How it works
See every mark at a glance.
Each recovery word stays in one Punchplate column. The letter tells you which row to use; its position in the word tells you which triangle to mark.
- Find the letter’s row. For the first letter in CAT, go to row C.
- Mark by letter position. First is top, second is right, third is bottom, and fourth is left.
Top 2nd
Right 3rd
Bottom 4th
Left
Use the entire word when it has three letters. For longer words, only the first four letters are needed.
- 1C Row CTop quadrant
- 2A Row ARight quadrant
- 3T Row TBottom quadrant
- 1S Row STop quadrant
- 2A Row ARight quadrant
- 3F Row FBottom quadrant
- 4E Row ELeft quadrant
Rows are shown in entry order for clarity. On the physical plate, locate each letter’s labeled row within the word’s column.
Interactive practice
Build one valid word.
Choose a row by clicking the active triangle. After every mark, impossible next letters are muted using the official BIP-39 English wordlist.
Practice only. Use only supplied or invented example words. Never recreate any real recovery word—even one word—on a website.
Preparing the practice plate…
Choose the first letter
Green preview = possibleGray = unavailable · Orange = marked
Final check: Put the original recovery words out of view and test restore using only the completed Punchplate before relying on it. Follow your wallet manufacturer’s recovery-check instructions, and never enter recovery words on a website or ordinary connected computer.
Common questions
What is the difference between Standard and Compact?
Standard is a letter-prefix format that avoids numeric lookup: complete three-letter words and the first four letters of longer English BIP39 words. Compact records English BIP39 word-list numbers (1–2048) on a smaller plate and requires the word list during recovery. Both hold the complete phrase.
Is the punch tool included?
Starter Sets include one reusable automatic center punch. Plate-only products do not unless the selected option says otherwise. One tool works for multiple plates.
Do I need a 12-word or 24-word Punchplate?
Match the phrase your wallet created: 12 words to a 12-word plate, or 24 words to a 24-word plate. Confirm compatibility first if the language or recovery standard differs.
Should I choose one complete copy or two?
Two copies reduce the risk of losing the only plate but create another place the full phrase can be exposed. Choose the number you can store and control safely.
Will Punchplate work with my wallet?
Confirm that your wallet created a 12- or 24-word English BIP39 phrase, then match the word count and plate format. Never send us the phrase to check compatibility.
How should I test my Punchplate backup?
Hide the original words and other copies. Then use the wallet’s backup-check process with only the finished Punchplate. For a Distributed 2-of-3 Kit, test pairs 1+2, 1+3, and 2+3.
Never type recovery words into a website or support form, and do not reset your only working wallet just to run a test.
What about a BIP39 passphrase?
A BIP39 passphrase is a separate secret. Record and test it separately; do not put it on the recovery-phrase plate.
What if I punch the wrong spot or a mark is unclear?
Mark every position in permanent marker and re-check the layout before punching. If a punched mark could be misread, follow the product instructions or replace the plate. Then test recovery from the finished plate.