Last updated: November 5, 2026
Local captures and editing data
QuickLight Screenshot captures and edits still images on your Mac. Screenshot history is stored locally as PNG files. Saved images and projects are written to your chosen locations. Settings, annotation templates and enabled translation history are also stored locally. Ordinary capture and editing do not automatically upload screenshots, history or projects to the website.
History is cleaned according to retention and storage limits, with expired or over-limit files moved to macOS Trash. Removing one history entry does not remove copies in other folders, projects or previously shared content. Manage screenshots in the history window; disable or clear translation history in translation settings.
Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions
Screen Recording access is used to obtain screenshot images, not to record microphone or system audio. Scrolling capture also uses Accessibility access to send scrolling actions to the target window. macOS manages these permissions, and you can revoke them in Privacy & Security settings. Related features may stop working after revocation.
Local recognition and privacy checks
With Mac system OCR selected, text recognition runs on your Mac. Checks for possible QR codes, phone numbers and national ID numbers also run locally; running a privacy check does not send an image to an external OCR or translation service. Detection may miss items or flag harmless content and does not replace inspection of the final image.
External services you configure
Custom OCR and compatible vision models send the recognition image to your configured endpoint. Model-based translation sends recognized text and relevant request content, such as prompts and glossary entries, to your configured model service. Providers process requests under their own policies and may charge fees. VIP does not include these external service fees. Review the endpoint, provider privacy policy and retention rules before sending sensitive information.
OCR and model API keys are stored in local macOS Keychain and used to authenticate requests to the corresponding services. They are not written into screenshots or editing projects.
Website authorization and online content
Website membership authorization exchanges the product identifier, device hardware-identifier digest, device public key, signatures and account or license status with qlmf.com as needed for authorization. Authorization requests do not include screenshot content. Website device activation uses a local Secure Enclave private key that does not leave the device. Account credentials and licenses are stored in local Keychain. Device limits, validity and other entitlements are determined by the website and verified license.
In-app product recommendations request a list from qlmf.com. Opening online help or the member center visits the corresponding website. Online services receive network information needed for a connection, such as an IP address. Browser sign-in, website use and external services are governed by their respective privacy rules. Not every app feature is fully offline.
Sharing and editable projects
A .qlshot project contains original pixels and editable layers; covering or mosaic layers may be removable. For redacted sharing, export and inspect a final image instead of sharing the project. Adding redaction to one export does not automatically remove original files, older history or other copies.
Contact and feedback
For privacy questions, use website member feedback. Remove passwords, API keys, access tokens and personal information before submitting screenshots, logs or reproduction materials.