Last updated: 31 July 2026
Information stored on your Mac
Notes, todos, vault settings, autosave and recovery files, window preferences, trial information, and security-scoped file bookmarks are stored locally on your device. CtrlNotes does not upload note contents, filenames, file paths, clipboard contents, OCR text, searches, todo text, or tags to a CtrlNotes server.
Optional diagnostics
Release builds may enable optional PostHog diagnostics when a public project token is configured. Diagnostics use a random installation identifier and can include app version, operating system, architecture, feature categories, coarse document-type and size buckets, stable error codes, and crash stack traces. GeoIP enrichment and person profiles are disabled. Diagnostic events are not used for advertising and do not include note content, filenames, paths, clipboard or OCR text, searches, todos, tags, licence values, Apple Account information, or StoreKit transaction payloads.
Diagnostics can be disabled from CtrlNotes settings.
Purchases
The Mac App Store edition uses Apple StoreKit for its optional permanent unlock. Apple processes the purchase. CtrlNotes checks verified StoreKit entitlements on the device and does not operate a receipt-validation server or receive your Apple Account or payment-card details.
Network access and third parties
CtrlNotes can make outbound connections to Apple for StoreKit and, when optional diagnostics are enabled, to PostHog. Links you explicitly open are handled by your chosen browser. Your locally stored notes are not sent as part of these connections.
Retention and control
You control local CtrlNotes data through the files and settings on your Mac. Removing the app does not automatically remove vaults you selected outside its application container. Optional diagnostic data is retained according to the configured PostHog project’s retention settings.
Children
CtrlNotes is a general productivity tool and is not directed specifically at children.
Changes and contact
Material changes will be published on this page with a revised date. For privacy or support questions, use the contact options on the CtrlNotes support page.