Privacy and where your files are stored

Your images never leave your device

Opening, editing, saving and exporting all happen in your browser. Picstea has no server that receives your images or projects, and the editor is not allowed to send document data anywhere — the browser enforces that with a security policy.

Where projects are saved

Projects are saved in your browser's storage (IndexedDB) on this device. They are not synced to other devices or browsers. Browsers can clear this storage — for example in private windows or when space runs low — so for anything important use File → Save Project As… to keep a .picstea file, or export the image.

Offline and installing

After you have opened Picstea once, it also opens without an internet connection: a service worker keeps a copy of the app's own files (code, styles, icons) in the browser. It never stores or sees your images — those stay in your projects. In Chrome and Edge you can install Picstea (Help → Install Picstea…) to open it in its own window like a desktop app; on a Mac with Safari use File → Add to Dock.

What the website stores

The editor stores your projects and a few preferences locally. On the website (docs, blog), advertising is only loaded if you agree to it. See the privacy policy and cookie policy, and change your choice any time with “Privacy settings” at the bottom of every page.