Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your experience. TaleForge ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies as described in this policy.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. They enable core features like authentication, session management, and security. You cannot opt out of these cookies.

• Session cookie — Maintains your login session (next-auth.session-token)
• CSRF token — Protects against cross-site request forgery
• Cookie consent — Remembers your cookie preferences (taleforge-cookie-consent)
• Locale — Stores your language preference (NEXT_LOCALE)

2.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use Google Analytics (GA4) to track page views, session duration, and feature usage.

• _ga, _ga_* — Google Analytics tracking cookies (expire after 2 years)

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use.

• Theme preference — Remembers dark/light mode choice
• Editor settings — Stores your writing preferences (font size, layout)
• Tour progress — Tracks interactive tutorial completion

3. localStorage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we use browser localStorage to store preferences and application state. This data never leaves your device and is not transmitted to our servers. Examples include:

• Editor auto-save drafts
• UI preferences (sidebar state, panel sizes)
• Tour/tutorial progress
• Reading position bookmarks

4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

When you first visit TaleForge, a cookie consent banner allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time:

• On TaleForge: Clear your cookie consent preference from browser storage to see the banner again
• In your browser: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings. Note that blocking essential cookies may prevent the website from functioning properly.
• Google Analytics opt-out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies. Third parties that may set cookies include:

• Google Analytics (analytics)
• Google, GitHub (authentication via OAuth)
• Stripe (payment processing, only on checkout pages)

6. Cookie Retention

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Remain until their expiry date or until you delete them
• Analytics cookies: Up to 2 years (Google Analytics default)
• Consent cookie: 1 year

7. Your Rights (GDPR / CCPA)

Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Know what cookies are being used and why
• Opt out of non-essential cookies
• Request deletion of data collected through cookies
• Withdraw your consent at any time

For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business practices. We will post any changes on this page and update the "Last updated" date. Continued use of TaleForge after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us at privacy@tale-forge.com or through our Help Center.