Privacy Policy for MarkForge

Last Updated: February 6, 2026

Data Controller

The data controller within the meaning of the GDPR is:

Norbert Gutbrod
Grabenstraße 3
83278 Traunstein
Germany
Email: support@markforge.de
Phone: +49 861 2090403

Overview

This privacy policy describes how MarkForge (both the macOS application and this website) handles your data.

Privacy on This Website

Server Logs

When you visit this website, information is automatically collected in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. This includes:

IP address of the accessing computer
Date and time of access
Name and URL of the accessed file
Website from which the access originated (referrer URL)
Browser used and, if applicable, the operating system of your computer as well as the name of your access provider

Purpose of Data Collection

The collection of this data is for technical reasons, in particular:

To ensure trouble-free operation of the website
To ensure the security of our IT systems
To prevent abuse and to investigate security incidents

Storage Duration

Server log files are automatically deleted after a maximum of 7 days. Longer storage only occurs in exceptional cases for investigating security incidents or due to legal obligations.

No Additional Tracking Measures

This website does not use cookies. No analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) are used. No tracking of your activities beyond the website takes place. The collected server log data is not merged with other data sources.

Legal Basis

The processing of server log data is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (Legitimate Interest). Our legitimate interest lies in ensuring the security and trouble-free operation of the website.

Privacy in the MarkForge macOS Application

Data Collection and Processing

MarkForge does not collect, transmit, or store any personal data.

All file processing occurs exclusively locally on your device. No data is transmitted to external servers.

File Access

MarkForge requires access to the following areas of your system, exclusively for the core functionality of the application:

Files You Select

Markdown Files: To read and process the documents to be converted
Images: Only if your Markdown files reference images
Output Directory: To save the generated PDF files

System Folders

Downloads Folder: Default location for exported PDF documents (can be changed by you)
Pictures Folder: Read-only access when Markdown files contain embedded images

All file access occurs only with your explicit permission through macOS file selection dialogs.

App Sandbox

MarkForge runs entirely within the macOS App Sandbox. This means:

The application can only access files explicitly selected by you
No access to other applications or system data
No network connections to external servers
All operations are performed locally on your Mac

Technologies Used

MarkForge uses the following macOS frameworks:

SwiftUI: For the user interface
PDFKit: For PDF generation
WebKit: For preview rendering (local only, no external connections)

Settings and Preferences

The application stores your settings (such as preferred templates, page format, etc.) locally in the standard macOS UserDefaults. This data:

Remains on your device
Is not synchronized or transmitted
Contains no personal information
Can be deleted by resetting the app

No Analytics or Tracking

MarkForge contains:

❌ No analytics tools
❌ No tracking software
❌ No crash reporting services
❌ No advertising frameworks
❌ No usage statistics

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Obtain information about your personal data stored by us (Art. 15 GDPR)
Request correction of incorrect data (Art. 16 GDPR)
Request deletion of your data stored by us (Art. 17 GDPR)
Request restriction of data processing (Art. 18 GDPR)
Object to the processing of your data (Art. 21 GDPR)
Request data portability (Art. 20 GDPR)

Regarding the macOS application: Since MarkForge does not collect, store, or process any personal data, there is no data that could be viewed, corrected, or deleted. All files processed by MarkForge remain under your complete control on your device.

Regarding the website: You can request information about the data stored in the server logs or request its deletion at any time.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this privacy policy as needed. Changes will be published on our website. The date of the last update can be found at the beginning of this document.

Right to Complain

You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe that the processing of your personal data violates the GDPR. The supervisory authority responsible for us is:

Bayerisches Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht
Promenade 18
91522 Ansbach
Germany
Website: https://www.lda.bayern.de

Contact

If you have any questions about privacy or data processing, please contact us:

Email: support@markforge.de
Phone: +49 861 2090403
Website: https://markforge.de