How do I protect my work before sharing it?

The most straightforward step is to create a timestamped proof-of-existence record before your work leaves your hands. Upload your file to Lyricsmit — we generate a SHA-256 cryptographic fingerprint and record an RFC 3161 independent timestamp. The file is never stored. You receive a permanent record ID and a shareable verification link.

What types of work can I document before sharing?

Any file — audio, video, PDF, Word document, ZIP archive, image, script, or any other format. Lyricsmit creates a timestamped record for any file type. Songwriters timestamp lyrics and demos. Researchers document manuscripts before peer review. Developers document code before handoff. The file type does not matter.

Why does it matter to document work before sharing?

Creative and intellectual work moves informally before it becomes formal. It gets shared with collaborators, sent to publishers, shown to labels, or discussed with potential partners — often before any agreement is in place. A timestamped record establishes when a specific version of your work existed, independently of any platform, portal, or third party.

Does this replace a legal agreement?

No. A timestamped record documents when your work existed. It does not substitute for contracts, copyright registration, or legal advice. The two serve different purposes and are often used together.

Is my file stored anywhere?

No. Lyricsmit generates a cryptographic fingerprint from your file. Only the SHA-256 hash and the RFC 3161 timestamp are recorded. The file itself is never stored on our servers.

Can I do this for free?

Yes. Creating and saving a proof-of-existence record is free. No payment is required to upload a file, generate a record, or share the verification link.

Does this work for collaborative work?

Yes. You can create a record of a specific version of a collaborative file at any point. Timestamp the file at the moment your contribution is complete — before the next round of edits or before it is submitted. The record establishes when that specific version existed.

Before you share

Document your work before it leaves your hands.

Original work moves before it becomes formal. It gets sent to collaborators, shown to labels, submitted to publishers, shared with partners — often before any agreement is in place. Creating a timestamped record before your work goes anywhere is the simplest step a creator can take.

What documenting your work means

A proof-of-existence record is not a legal filing. It does not claim ownership, authorship, or rights. It creates an independent, verifiable record showing that a specific file — your lyrics, your research, your screenplay, your code — existed at a specific moment in time.

That record exists outside any platform, institutional system, or third party. It cannot be altered. It is permanent.

When to do it

Before the work moves. Before you send the demo. Before you share the draft. Before you email the proposal. Before the pitch. The record should exist before the file reaches anyone else — that is the point of it.

Creators who use this

Songwriters & musicians

Lyrics, demos, stems, session files — before they go to a label, a producer, or a collaborator.

Researchers & academics

Manuscripts, methodologies, and thesis drafts — before peer review, collaboration, or conference submission.

Screenwriters & writers

Scripts, outlines, manuscripts — before they reach a producer, an agent, or a publisher.

Designers & developers

UI work, code, creative briefs — before handoff, presentation, or external review.

Students

Essays, portfolios, capstone projects — before submission through any institutional system.

Inventors & researchers

Original ideas, frameworks, and methodologies — before they enter any formal documentation process.

How it works

Upload your file

Any format. Lyricsmit generates a SHA-256 cryptographic fingerprint. The file is never stored.

Record the timestamp

An RFC 3161 independent timestamp is recorded at the exact UTC moment. Permanent and independently verifiable.

Then share your work

Your record exists. Anyone with the verification link can check it — no account needed, at any time.

Specific guides

Protect your lyrics Protect your screenplay Before sending to a publisher For researchers For students What is proof of existence?

Create a timestamped record How proof of existence works

Free to use · No account needed to start · No file storage