Privacy & Productivity: Local-First Development Tools
Most productivity tools are data-extractive. They store your most sensitive ideas, client notes, and personal goals on servers you don’t control – often to train models, analyze behavior, or monetize insights.
We believe your thoughts belong to you.
This guide shows how privacy and productivity coexist through local-first development tools – keeping your workflow fast while your data stays private. (See our Privacy-First Use Case for a feature overview.)
Super Productivity is built on a Local-First architecture. There is no cloud holding your data hostage. You own the database. You choose the sync method. You hold the encryption keys when using an encrypted backend. Your tools should work for you – not the other way around.
The Local-First Difference
A clear comparison between Super Productivity and conventional cloud-based SaaS tools:
| Feature | Super Productivity | Typical SaaS (Todoist, ClickUp, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Location | Your Device (Plain JSON) | Vendor Cloud Servers |
| Offline Access | 100% Native & Fast | Limited / Read-Only |
| Encryption | Client-Side (You hold keys when using encrypted sync) | Server-Side (Vendor holds keys) |
| Telemetry | None (0 network requests on first launch) | Extensive (usage patterns, behavioral metrics) |
| Vendor Lock-In | None – export anytime | High – proprietary schemas |
Super Productivity works fully offline. Syncing is optional.
1. The Local-First Philosophy
“The Cloud” is just someone else’s computer. We follow the engineering principles outlined in the seminal Ink & Switch research paper Local-First Software: You Own Your Data, in Spite of the Cloud.
This philosophy ensures:
- Your data remains functional and readable decades from now.
- You can work without an internet connection.
- No third party is required for the core product to function.
- If our company disappears tomorrow, your workflow continues unchanged.
Related reading:
2. You Choose the Sync Provider (BYO-Backend)
Most apps force you onto their servers. Super Productivity does not. The interface is separated from the storage layer – you decide where your data lives.
Supported sync options include:
- Private WebDAV server
- Local file system sync
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Custom encrypted storage locations
If you select an encrypted provider, you hold the keys. Super Productivity never has access to your files or cryptographic material.
Related reading:
3. Security & GDPR Simplicity for Freelancers
When handling confidential or regulated data – client projects, legal work, medical information, research materials – storing task details on third-party servers can introduce compliance obligations and risk.
Because Super Productivity keeps all data local by default and never transmits it to us:
- No data processor relationship is created.
- You maintain full control of storage locations.
- You avoid unnecessary GDPR obligations (e.g., DPAs, third-party audit requirements).
- Clear, minimal legal surface area; see our Privacy Policy for details.
This architecture reduces risk while preserving full functionality.
Related reading:
4. Open Source & Long-Term Ownership
Proprietary software rots. Open software grows.
Super Productivity is open source:
- You can audit every line of code.
- You can verify the “no telemetry” claim.
- You can fork the project if needed.
- You can adapt the tool to your workflow.
Your data is saved in JSON, readable with any text editor, script, or backup system. Your workflow will outlive any vendor.
Related reading:
Myths vs. Reality
Myth: “Local-first means I can’t sync across devices.” Reality: Sync is fully supported using your preferred backend (WebDAV, Drive, Dropbox, file system).
Myth: “I need an account to get started.” Reality: No login. No email. No identity link. Just install and use.
Myth: “Local files mean lock-in.” Reality: Data is plain JSON – portable, scriptable, and future-proof.
Quick Privacy FAQ
- Is any data sent to your servers? No. There is zero telemetry and no background calls home.
- Do I need an account? No accounts or emails required to start using the app.
- Can I self-host sync? Yes. Use your own WebDAV or file sync target; you hold the encryption keys.
- What happens if I uninstall? Your data remains on disk as JSON; delete or archive it as you like.
Take Back Your Data
Super Productivity collects zero data. No accounts. No analytics. No tracking pixels. No background calls home.
Just a fast, offline-first tool that helps you get things done – without monitoring you.
→ Download for Mac / Windows / Linux 100% Free. 100% Open Source. 100% Yours.