Folder Steward Privacy Policy

Folder Steward is local-first. The developer and publisher of Folder Steward (referred to as “we”) does not collect, receive, sell, rent, or share your documents, document contents, or app-usage information.

Overview

In this policy, “collect” means transmitting data off your device so that we or a third party can access it beyond what is necessary to provide a requested service.

Information processed on your Mac

When you select a repository or add a file, the app may process filenames, folder paths, file metadata, document text, optical character recognition results, dates, invoice details, suggested filenames, filing choices, and backup information. This processing provides preview, search, duplicate detection, filing suggestions, organization suggestions, move history, backup, and recovery features. Processing occurs locally on your Mac.

Local information stored by the app

The app stores a local search index, extracted text, learned filing and naming patterns, security-scoped folder bookmarks, the last 20 move operations, backup history, appearance preferences, and whether the introduction tutorial was completed inside its macOS sandbox container. This information is used only to provide the app’s features. It is not available to us.

File and folder access

Folder Steward requests read and write access only to files and folders that you select in a macOS open or save panel or drop into the app. A security-scoped bookmark may retain access to the selected repository between launches. The app does not request unrestricted access to your Mac.

Data transmission, tracking, and third parties

The app has no developer-operated user accounts, advertising, analytics, telemetry, tracking, or cloud AI. Network access supports Apple’s StoreKit purchase services. Documents, extracted text, and learned filing information are not sent to Apple for purchases or sent to us. The app uses Apple frameworks and the system archive library.

Backups and external storage

You choose where backups are saved. An encrypted backup is protected locally with the password you enter; the password is not stored by Folder Steward. If you choose an iCloud Drive folder, another cloud-synchronized folder, network drive, or external service as a repository, export, or backup location, that provider may process the files under its own terms and privacy policy. We do not control those services.

A standard ZIP backup is not encrypted. A new encrypted backup uses the .aea format to protect documents and catalog data. Backups can contain hidden files, recovery copies, extracted text, and other saved repository information; protect them accordingly. Verification compares available saved checksums locally and does not upload documents for checking. A backup does not password-protect the live repository or copies exported elsewhere.

Retention and deletion

Repository documents and backups remain in the locations you choose until you move or remove them. Confirmed duplicate removals use a hidden recovery folder in the repository and still occupy disk space. The optional delete-then-load restore mode moves reviewed current files to Finder’s Trash while retaining protected items; using a backup version during a merge moves the conflicting current file to Trash. These actions are different from deleting local app data. Changes in cloud-synchronized folders may propagate to other devices. Local indexes, extracted text, learned suggestions, saved permissions, move history, backup history, and preferences remain in the app’s sandbox until replaced or deleted.

You can remove all information stored inside the app at any time in Folder Steward Settings > Privacy by selecting Delete All Folder Steward Data. A warning explains that this deletion cannot be undone before you confirm it. This action does not delete repository documents, exported files, or backup folders.

Your choices

You may decline to select a repository, stop using the app, choose a different repository, revoke file access by deleting local app data, or delete individual files directly in Finder. Because the app has no account or server database and we do not receive your information, we ordinarily have no remotely held personal data to access, correct, export, or delete for you.

Security

Folder Steward uses the macOS App Sandbox and user-selected file permissions. Live repository files rely on your Mac’s account security and disk protection, such as FileVault. Optional backup encryption protects only the backup copy. No method of storage can guarantee absolute security, so you should maintain verified backups and protect your Mac and passwords.

Children’s privacy

Folder Steward is a general productivity application and is not directed to children. The app does not knowingly collect personal information from children or anyone else.

Apple services

Apple processes payments and Apple Account information for the optional one-time unlimited-filing purchase under Apple’s privacy policy. Folder Steward uses Apple-verified purchase status on your Mac to unlock features and restore purchases. It does not receive your payment-card details or send documents with purchase requests. Deleting local app data does not cancel an Apple purchase. Apple may also process downloads, diagnostics you choose to share, and iCloud content.

Free allowance and purchase status

The app counts visible files in the selected repository and its subfolders locally for the 100-file allowance. This is a current count, not lifetime upload history, and is not sent to us. A verified one-time purchase removes the limit. Pending, failed, refunded, or revoked purchases do not grant unlimited access. Existing documents remain accessible for viewing, search, organization, export, backups, and undo. Restore Purchases may request Apple authentication; never send us your Apple Account password.

Support communications and this website

If you email support, we receive your email address and whatever information you choose to include, and use it to answer your request. Avoid sending sensitive documents, account numbers, passwords, or medical details. Our email provider processes support messages, which are retained as needed to resolve requests and meet applicable obligations; contact us to request deletion.

Website hosting and delivery providers may process technical request data, such as IP addresses and browser information, to serve and secure the website. These communications are separate from the app’s local document analysis.

Changes to this policy

If the app’s data practices change, this policy and the App Store privacy information will be updated before the changed practice is released. The effective date at the top identifies the current policy version.

Contact

For privacy questions, email My First Home Inc. at support@1sthomeapp.com or visit the Folder Steward Support page.