Privacy
Stemmata — last updated 25 September 2026
The short version
There is no Stemmata server. We do not have an account system, we do not collect analytics, and we do not receive your library or notes. Local library search stays on your device. Optional online catalogue actions, where available in your installed version, send your query to that catalogue.
Where your data is stored
- Your saved library: sources and their recorded access information.
- Your notes.
- Your local search index.
- App settings.
Your library and search index use local app storage. Notes are stored locally or in Apple iCloud Drive when its app container is available. Cross-device synchronization is not guaranteed. Apple's terms apply to iCloud files and device backups; exported files use the location you choose.
What leaves your device, and when
- Catalogue lookup, where available. If your installed version offers online catalogue search, choosing that action sends the search terms you enter to Crossref to retrieve bibliographic metadata. It does not request abstracts or full text. A search sends a query even if you do not save any result. Your other library records and notes are not attached. Stemmata does not attach an account or advertising identifier. Crossref receives your query and IP address. See Crossref's metadata access documentation. Crossref handles those requests under its own privacy policy.
- Opening a DOI link. The link is handed to your browser. From that point your browser, not Stemmata, is talking to the publisher.
If you do not use an online catalogue action or open an external link, Stemmata does not contact Crossref or those publishers. Searching a library already saved on your device works offline.
What we do not do
- No accounts, no sign-in, no email address collected.
- No analytics, crash reporting to third parties, advertising or tracking identifiers.
- We do not sell library or note data, or send it to analytics or advertising services.
Children
Stemmata is a research tool and is not directed at children. We do not receive users' library or note content. Optional requests to external services are described above.
Your rights
There is no Stemmata account to delete and no library export to request from us. Deletion depends on your platform and storage location. Removing the app may leave Mac application data, iCloud notes, device backups and exported files. Those copies must be managed separately. For information sent to an external catalogue or website, consult that service's privacy policy.
Changes and contact
If this policy changes, the date above changes with it and the change is described here. Questions: brkekahraman@icloud.com.