FAQ

FAQ

Does PaperOtter send my files anywhere?

No. All processing happens locally using native code (qpdf, LibreOffice, Calibre), and in-app libraries (pdf-lib, pdfjs, mammoth, and the Rust image crate). Your files never leave your machine: see the Privacy section of the README for the full statement.

Does PaperOtter need an internet connection?

No, not for document processing. PaperOtter makes exactly two network calls, neither of which sends any data about you or your files: an update check on launch, and a feedback-contact-address lookup when you open the About dialog.

What happens to temporary files created during processing?

They're deleted automatically once processing finishes. If PaperOtter crashes before cleanup, any leftover temp files are swept on the next launch.

Why does macOS say it "could not verify" PaperOtter on first launch?

PaperOtter is signed, but not yet notarised by Apple. Open it, click Done on the refusal, then go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll to Security, and click Open Anyway. A second dialog appears: click Open Anyway there too, then authenticate with Touch ID or your admin password. Note that the blue default button in that dialog is Move to Bin, which deletes the app, so click deliberately. The override only appears after macOS has blocked you and expires about an hour later. See Troubleshooting for the full sequence.

If you see the older "damaged and can't be opened" message instead, run xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/PaperOtter.app.

Why does Windows show a SmartScreen warning?

Same reason, for Windows code-signing: it's on the roadmap, not a sign of a problem with the installer. Click More info, then Run anyway.

Do I need to install anything else?

LibreOffice and Calibre are optional, only needed for DOC/ODT/RTF and EPUB/MOBI conversion respectively -- see Required Dependencies.

Is PaperOtter free?

Yes, it's open source under the MIT license. If it's useful to you, there's an optional way to support development.

How do I report a bug or suggest a feature?

Bugs go to the issue tracker. Feature ideas go to Discussions, where they can be talked through before anyone commits to building them.

---

See also: Troubleshooting · Using PaperOtter

What languages does PaperOtter speak, and how good are the translations?

Nine: English, German, Turkish, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish and Portuguese. You can switch language from the icon in the top bar; your choice is remembered.

All nine were written with AI assistance, English included, and none has been checked by a professional translator. They ship anyway, because for most people a good-enough translation beats an English-only interface, but that is a limitation worth stating rather than hoping you do not notice.

One exception is handled strictly. Sentences that warn you about losing data, overwriting a file or deleting something are either translated in every language or left in English in every language, never half-done. A test enforces it. A warning you half-understand is more dangerous than one in a language you do not speak at all.

If something reads oddly, says the wrong thing, or is missing, please open an issue. Corrections from native speakers are genuinely the most useful thing anyone can send this project.