Cookie Policy

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored in your browser when you visit a website. They allow websites and third-party services to recognise your browser across page loads and visits. HCODX's own direct use of cookies is minimal — the majority of cookies you encounter on this site are set by third-party services operating under their own privacy policies (Google Analytics for site stats, ad networks for advertising).

2. Cookies we set directly — Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use HCODX so we can improve the service. Google Analytics sets cookies in your browser to distinguish anonymous visits and track usage patterns. No personally identifying information is included. The data collected includes pages visited, session duration, device/browser type, and approximate geographic region (country/city level).

Google Analytics is governed by the Google Privacy Policy. You can opt out at any time using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on — opting out does not affect any tool functionality.

3. Third-party advertising cookies (set by ad networks across the entire site)

HCODX displays third-party advertisements on every page of the site to support the free operation of the service. Ads keep HCODX completely free with no paywalls or per-use charges.

3.1 Google AdSense / Google Ad Manager

Google may set the following cookies in your browser when ads load on any page of this site. These are set directly by Google's servers — not by HCODX.

These cookies are governed by the Google Privacy Policy and the Google Ad Technologies Notice.

3.2 Other advertising networks

We may work with additional certified programmatic advertising partners that will similarly set their own cookies directly from their servers:

• Media.net — contextual advertising network
• Other certified ad networks via programmatic exchanges

Each network operates under its own privacy policy. HCODX has no access to the data these networks collect through their cookies.

4. Browser local storage (not cookies)

HCODX uses your browser's local storage — which is technically distinct from cookies — to save UI preferences such as theme (dark/light) and recently-used tool settings. This data:

• Is stored only within your own browser on your own device
• Is never transmitted to our servers or to any third party
• Contains only preference strings (e.g. hcodx-theme: "dark") — never your code, calculator inputs, or any tool output
• Can be deleted at any time by clearing your browser's site data for hcodx.com

Unlike cookies, local storage entries don't get sent on each request and aren't visible to advertisers or analytics scripts.

5. Summary table — all cookies and storage on this site

6. How to control cookies

Browser settings

• Block all third-party cookies (disables most ad-network cookies; first-party analytics may still function)
• Clear cookies and site data for hcodx.com at any time
• Use private / incognito mode (cookies are wiped at session end)
• Enable "Do Not Track" — Google Analytics and many ad networks honor this signal

Opt out of personalized advertising

• Google Ad Settings — control Google ad personalization
• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) — opt out of participating companies
• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) — industry opt-out tool
• Your Online Choices (EU/UK) — European advertising choices

Opt out of Google Analytics

• Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera)

7. Browser-specific cookie settings

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Website Tracking
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, Search, and Services → Tracking Prevention

8. Consent

By continuing to use HCODX, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You may withdraw or modify your consent at any time using the browser settings and opt-out tools above. Disabling third-party cookies does not affect tool functionality — every tool, calculator, editor, and AI utility runs entirely in your browser without server-side state.

9. Do Not Track

HCODX respects the "Do Not Track" browser signal. When you enable Do Not Track, Google Analytics receives this signal and may reduce data collection accordingly. Note that third-party advertising networks have their own policies on Do Not Track signals — see each network's privacy policy for details.

10. Updates to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy when our practices change — for example, when we add a new analytics or advertising partner. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent change. Continued use of the site after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact