Privacy Policy

PlainBench is built for people who hate nonsense – that includes how your data is handled. This page explains, in plain language, what we do and don’t do with your information.

Last updated: December 3, 2025

1. Who we are

PlainBench is a collection of simple, no-nonsense online tools – things like word counters, age calculators, PDF tools, and image utilities – designed to run quickly in your browser with as little friction as possible.

2. What this policy covers

This Privacy Policy explains how PlainBench handles information when you:

  • Visit our website and browse pages;
  • Use any of the tools we host (for example, a word counter or image compressor);
  • Interact with forms such as our tool request page.

It does not cover third-party websites or services we link to. Those have their own policies.

3. Our no-nonsense approach to privacy

In short, we try to keep things as simple as our tools:

  • No user accounts, logins, or passwords.
  • No selling your personal information.
  • No uploading of your files to our servers unless clearly needed and explained.
  • Minimal, straightforward analytics and ads to keep the tools free.

4. Information you provide directly

4.1 Text you type or paste

Many PlainBench tools work entirely in your browser using JavaScript. For these tools (for example, the word counter or age calculator), text you type or paste is processed locally on your device. We don’t send that text to our servers for processing.

However, if you choose to submit text using a form (for example, a feedback or tool request form), we will receive whatever you type into that form along with basic technical information (like your IP address) that your browser normally sends when it makes a request.

4.2 Files you upload

Some tools work with files, such as PDFs or images. Our goal is for as many tools as possible to run fully in your browser, so your files never leave your device.

In-browser tools. When a tool is explicitly described as “In-browser only” or similar, the file processing happens locally in your browser. We do not store those files or use them to train models or build profiles.

Tools that require a server (now or in the future). If a present or future tool needs to send files to a server in order to work, the page for that tool will clearly state this and explain what’s happening in plain language. If we ever store files temporarily (for example, to generate a downloadable result), we aim to keep them only as long as necessary to provide the service, then delete them.

5. Information we collect automatically

Like most websites, we automatically receive some technical information when you use PlainBench. This typically includes:

  • Your IP address and general location (city/region level, not your exact street address);
  • Browser type and version, device type, and operating system;
  • Pages you visit and basic interaction data (for example, which tools are opened);
  • Date and time of requests and basic error information (if something breaks).

We use this information mainly to keep the site running, understand which tools are actually useful, fix errors, and protect against abuse.

6. Cookies and similar technologies

PlainBench may use cookies and similar technologies for a few practical reasons:

  • To remember simple preferences for certain tools (where applicable);
  • To measure basic usage through analytics;
  • To display and measure advertising from trusted partners.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can usually clear or block cookies through your browser settings. Keep in mind that blocking certain cookies may affect how smoothly some parts of the site work.

7. Analytics

We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand, in aggregate, how people use PlainBench – for example, which tools are popular, what devices are used, and which pages cause errors. These tools use cookies or similar technologies to collect usage data.

The analytics data we see is typically aggregated and doesn’t tell us exactly who you are. We use that information to:

  • See which tools are worth improving;
  • Spot bugs or broken pages;
  • Plan new features based on real usage instead of guesses.

8. Advertising

PlainBench may show a minimal amount of display advertising around our tools. Ads help keep the tools free without paywalls or sign-up walls.

Advertising partners may use their own cookies or tracking technologies to measure ad performance or prevent fraud. Their use of data is governed by their own privacy policies, which we don’t control.

9. How we use information

We use the information we collect for a few practical purposes:

  • To provide and operate the site and tools;
  • To improve and troubleshoot tool performance;
  • To understand which tools are popular and worth investing in;
  • To detect, investigate, and prevent abuse or technical issues;
  • To comply with legal obligations when required.

10. When we share information

We don’t sell your personal information. We may share limited information in these situations:

  • Service providers. With third-party service providers that help us run the site and tools (for example, analytics or hosting providers), under terms that limit how they can use the data.
  • Legal reasons. If we’re required to do so by law or in response to valid legal requests, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of PlainBench, our users, or others.
  • Business changes. If PlainBench is ever involved in a merger, acquisition, or similar event, data may be transferred as part of that process, subject to this policy or a successor policy that offers similar protections.

11. File and text handling by tool type

To make this crystal clear, here’s how we aim to handle content across different kinds of tools:

  • Text tools (like word counters). Process text in the browser where possible. We do not store or reuse your text content for other purposes.
  • PDF and image tools. Prefer in-browser processing so your files stay on your device. If a tool requires server-side processing, we’ll say so on that page and explain what happens to uploaded files.
  • Downloadable tools or apps. If you download a local app from us, that app may have its own documentation or notices explaining what, if anything, it communicates back to PlainBench.

12. Data retention

We try not to keep more data than we need:

  • Server logs and analytics data are kept only as long as needed for security, troubleshooting, and trend analysis.
  • Any files temporarily stored for processing (if a tool requires it) are kept only for as long as needed to complete the task, then removed.
  • Messages you send through forms may be kept so we can respond, understand recurring issues, and improve tools over time.

13. Children’s privacy

PlainBench is not specifically aimed at children, and we don’t knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it where appropriate.

14. Your choices and controls

  • Browser controls. You can clear cookies, block scripts, or use privacy-focused browser settings or extensions to limit data collection.
  • Tool choice. If you’re uncomfortable with any file or data handling described for a particular tool, you can simply choose not to use that tool.
  • Contact us. If you have questions about what data we have in connection with a specific interaction (such as a form submission), you can reach out and we’ll do our best to help.

15. International visitors

PlainBench may be accessed from many countries, but our infrastructure and main operations may be located in specific regions (for example, within the United States). By using the site, you understand that your information may be processed in countries that may have different data protection laws than your own.

16. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as we add new tools or change how we operate. When we do, we’ll update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. In many cases, changes will be minor and focused on clarity.

If we ever plan to make a material change in how we handle your information, we’ll aim to provide a clearer notice (for example, a banner or prominent note on the site).

17. How to contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how PlainBench handles data, the simplest way to reach us right now is through our Tool Request page. Just mention that your message is about “privacy” so we can spot it quickly.

This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, you should consult with a qualified attorney in your area.