Canister Guide
A letter for their 18th birthday — written now, opened then
Eighteen is a threshold moment. Seal your letter today so it arrives on their birthday with the weight and privacy it deserves.
Why parents choose a timed 18th-birthday letter
Turning eighteen often means leaving home, new responsibilities, and questions you cannot anticipate today. A letter for an 18th birthday lets you offer steady guidance without lecturing in the moment.
Canister encrypts your message now and releases it on the birthday you select — with optional photos from their childhood on paid plans.
What to write before they turn eighteen
Popular themes include pride in who they are becoming, practical advice about money and relationships, family history they may not know, and permission to make mistakes. You can revise until you seal the capsule.
Technical peace of mind
Capsules use client-side AES-256-GCM encryption. Unlock metadata lives on the Internet Computer. Signature supports up to five years ahead; Legacy supports up to fifty — enough for parents of young children planning early.
Common questions
How far in advance can I schedule an 18th-birthday letter?
Signature capsules support unlock dates up to five years ahead. Legacy supports up to fifty years — ideal if you are planning while they are still young.
Will they get a reminder when the letter unlocks?
You can configure reminder emails to the owner or to the recipient (with permission) as the unlock date approaches.
Can I include an audio or video message?
You can attach media files on Signature and Legacy plans within per-file and total size limits.