Legal

Privacy Policy

Overview

Shotwell is designed with privacy at its core. All image processing happens entirely on your device. Your photos never leave your phone.

Data We Collect

Shotwell does not collect, store, or transmit your images. Image editing and export processing stays on-device. We do collect limited product telemetry to operate and improve the app, including events such as screen views, button interactions, and export outcomes. If you enable notifications, we also collect a device push token so we can send optional product announcements and status updates.

If you submit in-app feedback, we collect the message you send and technical diagnostics included with the report (for example app version, build number, platform, and a pseudonymous install ID). We also process request metadata such as IP address for abuse prevention and rate limiting. If you join our waitlist, we collect the email address you provide.

Image Processing

All image editing, rendering, and exporting is performed locally on your device using on-device processing. No images are uploaded to any server at any time.

Local Storage

Shotwell does not require an account. All app data — including your projects, presets, and settings — is stored locally on your device. This data is not accessible to us or any third party.

Processors and Destinations

We use trusted service providers to process limited product data: PostHog for product analytics, GitHub for support/bug issue intake, OneSignal for push notification delivery, and Loops for waitlist email operations. We do not sell personal data and do not use your photos for advertising.

Data Deletion

To delete all Shotwell data, simply delete the app from your device. To request deletion of waitlist or support-contact data, contact us at [email protected].

Analytics

We use PostHog analytics on the app and website to understand aggregate usage patterns, such as page/screen views, key button clicks, and export outcomes. Analytics events do not include your photo content, and we do not use app analytics for third-party ad targeting.

Changes to This Policy

If we make changes to this privacy policy, we will update this page. Material changes will be communicated to beta users via email.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at [email protected].

Last updated: February 2026