File Studio Privacy Policy

File Studio is provided by Comma Collective Pvt. Ltd, a Singaporean, privately owned company. This policy explains how we handle data in the File Studio desktop app, our licensing service, and this website.

Quick Summary

Your files stay local. File Studio processes PDFs, images, SVGs, and spreadsheets on your device. We do not upload, view, or store your file contents.
Licensing needs limited data. Activation sends your license key and a hashed machine identifier to our Cloudflare Worker so we can verify your license and enforce device limits.
Purchases are handled by Stripe. We receive purchase and license information needed to issue and support your license, but we do not receive your full card details.
Anonymous app telemetry is optional. It is enabled by default and can be disabled in Settings. It never includes filenames, paths, file contents, or a device identifier.
We do not sell personal data. We do not sell your personal information or use your file contents for advertising or AI training.

Local File Processing

File Studio is a native desktop app for macOS and Windows. File operations such as conversion, compression, merging, splitting, resizing, watermarking, metadata removal, spreadsheet conversion, Watch Folders, and PDF tools run on your computer. Your selected files and generated outputs remain on your device unless you choose to share them with us, for example in a support request.

Local App Data

The app may store settings and history locally on your device, including preferences such as default quality, save location, notifications, Watch Folder behavior, update-dismissal state, and recent conversion history. Conversion history can include file paths, output paths, tool names, formats, file sizes, and timestamps. This detailed history remains on your device and is never included in app telemetry.

Information We May Collect

Purchase & License Records

When you purchase File Studio, Stripe may provide us with your email address, customer or checkout identifiers, transaction status, and related purchase metadata. Our license system may store your email address as the licensee, license key, enabled features, update eligibility date, maximum machine count, activated machine identifiers, creation date, and revocation status.

License Activation

To activate a license, the app sends your license key and a hashed machine identifier to our licensing endpoint at cloud.filestudio.app. The machine identifier is derived from a device UUID and hashed before it is sent. The licensing service returns a signed certificate that the app stores locally to prove activation. We use this to prevent abuse, enforce device limits, and determine update eligibility.

Anonymous App Usage Data

The app sends anonymous events for first open, app opens, completed tool types and formats, license-screen opens, and App Store purchase interactions. Events include the app version, operating system, and distribution channel. They do not include a persistent device or user identifier, filenames, paths, file contents, document metadata, license keys, or payment details. You can disable this at any time under Settings → Privacy.

Updates

The app may contact our update endpoint to check whether a new version is available. Update checks can include standard network information such as IP address, user agent, request time, and app/update metadata needed to serve updates.

Website Analytics & Chat

Our website may use analytics and advertising measurement tools such as Google Analytics/Google Ads and Ahrefs Analytics, and support chat via Crisp. These services may collect standard web usage data such as page views, referrers, device/browser information, approximate location from IP, and chat messages you submit. We use this to understand site performance, measure campaigns, and provide support.

Support Communications

If you contact us, we collect the information you provide, including your email address, message, license details, and any files or screenshots you voluntarily attach.

Information We Do Not Collect

We do not upload or store your file contents for processing.
We do not collect file previews, page thumbnails, or extracted file text by default.
We do not use your files for analytics, advertising, or model training.
We do not receive or store your full payment card number.

How We Use Information

Process purchases and issue license keys.
Activate licenses, enforce machine limits, prevent fraud, and revoke abused licenses.
Provide update eligibility and deliver software updates.
Respond to support requests and troubleshoot issues.
Maintain security, reliability, and legal compliance.
Understand website performance and improve our marketing and product pages.

Legal Bases

Contract: to provide the app, license activation, updates, and support.
Legitimate interests: to secure licensing, prevent abuse, improve the website, and maintain the product.
Consent: where required for optional communications, cookies, or similar technologies.
Legal obligation: for tax, accounting, consumer protection, and compliance duties.

Sharing & Processors

We share information only as needed with service providers such as:

Stripe for payments, checkout, receipts, and purchase records.
Cloudflare for hosting the license Worker, license storage, security, and network delivery.
Website analytics and measurement providers such as Google and Ahrefs.
Crisp or email providers for support communications.
Legal, compliance, or safety recipients when required by law or to protect rights.

We do not sell or rent personal data.

Data Retention

License and purchase records are kept as long as needed to provide the license, support updates, prevent abuse, and meet tax/accounting obligations.
Activation records are kept while the license remains active or as needed to enforce machine limits and handle support.
Support messages are kept while needed for support history and business records, unless deletion is required and legally permissible.
Anonymous app usage events are retained only as long as needed to understand adoption and improve the product.
Local settings, trial files, certificates, and history remain on your device until you remove them or uninstall/reset the app.

Security

License certificates are signed with Ed25519 so the app can verify them locally. We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards, including HTTPS and restricted access to production systems. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

International Transfers

We are based in Singapore and use service providers that may process data in other countries. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards for international transfers.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, export, or object to certain processing of your personal data. To make a request, contact us at support@filestudio.app.

Children

File Studio is not directed to children under 13 or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page or communicated through the app where appropriate. Continued use after changes means the updated policy applies.