Question 1

What is HiddenMark?

Accepted Answer

HiddenMark is Proofly’s proprietary mesh watermarking technology. It embeds a unique invisible code directly into the vertex data of your 3D model file (STL, GLB, OBJ). Each buyer’s download contains a uniquely marked copy — if piracy occurs, you can verify authorship in under 10 seconds.

Question 2

How does STL watermarking work?

Accepted Answer

HiddenMark uses steganography to encode a unique identifier into the geometry of your 3D mesh by making imperceptible micro-adjustments to vertex positions. The watermark survives format conversion, is invisible to the naked eye and in slicers, and can only be detected using the Proofly verification tool.

Question 3

Can the watermark be removed from my 3D model?

Accepted Answer

The HiddenMark watermark is embedded at the mesh geometry level and cannot be removed by visual editing or format conversion. Unlike image watermarks, it cannot be cropped or painted over. Attempts to strip it typically degrade model quality enough to make the file unusable.

Question 4

Is HiddenMark free for 3D model creators?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HiddenMark watermarking is completely free for all creators on Proofly. Every model you upload can be watermarked at no cost, and you can verify watermarks on any downloaded file for free.

Question 5

Which 3D file formats does HiddenMark support?

Accepted Answer

HiddenMark currently supports STL and GLB formats — the most widely used formats for 3D printing and real-time 3D. OBJ support is available for verification. Support for additional formats including 3MF and FBX is in development.

Question 6

Does the HiddenMark watermark survive STL re-export or slicing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The HiddenMark watermark is embedded at the mesh geometry level (vertex and normal data) and survives STL re-export, format conversion, and most slicing workflows. The watermark is not stored in file metadata — it lives in the geometry itself, so operations that preserve vertex positions keep the mark intact. Aggressive mesh repair tools that rebuild geometry may affect the watermark, but normal slicer import/export cycles do not.

Question 7

How do I verify 3D model authorship with HiddenMark?

Accepted Answer

Go to proofly.store/hiddenmark and upload the STL or GLB file you want to verify. The tool reads the embedded watermark code from the mesh geometry and checks it against the Proofly registry. If the file is registered, you'll see the original creator's profile, the registration date, and the unique HiddenMark code — all in under 10 seconds. No account needed to verify a file.

Verify a HiddenMark