Troubleshooting

Solutions for common issues

If the ATF rejects your EFT, contact support to give the conversion another try: support@openeft.org

⚠️ The conversion failed or shows an error

If your conversion fails, here are the most common causes and solutions:

Most common issues:

  • Image quality too low - Fingerprints are not clear enough. Try using better lighting or a higher resolution image.
  • File too large - Your image file exceeds size limits. See the FAQ for instructions on reducing file size.
  • Incomplete fingerprints - Not all required fingerprint areas are visible in the image.
  • Image rotated or angled - The card must be straight in the image. Retake the photo with the card flat and parallel to the camera.

What to try:

  • Take a new photo with better lighting (natural daylight is best)
  • Ensure the entire card is visible and not cropped
  • Make sure the card is straight and parallel to the camera
  • Check that all fingerprints are dark and clear (not faded or light)
  • Try a different file format (JPG instead of PNG, or vice versa)

📸 My image quality is poor or fingerprints look blurry

Clear, high-contrast fingerprints are essential for successful conversion. Here's how to improve your image:

Best practices for taking photos:

  • Lighting - Use natural daylight or bright white light (not yellow/warm light)
  • Contrast - Place the white card on a dark surface (dark table, black cloth, etc.)
  • Angle - Hold the camera directly above the card, keeping it parallel
  • Distance - Take the photo close enough to see details, but far enough to capture the entire card
  • Stability - Use both hands or rest your phone on a stable surface to avoid blur
  • Focus - Tap on the fingerprints to ensure the camera focuses on them

After taking the photo:

  • Avoid heavy cropping - leave ~1.2 inches of space around the card
  • Don't use filters or editing apps that alter the image
  • Ensure the file size isn't too large (see FAQ for size reduction tips)

I missed my 7-day download window

All converted EFT files are automatically deleted after 7 days for privacy and security.

If your download window has passed:

  • You will need to start a new conversion
  • Use the same email address you used for the original purchase
  • Your payment is only valid for one conversion - you'll need to purchase again

To avoid this in the future:

  • Download your files as soon as they're ready
  • Set a reminder for the download email you receive
  • Save the file to multiple locations once downloaded

📧 I'm not receiving emails (access link, download link, etc.)

If you're not receiving emails from OpenEFT, try these solutions:

First, check your spam folder:

  • Look in Spam, Junk, or Promotions folder
  • Add noreply@resend.dev to your contacts to whitelist emails
  • Move the email to your inbox and mark as "Not Spam"

If still not receiving:

  • Double-check the email address you entered - typos are common
  • Try requesting a new link with the exact email from your purchase
  • Check if your email provider blocks messages from our service
  • Try from a different email address to test if the issue is specific to your email provider
  • Wait a few minutes - emails usually arrive within seconds but can take up to 5 minutes

Email providers with known delays:

  • Gmail - check all tabs (Primary, Promotions, Updates, Social, etc.)
  • Outlook - check Spam and Clutter folders
  • Yahoo - may delay emails from new senders

🔐 Access link shows "Invalid" or "Expired"

Your access link may be invalid for several reasons:

Why your link might be invalid:

  • Already used - Access links can only be used once for security
  • Expired - Links expire after 24 hours
  • Wrong email - You may have used a different email than your purchase
  • Link corrupted - Email clients may break long URLs across lines

Solution:

  • Visit the Request Access Page
  • Enter the exact email address you used to purchase the conversion
  • A new 24-hour access link will be sent immediately
  • Use the new link right away (don't wait to use it)

💳 Payment failed or I received an error during checkout

Payment issues are handled by Paddle, our payment processor. Here's what to do:

If your payment failed:

  • Retry the payment - Go back and try paying again
  • Try a different card - Your current card may be declined
  • Check your bank - Your bank may have blocked the transaction
  • Contact your card issuer - Ask if they're blocking international or online payments

Common payment errors:

  • "Card Declined" - Try a different payment method or contact your bank
  • "Invalid Card" - Check card number, expiry date, and CVV are correct
  • "Timeout" - Refresh the page and try again (check if payment actually processed first)
  • "Address Mismatch" - Billing address must match your card's address exactly

If payment processed but you didn't get access:

  • Check your email (including spam folder) for a payment confirmation
  • Use the email from your payment to request access
  • Contact Paddle support at paddle.net with your transaction ID

🖼️ The bounding box won't adjust or is stuck

If you're having trouble with the bounding box tool during conversion:

Try these steps:

  • Refresh the page - Press F5 or Ctrl+R (Cmd+R on Mac)
  • Clear browser cache - Your browser may have old versions of the tool
  • Try a different browser - Try Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
  • Use a newer image - Take a fresh photo of your FD-258 card
  • Check your internet - Ensure you have a stable connection

If the problem persists:

  • Try uploading again from the beginning
  • Use a different image format (try JPG if using PNG, or vice versa)
  • Reduce the image size (see FAQ for size reduction tips)

📱 The tool doesn't work on my mobile device

While OpenEFT works on most modern devices, some mobile browsers may have limitations:

If you're having issues on mobile:

  • Use a desktop or laptop - This is the recommended way to use OpenEFT
  • Try a different browser - Chrome, Firefox, and Safari mobile usually work best
  • Ensure full screen - Rotate your device to landscape mode for better experience
  • Clear mobile browser cache - Settings → Storage → Clear Cache/Cookies

For best results:

  • Take the photo on mobile, then complete conversion on a desktop computer
  • Email yourself the photo and download it on your computer
  • Use a tablet instead of a phone (larger screen helps)

The EFT file I created doesn't work with the agency I'm submitting to

If your EFT file is rejected by an agency, here are the most common reasons:

Most common rejection reasons:

  • Poor fingerprint quality - Fingerprints are faint or unclear
  • Missing fingerprints - Not all required fingerprint areas are present
  • File size too large - File exceeds agency limits (usually 12MB)
  • Wrong file format - Agency may require specific EFT version
  • Incorrect DPI - Some agencies require specific resolution (typically 500 DPI)

What to try:

  • Retake the photo with clearer, darker fingerprints
  • Verify the file size doesn't exceed 12MB limit
  • Resubmit with a new conversion
  • Verify you included all required fingerprint sections (slaps, thumbs, rolls)

Verify with NIST Viewer:

  • Download the free NIST Viewer
  • Open your EFT file to visually inspect all fingerprints
  • Check that all images are clear and properly included

🆘 I'm still having issues not covered here

If your problem isn't covered here, here are your options:

Additional resources:

  • Check the FAQ for more common questions
  • Review the FD-258 Guide for card preparation tips
  • For payment issues, visit paddle.net

Before contacting support:

  • Try clearing your browser cache and cookies
  • Try a different browser or incognito/private mode
  • Try on a different device (computer, phone, tablet)
  • Check your internet connection is stable
  • Try again after waiting a few minutes

These steps resolve the majority of issues! If you've tried everything above and still need help, you can request a new access link and describe the issue in detail when contacting support through the Request Access Page.