COLUMN Filer Privacy Policy
Last updated: 2026-09-27
Summary
This policy describes information handling by the COLUMN Filer app and this website. The developer (Masaru Kinashi) has not included proprietary analytics, advertising, tracking, or a feature that automatically sends your files or usage data to a developer-operated server.
- There is no app-specific user account or sign-in. App Store purchases and restoration use your Apple Account.
- Information needed to browse and organize files is processed on your device. Storage of app settings is described below.
- When you initiate AirDrop, drag files to another app, or copy or move files to a NAS, files and related information are passed to the recipient, app, or destination you select. Files in a cloud-synced folder may also be synchronized according to that service’s settings.
- The app has no proprietary automatic crash-report submission feature. However, macOS and Apple analytics sharing follows your system settings and Apple’s policies; diagnostic information may be shared with the developer through Apple.
- App Store processing, inquiries, and the website’s external delivery services are described separately below.
What information the app handles, and where it is stored
COLUMN Filer is a dual-pane file browser. It reads, displays, and organizes the folders and files you authorize. Files remain at the local drive, network share, or other location you choose; the app has no proprietary cloud storage.
| Type | Purpose | Where it is stored |
|---|---|---|
| A record of folders you have authorized (security-scoped bookmarks) | So that a location you allow once stays accessible next time | In your Mac’s app-private area (inside the App Sandbox container), using the standard macOS mechanism |
| Preferences (view mode, column widths, theme color, favorites, color labels, search history, list of watched folders, etc.) | To match the app’s behavior to your preferences | In UserDefaults on the same Mac (app-private area) |
| Folder size calculation results | To show sizes in “Get Info” and similar (only during the current session; cleared on restart) | In memory only |
| Purchase/trial access status and the last observed time used to determine trial expiry | To determine feature access and the 30-day trial period from Apple’s transaction information | Purchase information is checked through StoreKit. The last observed time used to guard against clock rollback is stored in UserDefaults on the same Mac. |
The app does not send these local settings to a developer-operated server. Removing the app itself may leave preferences or related data, depending on the removal method and macOS behavior. Removing the app does not itself delete your files or the purchase history managed by Apple.
Network access
The app discovers local SMB / AFP servers through Bonjour and hands off connection requests to the standard macOS “Connect to Server” feature. File operations on a connected share exchange files and related information with the server you select. SMB / AFP credential entry and storage are handled by macOS mechanisms.
App Store purchases, restoration, and related operations may also communicate with Apple through StoreKit. These communications and your selected sharing or synchronization operations are distinct from proprietary usage-data collection by the developer.
Purchases (In-App Purchases)
COLUMN Filer is offered as a free download with a 30-day trial and a one-time “Full Unlock” purchase. Purchase and trial-start transactions are processed by Apple’s App Store (StoreKit). The app uses that transaction information and time information on the device to determine feature access and trial expiry.
- Payment information (such as credit card numbers) is processed by Apple; the developer never receives it.
- Entitlement is determined by the app checking the purchase information (App Store transactions) that Apple provides to your device, on the spot. There is no custom server, no custom receipt validation, and no custom license key.
- App Store purchase, refund, and related information is handled under Apple’s privacy policy. This app does not offer a subscription.
Apple “Required Reason API” declarations
In accordance with Apple’s guidelines, COLUMN Filer declares the following APIs and the reasons for their use. None of the information obtained is sent off the device.
- UserDefaults (reason code CA92.1): to read and write the app’s own preferences.
- File timestamps (reason code DDA9.1): as a file browser, to display file modification and creation dates and to use them for sorting and date-range filtering.
- Disk space (reason code 85F4.1): to show the available space of the volume the current folder is on, in the window footer.
The contact form on this website
The contact form and email are separate from the app. The developer receives the inquiry type, your optional name, reply email address, message, and environment details for bug reports that you submit. This information is used to reply, investigate bugs, and consider features. Please do not send passwords, unnecessary personal information, or confidential files.
We do not use a feature that stores form submissions as inquiry records in the WordPress database. However, submissions are delivered and retained as email and may be stored in email-service infrastructure or backups. This does not mean that the information is never stored anywhere.
Information is handled as necessary to respond to inquiries. Apart from the use of services for email delivery and storage and cases required by law, information is not disclosed to third parties or published without your consent. For requests concerning access, correction, or deletion, please use the contact below. Requests will be handled after identity verification in accordance with applicable law.
Website cookies and external connections
The website uses a pll_language cookie to remember your display language. You can remove or disable it in your browser, but your language choice may no longer be retained.
The current website uses Google Fonts for typography and jsDelivr and GitHub Pages for script delivery (including postal-code input assistance). Loading these resources connects your browser to the providers and conveys information such as your IP address and browser information. Communication information associated with website delivery and maintenance may also appear in server logs. This is distinct from a feature that automatically sends information about files in the app.
Contact
For questions about this policy, please contact:
- Developer: Masaru Kinashi
- Contact: kinasystems (at) mac.com
Changes
If this policy changes, this page will be updated and the “Last updated” date revised. Significant changes will also be noted in the app’s release notes.