For design, architecture and engineering firms
Timestamping for design and engineering firms: a dated record of every drawing set you issue
Clicking opens our plans and pricing page. Try it on the Free plan there. Files are hashed locally on your computer; nothing is uploaded or stored by TimeBinder.
Timestamp each drawing set, model export and report at the moment it’s issued, and keep the certificate with the transmittal.
Your files never leave your computer. With TimeBinder, each file is hashed locally on your own device. Nothing is uploaded or stored by TimeBinder.
Timestamping for design and engineering firms: the short answer
Design and engineering firms can timestamp each drawing set, model export, calculation and report at the moment it’s issued. A TimeBind records the files’ fingerprints on the Bitcoin blockchain. That shows the exact files existed no later than the recorded time, and that a copy shown later still matches its fingerprint. Files are fingerprinted on your own computer and never uploaded, so project data stays with you. It doesn’t replace your document control or transmittals, and it doesn’t show who designed something. What it adds is a date for each issued revision that doesn’t depend on your own servers. For a firm issuing several sets a week, Business is USD $149 a month for 60 Tokens.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak to a lawyer in your country.
Published . TimeBinder pricing checked on 31 October 2026. All prices are in US dollars.
What is TimeBinder? TimeBinder is a blockchain timestamping service. It shows that a digital file existed no later than a specific time, and that it still matches its fingerprint, by anchoring the file’s SHA-256 fingerprint to the Bitcoin blockchain. Files are hashed in your browser and never uploaded, and each TimeBind comes with a Proof of Time Certificate that can be checked later. It does not prove who created a file or that its contents are true.
Why timestamping matters for design and engineering firms
Project disputes often come down to which revision was issued and when. Was the change in Rev C or Rev D? Which set did the builder price from? Did a concept exist before a similar one appeared elsewhere?
Server dates change when files are copied, restored or migrated, and a document control log sits on a system the other side may question. A TimeBind gives the exact issued files a date recorded outside your systems, so it stays the same however the files are stored later.
What design and engineering firms timestamp
- Issued drawing sets, as the PDF or zip that goes with each transmittal.
- Model files and exports, such as DWG, RVT or IFC, at each issue.
- Calculations, design reports and specifications when they’re finalised.
- Concept and competition submissions before they’re shared.
- Client approvals and mark-ups as received.
- Site photos and inspection records on the day they’re taken (see a construction site photo log and diary example).
For individual designers and architects, see design file timestamping.
When to timestamp: the issue points
- Concept or schematic design, before it goes to the client.
- Each revision issued to the client, builder or consultants.
- Tender issue, the set that pricing is based on.
- Issued for construction.
- As-built and hand-over documents.
Timestamp the exact exported set that goes with the transmittal, not the working file, because working files change each time they’re saved. One TimeBind holds up to 10 files, so zip a larger set. Put the transmittal number in the reference text, and keep the certificate with the transmittal record.
How firms can date an issued set
| Server file dates | Document control or common data environment | Emailed transmittal | TimeBind | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date held outside your own systems | No | Yes, if hosted by a provider | Yes, the recipient’s mail server | Yes, the Bitcoin blockchain |
| Survives copying and backups | No, dates often change | Within that system | If the email is kept | Yes, the fingerprint depends only on the contents |
| Shows the exact file existed by a date | No | Within that system | If the attachment is kept | Yes, no later than the recorded time |
| Records who issued or approved it | No | Often | Partly (the sender) | No |
| Stores your files | Yes | Yes | Partly | No |
Most firms will keep their document control system and add TimeBinds at issue points. For CAD files in detail, see how to show a CAD model existed before a date.
What a TimeBind shows, and what it doesn’t
What it shows
- That this exact file existed no later than the time recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain
- That a file shown later still matches its fingerprint: the same file gives the same fingerprint, and any edit gives a different one
- A record kept outside your own systems: an ASAP TimeBind can be checked on the Bitcoin blockchain without relying on TimeBinder, and a Pooled TimeBind is verified through TimeBinder
What it doesn’t show
- Who designed, drew or approved the file, or who owns it
- That the design, calculations or contents are correct
- That the file existed any earlier than the recorded time
- How a client, builder, insurer, court or anyone else will treat it. It isn’t legal advice
Pooled TimeBinds are verified through TimeBinder; ASAP TimeBinds can be verified independently from the certificate and the Bitcoin blockchain. Checking a TimeBind is always free.
Which plan suits a design or engineering firm
A small practice issuing a couple of sets a week uses about 9 Tokens a month, so Expert, at USD $50 a month for 15 Tokens, usually fits. A firm issuing 10 sets a week uses about 43, which suits Business: USD $149 a month for 60 Tokens, one company account, a monthly invoice and help getting set up. Business Plus is USD $299 a month for 150 Tokens. If you want your document control system to send TimeBinds automatically, API access is included in the Business, Business Plus and Enterprise plans. See TimeBinder business plans for the details.
When another option suits better
- You need a registered design or patent. That comes from filing with IP Australia or the office in your country. A timestamp doesn’t register anything.
- You need to record who approved what. Your document control system or an e-signature platform does that. A TimeBind doesn’t.
- Your contract or insurer sets record-keeping rules. Follow those. A TimeBind doesn’t store files or replace them.
- You only issue a few sets a year. The Free plan plus Tokens when needed will cost less than a monthly plan.
Timestamping for design and engineering firms: FAQ
Can we timestamp CAD and BIM files?
Yes. TimeBinder works with any file type, including drawings, models and their exports. Native files often change when they’re opened and saved, so timestamp the exact set you issue, as a zip if it has more than 10 files.
Do project files leave our network?
No. Each file is fingerprinted on your own computer and never uploaded. TimeBinder records the fingerprint, not the file.
Does it replace our document control or transmittals?
No. Keep your document control system and transmittals. A TimeBind adds a date for the exact issued files that doesn’t depend on your own servers.
Can a client or builder check a certificate?
Yes. Verification can be public, by QR code, or restricted to email addresses you choose. Checking a TimeBind is always free.
Does a TimeBind show who designed something?
No. It shows that the exact file existed no later than the recorded time, and that a copy still matches its fingerprint. It doesn’t show who designed it or that the design is correct.
How many Tokens will we need?
One Pooled TimeBind uses 1 Token and holds up to 10 files. A firm issuing 10 transmittals a week uses about 43 Tokens a month, which suits Business at USD $149 for 60 Tokens.
Related guides
- TimeBinder business plansBusiness and Business Plus for firms
- Timestamping for designers and architectsConcepts, drawings and approvals
- Engineering and construction recordsDrawings, reports and site photos
- Prove a CAD model existedTimestamping CAD files
- Timestamping construction contractsVariations and approvals
- TimeBinder Developer APITimestamp from your own systems
- Tender and bid timestampingDate bid documents before you lodge them
Set up TimeBinder for your firm
Business is USD $149 a month for 60 Tokens, billed by monthly invoice. Email us and we’ll set up your firm’s account.
- Email support@timebinder.io with your firm’s name, the plan and the account email.
- We set up the account and send your invoice.
- Once it’s paid, we add your Tokens and help you get started.
Want to see it first? Try one issued set on the Free plan. See pricing