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 user accounts, advertising, analytics, telemetry, tracking, cloud AI, or network entitlement. It does not transmit app data to us or share it with third parties. The app uses Apple frameworks included with macOS and does not include third-party software development kits.

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.

Retention and deletion

Repository documents and backup folders remain in the locations you choose until you move them with Folder Steward or move or delete them in Finder. Local indexes, extracted text, learned suggestions, saved permissions, move history, backup history, and preferences remain in the app’s sandbox until they are 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 may independently process App Store transactions, downloads, diagnostic information you choose to share with Apple, or iCloud content under Apple’s own privacy policy. That processing is controlled by Apple and is not data collection by Folder Steward.

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.