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Quick Start

This guide shows you how to use Proof Keys Studio to create and manage cryptographic keys and sign documents.

What is Proof Keys Studio?

Proof Keys Studio is a web application that lets you:

  • Create cryptographic keys for signing documents
  • Sign documents with data integrity proofs
  • Manage your keys and proofs in one place
  • Share signed documents with others

All without needing to install any software - it works right in your browser!

Getting Started

1. Sign In or Register

Visit https://proof-keys.studio and you'll see the sign-in page.

Option A: Quick Anonymous Access - Type "ANONYMOUS" as the username - Click Continue - You're in! A default key is created automatically

Option B: Create an Account - Click Sign up (or use the link at the bottom) - Enter any username you want - Click Continue - Use your device's security (Touch ID, Face ID, Windows Hello, or a security key) - Your account is created and a default key is ready

Option C: Sign In to Existing Account - Enter your username - Click Continue - Use the same security method you used when registering

2. Explore the Dashboard

After signing in, you'll see:

  • Your Dashboard: Overview of your activity and stats
  • Sidebar Menu: Navigate to different sections:
  • Dashboard: Overview and activity
  • Keys: Manage your cryptographic keys
  • Documents: Store documents for signing
  • Proofs: Create and manage signed documents
  • Activity: View your activity history
  • Settings: Account and session settings

3. Your Keys

Every user gets a default key automatically. You can:

  • View your keys on the Keys page
  • Create new keys with custom labels (e.g., "production", "testing")
  • Upgrade keys to use your own DID (for registered users)
  • Set expiry dates when creating keys

Key Limits: - Anonymous users: 1 key maximum - Registered users: 5 keys maximum

4. Store Documents

Before you can sign a document, you need to store it:

  1. Go to the Documents page
  2. Load your document using any method:
  3. Drag and drop a file
  4. Click to browse and select a file
  5. Enter a URL to fetch a document from the web
  6. Scan a QR code with your camera
  7. Click Store Document
  8. Give it a name (e.g., "Invoice 2025", "Contract v2")
  9. Your document is saved and ready to use

5. Create Proofs

A proof is a cryptographic signature that proves a document hasn't been tampered with:

  1. Go to the Proofs page
  2. In the "Create Proof" section:
  3. Select a key from the dropdown
  4. Select a document from your stored documents
  5. Click Add Proof
  6. Your document is signed and stored automatically

The signed document includes: - Your original document - A cryptographic proof that anyone can verify - Information about which key was used

6. Manage Your Proofs

On the Proofs page, you can:

  • View any stored proof to see the complete signed document
  • Download proofs as JSON files
  • Star important proofs for quick access (they appear in your shortcuts menu)
  • Delete proofs you no longer need

Starred Proofs: - Click the star icon on any proof - Starred proofs appear in the Shortcuts menu in the top navigation - Great for frequently used proofs

7. View Your Activity

The Activity page shows everything you've done:

  • When you created keys
  • When you created proofs
  • When you signed in or out
  • All organized by time (newest first)

You can also see recent activity in the Notifications widget in the top navigation.

What Can You Do?

For Anonymous Users

  • Create and use 1 key
  • Store documents
  • Create proofs
  • View activity
  • Sign out

For Registered Users

  • Create and use up to 5 keys
  • Get your own DID (e.g., did:web:proof-keys.studio:user:yourname)
  • Upgrade keys to use your DID
  • Store documents
  • Create proofs
  • View activity
  • Manage account settings

Next Steps