Bitcoin Forum

You can now print your own bitcoin bills similar to PrintCoins.com bills:

http://printcoins.com/images/gallery/spread.jpg

Simply go to http://print.printcoins.com (http://print.printcoins.com)

The bills come out in PDF form so that they can be printed and will match up in size to USA dollars, and have cut marks on them for easy cutting.

The source code is also available so you can run the code yourself, and of course if you want to improve the bills in any way, feel free to submit changes to the github repository.

Ordering asap. These will be a nice addition to my coins, I bought a year ago.

Thanks, I will also be incorporating the designs from this thread:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=92969.msg1039697

Would someone be so kind as to creating a Windows executable for download?

Well, it is web based, so it will work using your browser.

OK I misunderstood. I thought you could print your own bills offline, but it won't work unless it is online.

If you are web tech savy you could set up a web server on your computer and run it locally.

Why is it going online? Is it to just get libraries or are we sending our private keys to you?

This is a nice idea, but I honestly cannot see the sense in taking a secure digital currency and copying it to a physical and unsecure medium?


BB.

You expect people to trust this, if they have to upload their private keys to you?

Rob, that is probably the only way people should use it.

Also, there are probably PHP scripts out there to generate addresses.
That way people would not have to be directed to bitaddress.org which might cause people to believe it is an all offline process.

Scam. This sends the keys back to a SERVER.

NO THANK YOU

Where in the source code (https://github.com/RobKohr/print.printcoins.com) is the code that does that?

Okay, This is pretty damn neat. I believe this will stop the whole "Pay me for paper money" bullshit I've seen flying around as of late. HOWEVER. I'd rather be able to take this offline and print my bitcoin check that way.. I don't think he's going to blatantly scam you if he's got the source code up. I've downloaded it and will be taking a peek here tonight. I'm sure someone will beat me to it.

Not all users however are going to know how to setup a private web server. So may I suggest that a later build be geared for offline use?

I don't know. Can you show me where or where it does not? If it is a scam please confirm, if not please prove me wrong. I am not trying to discredit anyone.

The one who came here claiming it was a scam was you. I didn't even contradicted you, just asked where was the code that sends the private keys to a server. The proof burden is on you.
Are you from this world, dude?

So no investigation by you at all and instead of posting your concerns in a reasonable way, you run around yelling scammer.

Damn trolls.

Well then... let me try and redeem myself!

Well from the information being sent back to a PHP server in itself UNENCRYPTED IN ANY WAY gives me cause to call this a SCAM or a SECURITY RISK.

https://github.com/RobKohr/print.printcoins.com/blob/master/index.php (https://github.com/RobKohr/print.printcoins.com/blob/master/index.php)

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK FOLKS!

As I understand it, you can download the source code, run it locally on a webserver thats disconnected from the internet to generate your PDF bills. Thats not a scam, thats a great idea.

If you are too lazy to set up your own webserver, and you dont trust the OPs hosted solution, then dont use it. Its fine to point out potential security risks, its not fine to call this a scam IMO.

Or port it to JAVASCRIPT

You realize that you can run both scripts locally, don't you?
bitaddress.org just needs to be saved as HTML to run locally and print.printcoins.com can be run on a localhost apache server because you have the source code available and you are free to use it.

You can say it's a security risk but you can't call it a scam. And the OP clearly says you can run the code yourself and don't have to trust him, so, I still can't understand what's your beef...
You can always do something better yourself and give it to the community. Aren't you a programmer?

I am a programmer but not EVERYONE is a programmer. You need to develop tools like this for the MASSES. The ones that have NO CLUE how to set up an Apache server.

So, being a programmer you can develop one of those tools for the masses. Why not?
It's easier to just say what others do isn't good enough instead of improving it?

+1

EDIT: I hate unsecure quick 'n dirty solutions too!! To much of them in Bitcoinica...

I thought Mike was going to be doing a plugin for bitaddress.org but instead he did a desktop solution. Do you know if he still plans on doing a bitaddress.org solution?

I'm trying to convert one of the svg layers which is a png into a pure vector so he can change the color programatically. I think the idea is to provide a pure js version using a SVG file of my design.

But it's not being easy to get that specific layer on vector format.

I am completely fine with a NON ARTSY solution.

I haven't found any good free js PDF libraries.

So far, I have loading the SVG into an iframe and updating the address/key in JS.
I will load the SVG externally because 4MB of data per artwork is too much to embed or download on initial load. Also, this makes it easier to incorporate other designs.
I will put some thought into signing the final SVG because it can include JS.

Next step for me is getting a QR code into SVG format... or use CSS positioning.

Wow, didn't think this would go down the scammer territory path. For those who wish to view the source code, but want to get right to the meat of where the action is:

https://github.com/RobKohr/print.printcoins.com/blob/master/index.php

This is where I wrote all of the code, everything else is just library stuff. Nothing writes to a file. Nothing writes to a db. It takes in input, and spits back a pdf. Yep, it is http, rather than https. If anyone wants to buy me a cert for this one off project, I'll take it :) Otherwise you will have to consider a possible man in the middle attack.

The reason this is server side rather than js is that I have not found one decent pdf creation library written in javascript (just a couple half hearted attempts that were useless). pdf's are the simplest way to create something that will print to exact dimensions on the web.

If you have no faith in me, then download it and run it yourself, that is what the code is for. The website is just up there so you can be lazy if you trust me. I would be more worried if someone created an executable to do this on your home machine, as that would be able to get to your actual wallet. Or just don't use it at all. 

As far as the actual usefulness of bitcoin bills, well that is a good question. It could be handy for off the grid transactions where both parties trust each other. I find that most people use them as gifts or as a way to sell bitcoins to others as an investment, but where the other person just doesn't want to bother with setting up the tech to handle bitcoins. For real commerce in physical form off the grid with untrusted parties, significant steps would need to be taken to prevent counterfeiting as well as private key extraction. Right now, I think only Casascius has a product that I would accept as money from a stranger on the street. It would be difficult and expensive to forge that product. When bitcoin is common enough to easily find merchants in meatspace to do transactions with, I think there will be plenty of physical forms out there. Cash is a much more natural for exchange than two people tapping on their cell phones and then waiting for the transaction to be verified. It is also much more satisfying to be paid in cash, and more untraceable (for both bitcoins and fiat).

if it only needs to be run on a bare server with php, then a lot of the editors include a preview mode that should work, get a php editor that has a preview (i use 'php expert editor' first and only one i've tried) install php(might have to set the path to php in the editor options), open script, audit script, run script, done

I just added Psy's design. Take a look at it here:

http://tinyurl.com/bitbill

Note: By the way, do not use this set of bills generated by this url. They are using private keys that will be available to all. Go to http://print.printcoins.com to generate your own.

Just tried this on your site, unfortunately I got this error:

Thanks rate5, all fixed.

I tried print.printcoins.com and it worked for each of the designs until I tried turing. Then it only displayed a half-finished loading icon. Now no matter what I do, that's all I get.

I just had an awesome laugh at the troll moronic newbies yelling and screaming that data is being stored on the server.

Why is it open source?

You call us the fools yet you could easily run a local webserver, closed from internet acccess and still - no data will be recorded.

Amazing to see the amount of intelligence patiently combating the idiots. Well done :)

Btw, Im going to put this into use here in NZ. Many people will be interested, especially seeing it on paper...

I like this service! How about a really minimalistic design too? Like the one bitaddress.org has. Could be useful if you want to take a paper backup of thousands of addresses.

@robkohr - hey just a quick note to say I think this is a pretty darn great start, and it's very kind of you to make this an open source and apparently noncommercial project. I also appreciate that your webpage has end-to-end instructions, including where to buy security holograms which is a nice touch.

For those crying spam/fraud/etc. the only fault of robkohr is that he didn't specify up front that this code has the potential for air-tight security by being run on local servers, and/or converted to javascript and run over SSL, etc. On the other hand, anyone crying 'scam!' should be smart enough to know that the current online version is a proof of concept, a starting point us to try out some small conversions -- clearly not a clearinghouse where anyone should dump hordes of coin. I believe robkohr's intentions are pure, but it would be silly to trust large amounts of coin with an unencrypted website on a webhost which may or may not be compromised by hackers. (Dollars to donuts, I'll bet hackers are trying to compromise printcoins.com right now since it's probably easy pickings.)

Here's what I love about printcoins:

* converts bitcoins to a tangible exchange, which makes it possible to engage ordinary citizens in bitcoins not just übernerds. For example, some workers are in my backyard right now are building me a chicken coop. They don't know squat about bitcoin. But I could probably pay them in bitcoin if I had a nice looking bill in my hand and explained to the foreman, "hey, if you're a gambling man, I'll pay you 25% in this very weird currency which has increased in value a few hundred percent in just a few months. Just hold onto this bill and don't lose it, and here's how you use your cell phone to see what it's worth from time to time."

* (once run on a local server) doesn't require trusting anyone with your wallets/addresses. I've loved the idea of buying Casascius coins, but I just can't get over my paranoia stemming from the fact that criminals have a huge motivation to insert themselves into the minting process. I don't just mean hackers, I mean people physically breaking into the minting premises and causing mischief.

What printcoins represents is a huge step towards easy distributed "minting" which is really the key to using bitcoin without putting your bitcoins online where hackers are trying -- and succeeding -- to steal them.

Thank you for your praise caton, it is greatly appreciated. If anyone would like to support paying for a vps and a cert, I can make this more locked down for everyone. Of course, you still have to trust me. The best remidy to that is to run this yourself.

+1 for post #40 from canton for this good summary.

...and +1000 for robkohr's proof-of-concept printcoin web page and for providing the source code.

Of course having an EASY Java Script solution like bitaddress.org would be the nicest solution for the people who cannot easily set up a local web server but still want a save solution to print their own printcoins. --> Maybe I have an idea here...
--> ...concerning bitaddress.org (which is fully javascript based), I am able to generate proper PDFs extremely easily! I just use the "Print" button and print to my PDF-printer!!! (this is extremely easy under Linux (=my case), but free PDF printer drivers also exist for Windows and can be downloaded and installed at a click of a button).

So, robkohr (or any other programmer here), could you imagine considering offering a JS-based printcoin.com implementation?

I would use the JS-based bicoinaddress.org straight away, but it lacks two features for me (both of which printcoins.com offers):
- entering my OWN private keys (instead of having new random ones generated for the printed bills)
- the secret key QR code size is too large (unlike printcoin bills) to be covered by a 2.5 cm (1 inch) hologram.

Update: I have just requested here (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=43496.msg1372977#msg1372977) enhancement of the javascript code on bitaddress.org - maybe this is the more reasonable approach, since the codebase in javascript (a single html file) is already available.

Business idea for you: With a desktop version or even a JS version you could rather sell cool bitcoin hologram stickers and paper with some suitable background artwork. The notes should also have space possible to customize besides the codes and amounts, for use as gifts.

With that and one extra QR code to be used to identify the issuer (by PGP signature of email address?), you will have set up anyone to start issuing their own bitcoin banknotes!

Is it something like a legal tender?  ;D

http://s13.sinaimg.cn/mw690/625918c2tcfe83885464c&690

@robkhor
You can get a free certificate that is acceptable by almost all browsers at StartSSL.com. These are well known and used by many sites successfully. I've used them in the past without issues.

So it gives the private key. Is there a web service for uploading the private key to use the BTC?

I am thinking about giving out some of these for Christmas.

multiple ways:
http://printcoins.com/redeem

I really think these can be a good idea and useful if they were produced by a reputable company at specific denominations.  After dealing with hurricane Sandy and not having power for a week, digital currency doesn't help if you can't get to it.  If a large company like MT Gox distributed them then I could see them taking off as far as trading goes, because you know what your getting. . . then again the other problem is making sure that the digital money wasn't used already which presents another problem . . . ugh.

That's what tamper-proof hologram stickers placed over the private key QR is intended to solve, similarly to the ones used on Cass coins covering the key. It seems to me you would have to use sufficiently thick paper as well.

When I locally install the source on a webserver

Well, I cant figure out why the denomination options arent showing up. Seems its pulling them from the php script. I dont know php well enough =( .. help?

Everything else works tho..

Was able to fix a syntax error in form.html .. the values now properly show up =)

i personally dont know anyone who would accept one of these. how does this benefit the bitcoin user ?

one can use it as an offline wallet to stash their own coins if paranoid. It's only useful if you trust the person that printed them (who knows the private key since they printed it on the certificate to begin with).  They could be interesting gifts.

UPDATE: I think there is good news for the subject of this thread's title "print your own bitcoin bills", especially, if I add both "SECURELY" and "EASILY" at the same time. And in good quality of course.

Since today, a new solution exists:
* 100% offline
* Open Source < 500 kB (html/javascript)
* High Resolution images (printing in full 600 dpi), at least 10 different designs (=colors)
* No IT expert knowledge required:
  - No need to set up a web server
  - No need to work on the command line
* Works on Linux and Windows
* Only requires FIREFOX (may have problems with other browser, so consider Firefox not a browser but a bitcoin bill printing software)
* Configurable for certain individual aspects!

Now everybody can easily print High Quality bitcoin paper notes 100% securely.

So I think this fits perfectly to the subject of this thread, therefore I wanted to let you know about the news in this posting:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=43496.msg1383041#msg1383041

Thanks for all the contributors to this topic.

I'm still somewhat new to bitcoin, maybe that's why I see these as having very limited usefulness. On the one hand the geek in me wants to run out and get some holograms and roll my own, but otoh I see some drawbacks and I'd like others' feedback:

1. For tx where the sender is online, this adds needless complexity.

2. For offline transactions, the receiver has to trust that the buyer does not have a copy of the pk AND the bill does really have the stated btc on it. If that level of trust exists, the receiver might as well wait until the buyer gets online, no?

3. How would change work? meaning, I have a 10btc bill, and I'm buying something worth 1.37....? fall back to $/eur?

4. Use it for offline storage? The standard-no-art bitaddress.org paper wallet is just as good, and more low-key. I guess the hologram version has the advantage that it's not possible to get your pk qr accidentally scanned by a cctv camera, but that's about it. If someone else gets access to it, the tampered-with hologram is just there to tell you "don't bother checking, your bitcoins are gone".

Really, I only see this as a novelty item/gift card. That's ok, btw.

thoughts?

1. Yes, notes are for local use. But when you haven´t got a local alpaca sock vendor there is the option to redeem your bitcoin notes and send them by an online tx.

2. No, the receiver only has to trust the _issuer_ of a properly designed, tamper-proof note.

3. A variety of large and small denominations, just like other forms of cash.

4. Yes, storage of a plain paper wallet is just like stashing cash.


 

(printcoins operator here)

I have found that they have made great propaganda tools, and are great at getting people into bitcoins without having to set them up with the tech. I have bought silver, local eggs, and paid for people's services with them. Some go on to create digital wallets, and take part in the network, some use them again to buy stuff off of others, and some just sit on them hoping they will be worth a lot one day.

They are really great with bring people into bitcoin, but I think that between set up bitcoin users, mobile phone applications make better ways of transferring coins.

I agree that any experienced bitcoin user, both seller and buyer, will prefer mobile phone applications to bitcoin notes.

But my argument is to do the "granny" test on starting a small shop accepting bitcoin. Let´s say your granny is starting to sell alpaca socks in her shop, and all customers will be holders of both the kind of bitcoin notes I described - tamper-proof and with an easy way of identifying the issuer - and all will also have their mobile phone wallet applications.

Which method of payment would you recommend Granny to prefer?

The mobile application wallet route is the more technical one: She will at a minimum have to remember her password and back up her wallet. I don´t know the stats, but there is at least a large minority - if not majority - who will not give a single though to data security of their smartphones; many can´t even be bothered to do free security upgrades of their phone OS.

And then you have the notes, which builds nicely on her non-technical experience: If the issuer of the bitcoin note is someone from the local community she is on the top of her game in either accepting or rejecting the note. She will need no instruction in how to store the notes in her mechanical safe, and so on. The only technical part would be checking if the note is funded by scanning the QR code of the address, with no risk of divulging any private  keys to cell phone hackers. Or if we want to keep it completely offline as a principle: just an app to assist her in confirming the identity of the issuer (this could be done by a PGP email signature of the bitcoin address).

i think the latter approach will be a safer and softer way of introducing use of bitcoin to most people.

BTW: My compliments on your printcoins, they look both cool and serious.

I've slept some more on this, and I think at least in the part of the adoption cycle we're in now, these are fantastic as gift cards, to get people to at least look up bitcoin. Great stuff.

Correct on all accounts. Here is a slightly more useful, but more complex version (http://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=74978.msg831067#msg831067).

Hi, we are doing physical coins and we would like to modify printcoins project to add our own design that you can see here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=292223.msg3127709#msg3127709

Would be it possible and how we can do it ?

What's the appeal?

If anyone tries to spend a paper bitcoin bill, the first the acceptee would need to do is verify that there are in fact coins associated with the bill, followed by moving the coins represented by the bill to a new bitcoin address in case the bearer kept a copy of the private key themselves. Even if you knew for 100% certain that they didn't keep the key, you'd also need assurance that the bearer didn't print two bills rather than one, or even that a Piece of malware wasn't on their computer that surreptitiously transmitted the pdf or just the private key in the print file to someone else.

When I saw this topic and started reading, I thought it was so old that these concerns would have shelved the idea; can you explain how your project would attempt to address that, or if even Addressing those concerns is even possible?

How do I USE the bill? What android app I need to scan and transfer the amount to my own wallet address?

Bitcoin (orange circle, white BTC)
Blockchain (OC with a tag on top)

Very nice, mate

Thank you

side is down/dead!

Yeah, it links to some sort of a wrong Chinese website. This should be turned down.. Or at least, to preserve history, a warning can do.

Last post was made in 2013, the thread was created in 2012. It is one of the project that came into existence during the early years of bitcoin. Almost a six year gap, and in the mean time the team might have dropped the project, thats the reason why site is down.

I think this is great. If we print our own bitcoin bills this is our advantage. Because we can now review on what transactions that we have and how to manage our bitcoin transaction and because of that we will learn how to budget or to use our bitcoin in a right because we can monitor well our expenses or transactions.

My god talking about waking up the dead in their graves.