Tutorial: How to Distribute and Open a Protected (.MPLOCK) File

You’ve successfully protected your media, resulting in a secure .MPLOCK file. This file is now encrypted, but it can only be opened using the Media Padlock Viewer.

This guide details the most streamlined and effective method for sharing your file: creating a self-contained Zip package that includes both your protected media and the viewer required to open it.

Step 1: Access the Sharing Tool #

Once your media has been protected, a “Protection done” message will appear in the log at the bottom of the window. Your .MPLOCK file is ready.

To prepare it for distribution, click the “Share Media” button located in the top toolbar:

Step 2: Create the Zip Package #

A new window titled “Share Protected Media File” will open. This is where you will build your distribution package:

1. Include the Viewer: The most critical option here is “Add the Media Padlock Viewer app”. Ensure this is toggled on.
   • By enabling this, you embed the viewer application directly into the Zip file. Your recipient will have everything they need to open your file without any extra downloads.
   • Furthermore, the Media Padlock Viewer is digitally signed with a code signing certificate. This ensures that it is recognized as safe and will pass the Windows SmartScreen filter without displaying “Unknown Publisher” warnings, providing a trustworthy experience for your users.
2. Choose the Output Location: Click “Browse” to select a folder where you want to save your Zip file and give it a descriptive name.
3. Generate the File: Click “Create Zip File”.

Media Padlock will now package your .MPLOCK file and the viewer into a single, convenient .zip archive.

Step 3: What Your User Receives and How to Open the File #

The Zip file you just created is ready to be sent to your users. It contains everything they need. Inside, they will find two key files:

• Your protected media file (e.g., MyProject.mplock)
• The viewer application (e.g., MyProject.exe)

For your end-users, the process is incredibly simple:

1. Unzip the downloaded .zip file into a folder.
2. Double-click the application file (the one with the .exe extension).

That’s it. The viewer application will launch and automatically open the corresponding .MPLOCK file, as long as both files share the same name and are in the same folder.

Alternative Method: In the rare case that the filenames do not match, the user can simply drag the .MPLOCK file and drop it directly onto the .exe application icon. The viewer will launch and open the file.