Wiki · Reference
Common questions
- What does upgrading from an earlier version take?
- From 0.1.4 or 0.1.3, install over it and your data carries on. From 0.1.2 or earlier, this version starts from an empty machine folder: export a ledger mirror in 0.1.2, move the earlier machine folder aside, then import the identity in the new version’s wizard and take the mirror with “Adopt existing ledger folder”; see Upgrading from an earlier version.
- Which computers does it run on?
- Macs with Apple silicon (macOS 11 or later), Windows 10 and 11, and common Linux distributions; see the download page.
- Why does the system stop it from opening?
- The Mac app is signed with the project’s own certificate and is outside Apple’s notarization; the Windows program is unsigned. On a Mac, first, in Terminal, remove the quarantine flag the download carries; on Windows, click “More info”, then “Run anyway”, turning Smart App Control off first if it is on. The steps are on the download page.
- Do I need to sign up?
- Your identity is a set of keys made on your own computer, ready to use once made.
- What does it cost?
- The app is free. Putting records on chain costs gas: real ETH on Ethereum mainnet, usually a small fraction of that on Arbitrum One and OP Mainnet; several records sent together cost one transaction. The confirmation card shows the most it can cost first. To try it out, use the Sepolia testnet.
- Is there a token?
- The project has no token of its own. Putting records on chain costs that chain’s gas alone.
- Are my files uploaded?
- Your files stay on your computer. What goes on chain is a number.
- Where is my data?
- Encrypted on your computer, opened with your passcode.
- What if I change or lose my computer?
- A whole-machine backup file and its password restore every identity, ledger and setting. With the 12 recovery words alone you get your keys and your records on chain back, and the ledger comes from a whole-machine backup. So make one early; see Whole-machine backup.
- What if I forget my passcode?
- Press “Forgot passcode” on the passcode gate and set a new one with the primary identity’s recovery words or a key file it exported, or restore from a whole-machine backup; see A forgotten passcode.
- I made a mistake in a record.
- Add a note to explain, or delete the record; the original entry stays as it was. See When something is wrong.
- What does the other side need to verify?
- This app, in its current version, free to use. They read the chain your records are anchored on; a record kit names that chain, and the app shows them how to add it. A folder signed on Windows with 0.1.4 or later fails to check out under 0.1.3 or earlier on Windows, so ask the other side to upgrade.
- Can a record kit open for one person alone?
- Yes. Turn on “Encrypt the record package” when exporting and fill in their address or public key; see For one person’s eyes.
- Can it prove I am the original author?
- It proves your key had the content by a certain moment. The earlier and more steadily you record your work, the more convincing that is; see What a record proves.
- Nodes cannot be reached with a VPN or proxy on?
- See “Proxy” in Settings › Network: “System” usually works, and follows an automatic configuration script set in the system; if nodes still cannot be reached, enter the proxy the VPN gives under “Custom proxy” (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 or SOCKS4, with its user name and password if it asks for them); see Networks.
- Can I use it in a terminal?
- The app comes with a command line,
zikaron. Turn on “Enable the zikaron command” in Settings › Command line and AI control, or install with the.pkgor.deb, and it works in a terminal. It works three ways: through the desktop app, with a credential (writing while the desktop is closed or locked), or on its own; see Command line, and for letting an AI Agent operate it, AI Agents and remote operation. An AI Agent can also connect through MCP: press “Copy config” on the same page; see Connecting through MCP. - May I use it commercially, change it, share it?
- Yes. Code and text are under the MIT licence; keep the licence text.
- How does it relate to local law?
- It is a tool you may choose to use, alongside local law. Keep to the law where you are.
- How do I reach Kaptonia?
Public questions and suggestions: open an issue on GitHub, or visit the discussions.
Private contact: email
kaptonia@tuta.io, or message05208a1c6901322420185a1f72ef691ac749fb86ca74c129cf65cb5ec8972a5f22on Session.Security vulnerabilities: report them privately by email or on Session; see Developer guide · Security.
This site
- What does this site record?
- Two display preferences, kept in your browser: which product groups are folded in the sidebar, and which product is selected. They stay on this machine. The pages make two kinds of request: the site’s own static files, and fonts from Google Fonts.