moment in time – without ever uploading it. We generate a hash (fingerprint) of your file locally on your device, then store that hash on one or more public blockchains for permanent, verifiable proof. We optionally store a second hash with information to prove that YOU are the one who hashed and stored the file.
What this means is that as long as you keep a copy of that exact file you can always prove it existed at a certain time. Think of it like a notary notarizing a file to prove it exists and is real at a specified point in time.
Yes, FileQED is 100% free for basic use! You can go HERE to timestamp your files without any cost. Free users can submit files for proof, and the system will periodically bundle the file hashes together for submission to the blockchain. This means your proof may take a bit longer to appear (never more than 8 hours from submission time), but you’re still getting the same immutable proof with no fees.
If you need faster service and prefer having your file’s proof submitted quickly to multiple blockchains for redundancy, you can opt for an affordable paid account. What that means is that with some of our account types your files will be submitted within 15 minutes to multiple blockchains – very important for users who require proof before sending the file to a third party. Check our pricing page to see the options available.
While our free service is fully functional, we support the free tier by running ads within the system. These ads help cover the costs of storing proofs and maintaining the service. Please do not use adblockers or you may be denied service.
QED is the Latin phrase “Quod Erat Demonstrandum,” which translates to “that which was to be demonstrated.” It’s traditionally used at the end of a mathematical or logical proofs to signify that the proof is complete and the point has been definitively proven.
We use QED as a verb, as in “Go QED that file to proove it existed at this exact date and time and has not been changed since.”
At FileQED.com, we apply the spirit of QED to digital files. When you hash a file and record its fingerprint on the blockchain, you’re creating a permanent, tamper-proof proof of existence. In essence, you’re saying:
“This file existed at this exact moment — and here’s the cryptographic evidence to prove it.”
Much like ending a logical argument with QED, we help you finish your file verification with confidence.
How does FileQED “demonstrate” that proof?
- Hashing: Your file is converted into a unique fingerprint (hash) — we never store or upload your actual file.
- Timestamping: That fingerprint is timestamped and logged on a public blockchain.
- Verification: Anyone can later verify that your file existed at that exact time — and hasn’t changed since.
So, FileQED is about proof?
Exactly. QED isn’t just part of our name — it’s the core of our mission: to provide irrefutable, cryptographic proof that your file existed, unchanged, at a specific point in time.
A file hash is a unique string of letters and numbers generated using a cryptographic algorithm (like SHA-256). It uniquely represents the content of your file. Even the slightest change to the file—like one pixel or a single character—would completely change its hash proving that the file has been altered.
No. Your actual file is never uploaded, stored, or transmitted. The cryptographic fingerprint (hash) of your file is calculated on your device and only the hash—an irreversible, fixed-length string—is ever sent to us. This keeps your file contents 100% private.
Blockchains are decentralized ledgers that can’t be altered retroactively (meaning once data is stored, it can never be changed). By storing your file’s hash along with a timestamp, it becomes permanent proof that the file (or its exact contents) existed at or before that date. Anyone can independently verify the hash on the blockchain.
Yes! It’s extremely important to keep a copy of the exact file you submitted for timestamping. The cryptographic proof we generate is based on the unique fingerprint (hash) of your file. If you ever need to verify the file’s existence in the future, you’ll need to compare the file’s hash with the one stored on the blockchain. We never store your file or its contents, just the hash fingerprint it generates for proof.
Since even the smallest change to your file will result in a completely different hash, only the exact file you submitted can be verified. We recommend storing your file in a safe location, such as an external drive and cloud storage, to ensure you always have access to the original version. If it is important enough to fingerprint and permanently store proof on the blockchain, it’s important enough to back up that file in multiple places.
Note that for our database and emails the maximum filename length we will store is 50 Characters. Any filenames longer than that will be truncated with characters in the middle being lost.
Yes! By timestamping a file, you create immutable proof that the file existed in its exact form at the time of submission. If someone questions the file’s authenticity later, you can show that the file was not modified after the timestamp was created. In fact, if a document is a work in progress, you MUST save a copy of the file with a new name and save it exactly as it is submitted to FileQED. That saved file is PROOF that the file existed at the timestamped date and time.
FileQED is not a legal notary service. It does not verify your identity or witness the signing of documents like a traditional notary would. Instead, FileQED provides cryptographic proof-of-existence — it timestamps your file using a secure hash and records that proof on a public blockchain. This shows your file existed at a specific time and has not been altered since. While not a legal notary, this type of timestamp can be valuable for protecting your work, settling disputes, or supporting your claims with verifiable evidence. Be sure to read our terms of service for more information.
No. A hash is one-way and non-reversible. You cannot reconstruct a file from its hash. It’s like a fingerprint—you can use it to identify a file, but you can’t recreate the file from the fingerprint.
Not at all. Your hash is stored on public blockchains and/or decentralized storage networks like Arweave or IPFS. As long as those networks exist, your proof will always be accessible—even without FileQED. Note that you MUST keep copies of your transaction receipt emails so you can find the proofs later.
Yes—if you choose either the DOUBLE or ULTIMATE proofs we will generate a second hash that combines your file and your email address. This extra hash is stored with the main one. Later, you can demonstrate authorship or ownership by proving that you had control of the original file and email at the time of submission—without revealing either publicly beforehand.
We currently store proofs on a selection of public, immutable blockchains (e.g., Polygon, Etherium, IRYS, Arweave, IPFS, Solana etc). These are chosen for their speed, cost-effectiveness, and permanence. You’ll receive IDs or links to each storage location after submission. From time to time we will update which blockchains we use for speed, security and availability.
We always provide you with independant links to the blockchains where you can lookup your file and verify the timestamp. Please note it is important that you keep the fingerprinting receipts we provide. If FileQED ceases to exist you will need that to look up the proofs on the original blockchains. Hash information will be kept for a minimum of one year in our database but it is your responsibility to make sure you receive and keep your blockchain timestamp IDs.
While FileQED itself does not offer legal services, the timestamped cryptographic proof is often accepted as evidence in legal, intellectual property, and academic contexts. It shows that a specific file existed at a specific time. Legal weight may vary by jurisdiction and we cannot guarantee this in your jurisdiction. Please see our terms of service for more information.
Yes. Any file—documents, images, code, videos, designs, zips etc can be hashed and timestamped. What matters is the file’s binary content, not the type or format. Remember you must keep an EXACT copy of the file to confirm it at a later time so if it is a work in progress, save a copy as is with a new filename before you add it to FileQED.
Yes, FileQED supports timestamping of files of various sizes. However, very large files may take longer to process depending on your device. We can theorectically fingerprint and store proof for any file size – but in reality it will depend on your device’s capabilities. Some older mobile phones may not be able to reliably process large files but most modern phones and desktop computers will have no problems.
Once your file’s hash is stored on the blockchains or permanent storage services, it remains there permanently. Blockchain data is immutable, meaning it cannot be altered or deleted. Your file’s proof will always be accessible as long as the underlying storage networks are operational. Some FileQED plans store your proof across multiple blockchains and file storage networks, enhancing the likelihood that your proof will remain accessible and increasing its credibility. We strongly suggest processing on more than one blockchain.
All prices on FileQED.com are listed in USD.
Absolutely! FileQED does not store any of your files on our servers, ensuring maximum privacy. We only handle file hashes and timestamps and file names. Additionally, our system uses SSL encryption to secure communication between your device and our servers. Your file’s fingerprint is securely stored on decentralized and immutable blockchains, adding an extra layer of protection. See our terms of service for more information.
Currently, FileQED supports one file verification at a time. However, for bulk verification or timestamping please contact us for more information.
FileQED provides a secure, transparent record of file existence at a specific time, which can be used to defend against fraud or disputes. By using blockchain technology, FileQED guarantees that the proof cannot be tampered with or altered after the fact. This makes it a strong tool for copyright claims, intellectual property rights, or dispute resolution. It lets you say “Without a doubt, this file existed at this date and time” and by extension all contents of that file did as well.
