Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about UseBound and purpose-bound watermarking
About UseBound
What is UseBound?
A free browser tool to add purpose-bound watermarks to documents before sharing. Specify recipient, purpose, and expiration. 100% local processing — nothing leaves your device.
What is purpose-bound watermarking?
Adding a visible label stating who the document is for, why, and until when. Example: "For: Bank XYZ — Account Opening — Valid until: Dec 2025."
Is UseBound free?
Yes. Completely free, no premium tiers, no registration required.
Privacy & Security
Does UseBound upload my documents?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser. Verify by checking DevTools Network tab — zero uploads.
How does it protect against identity theft?
Watermarks make documents less useful for fraud (restricted to one recipient/purpose) and create an audit trail to identify leak sources.
Can someone remove the watermark?
Technically possible, but it requires effort — making the document less attractive for opportunistic misuse. The main value is the forensic trail: if leaked, you know who received it and when.
Using UseBound
What documents should I watermark?
Any ID document shared with third parties: passports, driver's licenses, contracts, bank statements, tax returns.
What should I write in the watermark?
Three things: recipient (who), purpose (why), expiration (when). Example: "For: Acme Insurance — Policy #12345 — Valid until: Mar 2026."
Will organizations accept watermarked documents?
Yes. Most accept them, especially with clear purpose statements. It's a recognized security practice.
UseBound vs Saferlayer
Summary: Both are privacy-focused, browser-based watermarking tools. UseBound emphasizes accountability (who/why/when). Saferlayer emphasizes tamper resistance.
| Feature | UseBound | Saferlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Accountability trail | Tamper resistance |
| Processing | 100% local | 100% local |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Structured format | Yes (recipient + purpose + date) | No |
| Best for | Tracing leaks, legal proof | Making removal harder |