Privacy Policy — Academic PDF Reader
Summary
- The Extension is free and works entirely on your device.
- We do not operate a backend that receives your PDFs, annotations, or browsing history.
- Optional tips go through Buy Me a Coffee only if you choose to open that link.
Information processed on your device
Local Chrome extension storage may hold caption overrides, hidden captions, highlights (with optional quotes), comments, document identifiers derived from the PDF, optional file name / URL aliases, and UI preferences (enabled state, donate dismissals). PDF bytes are loaded in the tab for rendering and are not uploaded to a server we control.
We do not collect analytics or advertising identifiers on our servers, and we do not sell personal information.
Permissions
| Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| storage | Save preferences and local workspaces. |
| downloads | Optional fallback when exporting a workspace backup (.aprd). |
| file:// access | Render PDFs opened from your computer. Also enable “Allow access to file URLs” in chrome://extensions. |
| Content scripts | Detect PDF tabs and offer the reader. Full UI loads only for PDFs. |
Network requests
Web PDFs may be fetched with your browser cookies for that site when you are logged in. Links you click in a PDF open only http/https URLs. “Buy me a coffee” opens buymeacoffee.com (their privacy policy applies).
Workspace export
Exported .aprd files contain your annotations in plaintext JSON. Import only from sources you trust.
Deletion
Use Manage stored workspaces in the Extension, or clear extension data / uninstall in Chrome.
Changes & contact
We may update this policy when behavior changes. Questions: contact the developer on LinkedIn or via Buy Me a Coffee.