Cookie Policy

1. Cookies vs. Browser Local & Session Storage

HTTP Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet, or phone by websites and third-party services (such as advertising networks). Cookies have configurable expiration dates and are automatically sent back to their originating domain with matching HTTP requests.

HTML5 Local Storage and Session Storage are standard browser key-value storage spaces bound strictly to the tooltux.com origin. Unlike cookies, values stored in localStorage or sessionStorage are never attached automatically to outgoing HTTP headers. ToolTux uses localStorage to remember interface settings (such as Dark or Light mode) and to cache public directory metadata so pages open quickly on repeat visits, and uses sessionStorage for temporary tab-level guards that clear automatically as soon as you close the browser tab.

Importantly, ToolTux does not store the code snippets, passwords, tokens, images, or PDF text you process inside client-side browser tools in cookies or persistent storage unless you explicitly submit a public comment, review, or contact message.

2. Categories of Storage & Cookies Used on ToolTux

• Strictly Necessary Storage: Required to record your cookie consent decision (tooltux_cookie_consent_v2), recover cleanly when a lazy-loaded JavaScript chunk is updated (chunk_retry_*), and prevent duplicate rapid form or view submissions within the same tab.
• Functional Preferences & Directory Cache: Remembers your Dark/Light theme (tooltux_theme_pref), desktop sidebar width (tooltux_sidebar_expanded), up to five recent search terms on your device (tooltux_recent_searches_v2), and public tool list caches so the home grid renders immediately before Cloud Firestore refreshes in the background.
• Analytics & Aggregate Counters: ToolTux maintains aggregate tool and blog view and like counters in Google Cloud Firestore and uses session flags (tooltux_viewed_*) so reloading a page does not inflate counts. Consent for analytics_storage is managed through Google Consent Mode v2.
• Advertising (Google AdSense): Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads, cap ad frequency, detect invalid traffic, and—only when you grant advertising consent—personalize ads across websites.

3. Exact Storage Keys & Cookies Reference

The list below documents the browser storage keys defined in the ToolTux web application alongside third-party cookies set by Google services when active:

• tooltux_cookie_consent_v2 (localStorage, ToolTux): Stores your consent choices and timestamp for Google Consent Mode v2 until cleared.
• tooltux_theme_pref (localStorage, ToolTux): Remembers Dark Mode or Light Mode display selection.
• tooltux_sidebar_expanded (localStorage, ToolTux): Remembers whether the desktop navigation sidebar is expanded or compact.
• tooltux_recent_searches_v2 (localStorage, ToolTux): Saves your last 5 tool search queries on your device for quick suggestions (clearable inside the search bar).
• tooltux_site_config_cache, tooltux_tool_stats_v3, tooltux_sandbox_tools_v1, tooltux_faqs_seo_v2 (localStorage, ToolTux): Caches public tool listings, aggregate counts, categories, blog settings, and FAQs for fast repeat page loads.
• tooltux_liked_*, tooltux_comment_author, tooltux_last_comment_time (localStorage, ToolTux): Remembers liked tools and reviews, pre-fills your display name if you comment again, and rate-limits rapid spam comments.
• tooltux_viewed_*, tooltux_blog_viewed_*, chunk_retry_* (sessionStorage, ToolTux): Prevents counting multiple views in one tab session and retries once if a code chunk updates; deleted automatically on tab close.
• firebaseLocalStorageDb (IndexedDB, Google Firebase): Browser metadata used by Cloud Firestore sync and administrator sign-in solely on the admin route.
• __gads, __gpi, IDE, DSID (HTTP Cookies, Google AdSense / DoubleClick): Ad delivery, frequency capping, fraud prevention, and consented ad personalization (up to 13 months).

4. Google AdSense & Google Consent Mode v2

Before advertising units initialize, ToolTux configures Google Consent Mode v2 default signals (ad_storage, ad_user_data, ad_personalization, and analytics_storage) to denied unless you have previously saved consent in tooltux_cookie_consent_v2. When you click "Accept All", "Reject Non-Essential", or save custom toggles in our Cookie Preferences banner—which you can reopen at any time via the "Cookie Preferences" button in the site footer—ToolTux immediately updates your consent signals.

You can also manage Google's ad personalization settings across the web at adssettings.google.com and read how Google uses cookies in advertising at policies.google.com/technologies/ads.

5. How to Clear or Block Cookies & Site Data in Your Browser

In addition to reopening Cookie Preferences in the ToolTux footer, you can block third-party cookies or delete stored site data directly in your web browser:

• Google Chrome: Open Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies (or See all site data and permissions) to block third-party cookies or remove stored data for tooltux.com.
• Mozilla Firefox: Open Settings > Privacy & Security, select your Enhanced Tracking Protection level, and click Cookies and Site Data > Manage Data to clear entries for individual websites.
• Apple Safari (macOS & iOS): On macOS, open Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data; on iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.
• Microsoft Edge: Open Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data > See all cookies and site data to inspect or clear saved storage.

Clearing site data resets your saved Dark/Light theme and consent banner selection so the consent banner appears again on your next visit, while all client-side utilities continue to function normally.