Privacy Policy
Last updated: August 2026
Introduction
Refract (“we”, “our”, or “the app”) is a Mac application for viewing and streaming time-series and tabular data. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information in connection with the Refract app and this support website.
Data processed by the Refract app
Your data stays on your device. Refract reads files and streaming data that you choose to open or connect to. This data is processed locally on your Mac. We do not collect, transmit, or store your dataset contents on our servers.
If you use the “persist to database” (or similar) option for a stream, data is written to a location on your Mac (for example, in your Application Support folder). That data remains under your control and is not sent to us.
Information we do not collect
Refract does not collect:
- Your opened files or stream contents
- Usage analytics or diagnostics from the app (unless you explicitly participate in a feedback or crash-reporting program we describe separately)
- Personal data from inside the app beyond what you voluntarily send via the support website (e.g. the contact form)
Support website and contact
The contact form is anonymous. It asks for no name and no email address, and we do not attach your IP address to what you send. Your submission is filed as an entry on our private issue tracker, containing only the text you typed and the optional version numbers, and is used solely to fix and improve Refract. If you choose to put contact details in the message so that we can reply, that information is stored with the submission and used only to answer you.
Our hosting provider may collect standard access logs (e.g. IP address, browser, pages visited). We do not use these to identify you personally unless required by law or to address abuse.
Cookies
This website does not intentionally set cookies for advertising or analytics. Some infrastructure providers may set essential cookies required for basic security or to operate the contact form.
App Store
Refract is distributed through the Mac App Store. Apple may collect information in accordance with its own privacy policy (e.g. purchase and download data). We do not receive your personal data from Apple beyond what you voluntarily provide when contacting us.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will be revised when changes are made. Continued use of the app or website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
For privacy-related questions or requests, please use our contact form, choose “Other” and mention privacy so we can route your message appropriately. Because the form is anonymous, include an email address in your message if you need a reply.