Vellum

Privacy Policy

Last updated June 2026

Vellum is a private journal. Your writing stays on your phone. We have no servers, no accounts, and no analytics — we never see your entries, and there is no way for us to.

What we collect

Nothing. Vellum has no backend and no account system. Your entries, photos, audio, moods, tags, locations, and the reflections written about them are stored only on your device, encrypted at rest. None of it is transmitted to us or to anyone else.

On-device intelligence

The prompts, reflections, and mood/theme insights are produced by a language model that runs entirely on your phone. Your words are never sent to a cloud service for processing. The model itself downloads once from a public host so it can run offline forever after — that one-time download is app content, not your data.

Encryption & lock

Entries and attachments are encrypted with AES-256 on your device. The encryption key is held in the device's secure hardware, never in plaintext and never in our reach. You can require your fingerprint, face, or device passcode to open the app.

Optional maps (off by default)

If you turn on online maps, then — and only then — the map view requests map tiles and place names for the coordinates you are viewing or searching. These requests carry only the location involved, never your entry text, mood, tags, photos, or any reflection. With online maps off, the map is fully offline.

Permissions

Camera and microphone are used only to attach photos, video, and audio to your entries. Location is used only when you choose to tag an entry, and the coordinates stay on device. Notifications power the optional writing reminder. Each is requested in context and is never required to use Vellum.

Backups & export

Any export or backup is started by you and goes to a destination you choose (your own cloud or files) through the system share sheet. Backups are encrypted with a passphrase only you know. We never hold a copy.

Children

Vellum is not directed at children under 13 and collects no data from anyone.

Changes & contact

If this policy changes, the date above changes with it. Questions: support@app.vellums.top

The short version: it is your journal, on your phone, and it stays there.