Privacy Policy

1. Scope of this policy

This privacy policy applies to the Software Companions websites, sales and support services, and the following Microsoft Windows products:

• ViewCompanion Standard
• ViewCompanion Pro
• ViewCompanion Premium
• GerbView
• scViewerX
• scConverter

It also applies to personal information supplied directly to Software Companions in connection with these products.

2. Information processed by our software

Our products do not require a Software Companions user account and do not include advertising or user-tracking functionality.

Documents, drawings, images, PCB manufacturing data and other supported files opened or created with ViewCompanion or GerbView are processed locally on the user’s computer. The products do not upload these files to Software Companions or to a cloud-processing service.

scViewerX and scConverter are developer components that process supported files locally within the customer’s application or environment. Software Companions does not receive files processed by these components. Applications developed by third parties using scViewerX or scConverter may have their own data-handling practices, which are controlled by the developer or operator of that application.

Application settings, recent-file information and related configuration data may be stored locally so the software can operate and remember the user’s preferences.

3. Updates and technical information

Our software may connect to a Software Companions website when checking for available updates or when the user opens an online help, purchase or support page. An update request may include basic product, edition and version information needed to determine whether an update is available.

Like most websites, our web servers may record standard technical information such as the IP address, browser or application identifier, requested page, referring page, date and time. This information is used for website operation, security and aggregate diagnostics, and not to build advertising profiles.

4. Cookies and similar technologies

The Software Companions websites may use cookies and similar technologies to provide essential website functionality, remember user preferences, maintain security and understand general website usage.

Where required by applicable law, non-essential cookies are used only after you have provided consent. You can review or change your choices at any time using the Cookie Preferences link in the website footer.

Third-party services used on our websites, such as payment providers or embedded content, may set their own cookies when you interact with those services. Their use of cookies and personal information is governed by their respective privacy policies.

5. Purchases and third-party payment services

Software Companions products may be purchased or downloaded directly from Software Companions, through Microsoft Store, or through third-party payment and distribution services used by Software Companions, such as PayPro Global and PayPal.

These providers may process information required to complete a transaction, including your name, contact information, billing information, payment details, tax information and license or order information. They process this information according to their own privacy policies and terms.

Software Companions may receive information necessary to fulfill and support your purchase, such as your name, company name, email address, country, order number, purchased product and license information. Software Companions does not receive your complete payment-card details, Microsoft account password or third-party payment-account password.

If you purchase directly from Software Companions by invoice or bank transfer, we process the contact, company, order and payment-confirmation information needed to provide the license, maintain accounting records and support the purchase.

For more information, please refer to the privacy policy of the service used for your purchase:

• Microsoft Privacy Statement
• PayPro Global Privacy Policy
• PayPal Privacy Statement

6. Support and other communications

If you contact Software Companions for technical support, sales assistance, license delivery or another inquiry, we may receive information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Your name, company name and email address
• Product version and license information
• A description of the issue or question
• Files, screenshots or diagnostic information you choose to attach

We use this information to respond to your inquiry, provide the requested assistance and maintain appropriate business records. Files submitted for troubleshooting are used only for support and testing related to the reported issue and are removed when they are no longer needed.

7. Sharing of personal information

Software Companions does not sell personal information. Information may be processed by service providers that support normal business operations, such as email, website hosting, software distribution and payment services. We may also disclose information when required by applicable law or when reasonably necessary to protect our legal rights, users or services.

8. Data retention and security

Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for support, licensing, accounting, legal or security purposes. We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information.

9. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to request access to, correction of or deletion of personal information associated with you. You may contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before completing a request.

10. Children’s privacy

Software Companions products are professional document, engineering and developer tools and are not directed to children. Software Companions does not knowingly collect personal information from children through its applications.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy when our products, websites, distribution methods or related services change. The current version will be published on this page with an updated revision date.