Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how CreatorFormat ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at creatorformat.com (the "Site") or use our free online tools and services (the "Service").

Important Note About Privacy: Most of our free browser-based tools (PDF converters, document converters, etc.) do not use cookies and process files entirely in your browser. These tools do not require cookies, tracking, or data collection.

By using our Site or Service, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should set your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using our Site.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies typically contain:

• A unique identifier
• The name of the website that placed the cookie
• An expiration date
• Optional data specific to that cookie

Cookies can be "session cookies" (which expire when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (Account Users Only)

These cookies are used only for logged-in users with accounts. They enable core functionality such as security, authentication, and session management. Free tool users without accounts do not receive these cookies.

Can you disable them? No. These cookies are essential for account functionality. Disabling them will prevent you from staying logged in. However, you can still use our free tools without an account.

Duration: Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) and short-term persistent cookies (typically 1-7 days)

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use on our Site.

Can you disable them? Yes. However, disabling these cookies may affect the functionality of the Service and prevent you from using certain features.

Duration: Persistent cookies (typically 30-365 days)

3.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies (Minimal Usage)

We use minimal analytics to understand basic website traffic patterns. We do not track individual file conversions or tool usage for users of our free browser-based tools.

Third-party services we may use:

• Cloudflare Analytics (minimal, privacy-focused)

Can you disable them? Yes. You can opt out through your browser settings. This will not affect your ability to use our free tools.

Duration: Minimal persistent cookies (typically 30-90 days)

3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies (Not Used)

We do not currently use advertising or retargeting cookies. Our free tools are completely free with no advertising.

4. Other Tracking Technologies

4.1 Web Beacons (Pixels)

Web beacons are tiny graphics with a unique identifier that track user behavior. We use them to:

• Track email open rates and click-through rates
• Measure advertising campaign effectiveness
• Monitor site traffic and user patterns

4.2 Local Storage (Browser-Based Processing)

Our free browser-based tools use browser local storage to process files entirely on your device:

• File Processing: Temporary storage for file conversion (data never leaves your device)
• User Preferences: Saving tool settings and preferences locally
• Performance: Caching tool libraries for faster processing
• No Server Upload: All data stays on your device and is automatically cleared

4.3 Server Logs

Our servers automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Referring website
• Pages visited and time spent
• Date and time of access

5. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

5.1 Authentication and Security

• Verify your identity and keep you logged in
• Protect against unauthorized access and fraudulent activity
• Enable secure session management
• Prevent cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks

5.2 Service Functionality

• Remember your formatting preferences and settings
• Maintain state during your session (e.g., items in your book library)
• Enable file upload and processing features
• Provide real-time preview functionality

5.3 Performance and Analytics

• Understand how users interact with our Service
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Measure feature adoption and usage patterns
• Optimize performance and loading times

5.4 Personalization

• Customize content and recommendations based on your usage
• Remember your language and regional preferences
• Tailor the user interface to your preferences

5.5 Marketing and Advertising

• Show relevant advertisements based on your interests
• Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Prevent the same ad from appearing too frequently
• Understand which marketing channels drive conversions

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our Site. We do not control these cookies, and you should check the third-party websites for more information.

6.1 Third-Party Services We Use

6.2 Social Media Plugins

Our Site may include social media features (e.g., Facebook Like button, Twitter Share button). These features may collect your IP address and set cookies. Social media features are hosted by third parties and governed by their privacy policies.

7. How to Control and Delete Cookies

7.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Clear cookies when you close your browser
• Make exceptions for specific websites

7.2 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of targeted advertising cookies through:

• Network Advertising Initiative: NAI Opt-Out
• Digital Advertising Alliance: DAA Opt-Out
• Google Ads Settings: Google Ad Preferences

7.3 Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. However, there is no universal standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. We currently do not respond to DNT signals, but we provide you with other choices to control tracking.

7.4 Mobile Device Settings

Mobile devices have settings to control advertising tracking:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Allow Apps to Request to Track (disable)
• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization

8. Cookie Consent

8.1 Cookie Banner

When you first visit our Site, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences

8.2 Managing Your Consent

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Accessing the cookie settings through the footer of our Site
• Clearing your browser cookies and revisiting the Site
• Contacting us through our website

8.3 Consent for Different Jurisdictions

Depending on your location, different consent requirements may apply:

• EU/EEA: We require explicit consent for non-essential cookies (GDPR/ePrivacy Directive)
• UK: We comply with UK GDPR and PECR requirements
• California: We provide opt-out mechanisms as required by CCPA
• Other regions: We follow local data protection and privacy laws

9. International Data Transfers

Some of the third-party services we use may transfer and process your data outside your country of residence. When this occurs:

• We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place
• We use services that comply with international data protection standards
• Data transfers are conducted in accordance with applicable laws (e.g., EU Standard Contractual Clauses)

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately through our website.

11. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• For material changes, we will notify you through the Service or via email
• Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us through our website.

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.