BetterStageBetterStage

Privacy Policy

Effective date: February 22, 2026

Last updated: February 22, 2026

Introduction

BetterStage ("we," "our," or "us") is a macOS workspace manager application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the BetterStage desktop application and the website at betterstage.app.

We built BetterStage with a privacy-first approach. We collect only the minimum data necessary to provide licensing and account management. We do not collect telemetry, usage analytics, or personal data beyond what is required for these purposes. We do not run ads and we never sell your data.

What We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your email address through our authentication provider, Clerk. This is used for account identification, subscription management, and support communication.

Device Identifier

When you activate a Pro license, a hardware identifier for your Mac is sent to our server to validate your license. Pro licenses support up to 2 devices. Device identifiers are stored server-side solely for license enforcement and are not used for tracking or profiling.

Subscription & Payment Data

We store your subscription status (plan type, trial status, expiration date) in our backend database. All payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe. Credit card numbers, billing addresses, and other payment details are collected and stored by Stripe and never touch our servers.

What We Do Not Collect

We believe in being explicit about what we do not do:

  • No telemetry or usage analytics — we do not track how you use the app
  • No window content — we never read, capture, or transmit the content of your windows or screens
  • No keystroke logging — we never record or transmit what you type
  • No browsing or app usage data — we do not track which applications you use or websites you visit
  • No advertising or third-party tracking — there are no ads, no tracking pixels, no analytics SDKs
  • No data sales — we never sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their marketing purposes
  • No cookies beyond authentication — we only use cookies required by Clerk for session management

macOS Permissions

BetterStage requires one macOS permission to function. This permission is used exclusively for window management and is never used for surveillance, data collection, or any purpose other than providing the app's core functionality.

Accessibility

Required to read window positions, move windows between stages, resize windows for tiling layouts, and manage window visibility during stage switches.

Local Data Storage

Your stage configurations, window layouts, tiling preferences, and keyboard shortcut bindings are stored entirely on your Mac using macOS UserDefaults and local JSON files. This data is never sent to our servers or any third party.

How We Use Your Data

The limited data we collect is used for the following purposes only:

  • Account creation and authentication
  • Pro license validation and device management
  • Subscription billing and management (via Stripe)
  • Customer support communication
  • Sending essential service notifications (e.g., subscription expiration)

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate BetterStage. Each has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data:

Clerk — Authentication

Handles user sign-up, sign-in, and session management. Collects your email address and manages authentication cookies.

Clerk Privacy Policy

Stripe — Payment Processing

Handles all payment processing. Credit card numbers and billing details are collected directly by Stripe and never pass through our servers.

Stripe Privacy Policy

Convex — Backend Database

Stores account and subscription data (email, subscription status, device identifiers). Data is encrypted in transit and at rest.

Convex Privacy Policy

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information. All communication between the BetterStage app, our website, and our backend services is encrypted using TLS (HTTPS). Server-side data is stored in Convex's infrastructure with encryption at rest. Authentication is managed by Clerk with industry-standard security practices.

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your account data (email, subscription status, device identifiers) for as long as your account is active. If you request account deletion, we will delete all associated data from our systems within 30 days.

Stripe may retain payment-related records independently in accordance with their own data retention policies and legal obligations.

Local data stored on your Mac (stage configurations, window layouts, preferences) is under your control and can be removed at any time by uninstalling the application.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access — Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
  • Correction — Request correction of any inaccurate data
  • Deletion — Request deletion of your account and all associated data
  • Portability — Request your data in a portable format
  • Objection — Object to processing of your data for specific purposes

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@betterstage.app. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Children's Privacy

BetterStage is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@betterstage.app and we will promptly delete such information.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. For significant changes, we will notify you by email or through a notice on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: support@betterstage.app

Website: betterstage.app