Privacy Policy for PaperTrail

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

PaperTrail ("we," "our," or "the App") is designed with a core principle: your research belongs to you. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your data, emphasizing our "offline-first" architecture.

1. Overview: Offline-First Design

PaperTrail runs locally on your device.

Your Data stays with you

All manuscripts, PDFs, bibliographies, Kanban board statuses, and collections are stored directly on your computer's local file system and local database (IndexedDB).

No Cloud Sync

We do not operate a cloud server to store your private research data. We do not have access to your manuscripts, citation libraries, or project notes.

2. Data We Collect

Because PaperTrail is an offline-first application, we collect minimal data.

A. User-Generated Content

We do not collect, transmit, or store your user-generated content (e.g., PDF files, manuscript drafts, citation data) on our servers. This data resides solely on your local device.

B. External Data Enrichment (Third-Party Services)

To provide features like "Open Access Status" and "Journal Impact Factors," PaperTrail communicates with specific third-party APIs.

  • Unpaywall & Journal Metrics: When you add a citation or refresh metadata, the App may send specific identifiers (such as a DOI or ISSN) to services like Unpaywall or Crossref to fetch public metadata.
  • Data Sent: Only the identifier (DOI/ISSN) is sent. No personal information or private manuscript content is transmitted.
  • Privacy: These interactions are subject to the privacy policies of those respective services.

3. File System Access

PaperTrail requires access to specific folders on your computer (via the Mac App Store "User Selected File" entitlement).

  • Purpose: This allows you to import PDFs, export bibliographies (Word/Excel/BibTeX), and save your library.
  • Scope: The App only accesses files and folders you explicitly open, drag-and-drop, or save to. It does not scan your entire hard drive.

4. Analytics and Telemetry

We do not track you. PaperTrail does not use third-party analytics services (like Google Analytics or Mixpanel) to track your behavior, usage patterns, or personal identity inside the App.

5. App Store Privacy Details

In compliance with Apple’s App Store transparency, here is how our data practices are categorized:

Data Not Collected: The developer does not collect any data from this app.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. Thus, you are advised to review this page periodically for any changes. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions or suggestions about our Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us at:
Email: app@moleculesinaction.com