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Keep safe · 5 minute read

# Storage, privacy, and file behavior

The camera stream travels directly from the phone to the Mac, and a movie is created only in the folder you choose.

No cloud relay No account or analytics

## A direct local connection

Camera video, phone audio, orientation, battery, and attitude messages use one direct stream. iPhone USB uses the private point-to-point interface created for the trusted cable. iPhone and Android Wi-Fi use the selected local network interface.

No cloud relay The media path stays between the two devices.
No sign-in Viewfinder has no user account or hosted library.
No analytics The app and bundled manual do not send usage telemetry.
One selected source Only the camera route visible in Viewfinder is received.

## Permissions by device

Device | Permission | Why
--- | --- | ---
iPhone | Camera | Capture the rear wide camera.
iPhone | Microphone | Capture the active iOS audio route.
iPhone | Local Network | Advertise and send the direct camera stream.
iPhone | Motion | Send level and roll telemetry.
Android | Camera | Capture the rear camera.
Android | Microphone | Capture phone audio.
Android | Local Network | Advertise and send the direct camera stream.
Android | Sensors | Send level and roll telemetry.
Mac | Local Network | Discover and connect to After2AM Capture.

Viewfinder does not request the Mac camera or microphone because it does not capture either one.

## The recording folder

The folder picker grants access to the directory you select. The choice made in a connected window is stored for that phone, so future windows and sessions return it to the same destination. A phone without an assignment uses the default folder selected in Settings. Choose mounted, writable locations with enough free space for the planned recording time.

- Changing the folder never moves older movies.
- New takes go to the connected phone's selected destination.
- Clearing companion app data or reinstalling it can reset the phone identity and its folder association.
- Existing file names are preserved; duplicates receive a numbered suffix.
- Show Recording reveals the last completed take without moving it.

## What persists

Item | Persistence
--- | ---
Completed MOV files | Remain in the selected recording folder until you manage them in Finder.
Default and per-phone recording folders | Remembered between launches while companion identity remains stable.
Mirrors, grid, level, VU | Remembered between launches.
Prompt speed and appearance | Remembered between launches.
Prompt script text | Current app session only.
Battery and attitude telemetry | Transient; not stored in the movie.

## Safe recording practice

A local MOV is not yet a backup

Play and inspect important takes, then copy them into the production’s normal backup workflow. Keep the destination mounted until SAVING… has disappeared.