The practical details
Digital Time Capsule FAQ
What to save, who can contribute, how the unlock works, and what to know before you seal it.
What can I put in a digital time capsule?+
You can include written letters, photos, voice notes, videos, captions, and future instructions. The strongest capsules usually combine one personal message with a few specific media moments.
How do I make a capsule feel meaningful instead of random?+
Start with the reason for the reveal, then choose only the files that support that story. Add a short note explaining why each photo, recording, or video matters now so the future recipient does not have to guess the context.
How is a digital time capsule different from a Future Beacon?+
A digital time capsule is built for a private reveal with media, recipients, QR sharing, and a chosen unlock date. A Future Beacon is a free, text-based legacy signal for identity, values, and consent. Use a capsule when someone should open a message later; use a Future Beacon when you want your long-horizon intent stated clearly.
Can I change the capsule before it unlocks?+
The owner can edit the capsule and change its unlock date. Invited contributors have a separate collection window: 1–30 days from creation, ending earlier if the scheduled reveal arrives first. Do not assume a capsule scheduled years ahead accepts group contributions for all those years.
Do recipients need to install anything?+
No. Recipients open the capsule from a private link or QR code in a browser. That makes it easy to place the reveal in a card, scrapbook, event program, or email.
Can friends or family add messages before the reveal?+
Yes. Add contributor email addresses and set the collection window. Free and Premium allow up to two invited contributors; Collaborative allows up to 25. Contributors sign in with an invited email address to add their memories during that window.
How private is an online time capsule?+
New capsules default to private visibility. Anyone holding the access-code link or QR can view an open capsule, and can forward that link. Before reveal, the content is hidden from ordinary link visitors; the owner and invited contributors have access during the collection window. A QR code is a way to share the address, not identity verification. Choose public visibility only if you intend the capsule to appear in public discovery.
What should I avoid putting in a digital time capsule?+
Do not use a capsule as a password vault, legal directive, bank archive, crypto-key backup, or the only copy of important family files. Keep secrets and formal legal instructions in tools designed for those jobs, and use the capsule for personal context, memories, and future-facing messages.
When should a digital time capsule unlock?+
Choose a date tied to the meaning of the message: a birthday morning, graduation day, anniversary dinner, first day of college, memorial gathering, or a quiet future check-in.
What happens after the free 14-day period?+
Free capsules are meant for short-term keepsakes and trials. Upgrade within the 14-day window for a future reveal date and ongoing hosting under the current service, or keep your own copy of important media before the capsule is removed.
Can I use a digital capsule with a physical card or gift?+
Yes. Create the capsule first, then print the QR insert or share link and place it in a birthday card, scrapbook, graduation envelope, or wrapped gift. Test the QR code before sealing anything important.
Is this a replacement for backing up my family files?+
No. A digital time capsule is designed for a future reveal experience, not as your only archive. Keep separate backups of irreplaceable photos, videos, documents, and recordings.
