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The complete CrackAndReveal guide: all features

Comprehensive CrackAndReveal guide: 14 lock types, 5 content types, multi-lock, competition mode, sharing, and customization.

March 1, 2026

The complete CrackAndReveal guide: all features

CrackAndReveal is the most comprehensive virtual lock platform on the market. Whether you're a teacher, facilitator, marketer, event organizer, or simply curious, this exhaustive guide presents every available feature for creating captivating interactive experiences. From 14 lock types to 5 content types, from multi-lock to competition mode, here's everything you can do with CrackAndReveal.

What is a virtual lock?

A virtual lock is digital content (text, image, video, link) locked behind a code mechanism that the visitor must solve to access it. The concept mimics the physical lock used in escape games but in digital version, accessible from any web browser without installing an app.

The creator chooses the lock type, defines the code, adds the content to protect, and shares the link. The player receives the link, discovers the puzzle, and tries to unlock the lock. Once the correct code is entered, the content is revealed. Simple, effective, and universal.

The 14 lock types

CrackAndReveal offers the market's greatest variety of locking mechanics. Each type creates a different solving experience. Check our detailed guide on lock types for escape games for concrete examples.

Numeric code lock

The classic. The player enters a combination of digits (3 to 8 digits). Ideal for codes related to dates, calculations, or numbers.

Password lock

The player enters a word or phrase. Perfect for riddles, charades, and puzzles whose answer is a word.

Pattern lock

The player traces a pattern on a grid of dots, like unlocking a smartphone. Original and intuitive, it particularly appeals to teenagers.

Directional lock

The player enters a sequence of directions (up, down, left, right). Ideal for physical courses where directions correspond to real movements in space.

Color lock

The player reproduces a color sequence. Accessible from a young age, this lock works with visual clues (object colors, flags, flowers).

GPS lock

The player must be at a specific geographic location to unlock the lock. The smartphone's geolocation is used to verify position. Perfect for geolocated treasure hunts.

Musical lock

The player reproduces a melody by tapping notes. Ideal for musical activities and sound escape games. Discover the possibilities of the musical lock.

Switches and ordered switches

The player turns switches on or off on a grid (from 4×4 to 10×10) to reproduce a configuration, or, in the ordered version, flips them in a precise order.

The player enters a username and a password, like on a real login screen. Perfect for spy, hacker or investigation scenarios.

Map lock and 8-direction lock

The map lock asks the player to click the right spot on an interactive map, without leaving their seat. The 8-direction lock adds the diagonals to the directional lock. This variety means you never have to repeat the same mechanic in a course.

Try it yourself

14 lock types, multimedia content, one-click sharing.

Enter the correct 4-digit code on the keypad.

Hint: the simplest sequence

0/14 locks solved

Try it now →

The 5 content types

The content hidden behind the lock can take five different forms, all available from the free plan.

Text

A simple text message. Ideal for clues, personal messages, instructions, or revelations. Text can be as short as a word or as long as a complete letter.

Image

An image uploaded directly to the platform (JPEG, PNG, GIF or WebP). Photos, illustrations, diagrams, maps: the image appears as soon as the lock opens.

Video

A link to a video (YouTube, Vimeo, or other). The player who unlocks the lock accesses playback directly. Perfect for personalized video messages, tutorials, or announcements.

Link

A URL to any web page. After unlocking, the player gets a button that opens it. Useful for leading to a form, site, download page, or another step.

Audio

An audio file uploaded to the platform (MP3, WAV, OGG or AAC). The player can listen to it right after unlocking: a voice message, a sound clue, a piece of music.

Multi-lock (chains)

The multi-lock functionality is the heart of escape games and puzzle courses on CrackAndReveal. It allows chaining multiple locks in a sequential course.

How it works

You create multiple individual locks, then link them in a defined order. The player receives a single link leading to the first lock. Once unlocked, the next lock appears automatically. A progress bar indicates advancement in the course.

Use cases

Complete escape games (5 to 10 chained locks, or several chains for longer games), treasure hunts with steps, progressive educational courses, advent calendars (24 locks spread over several chains or shared day by day), urban rallies, and tourist discovery courses.

Course customization

Each lock in the course can have a different type (numeric, color, musical, GPS...), creating mechanic diversity within the same course. The player never knows what type of challenge awaits at the next step.

Competition mode

Competition mode (Pro) turns a lock into a race between participants or teams.

The leaderboard

When players crack the lock, they can enter a nickname. Your dashboard then lists the winners in the order they succeeded, with the time and their number of attempts, and you can print the ranking or show it on screen.

Applications

Classroom quizzes with rankings, marketing contests with winners, team buildings with team competition, challenges among friends. Competition mode adds an emulation dimension that multiplies engagement.

Short link

Each lock has a unique short link, easy to share via message, email, or social network. The /o/XXXXXX format is short and memorable.

Custom link (slug)

Every account can create custom links with a readable slug. For example, /myname/christmas-escape instead of /o/a3f8k2. This format is professional and memorable.

QR code

Each lock automatically generates a downloadable QR code. Print it on posters, cards, badges, or packaging to connect the physical world to the virtual lock. Check our guide on interactive QR codes.

Step-by-step creation

Creating a lock on CrackAndReveal takes less than two minutes. Check our creation tutorial for a complete visual guide.

Step 1: choose the lock type

Select from 14 available types. Each type is illustrated with a preview to help you choose.

Step 2: define the code

Enter the code the player must find. Depending on the type, it can be numbers, letters, colors, directions, or other elements.

Step 3: add content

Choose the content type (text, link, image, audio or video) and add it. This is what the player will discover after unlocking.

Give the lock a name (players see it above the lock, so it can carry a short clue), then share the link or QR code. Your lock is ready.

Free plan vs Pro

The free plan offers full access to 14 lock types, 5 content types, multi-lock, and QR code sharing. The Pro plan adds unlimited attempts (the free plan allows 30 in total), competition mode with leaderboard, iframe embedding and no watermark. Check our free vs Pro comparison for complete details.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need an app to play?

No. CrackAndReveal works entirely in the web browser. No installation is necessary, neither for the creator nor for the player. A simple link or QR code is enough to access the lock.

Do locks work on all devices?

Yes. The interface is responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and computers, under iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Any device with a modern web browser can play.

How many locks can you create for free?

As many as you want: the free plan doesn't limit locks or multi-locks. Its limit is on attempts, 30 in total across your account, which is enough for an initial test or a small game. The Event Pass ($9/month) removes this limit for a one-off event, and the Pro plan does so for regular creators.

Are locks accessible indefinitely?

Yes. Once created, a lock remains accessible as long as your account is active. The player can access it anytime, from anywhere in the world.

Can you modify a lock after creation?

Yes. You can modify the code, content, name and settings of a lock anytime from your dashboard. Changes are effective immediately.

Is CrackAndReveal suitable for professional use?

Absolutely. Teachers, marketers, event organizers, tourism offices, and companies use CrackAndReveal daily. The Pro plan offers advanced features necessary for intensive professional use.

Conclusion

CrackAndReveal is much more than a simple virtual lock tool. It's a complete platform for creating engaging, accessible, and varied interactive experiences. With 14 lock types, 5 content types, multi-lock, competition mode, and QR code sharing, the possibilities are almost endless. Whether you create an escape game for your class, an event animation, a marketing game, or a surprise for a loved one, CrackAndReveal gives you all the necessary tools. Create your first lock and discover for yourself why thousands of creators trust CrackAndReveal.