1. Overview
ScribeBar is a local-first macOS app for recording and transcribing audio. We do not run user accounts, do not serve ads, and do not collect analytics or telemetry from inside the app.
2. Information ScribeBar processes
ScribeBar may process the following data on your device:
- Audio recordings captured from your selected microphone input
- Imported audio files you choose manually
- Transcripts generated from audio
- Recording metadata (date/time, language selection, audio/transcript file names, input device name, duration)
- History data (including recent recording entries and transcript preview snippets)
- Settings/preferences (language, hotkeys, save-folder bookmark, auto-transcribe, copy-to-clipboard setting, selected model)
3. Where data is stored
Data is stored locally on your Mac:
- Recordings and transcripts are saved to your chosen folder
- App history/settings are saved in local macOS storage (Application Support / UserDefaults)
- Optional downloaded speech models are saved locally
ScribeBar does not upload your recordings or transcripts to our servers.
4. Network use
ScribeBar may access the internet only for limited functions:
- Optional model downloads when you choose to install additional transcription models
- Opening external links (for example, source/attribution links)
If you use optional model downloads, the model host may receive standard network metadata (such as IP address and request logs) as part of normal internet operation.
5. Permissions
ScribeBar may request:
- Microphone access — to record audio
- Notifications (optional) — to notify you when transcription completes
- File access (user-selected) — to save or open files in folders you choose
6. Clipboard
If enabled, ScribeBar can copy final transcript text to your clipboard on your device.
7. Data sharing
- We do not sell personal information
- We do not share your recordings/transcripts with data brokers or advertisers
- Third-party disclosure occurs only when you explicitly use features that involve third parties (for example, optional model download hosts)
8. Data retention and deletion
You control retention of your files:
- Delete recordings/transcripts from within the app
- Remove app data by deleting ScribeBar files/folders and uninstalling the app
- Revoke permissions at any time in macOS System Settings
9. Children's privacy
ScribeBar is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Updated versions will be posted at this URL with a revised effective date.
11. Contact
Questions about privacy? Email us at:
subfreestudios@gmail.com