Tutorial7 min read

Tutorial: Create Your First Lock in 2 Minutes

Step-by-step guide to create your first virtual lock on CrackAndReveal in less than 2 minutes. From registration to sharing, everything is explained.

October 17, 2025

Tutorial: Create Your First Lock in 2 Minutes

You've heard about virtual locks and want to try? Good news: creating your first lock literally takes less than two minutes. No technical skills needed, no credit card needed, and no complex configuration. This tutorial accompanies you step by step, from registration to sharing your first lock. Follow the guide.

Before starting

To create a virtual lock on CrackAndReveal, you need three things: a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), an email address to create your account, and an idea of what you want to hide behind your lock. This can be a text message, a link to a site, an image, a sound or a video.

The free plan allows you to create up to 5 locks simultaneously, which is largely sufficient to test the concept and create a first complete activity. If you need more, the Pro plan at 29 euros per year offers unlimited locks as well as advanced features like competition mode.

Concretely, the creation process follows four steps: give your lock a name, choose the locking type, define the secret code, then add content to reveal. Each step is guided by the interface and takes a few seconds. Let's go.

Step 1: Create your account

Go to the registration page. You can register with your email address (a confirmation email will be sent) or in one click via your Google account.

Once connected, you arrive at the dashboard. This is your personal space where you'll find all your locks. For now, it's empty. Click the "New lock" button to launch the creation wizard.

The creation wizard presents itself as a four-step wizard. A progress bar at top of screen indicates where you are. You can return to a previous step anytime if you change your mind.

Step 2: Name and choose type

The wizard's first page asks you to give a name to your lock. This name is visible only by you in your dashboard. It serves to organize your creations. Choose something descriptive: "Lea's Birthday", "CE2 Escape Game", "March Team Building Challenge".

The second page presents the 14 available lock types. Each offers a different interaction mechanic. For your first try, we recommend the numeric lock: it's the most intuitive and fastest to configure. Click on it to select it. If you're curious to discover all types, our article on 14 lock types for escape game describes them in detail.

Here's a quick overview of most popular types for beginners:

Numeric: a classic number code (4 to 8 digits)
Password: a word or phrase to guess
Directional: a sequence of directions (up, down, left, right)
Color: a sequence of colors to reproduce
Pattern: a pattern to draw on a 3x3 grid

For this tutorial, let's stay on the numeric lock.

Step 3: Define the secret code

The wizard's third page is where you define the code participants must find. For a numeric lock, you see a numeric keypad and circles representing code digits.

Type your secret combination. For example, 2048. Circles fill progressively. You can adjust code length by modifying the number of expected digits.

Some tips for choosing a good code:

Avoid too obvious codes (1234, 0000, current year)
Choose a code linked to your puzzle or story
Note the code somewhere: you can't retrieve it if you forget (though it's visible in your lock's edit page)

To go further in designing interesting codes, check our guide to create an original secret code.

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 →

Step 4: Add hidden content

The fourth and final page is the most creative. Here you define what the participant will discover when opening the lock. You have choice between five content types:

Text: a formatted message with the integrated rich editor. You can bold, italicize, add lists and links. Ideal for a personalized message, a clue for next step, or instructions.

Link: a URL to any web page. The participant will be automatically redirected to this page after opening the lock. Perfect for revealing a YouTube video, shared document, or special page.

Image: upload a photo or illustration. The participant will see it full screen after unlocking. Practical for revealing a map, visual message, or next step of a treasure hunt.

Sound: upload an audio file. The participant can listen to it directly in browser. Useful for a voice message, sound clue, or musical ambiance.

Video: upload a short video. The participant will watch it in the integrated player. Ideal for a personalized video message or spectacular revelation.

For this tutorial, let's choose "Text" and write a simple message, for example: "Congratulations! You found the secret code. See you Saturday at 3pm at the park."

Click "Create lock" to finalize.

Share your lock

Your lock is created. The confirmation screen displays two essential elements:

The short link: a URL like crackandreveal.com/o/abc123 that you can copy and send by message, email or social network. Click the "Copy" button to put it in your clipboard.

The QR code: a QR code participants can scan with their phone. Particularly useful if you print physical supports (posters, cards, invitations) or if you organize an in-person activity.

You can also find this information anytime from your dashboard by clicking your lock's "Share" button.

Test your lock

Before sharing your lock, test it yourself. Open the link in a private browsing tab (to simulate an external visitor). You should see the numeric lock with instructions. Enter the code you defined and verify content displays correctly.

If something doesn't suit, return to your dashboard and click "Edit" to adjust name, code or content.

Go further

Now that you master simple lock creation, here are some leads to enrich your creations.

Try other lock types: the directional lock and color lock are also simple to create and offer very different interactions.

Create a multi-lock path: instead of an isolated lock, chain several locks in a sequential path. Each lock's content gives the clue for next. It's the basis of a complete escape game.

Activate competition mode: if you have a Pro plan, competition mode allows participants to register with their name and appear in a ranking. Resolution time determines rank. Ideal for group challenges.

Customize your link: in your lock's settings, you can define a custom slug to create a memorable URL. For example, crackandreveal.com/yourname/birthday-challenge.

Frequently asked questions

I didn't receive the confirmation email, what to do?

Check your spam or junk mail folder. If the email isn't there, try reconnecting: a new confirmation email will be sent. Registration via Google doesn't require email confirmation.

Can I modify my lock after creating it?

Yes. From your dashboard, click the lock then "Edit". You can change name, code and content. The sharing link stays the same, so people you sent it to will automatically see the updated version.

Do participants need to create an account to open a lock?

No. Opening a lock requires no registration. The participant clicks the link, sees the lock and tries to open it. Only the creator needs an account to create and manage their locks.

Conclusion

Creating a virtual lock is a quick and accessible process for everyone. In four simple steps, you go from an idea to a shareable link hiding content behind an interactive puzzle. Whether for a birthday message, classroom activity or challenge among friends, the tutorial is the same and the result is immediate. Launch now on CrackAndReveal and create your first lock in less than two minutes.