At a Glance
- Save and read documents locally without an analysis.
- Choose local Apple Intelligence analysis or a Pro analysis using an external provider.
- Completed Pro results are cached on our server for at most 24 hours from completion; saved local results remain separate.
- iCloud synchronization and Apple account linking have different purposes.
Documents and analysis
What can I do with ExplainThisDoc?
You can scan or import documents, keep them in a local archive, search and read them, add notes and links, and edit PDFs. An explanation is optional: choose local analysis or Pro when you want help understanding the content.
Can I save a document without analyzing it?
Yes. Turn off document analysis in the app settings. Scanning, importing, local text recognition and the Reader remain available. The document can stay in your archive without a local or Pro explanation. You can choose an analysis later.
What is the difference between local analysis and Pro?
Local analysis uses the Apple Intelligence model on a supported device with iOS 26 or later; the document text is processed on that device and this analysis uses no Pro credit. Apple Intelligence and a supported language/model must be available. If local analysis is unavailable, the app does not automatically send the document to a cloud AI provider. Pro uses an internet connection, a selected external AI provider and credits to prepare a more detailed explanation and suitable document actions.
What works without an internet connection?
You can save, read and edit documents already available locally. Scanning and text recognition also run on the device. Local analysis can work offline when the required Apple Intelligence model is ready. Pro, purchases, account recovery, iCloud synchronization and online map services need a connection. The selected analysis mode and iCloud setting are separate choices.
Which documents can I import, and are there size limits?
You can scan paper, import photos, PDFs and supported document files, or enter text. The current PDF analysis intake processes at most the first 24 pages and about 24,000 characters; the original file stays complete. Important information later in a long PDF may therefore be missing from an explanation. Read the relevant passage in the original and, if necessary, import a shorter file containing the required pages.
Privacy and storage
Are document photos and PDFs sent for analysis?
No original image or PDF file is sent to our analysis server or to an AI provider for a local or Pro explanation. For Pro, extracted document text is sent instead. If you enable iCloud synchronization, original document files can be uploaded to your private iCloud along with other archive data. Sharing or exporting also sends the selected content to the destination you choose.
What data does a Pro analysis send?
Pro sends extracted document text through our server to the selected AI provider. This text can contain names, addresses, health information, financial details or other personal data from the document; text extraction does not anonymize it. The request also includes relevant language, time zone and technical assignment data. Currently supported providers include OpenAI, Mistral AI and Qwen / Alibaba Cloud Model Studio. Additional location lookup and provider processing are described in the Privacy Policy.
How long is a Pro result kept on your server?
A completed Pro result is available on our server for no more than 24 hours from completion. It then expires and is automatically removed from the result cache. The input text is cleared from the processing job after success or final failure. This temporary cache allows the app to retrieve a result after a brief interruption; it is not an archive backup. Account, purchase and technical accounting records have separate retention purposes. External AI providers have their own processing and retention rules.
Does my saved explanation disappear after 24 hours?
No. An explanation already saved in your local archive remains there independently of the server cache, until you delete it or remove the local app data. Optional iCloud synchronization is a separate copy and synchronization path. If a result was never retrieved before its server copy expired, the server can no longer deliver it; a new Pro analysis is a new request that may use a credit.
How does iCloud synchronization work?
You choose whether to enable iCloud synchronization. It synchronizes archive documents, saved explanations, recognized text, notes, attachments and edits through your private iCloud with your devices using the same iCloud account. Changes and deletions are synchronized too. Wait for synchronization and check the document on another device before relying on it there. Pausing stops synchronization without deleting the existing iCloud copy. Disabling synchronization starts removal of the synchronized iCloud data while keeping local data on the current device.
Is linking with Apple the same as iCloud synchronization?
No. Linking your ExplainThisDoc account with Apple helps you recover the same account and credit balance after reinstalling. It does not itself back up your documents. iCloud synchronization controls your archive across devices. The account link is optional, and the app does not request your name or email address for this link.
What does deleting a document or uninstalling the app remove?
Deleting an archive entry removes it from the app archive; with synchronization enabled, that deletion is synchronized. It does not automatically delete your server account, purchase records or copies previously exported or shared. Uninstalling the app can remove local app data but is not a request to delete all iCloud or server data. Use the iCloud controls for synchronized data and contact us for account-related privacy requests.
Do you use advertising tracking or sell personal data?
No. We do not use advertising tracking or sell personal data. Account, purchase, connection and limited technical usage data are processed to operate and secure the service. The Privacy Policy explains the separate processing by our servers, Apple, selected AI providers and other relevant services.
Reader, actions and archive
Can I annotate or sign a PDF?
Yes. In the Reader, use the tools to highlight text, add a note or place a drawn signature. Going back or opening Share saves the edits first; check any error message and reopen the file to verify the saved version. A drawn signature is not a qualified electronic signature. Check which signature form the recipient requires.
Are calendar entries and navigation started automatically?
A calendar action opens a prepared event for you to check and save. Verify the title, date, time, calendar and reminder. A route action opens Maps. Map previews can already use Apple search, geocoding and map services when displayed; network requests are not limited to tapping navigation. An action does not confirm that a task, payment or appointment has been completed.
How do I search, export or import my archive?
Use archive search and filters to find entries. Archive search covers titles, related information and notes; use Reader text search for a specific passage inside an original document. The archive options menu lets you export or import an archive and delete entries. Archive exports can include document files, explanations, recognized text, notes and attachments. Keep exported files in a location you trust and check an import before deleting your only copy.
How does the app lock protect my documents?
When enabled, the app lock requires device authentication when you return after the app was in the background and covers content in the app switcher. An already unlocked app stays readable while you use it. Lock the iPhone before handing it to someone else. The app lock is separate from iCloud settings and the choice of analysis provider.
Credits, reliability and contact
When does an analysis use a credit?
Local storage, text recognition and local analysis do not consume a Pro credit. A Pro request reserves one credit; successful completion uses it, while a final failure releases the reservation. A connection interruption alone does not mean the request failed. Additional credit packages are available through Apple in-app purchases at the prices shown in the app.
Can I rely on every extracted fact or AI explanation?
No. OCR and AI output can omit or misread information. Compare important names, amounts, conditions and dates with the original, including information that has not been marked as uncertain. Check the reference date for relative deadlines. Explanations provide information and do not replace legal, tax, medical or financial advice.
Where can I ask about my data or a purchase?
Contact [email protected] for support or a privacy request. Include only the details needed to identify the issue, such as a non-secret account/server identifier shown in the app if relevant. Never send passwords or authentication tokens. Only send a complete sensitive document if it is necessary for support and has been agreed in advance. Apple handles App Store payments and its refund process; statutory rights remain unaffected.
Where are the complete privacy and legal details?
Read the Privacy Policy, Legal Notices and Imprint linked below. They explain data recipients, retention, your rights, app terms and contact information.