12-Word Punchplate Compact
The same 12-word backup on a smaller, more discreet plate.
The Punchplate Compact stores your full 12-word BIP39 recovery phrase on a plate roughly the size of a house key. It does this by encoding each word as its BIP39 index number (1–2048) instead of spelling out letters — which means fewer punches per word, a smaller grid, and a plate that's easy to tuck into tight spaces.
Each word gets one column. You punch the digits of the index number clockwise from the top — most words need just one to three marks. An 8-character label field lets you identify the backup at a glance. The result is a steel backup with the same durability as the standard Punchplate in a fraction of the footprint.
Mark it with the Automatic Center Punch Tool (sold separately). Illustrated instructions walk you through the index encoding step by step, and a permanent marker is included for pre-marking. A printed BIP39 word list with index numbers is included so you can look up each word quickly. Always test-restore from your completed plate.
What's Included
One 12-word Punchplate Compact (double-sided), one permanent marker, illustrated instructions, and a BIP39 word list reference with index numbers.
Specs
Dimensions: ~approx. 1.5" x 1.1" x 0.071". Material: 304 stainless steel — resists fire, water, corrosion, and crushing. Compatibility: Works with any BIP39 wallet (Ledger, Trezor, Coldcard, and others). Requires Automatic Center Punch Tool, sold separately. Capacity: One 24-word recovery phrase + 8-character identifier.
Compact vs. Standard — What's the Difference?
Both store a full 12-word seed phrase on 304 stainless steel. The standard Punchplate encodes the first four letters of each word. The Compact encodes the BIP39 index number instead — same information, smaller plate, fewer punches. Choose the standard if you want to read your words at a glance. Choose the Compact if size and discretion matter more.
How It Works
Index encoding, not letters.
Every BIP-39 word maps to an index number (1–2048). Skip leading zeros, then mark each remaining digit clockwise from the top. Many words need just 1–3 marks. The Bip-39 word list is provided with each Punchplate and is also available online.
Now encoding
Bitcoin Backup Questions, Answered
Everything you stamp into steel matters. Here are the most important things to know before backing up your Bitcoin seed phrase.
What should I put on a Punchplate? +
Only your wallet recovery words, exactly as generated by your wallet.
Do I need a 12-word or 24-word Punchplate? +
Use the format your wallet gave you. If your wallet generated 12 words, use a 12-word plate. If it generated 24, use a 24-word plate.
What about a passphrase? +
If you use a BIP39 passphrase, remember that your seed words alone are not enough. You need a separate secure plan for preserving that passphrase too.
Should I make more than one backup? +
Yes. Many Bitcoin holders keep at least two backups in separate secure locations in case of theft, fire, flood, or loss.
Can I test my backup? +
Yes. The safest approach is to verify that your recovery words can restore the wallet before moving bitcoin or relying on the backup long term.
What if I punch the wrong spot or letter? +
No stress — Punchplate was designed for this. If you hit the wrong spot, simply punch the exact same spot 3–4 times. This creates a dense cluster of dots that is impossible to confuse with a real punch.
Every valid character on the finished plate is always a single clean punch. Canceled marks stand out clearly as overlapping groups, so you (or anyone reading it later) instantly knows to ignore them and move to the next valid letter.