Privacy policy

Introduction

This policy describes the cataloger.me marketing website and the Cataloger.me desktop app. It does not cover other SmartzStudios products unless we say so elsewhere. By using the site or app, you acknowledge this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

Who we are

SmartzStudios (as named in our site footer) is the data controller for personal information described here, in connection with cataloger.me and Cataloger.me. For privacy requests, see Contact below.

Information we collect

Marketing site (cataloger.me)

When you visit this static website, we use Google Firebase Analytics (Google Analytics 4) to understand aggregate traffic and whether visitors use our download button. Google LLC processes this data on our behalf as a service provider.

This may include:

• Device and browser identifiers, and cookies or similar technologies where supported
• IP address (used to derive coarse location)
• Page path, URL, and referrer
• Custom events such as app_open (site load) and feature_open with feature_name: download_cta when you click a download button
• Standard GA4 engagement data (for example page views) as configured in our Firebase project

We use this to measure traffic and download-button performance. We do not use website analytics to read the contents of your Cataloger notes. We do not sell your personal information.

Cookies (marketing site)

Firebase Analytics / GA4 may set analytics cookies or use local storage on your browser to recognize returning visitors and attribute events. You can limit cookies through your browser settings. The marketing site does not offer an in-site analytics toggle today; see Your choices for opt-out links.

Cataloger.me app — your notes and files

Your knowledge base stays on your Mac as plain markdown files in folders you choose. SmartzStudios does not host your library in our cloud.

External LLM APIs: Summarization can run with the bundled on-device assistant or an external API you configure in Settings. What leaves your device depends on the provider and options you select—we do not control third-party API retention or terms.

WhatsApp capture: If you enable it, only links you send into the app are processed on your Mac while the app is running. We do not retain your WhatsApp message contents on SmartzStudios servers.

Cataloger.me app — optional analytics

The desktop app may send optional usage analytics to Google Firebase Analytics when enabled. Analytics is on by default for new installs; you can turn it off anytime in Settings → Enable Analytics.

When enabled, events may include:

• app_open — app session start
• feature_open — which area you opened (for example dashboard, notes, settings), identified by feature name, not note text
• Additional metadata-only events may be added over time (for example in-app actions); we do not log note text

These events describe how you use the app, not the text inside your notes. Turning off analytics in Settings stops new events from being sent.

Where does my data go?

How we use information

• Operate and improve cataloger.me and the Cataloger.me app
• Understand aggregate website traffic and download-button performance
• Understand optional app usage patterns when analytics is enabled
• Respond to privacy and support requests
• Comply with law and protect our rights

Legal bases (EEA/UK visitors)

Where the GDPR applies, we rely on legitimate interests to operate analytics that help us improve the site and app, balanced against your rights. In some jurisdictions we may rely on consent for non-essential cookies—particularly if we target visitors in the EEA. Our board may add a cookie banner if required; until then, use the opt-out options below.

Sharing and processors

We share personal information only as needed to run our services:

• Google LLC — Firebase Analytics / Google Analytics 4 (website and optional app analytics). See Google’s Privacy Policy, Firebase terms, and Firebase data processing terms.
• Hosting — The marketing site is served via Firebase Hosting; static assets and DMG downloads may use Firebase Storage. These services generally do not receive your note contents.

We do not sell personal information.

Retention

Notes and app configuration remain on your Mac until you delete them. Analytics data retained by Google is governed by our Firebase / GA4 project settings (often on the order of months, for example 2–14 months depending on configuration). See Google’s data retention documentation.

We keep privacy correspondence as long as needed to handle your request and meet legal obligations.

International transfers

SmartzStudios is based in the United States. Google and other processors may process data in the United States and other countries. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses and, where applicable, participation in recognized transfer frameworks.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information we control. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; you are responsible for securing your Mac, backups, and any API keys you configure.

Your rights and choices

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Port data you provided to us, where applicable
• For California residents: know what we collect, delete personal information, and confirm we do not sell personal information

To exercise these rights, email privacy@smartzstudios.com. We aim to respond within 30 days.

Additional choices:

• Website analytics: Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on and your browser’s cookie controls
• App analytics: turn off Settings → Enable Analytics in the desktop app

Children

Cataloger.me is not directed at children under 13 (or 16 where local law requires). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this page when our practices change. We will revise the “Last updated” date at the top. Material changes may also be noted in release notes or in-app where appropriate.

Contact

Privacy questions and requests: privacy@smartzstudios.com

General product support: use your usual SmartzStudios support channel. For technical accuracy questions about what the app sends, our engineering team reviews claims before publication.