Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Snapoena and documented website screenshots.
What is Snapoena?+
Snapoena is a web-based tool that captures documented website screenshots with embedded metadata - including the URL, UTC timestamp, SHA-256 hash, and RFC 3161 trusted timestamp. Every capture is taken server-side so the evidence is independent of your browser or device.
How does Snapoena capture screenshots?+
Snapoena uses a headless browser running on our servers to visit the URL you provide and render a full-page screenshot. Because the capture happens server-side, the result is independent of your local browser, extensions, or operating system. The captured image is then hashed with SHA-256 and timestamped via an RFC 3161 authority.
Are Snapoena screenshots legally admissible in court?+
Snapoena screenshots are more credible than manual screenshots because they include verifiable metadata - a SHA-256 hash and RFC 3161 trusted timestamp from a third-party authority. Admissibility ultimately depends on your jurisdiction and the court, so consult a lawyer for specific legal advice.
What is an RFC 3161 timestamp?+
RFC 3161 is an internet standard for trusted timestamps issued by an independent Time Stamping Authority (TSA). The TSA signs a hash of your file with its private key, creating cryptographic proof that the file existed at a specific moment. Unlike your computer clock, an RFC 3161 timestamp cannot be backdated or forged.
How is Snapoena different from a regular screenshot?+
A regular screenshot is just a pixel image - anyone can edit it, and there is no proof of when or where it was taken. Snapoena adds a metadata header with the URL and timestamp, computes a SHA-256 hash of the image, and obtains an RFC 3161 trusted timestamp. The result is a documented capture, not just a picture.
How is Snapoena different from GoFullPage?+
GoFullPage is a browser extension that captures full-page screenshots locally. It is great for design work, but the visual timestamp it adds is not cryptographically verifiable. Snapoena captures server-side with SHA-256 hashing, RFC 3161 timestamps, and DOM source preservation - making it suitable for legal filings.
How is Snapoena different from Page Vault?+
Page Vault is an enterprise legal evidence platform priced at $195/month per user. Snapoena offers server-side capture, SHA-256 hashing, RFC 3161 timestamps, and evidence bundles starting free - making it accessible to solo practitioners, small firms, and individuals who need credible screenshots without the enterprise price tag.
What does the evidence bundle include?+
Each evidence bundle is a ZIP file containing the full-page screenshot (PNG), a PDF report with metadata, the captured HTML/DOM source code, the RFC 3161 timestamp token, and verification instructions. Everything a court or registrar needs in a single download.
How long are captures stored?+
Free captures are stored for 7 days, then automatically deleted. If you need your evidence to persist, download the PNG, PDF, or evidence bundle before it expires. Professional plans offer extended storage.
Can Snapoena capture logged-in pages?+
Not with the web tool alone. Snapoena captures pages server-side using its own headless browser, so it can only access publicly available content. However, the Chrome extension is now available and supports capturing authenticated pages - including content behind logins and paywalls - directly from your browser.
Is Snapoena free?+
Yes. The free tier includes 10 captures per hour with PNG and PDF downloads, SHA-256 hash verification, RFC 3161 timestamps, and DOM source capture. Professional and enterprise plans are available for higher volumes and additional features.
What is a SHA-256 hash?+
SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that produces a unique 64-character fingerprint for any file. If even a single pixel of a screenshot is changed, the hash changes completely. Snapoena computes a SHA-256 hash of every capture so you can prove the image has not been altered since it was taken.
Can I use Snapoena for DMCA takedowns?+
Yes. Snapoena is well-suited for documenting copyright infringement before filing a DMCA takedown notice. Capture the infringing page, download the evidence bundle, and attach it to your takedown notice as proof of the infringement at a specific date and time.
Can I use Snapoena for UDRP domain disputes?+
Yes. UDRP panelists evaluate evidence of bad-faith domain registration and use. Snapoena captures with RFC 3161 timestamps provide verifiable proof that specific content was live on a domain at a specific moment - exactly what UDRP complaints require.
Does Snapoena have an API?+
Yes. Snapoena offers a REST API for programmatic screenshot capture. You can integrate documented captures into your legal tech workflow, monitoring tools, or compliance systems. The API returns the same evidence package as the web interface - screenshot, hash, and RFC 3161 timestamp.