Privacy Policy

Effective date: 2026-06-27

TextLayer is a local-first EPUB reader. This Privacy Policy explains what information the app handles, where that information is stored, and when information may be sent to third-party services that you configure yourself.

1. Who we are

TextLayer is an EPUB reading app designed to help readers follow dialogue more easily with optional speaker labeling and optional read-aloud features.

2. Information the app handles

2.1 Book files and reading data

When you import an EPUB file, the book file is stored locally on your device.

The app may also store the following locally:

• your imported library entries
• reading progress
• reading appearance settings
• local backup data
• locally generated annotation data
• locally generated overrides and voice assignments

This information stays on your device unless you export it yourself.

2.2 AI annotation settings

If you choose to use optional AI annotation, the app stores the following locally on your device:

• the endpoint you configure
• the model name you configure
• your API key
• local annotation progress and results

We do not provide an account system or a relay server for this feature.

2.3 Optional read-aloud settings

If you choose to use optional cloud TTS, the app stores the following locally on your device:

• the endpoint you configure
• the model name you configure
• your API key
• narrator and character voice assignments

3. When data leaves your device

3.1 Core reading

Core EPUB reading works offline and does not require data to leave your device.

3.2 Optional AI annotation

If you enable AI annotation, the app sends selected text windows directly to the third-party endpoint that you configure. This is necessary to obtain speaker-label results.

We do not operate the endpoint and we do not proxy the request through our own server.

3.3 Optional cloud TTS

If you enable cloud TTS, the app sends text directly to the third-party endpoint that you configure in order to synthesize speech.

We do not operate the endpoint and we do not proxy the request through our own server.

4. What we do not collect

TextLayer does not operate its own user account system and does not intentionally collect:

• your imported book library on our server
• your API keys on our server
• your reading progress on our server
• your contacts
• your location
• your advertising identifier
• your camera or photo library data, except where you explicitly use system file import or export flows

5. Local backups and exports

The app may let you export backup data. When you do this, the export is created locally on your device and then handled by the destination you choose, such as Files or iCloud Drive.

You control whether and where exported files are stored.

6. Data retention

Data stored by TextLayer is generally retained on your device until you delete it, remove the app, or overwrite it yourself.

If you remove imported books, backups, or settings from your device, the app will no longer retain that local data.

7. Third-party services

If you use optional AI annotation or optional cloud TTS, you are responsible for the third-party service you configure, including its terms, privacy practices, billing, and regional availability.

8. Your choices

You can choose to:

• use TextLayer only for offline reading
• avoid configuring AI annotation entirely
• avoid configuring cloud TTS entirely
• delete local books and settings
• remove the app from your device

9. Children

TextLayer is not specifically directed to children.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version should be the one linked from the App Store listing or support site.

11. Contact

For privacy or support questions, use the support contact published with the app's support page.