Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Martin Podt ("Developer", "we", "us") built the StackLab application ("the App"), a focus-stacking program for Windows and macOS. This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information when you use the App.
Summary
StackLab is a desktop application that runs entirely on your own computer. It does not require an internet connection to function, and it does not collect, transmit, or share any personal data. Your photos never leave your device.
Data Collection & Transmission
The App does not collect, store, or share any personal data. Specifically:
- No personal data, image data, or usage data is sent to the Developer, any server, any cloud service, or any third party.
- No analytics, tracking, telemetry, or advertising frameworks are used.
- No user accounts are required or created by the App itself.
- The images you open and the results you export stay on your computer, in the locations you choose.
Data Stored on Your Device
The App stores the following data locally on your computer; none of it is transmitted anywhere:
- Application preferences (such as default folders, processing options, and display settings), stored in your operating system's standard per-user settings location (the Windows registry on Windows, the user preferences store on macOS).
- Cache files (decoded image frames and thumbnails) stored in your temporary/application-data folders for faster processing. These are removed when you clear the cache or uninstall the App.
- Project files that you explicitly save.
- Diagnostic log: StackLab keeps a local diagnostic log in the App's private data folder on your computer (on Windows,
%LOCALAPPDATA%\StackLab; on macOS, inside the App's own container/temporary storage). On Windows, if the App closes unexpectedly it additionally writes a crash log and a memory snapshot next to it. These files stay on your device and are only ever shared with the Developer if you choose to email them for support.
Licensing
StackLab is distributed in two ways, and licensing differs accordingly:
- Direct download build: a license key is tied to your specific computer. To make this work, the App computes a device code from a stable hardware identifier for your computer (on Windows, your installation identifier and processor information; on macOS, your hardware platform identifier). This device code is a one-way fingerprint. It does not identify you personally, and it is stored only on your device (encrypted at rest using the operating system's standard local encryption). It is never transmitted automatically. If you choose to activate a license, you manually copy the device code and send it to the Developer; the Developer returns a key that you enter into the App locally. No automatic communication takes place.
- Microsoft Store build: licensing and payment are handled entirely by the Microsoft Store. The App asks the Store whether your copy is licensed; it does not see your payment details. Please refer to Microsoft's Privacy Statement for how Microsoft handles purchases.
- Mac App Store build: licensing and payment (including the free trial, the subscription, and the lifetime purchase) are handled entirely by Apple through the App Store and StoreKit. The App only asks the system whether your copy is licensed; it does not see or store your payment details. Please refer to Apple's Privacy Policy for how Apple handles purchases.
Third-Party Software
- Adobe DNG Converter (optional). For the highest-quality RAW decoding, the App can use Adobe DNG Converter, which you install separately. When used, StackLab runs it locally on your computer to convert your RAW files; no data is sent to Adobe by StackLab. Adobe DNG Converter is governed by Adobe's own terms and privacy policy.
- Adobe Lightroom Classic plug-in (optional). If you install the bundled plug-in, StackLab and Lightroom exchange image files on your own computer only. No data leaves your device.
- No analytics tools, advertising networks, or other third-party SDKs that transmit data are used.
Children's Privacy
The App does not collect any personal information from anyone, including children under the age of 13.
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. You are advised to review this page periodically.