Privacy policy
The short version: FindForge runs entirely on your Mac. It has no account system, collects no analytics, and never uploads your file names or their contents. The only thing it sends over the network is a request to check whether a newer version is available.
What FindForge does on your device
FindForge indexes the files on the drives and folders you choose, so it can search them instantly and analyze how your disk space is used. All of this — the index, searches, duplicate detection, folder audits and file health checks — happens locally on your Mac. That data is stored only in FindForge's application-support folder on your own machine and is never transmitted to us or anyone else.
Information we do not collect
- No file data. Your file names, folder structure and file contents never leave your device.
- No account. There is no sign-up, login, or user profile.
- No analytics or telemetry. FindForge does not track how you use the app, and does not send usage statistics, crash reports or identifiers.
- No advertising. There are no ads and no ad networks.
The one network request: update checks
So you always have the latest fixes, FindForge periodically checks for a new version by requesting a small manifest file from findforge.smithyforge.com. This request contains no personal information beyond what any web request necessarily includes (such as your IP address and app version, seen by the web server). If an update is available, FindForge downloads and verifies it before installing. You can ignore updates if you prefer.
Full Disk Access
macOS may ask you to grant FindForge Full Disk Access. This permission lets FindForge read the files you want it to search and analyze — nothing more. It does not change where any of that information goes: everything still stays on your Mac. You can revoke the permission at any time in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access.
Your files and deletion
When you remove files with FindForge, they are moved to the macOS Trash rather than being erased immediately, so you can recover them until you empty the Trash. FindForge never deletes anything without your explicit action.
Hosting
The FindForge website and update files are served from a server operated on our behalf in the EU. Standard web-server logs (IP address, timestamp, requested file) may be retained temporarily for security and diagnostics, in line with the host's normal practice.
Children
FindForge is a general-purpose utility and is not directed at children under 13.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, we'll update this page and revise the date above. Material changes will be reflected in the app's release notes.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email support@smithyforge.com.