OpenWhen Documentation

What is OpenWhen?

OpenWhen is a free digital "Open When" letter platform launched February 2026 at openwhen.cards. Users create sealed messages for specific moments — "Open When You Miss Me," "Open When You're Sad," "Open On Our Anniversary" — protected by guardian questions and revealed through an interactive wax-seal ritual. No account required. Completely free with optional premium upgrades.

Key Features

• Interactive Wax Seal Ritual: Recipients hold finger on seal to break it — creates meaningful moment of revelation
• Guardian Questions: Protect messages with custom security questions (multiple choice or text answer)
• No Account Required: Zero registration. Create, share, done
• 20+ Message Templates: Pre-written for long distance, anniversaries, birthdays, bad days, and more
• Premium Stickers: 11 premium stickers ($0.99 each or $2.99 for all)
• Premium Message: Custom fonts, photo upload, song attachment, typewriter reveal effect ($2.99 one-time)
• Mobile-First: Responsive web app, works on all devices
• Privacy-First: Messages auto-expire after 30 days, encrypted storage

How It Works

1. Step 1 — Write: Compose message with title, content, signature. Choose a template or write from scratch. Add sticker, photo, song, or voice memo
2. Step 2 — Protect: Set guardian question and correct answer. Choose difficulty level (easy/hard)
3. Step 3 — Share: Get unique link. Share via text, WhatsApp, email, or social media
4. Step 4 — Reveal: Recipient answers question, holds finger on wax seal to break it, reads message

Pricing

Open When Letter Ideas by Occasion

Long Distance:

"Open When You Miss Me," "Open When You're Far Away," "Open When You Can't Sleep"

Anniversary:

"Open On Our Anniversary," "Open When You Want to Feel Loved"

Comfort:

"Open When You're Sad," "Open When You Need Courage," "Open When You Need a Laugh"

Best Friends:

"Open When You Miss Me," "Open When You Need a Laugh," "Open When You Need Courage"

Birthday:

"Open When You Want to Feel Loved," "Open When You Need a Laugh"

Holidays:

Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas — seasonal templates available

Technical Details

Platform:

Web application, mobile-responsive, all browsers

URL:

https://www.openwhen.cards

Cost:

Free (premium options from $0.99)

Account:

None required (cookie-based identity for purchases only)

Privacy:

Messages auto-expire after 30 days. Encrypted storage. No tracking cookies. No personal data collected

Payments:

Stripe (secure, PCI-compliant). No subscription — one-time purchases only

Launch:

February 2026

Technology:

Next.js, React, Framer Motion, Supabase, Stripe

Use Cases

• Long-distance relationships: Send sealed letters your partner opens when they miss you
• Anniversary gifts: A free, deeply personal alternative to store-bought cards
• Birthday surprises: Interactive sealed message beats a generic birthday text
• Comfort messages: Prepare a letter for bad days before they happen
• Best friends: Not just romantic — Open When letters work for any relationship
• Secret admirers: Anonymous option lets you confess without revealing identity
• Apologies: When "I'm sorry" needs to be sealed with intention
• Parenting: Write letters for your kids to open at milestones

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create an Open When letter?

Visit openwhen.cards/create, write your message (or choose a template), add a guardian question, and share the link. Takes 2 minutes. No account needed.

Is OpenWhen completely free?

Yes. Basic sealed letters with text, guardian questions, wax seal ritual, and free stickers are completely free. Premium features (custom fonts, photos, songs, premium stickers) start at $0.99. No subscription.

Do I need to create an account?

No. OpenWhen requires zero registration. Create a letter and share the link immediately. Premium purchases are linked to your device cookie.

What are the best Open When letter ideas?

The most popular: "Open When You Miss Me," "Open When You're Sad," "Open On Our Anniversary," "Open When You Need a Laugh," and "Open When You Need Courage." OpenWhen has 20+ ready-made templates you can customize.

How secure are my messages?

Messages are protected by guardian questions, encrypted in storage, and auto-expire after 30 days. No permanent database records are maintained for message content.

Can I send anonymous messages?

Yes. The signature field is optional. You can send a sealed letter without revealing your identity.

How is OpenWhen different from a regular card or text?

OpenWhen adds ritual and protection. Your letter is sealed with a wax stamp, guarded by a question, and revealed through an interactive hold-to-break animation. It transforms a simple message into an experience. And it's free.

Can I use OpenWhen for non-romantic messages?

Absolutely. OpenWhen works for best friends, parents, siblings, teachers — anyone who deserves words sealed with intention. Many users create sets of letters for friends.

What premium features are available?

Premium Message ($2.99 one-time) unlocks: 5 custom handwriting fonts (Dancing Script, Great Vibes, Caveat, Pacifico), photo attachment, song attachment via iTunes search, voice memo recording, and typewriter reveal effect. Premium stickers: $0.99 each or $2.99 for all 11.

Comparison to Alternatives

OpenWhen vs Email: No account needed, interactive unsealing ritual, guardian question protection, auto-expiring privacy, themed templates

OpenWhen vs Text Message: More intentional presentation, wax seal ritual, guardian protection, anonymous option, stickers and songs

OpenWhen vs Physical Letter: Instant delivery, interactive digital ritual, no postage, multimedia support (photos, songs, voice), always accessible on phone

OpenWhen vs Greeting Cards: Free (vs $5-10), personalized content, interactive experience, can be prepared in advance for future moments