Overview

PDFCrush ("the App") is developed by Kevin Merz ("we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our macOS application.

The short version: PDFCrush does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. All PDF compression happens entirely on your device.

Data Collection

We do not collect any data. Specifically:

• We do not collect personal information
• We do not collect usage analytics
• We do not track your behavior
• We do not access your files beyond what you explicitly provide to the app
• We do not upload any files to any server
• We do not read, analyze, or store the content of your PDF files
• We do not collect device identifiers, IP addresses, or location data

Local Processing

All PDF compression happens entirely on your Mac using native macOS APIs. Your files never leave your device. We have no servers that receive or process your files. The compression engine runs 100% offline. No internet connection is required for any compression functionality.

File Access

PDFCrush only accesses files that you explicitly provide to the app through:

• Drag and drop operations
• File picker dialogs
• Shortcuts automation actions

The app operates within macOS's App Sandbox, which means it cannot access files outside of the locations you explicitly grant access to. Compressed files are saved to the location you choose. Temporary files created during compression are automatically deleted after the process is complete.

Local Storage

PDFCrush uses UserDefaults to store app preferences only, such as your selected compression preset and interface settings. This data is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted to any server. No file content, file names, or compression history is stored.

In-App Purchases

PDFCrush offers an optional one-time premium upgrade through the App Store. Purchase transactions are processed entirely by Apple via StoreKit. We do not have access to your payment information, Apple ID, or billing details.

Third-Party Services

PDFCrush uses RevenueCat for managing in-app purchases. RevenueCat processes anonymized transaction data provided by Apple to validate purchases. No personally identifiable information is shared. You can review RevenueCat's privacy policy at revenuecat.com/privacy.

The app does not integrate with any advertising, analytics, or tracking services.

If you download the app from the Mac App Store, Apple may collect certain information as described in their privacy policy. We do not have access to this data.

Children's Privacy

Since we do not collect any data, PDFCrush is safe for users of all ages. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: MerzKevin@me.com

Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using PDFCrush ("the App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the App.

License

Kevin Merz grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the App for your personal or commercial purposes, subject to these Terms of Use. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to derive the source code of the App.

In-App Purchases

PDFCrush offers a free tier with 3 daily compressions and a premium upgrade (one-time purchase of $4.99) for unlimited compressions, batch processing, and Shortcuts integration. All purchases are processed through the App Store and are subject to Apple's terms and conditions. Refund requests must be directed to Apple.

Compression Quality & Results

PDFCrush compresses PDF files using various techniques including image resampling, font optimization, and content stream compression. Compression results depend on multiple factors including the content of the source PDF, the selected compression preset, and the types of embedded resources. We make no guarantees regarding compression ratio, output quality, or fitness for any particular purpose. Specifically:

• Compression ratios vary significantly depending on PDF content (image-heavy vs. text-heavy)
• Higher compression levels may result in visible quality reduction of embedded images
• Some PDFs may not compress significantly if they are already optimized
• Complex PDF features (forms, annotations, layers) may be affected by compression
• Password-protected PDFs require the correct password for compression

Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
• FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
• NON-INFRINGEMENT
• ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR COMPLETENESS OF COMPRESSED OUTPUT
• PRESERVATION OF QUALITY, FORMATTING, OR DATA INTEGRITY DURING COMPRESSION
• COMPATIBILITY WITH ANY SPECIFIC PDF VERSION, FEATURE, OR THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE

WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, SECURE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM THE USE OF THE APP WILL BE ACCURATE, RELIABLE, OR MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, KEVIN MERZ SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Loss, corruption, or damage to data, files, or documents
• Corrupted, incomplete, or unusable compressed output files
• Loss of image quality, formatting, metadata, or document structure during compression
• Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Business interruption or workflow disruption
• Loss of use or functionality
• Any errors, bugs, or failures in file processing or output
• Incompatibility with certain PDF versions or features
• Any damage to your computer, operating system, or other software resulting from use of the App
• Any other damages arising from the use or inability to use the App, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages

THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY (CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE) AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE DAMAGES ARISE FROM USE OR MISUSE OF THE APP, INABILITY TO USE THE APP, OR INTERRUPTION, SUSPENSION, MODIFICATION, OR TERMINATION OF THE APP.

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE APP IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR FIVE EUROS (EUR 5.00), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge and agree that PDF compression is an inherently lossy process (depending on settings) and that results may vary. You use the App entirely at your own risk. You understand that the App processes files using automated compression technology and that no automated compression can guarantee perfect results for all PDF files and content types.

User Responsibility

You are solely responsible for:

• Maintaining backup copies of all original PDF files before compression
• Verifying the quality and completeness of compressed files before relying on them
• Ensuring the App is suitable for your intended use before relying on it for important tasks
• Ensuring you have the legal right to compress and use the files you process with the App
• Complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the files you process
• Any and all consequences resulting from using the App or relying on its output

Intellectual Property & Copyright

The App is the intellectual property of Kevin Merz. All rights not expressly granted are reserved. The App does not claim ownership of any files you process. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of the App does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. We are not responsible for any copyright infringement or other intellectual property violations resulting from your use of the App.

No Professional Advice

The App is a utility tool and does not provide professional, legal, medical, financial, or any other form of advice. The App should not be used as a substitute for professional services. Always verify important documents independently after compression, especially for legal, medical, financial, or other critical purposes.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Kevin Merz, his affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and court costs) arising from or related to:

• Your use or misuse of the App
• Your violation of these Terms of Use
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights
• Any content or files you process using the App
• Any claim by a third party related to files you compressed using the App

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the App at any time, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms. Upon termination, all licenses and rights granted to you will immediately cease.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Kevin Merz regarding the use of the App and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and communications.

Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically.

Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Germany, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or the App shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Germany. If you are a consumer within the European Union, you may also be entitled to bring proceedings in the courts of your country of residence.

Contact

For questions about these Terms of Use, please contact:

Email: MerzKevin@me.com
Website: merzkevin.de