Privacy Policy for Shepherd
Effective Date: November 3, 2026
Last Updated: November 3, 2026
Introduction
Shepherd ("we," "our," or "us") is a macOS search application operated by Alchemy Technologies. This Privacy Policy explains what information Shepherd and this website handle. In short: Shepherd runs entirely on your Mac, and the files you search and the searches you make stay on your Mac.
How Shepherd Works
Shepherd reads the folders you choose and builds a search index so you can find files by describing them. This happens locally:
- The index, and the model that powers the search, are stored in a folder on your Mac
- Your files, their contents, your searches and your results are never uploaded to us or to anyone else
- Shepherd uses no third-party AI services. Search is performed by a model running on your Mac
- Shepherd only reads your files. It never changes, moves or uploads them
- Shepherd searches only the folders you choose, and skips hidden files, code projects, and key or secret files
Information We Do Not Collect
Because Shepherd runs locally, we do not receive:
- The contents or names of your files
- Your search queries or results
- Your index
- Your folder choices or settings
Network Use
The only network use we are aware of in Shepherd is the one-time download of the model that powers the search. After that, Shepherd works offline. The download is a request for a file, and no information about your files or searches is included in it.
Permissions
macOS asks for your permission before Shepherd can read protected folders such as Desktop, Documents and Downloads. You can change these permissions at any time in System Settings, and change which folders Shepherd searches in Shepherd's settings.
Waitlist and Contact Information
If you join the Shepherd waitlist on our website, we collect the email address you enter. We use it only to tell you when Shepherd is available and for related product updates. You can ask us to remove it at any time. Waitlist submissions are processed by our website host, Netlify. If you email us, we use your message and address only to respond to you.
Website
This privacy policy covers Shepherd, the app. Our website, atalchemy.com, may use standard web analytics to understand how visitors use it. This is separate from the app.
Data Retention and Deletion
- Files, searches and index: Stored only on your Mac. Delete Shepherd and its data folder to remove them
- Waitlist email: Kept until Shepherd is released and the waitlist is no longer needed, or until you ask us to remove it
Your Rights
You may ask us at any time to tell you what information we hold about you, correct it, or delete it. Since Shepherd does not send us your data, this concerns only information such as your waitlist email or support messages. Contact us at support@atalchemy.com.
Age Restrictions
Shepherd is intended for users who are 13 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
No Sale of Personal Data
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the new policy on our website and update the "Last Updated" date. If Shepherd's data practices change materially, for example if a feature ever needs to send data off your Mac, we will update this policy and tell you before it takes effect.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:
Email: support@atalchemy.com
Business Name: Alchemy Technologies
Website: atalchemy.com/shepherd