FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
The .obf format, fixity checks, the preservation certificate, and Obscura Vault's availability.
What is Obscura Vault?
A macOS app to preserve originals, verify their integrity, back them up, and restore them. It comes from Obscura Flow and is part of its ecosystem.
What is an .obf file?
Obscura Vault's archive format: a tar container compressed with zstd, optionally encrypted with AES-GCM, and signed with Ed25519. The “.obf format” page explains it.
How is file integrity checked?
With fixity checks: the SHA-256 checksum of each file is recomputed during scheduled audits and compared with its reference. A different checksum signals an alteration.
What does “not verifiable” mean?
That the check could not be completed. Obscura Vault keeps this result apart from “verified good”: a file that was not verified is never presented as intact.
What is the preservation certificate for?
To attest, at a given date, the integrity of an archive and the fixity of a file: a document to add to a record, to hand over, or to keep.
Is encryption mandatory?
No: AES-GCM encryption of an .obf archive is optional.
Does Obscura Vault make incremental archives?
Yes, since version 1.2.0: when creating an archive, choose a Full (default) or Incremental revision. An incremental revision contains only the files added or changed since the previous one; it is restored with its whole chain, sent offsite with it, and its certificate attests the complete state of the project.
Where can offsite copies go?
To S3 or compatible storage (Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Cloudflare R2, MinIO…), a remote folder (NAS, network or external disk) or, since version 1.2.0, a synced folder: the local folder of iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive, whose sync state Vault shows. Every copy is verified before it is reported as successful.
How much does Obscura Vault cost?
Pricing has not been published yet; it will appear on the Pricing and licenses page. Downloading is done from the Obscura member area: it requires an account and an Obscura Vault license, the free plan included, granted once your request is approved. Once installed, the free tier lets you browse the library, import, verify and restore; a paid license opens creating archives, sending offsite and issuing certificates.
Where can I download Obscura Vault?
From your Obscura member area (profil.obscuraflow.app), once signed in. An Obscura account and an Obscura Vault license are required, even the free plan: request access at https://profil.obscuraflow.app/en/register?app=obscura-vault. You get a disk image signed and notarized by Apple. The website's Download page leads there. Obscura Vault has been available since version 1.0; the app then offers its own updates.
What do I need to run it?
A Mac running macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, with an Apple silicon or Intel processor: the app is universal.
Next step
Preserved originals, verified integrity.
Obscura Vault is available for macOS. Download it from your Obscura member area, or write to us to learn more.