There are two kinds of cookie on this site: the ones that make it work, and the one you get asked about.
Essential cookies are set automatically, because without them the site cannot do what you asked it to — you would not stay signed in. Analytics cookies are set only if you accept them. Until you do, we set none, and if you decline, the matter is closed: SmartKDP works exactly the same either way, and nothing is withheld from you for saying no.
The cookies we set
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session cookie | Keeps you signed in. Set only after you sign in, and readable only by our server — JavaScript on the page cannot read it. | Strictly necessary | Until it expires or you sign out |
| Referral cookie | Records that you arrived via a partner or affiliate link, so the referral is credited correctly. Set only if you arrive through such a link. | Functional | Short-lived |
_ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics. Distinguishes one visitor from another so we can count people rather than page loads. Set only if you accept. | Analytics | Up to 2 years |
Cookies set by Lemon Squeezy during payment
Our order process is conducted by our online reseller Lemon Squeezy, the Merchant of Record for all our orders. When you reach the checkout page, Lemon Squeezy sets its own cookies inside the checkout overlay. Lemon Squeezy uses them for fraud prevention and to make the payment work — they are a security control, not advertising. Lemon Squeezy's use of them is described in Lemon Squeezy's privacy notice.
Analytics, and what we ask you for
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand which pages are useful, which features people actually reach, and where the site confuses them. It tells us things like how many people viewed the pricing page and how many went on to sign up.
When you first arrive, we ask. Until you answer:
- no analytics cookie is set,
- Google receives no identifier that persists between your visits, and
- nothing is stored on your device for measurement purposes.
This is enforced with Google Consent Mode, which is set to deny analytics storage before the Google script loads — not after it, and not as a request we hope it honours.
If you accept, the cookies in the table above are set and we can recognise a returning visitor. If you decline, we do not.
What we never do, whatever you choose: we run no advertising and no remarketing, we do not sell or share your data, we do not use Google Signals or ad personalisation, and we never send Google your name, email address, or anything else that identifies you personally.
Changing your mind
Select Cookie settings at the bottom of any page. That brings back the same choice you were originally given, and takes effect immediately. Withdrawing is exactly as easy as accepting, which is the standard the law sets and a reasonable thing to expect regardless.
Things that are not cookies
Three related technologies, disclosed here for completeness:
- sessionStorage — first-visit source. When you first arrive, we store the referring site and any campaign parameters from the link in your browser's sessionStorage. It never leaves your browser as a cookie and is erased when you close the tab.
- localStorage — your preferences. The application stores preferences such as your light/dark theme choice and editor view settings in localStorage so they persist between visits. This stays on your device.
- localStorage — your cookie choice. Your answer to the banner is recorded on your device so we do not ask again on every page. Storing your refusal is the only way to honour it.
Device fingerprinting at sign-in
Separately from cookies, when you sign in we compute a device fingerprint and store it with your session, to detect account sharing and credential-stuffing attempts. It is a security measure, not an advertising one, and it is not affected by your analytics choice. It is described in full in our Privacy Policy.
Managing cookies
You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking the session cookie will prevent you from staying signed in, because that cookie is how being signed in works. Clearing your browser storage also clears your recorded cookie choice, so you will be asked again on your next visit.
Changes
If we ever introduce a further non-essential cookie, we will update this page and ask you again before setting it. An answer you gave about analytics is not an answer about anything else.