Story Flows Privacy Policy

PayneBrain Studios

Effective Date: May 16, 2026

1. Introduction

PayneBrain Studios ("we," "our," or "us") built Story Flows as a commercial macOS application. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use Story Flows ("the App").

2. Information We Do NOT Collect

Story Flows is designed with privacy at its core. We do not collect:

• Personal information — no names, emails, phone numbers, or addresses
• Analytics or tracking data — no usage statistics, session data, or behavioral analytics
• Device identifiers — no IDFA, device serial numbers, or hardware fingerprints
• Location data — no GPS, IP-based location, or region tracking
• Your creative content — storyboards, scripts, flowcharts, and all project data remain entirely on your device

3. Data Storage

Local-Only Storage

All storyboard projects, including text, node layouts, connections, images, and audio attachments, are stored locally on your Mac using Apple's SwiftData framework within the application's sandboxed container. No project data is transmitted over the internet.

User Preferences

App settings (theme preference, auto-save interval, font size, tutorial completion states) are stored locally using macOS UserDefaults. These preferences never leave your device.

Exports

When you export a project (JSON, Twee, Ink, HTML, or .storyflows format), the exported file is saved to a location you choose on your Mac. Export files are not uploaded to any server.

4. Third-Party Services

Apple StoreKit (In-App Purchases)

Story Flows uses Apple's StoreKit framework to process in-app purchases. Purchase transactions are handled entirely by Apple through their App Store infrastructure. We do not receive or store your payment information (credit card numbers, Apple ID credentials, etc.). Please refer to Apple's Privacy Policy for details on how Apple handles purchase data.

OpenAI API (Optional)

The App includes an optional AI Assistant feature that uses OpenAI's API. This feature is entirely opt-in — it only activates if you manually enter your own OpenAI API key in Settings. If you choose to use this feature:

• Your API key is stored locally on your device and never transmitted to PayneBrain Studios
• Content you submit for AI processing is sent directly from your device to OpenAI's servers
• We recommend reviewing OpenAI's Privacy Policy before using this feature

5. Children's Privacy

Story Flows does not knowingly collect any personal information from children under 13 years of age. Since the App does not collect personal information from any user, it is compliant with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and similar international regulations.

6. Data Security

Your data is protected by macOS's built-in application sandbox, which restricts the App's access to only its own container and files you explicitly grant access to. If you enable FileVault on your Mac, your project data benefits from full-disk encryption at rest.

7. Your Rights

Since all data is stored locally on your device:

• Access: Your data is always accessible in the App and via exported files
• Deletion: Deleting a project from the App permanently removes it. Uninstalling the App removes all associated data
• Portability: You can export any project to JSON, Twee, Ink, or HTML format at any time

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected by updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this document and, when material, through an update notification within the App.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: support@paynebrain.com

Developer: PayneBrain Studios