How Standard works
Punch the first four letters.
Use one column per word. Find each letter’s row, then punch top, right, bottom, and left in order.
- 1st · Top SRow S
- 2nd · Right ARow A
- 3rd · Bottom TRow T
- 4th · Left ORow O
For a three-letter word, record all three letters.
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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?
Backup Kits 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 Ledger, Trezor, or SLIP39?
A matching Punchplate can record a Ledger 24-word recovery phrase or a Trezor 12- or 24-word wallet backup only when the words are an English BIP39 phrase. Compatibility follows the recovery standard, language, and word count—not the logo on the device.
A 24-word Standard Punchplate can also record one 20-word English SLIP39 share. Record the first four letters of each share word in positions 1–20, in order, and leave positions 21–24 unpunched. The SLIP39 word list gives every word a unique four-letter prefix.
One Standard plate records one share, not an entire Multi-share Backup. Use a separate plate for each share and test every combination required by your wallet’s threshold. This does not apply to Compact or Distributed 2-of-3 Punchplates, and a 33-word SLIP39 share does not fit. Never send us a recovery phrase or share to check.
Ledger and Trezor are trademarks of their respective owners. Punchplate is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by either company.
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.