Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Overview

BuddyBar is designed with privacy as a core principle. Both the Chrome extension and Mac app operate entirely locally on your device. We don't collect any personal information, usage data, or analytics.

What Data Does BuddyBar Access?

Chrome Extension

The Chrome extension stores the following data locally in your browser:

• Color palettes: The hex codes and names of colors you create
• Templates: Your saved color template collections
• Settings: UI preferences like bar position and visibility state

This data is stored using Chrome's built-in storage API (chrome.storage.local) and never leaves your device. It is not transmitted to any server or third party.

Mac App

The Mac app stores the following data locally on your Mac:

• Color palettes: The hex codes and names of colors you create
• Templates: Your saved color template collections
• Settings: UI preferences like bar position, visibility state, and launch at login preference

This data is stored using macOS UserDefaults and remains entirely on your computer. It is not synced to iCloud or transmitted anywhere.

Chrome ↔ Mac Sync

When you have both the Chrome extension and Mac app installed on the same computer, your colors sync automatically between them. This sync happens locally via native messaging — no internet connection or cloud service is involved.

The Mac app includes a native messaging host that allows direct communication with the Chrome extension on your local machine. No data is transmitted outside your device.

Permissions

Chrome Extension Permissions

The Chrome extension requests the following permissions:

• storage: To save your color palettes and settings locally in Chrome
• clipboardWrite: To copy color codes to your clipboard when you click a color
• activeTab: To inject the color bar interface on the current page when you activate it
• nativeMessaging: To communicate with the Mac app for local sync (if installed)
• Host permissions: To inject the color bar interface on supported design tool websites

These permissions are used solely for the functionality of BuddyBar. No data is collected or transmitted to external servers.

Mac App Permissions

The Mac app may request:

• Accessibility: Required for the global keyboard shortcut (⌃⌥B) to work system-wide. This permission is optional — if not granted, the shortcut won't work, but all other features remain functional.

The Accessibility permission is only used to listen for the keyboard shortcut. BuddyBar does not read, record, or access any other keyboard input or screen content.

Data Collection

BuddyBar (the Chrome extension and Mac app) does not collect any data. Specifically:

• No usage tracking from the apps themselves
• No crash reports
• No personal information
• No account creation or login

Website Analytics

Our website (buddybar.io) uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. This helps us improve the website experience. Google Analytics collects:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• General location (city/country level)
• Browser and device type
• How you arrived at the site (referral source)

This data is aggregated and anonymous. No personally identifiable information is collected. You can opt out of Google Analytics by using browser extensions like Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Important: Google Analytics only runs on our website. The BuddyBar Chrome extension and Mac app do not include any analytics or tracking.

Third-Party Services

The BuddyBar Chrome extension and Mac app do not integrate with any third-party services or APIs. Our website uses the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics only (not in the apps). See "Website Analytics" section above.
• Formspree: For the contact form on our support page. When you submit the form, your message is delivered to us via email. Formspree processes your email address and message content only to deliver your inquiry.

Template Sharing (.buddybar Files)

You can export templates as .buddybar files and share them with others. These files contain only:

• Template name
• Color hex codes
• Color names

No personal information, device identifiers, or metadata are included in exported files. When you share a .buddybar file, you control how and with whom it is shared.

Children's Privacy

BuddyBar does not knowingly collect any information from children under the age of 13. Because we don't collect any data at all, BuddyBar is safe for users of all ages.

Data Security

Since all data is stored locally on your device and nothing is transmitted to external servers, your data is as secure as your device. We recommend:

• Keeping your operating system and browser updated
• Using strong device passwords or biometric authentication
• Being cautious when sharing exported .buddybar files

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of BuddyBar after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us through the contact form on our support page.

Compliance

This privacy policy complies with:

• Google Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies
• Apple App Store Review Guidelines
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requirements

Because BuddyBar does not collect any personal data, most privacy regulations do not apply. However, we maintain this policy for transparency and to meet store requirements.