After a co-write, timestamp the session bounce, the lyric sheet and the split sheet before anyone leaves with the files. TimeBinder® makes a fingerprint in your browser. The files stay on your device. You get a checkable Proof of Time Certificate that shows each exact file existed no later than a recorded time. It does not show who wrote which line, who owns the song, or that the split is binding. Free to start.
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Table of Contents
The routine: timestamp before anyone sends the files on
- Export the day’s bounce (WAV or MP3) and a lyric PDF everyone agrees is today’s draft.
- Fill a split sheet with names and percentages while the room still agrees. Use our free split sheet generator.
- Optional. Check hashes with the free SHA-256 hash checker.
- Timestamp bounce, lyrics and split sheet together (up to 10 files). Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required.
- Save the Proof of Time Certificate and share copies of the three files with each writer.
- Later rewrites get a new bounce, a new split if shares change, and a new TimeBind.
How to timestamp a file covers the steps. See also protect your music before sending.
If you still need to complete or collect signatures on a PDF split sheet, a PDF editor such as Foxit (affiliate link) can fill and save the file, and an e-sign tool such as SignNow (affiliate link) can collect signatures and an audit trail. Neither dates the draft you agreed in the room; timestamp the exact files you keep.
Why the same-day habit matters
Co-writes often end with “we’ll sort the split later.” Months later, memories differ. A same-day bounce plus a filled split sheet gives you a dated set of files from the session, not a reconstruction. Voice memos from the room help too; timestamp those if they are part of what people took home.
Remote co-writes
If you work over a call, agree who exports the bounce and who fills the split sheet. Timestamp before you send the pack in chat or email. Each person should keep the same three files and the certificate.
What a TimeBind shows, and what it doesn’t
A TimeBind shows that this exact file existed no later than the recorded time. It does not show authorship, ownership or copyright, and it does not make an unsigned split enforceable. Keep signed or clearly agreed paperwork. This is general information, not legal advice. For whole-song disputes, see show when you wrote a song.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do we need a lawyer to fill a split sheet?
Not to fill one. For signing and publishing deals, get music-business advice. The generator helps you record shares; it is not legal advice.
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What if someone refuses to sign the split?
Still timestamp the bounce and lyric draft you have, and keep messages about the shares. A refusal is a fact to note, not a reason to skip dating the files.
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Can five writers fit in one TimeBind?
Yes for files (up to 10). Put every writer on the split sheet PDF.
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Should we timestamp the DAW project too?
If you share it, yes. Large projects can go in a zip; keep that exact zip.
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What does it cost?
Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. After that, from US$5; ASAP is US$15. See plans and pricing
Timestamp today’s co-write free
Show that this exact file existed no later than a recorded time. Files stay on your device. Get a checkable Proof of Time Certificate. Free to start. Open TimeBinder
