🔒Anti-Piracy Protection
Protect your 3D models with embedded ownership tracking and verification tools
How It Works
When you enable anti-piracy protection on your uploads, 3DKeep embeds invisible ownership metadata directly into your STL files. This creates a permanent digital fingerprint that proves your ownership, even if someone downloads and redistributes your files illegally.
1. Upload & Enable
Check "Anti-Piracy Protection" when uploading your models (enabled by default for all creator tiers)
2. Automatic Embedding
Your creator info and a unique gate code per upload are embedded in every STL file
3. Prove Ownership
Use our verification tools for DMCA takedowns when you find pirated files
What Gets Embedded
3DKeep|@yourhandle|23R-34L-03R|OriginalEmbedded Information:
- Platform: 3DKeep
- Creator: Your unique handle (@yourhandle)
- Gate Code: Unique tracking code
- Authenticity: "Original" marker
File Processing:
- STL Files: Embedded in 80-byte header
- ZIP Archives: All STL files processed
- Other Files: Preserved unchanged
- File Quality: No impact on 3D data
🎯 Gate Codes
Each upload gets a unique "gate code" - a code that identifies your specific model upload. Think of it like a digital serial number that's impossible to forge.
Example Code: 59R-93L-02L
- • Format: Two digits + direction (L/R), three segments
- • Unique to each upload (5.8+ million possible codes)
- • Same code used for all STL files in a ZIP
- • Stored in our database linked to your creator account
🔍 How to Verify Ownership
Step 1: Extract the Gate Code
When you find your pirated file, you need to extract the gate code. You can:
- Use our extraction tool below - Upload the STL file for automatic detection
- Search for "online hex viewer" to find tools to read the file header manually
- Some 3D modeling software may show file properties/metadata
Step 2: Verify the Gate Code
Once you have the gate code (e.g., "59R-93L-02L"), use the verification tool below or paste it directly here:
Returns creator info, model details, and proof of ownership with timestamps.
Step 3: Use for DMCA Takedowns
The verification response provides all the evidence you need for legal takedown requests: creator identity, original upload date, and complete model information.
🔧 Gate Code Extraction Tool
Upload an STL file to automatically extract and verify any embedded gate code. This is the easiest way to check if a file has 3DKeep anti-piracy protection.
Only STL files are supported. File is processed securely - nothing is stored.
⚠️ Important Limitations
Not 100% foolproof: Technically savvy users can potentially remove or alter the embedded metadata if they know what to look for.
Targets casual piracy: This system is designed to deter and catch the majority of file sharing, which is done by users who won't modify file headers.
Legal tool, not prevention: Anti-piracy protection helps you prove ownership after piracy occurs - it doesn't prevent initial downloading by legitimate subscribers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does this affect file quality or 3D printing?
No. The metadata is stored in the file header and doesn't modify the 3D geometry data. Your models will print exactly the same.
Can I enable this for existing uploads?
Currently, anti-piracy protection can only be enabled during the upload process. You'll need to re-upload existing models to add protection.
What if I don't want anti-piracy protection?
It's completely optional! Simply leave the checkbox unchecked during upload. You can choose different settings for different uploads.
How do I find my gate codes?
Your gate codes are displayed on each model card in your creator dashboard, along with a quick link to this help page.