Picwa is a local-first photo timeline for macOS.
Picwa processes image files only in folders you explicitly choose. To build the timeline, it reads local metadata such as file names, paths, dimensions, and creation dates, and stores the image index on your Mac.
Picwa also stores the folder permissions, ignored locations, and browsing settings needed to restore your workspace.
macOS requires your explicit approval before Picwa can scan a folder. Picwa stores that authorization locally so it can continue accessing the locations you chose for later launches and rescans. Access is limited to the folders you add and their subfolders.
Picwa does not request access to the Photos or Music libraries, and it does not scan locations you have not selected. To avoid unrelated access prompts and incomplete scans caused by protected system folders, add only folders that contain your pictures—not your entire home folder or the Users folder. You can remove a location in Settings at any time. This stops Picwa’s future access and removes its corresponding index entries; it does not delete your original files.
Scanning is limited to folders you authorize. Copy and delete actions happen only after you explicitly perform them; deletion uses the macOS Trash flow. Picwa never auto-selects or automatically deletes duplicate photos.
Folder permissions, scan settings, and the image index are stored in Picwa’s macOS sandbox container for use by Picwa on this Mac. You can remove added folders in Settings or uninstall the app to remove its container data.
Operator (English): Leowy · 运营者（中文）：行与未见
For help or privacy requests, visit the support page, email leowy.lwy@gmail.com, or file an issue on GitHub.
If Picwa’s data practices change, this policy will be updated with a new date and revised content.