Can a Locksmith Make a Key from a Picture?

The process of making a key from a photo is simple and easy.

All you have to do is take a picture of your key with your phone and give it to the locksmith.

A highly skilled locksmith can easily manufacture your key using photocopying techniques. Researchers have developed software that allows anyone to duplicate keys from a single photograph of a key. For those who need a replacement key quickly, KeyMe offers an easy-to-use service.

All you have to do is take a picture of the key, taking it out of the key ring, both on the top and on the bottom. Preferably on a white sheet of paper. You can then save this image for later. If you need multiple copies of the same key in the long term, you can make an order by mail with KeyMe.

Alternatively, if you have access to a KeyMe kiosk nearby, you can go to the store to have a replacement one made for you when you need it. The software analyzes a photograph of a key and calculates the dimensions of the slots in the key, known as a bite. This makes it easier than hacking a remote server or downloading the key to someone's house somewhere in the country and taking a road trip to invade their home. However, some stores don't even copy the keys if they're a little worn out because the failure rate is too high.

At the Defcon hacker conference, held in August, researchers explained how they could duplicate the keys of high-security locks by making a photocopy of the key and then transferring it to a plastic sheet and cutting out the shape. Nowadays you don't need a locksmith or tools to open locks to get through a locked door without a key; you can do it with software, a photograph of the key and a key cutting machine. But only a few people are prepared to face this situation with a plan of what to do to quickly get a new key. Sure Lock & Key has prepared some useful tips to help you enjoy your old locks for as long as possible.