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HOW IT WORKS

One app, one path, start to finish.

An artist photographs a new piece, signs it, writes its tag and checks it in seven steps. The same steps work in the app on a phone and on the website at a desk.

An illustration of the flow we are building. Screens and wording may change.

01–03 · MAKE THE RECORD

Photos first, details filled in, promises in plain words.

Photos come straight from the camera. The same steps work on the website.

  1. WorksMy studio

    New work

    Add photos of the work and any files that go with it.

    Photos · 4Add as many as you need

    FrontBackSignatureDetail

    Files · 3PDF, images, documents

    • CertificatePDF · 1.2 MB
    • Purchase receiptPDF · 340 KB
    • Condition reportPDF · 2.8 MB
    Take photosAdd files
    01

    Photos and files

    Open Works, tap New work, and add as many photos as the piece needs, plus certificates, receipts or condition reports.

  2. ‹ Back2 of 7
    The details4 photos · 3 files · add more any time
    Title
    Still life with dahlias
    Made by
    The artistYour name
    Year
    2026
    Category
    PaintingFrom your account
    Next
    02

    The details, mostly filled in

    Title, maker, year and category. Your name and category are already filled in.

  3. ‹ Back3 of 7

    Before you sign

    Still life with dahliasOil on linen · 2026 · 4 photos · 3 files

    This is my work, or I am allowed to register it.

    Outlast keeps a fingerprint of my photos, files and details, so anyone can check they have not changed.

    The record can be added to later, but never rewritten.

    Sign with passkey
    03

    Agree in plain words

    Three short promises, then your passkey signs.

04–05 · THE MOMENT

The wait ends on the name.

Signing is the one step that takes a minute or two, so it gets the whole screen. The network lights only as each step is saved. At 100% it draws in, the name sets, and the next step is ready.

  1. Still life with dahlias4 of 7

    Signing your record

    0%Estimating time left

    Step 1 of 5Saving your photos, files and detailsStarting

    Safe to leave. Every step is saved.

    04

    Signing

    The network lights one saved step at a time. The screen stays light, and it is safe to leave.

  2. Still life with dahlias5 of 7

    Signed.

    It is on the record, with 4 photos · 3 files.

    RecordOU-2026-0418
    Signatures2 · post-quantum
    Attach a tag
    05

    Signed

    The network draws in and the name sets in its place. Then one next step: attach a tag.

06–07 · BIND IT TO THE OBJECT

The tag is written where the work was signed.

  1. ‹ Back6 of 7

    Attach a tag

    Hold the top of your phone to a new tag.

    Outlast Us
    From your pack7 of 10 left
    Tag found · write it
    06

    Attach the tag

    Hold your phone to a new tag from your pack.

  2. Still life with dahlias7 of 7

    On the record

    Still life with dahliasSigned · Tagged · Checked
    Photos and files4 photos · 3 files
    Tag writtenRead back matched
    Tap checkLabel verified
    Label verifiedThe tag matches this painting’s signed record.
    Download provenance
    07

    On the record

    The tag reads back, the tap check passes, and every photo and file stays with the record.

A new chapter doesn’t rewrite the last.

That is what an immutable record means: a later report can explain a change, challenge an assertion or revise an appraisal while preserving the earlier signed evidence.

A signature can reveal alteration. The quality of an assertion still depends on the person and evidence behind it.

Frequently asked questions

Why use post-quantum signatures?

Records may be kept for decades. The platform supports ML-DSA and SLH-DSA, NIST-standardized signature methods designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers. Long-term protection also depends on key management, maintenance and review.

What goes into the record?

It combines the asset’s details, supporting evidence and signing authority. A portable package can include photographs, documents and custody history.

Can an existing asset begin a record?

Yes. Start with the evidence available. Earlier history retains its sources and uncertainty; recording a story does not make it a verified fact.

What does the tag connect to?

A QR code or NFC chip on the tag opens the item’s record. The NFC chip also gives a new one-time code on every tap, which Outlast Us checks against that record.

What can a digital check establish?

It checks whether the supplied record has changed and whether the required signatures and signing authority validate. Physical identity, authorship and present condition still need their own evidence.

How does custody pass to someone else?

The named recipient reviews and accepts an offer from the current custodian before platform custody changes. The recorded handoff tracks control of the record; it does not establish legal title.

What happens when new information is added?

Later reports, corrections and custody events can extend the history while the original signed evidence stays intact. Changing the original evidence or signed asset description requires a new credential.

What happens when the physical tag needs replacing?

The transition needs its own evidence, connecting the old and new physical association. Continuity has to account for replacement, rather than depend on one tag lasting as long as the asset.

Can the record be checked independently?

Published specifications describe how compatible software can check a retained package using independently trusted keys. Historical integrity can be checked from that material; current revocation and later custody changes still need current information.

Register your first work.

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