What Notary Does
Bookcicle Notary helps you prove that a file existed in a certain state at a certain time.
Think of it like this:
- A proof is a fingerprint for your file.
- A receipt is Bookcicle saying, "We saw this proof."
- Attest is the Bookcicle server step that creates that signed receipt.
- An anchor adds an extra public timestamp step.
- A proof capsule is the package you can save or share later.
Notary is useful when you want a record for:
- a draft milestone
- a handoff to an editor or co-writer
- a finished file you may need to verify later
- a before-and-after version of work
Web UI or Desktop?
Use the web UI when you want a fast proof in the browser.
- Good for one-off files
- Good for quick local proofs in the browser
- Good for direct cloud proofs
- Good for quick downloads and sharing
Use Bookcicle Desktop when you want a local-first workflow.
- Good for ongoing writing projects
- Good for file watchers and automatic proofing
- Good for local checkpoints and later verification
The Four Core Notary Pieces
Local Proofs
This proof starts on your device first.
- Privacy focused
- Can happen in the browser or on desktop
- Fast
- Keeps the first step local
- Can be exported later
- Can be upgraded into Attest later
Cloud Proof
This proof is created through Bookcicle's cloud flow from the start.
- Best when you want a platform receipt right away
- Gives you Bookcicle-hosted proof details
- Can store just the receipt, more verification data, or the original file too
- Can be upgraded with an anchor later
Attest
Attest upgrades a local proof.
- First you make a local proof in the browser or on desktop
- Then Bookcicle Attest adds a signed receipt from Bookcicle's servers
- You keep the local-first history and gain a cloud receipt
Anchors
Anchors upgrade cloud proofs and attests.
- Adds an extra public timestamp step
- Useful when you need stronger outside evidence
- Applied after the cloud proof or Attest step exists
Four Words You Will See Often
| Word | Plain meaning |
|---|---|
| Proof | The record that matches one exact version of your file |
| Receipt | Bookcicle's signed response to a proof |
| Anchor | An extra public timestamp step for stronger outside evidence |
| Capsule | A portable package of proof data you can save or share |
What Attest Means
When you see Attest, think of it as the server receipt step.
In simple terms:
- Your browser or desktop app creates a local proof
- Bookcicle's server processes that proof
- Bookcicle issues a signed receipt for it
That signed receipt is the part that proves Bookcicle saw the proof and recorded it.
A Good Simple Workflow
- Make a local proof or a cloud proof when you reach an important draft milestone.
- Save the proof capsule if the file matters.
- Add Attest if you started local and want Bookcicle's signed server record too.
- Add an anchor only when you need stronger outside timestamp evidence.