Know where your files are, and who can see what.
A clear boundary starts with practical questions: where is this file, what did I connect, and what can this person or AI actually access?
Where are the actual files?
Files on your computer go into Packtell, which manages the actual files locally. Files already in Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox stay there and connect by reference. NAS and S3 are future connections.
Your computer
Local files
Actual files go into Packtell
Package
Files, context and versions for one matter
Packtell runs on your computerGoogle DriveOneDrive · Dropbox
External files stay where they are
Connected by referenceFuture: NAS · S3What does Cloud receive?
Only the information for spaces you explicitly connect: names, notes, versions and necessary coordination details. File contents and storage credentials remain outside Cloud.
What does AI need for this task?
When you want AI to help with a task, start with a Package. Include the files, materials and background that belong to it, and let AI work within that scope. It does not need to search your entire Downloads folder, Desktop or drive, or start with access to everything.
“Help me check what is missing from this year’s tax documents.”
Without a clear boundary
- Desktop
- Downloads
- Documents
- Drive
- Photos
- Everything…
Too broad
Packtell: focus on this task
- W-2.pdf
- 1099.pdf
- Mortgage interest.pdf
- HSA statement.pdf
- Receipts/
- Notes.md
A Package defines the content to provide. Review the AI tool’s actual permissions too; organizing a Package does not remove access you already granted elsewhere.
Who can open family files?
Cloud membership and storage access are separate. Members use their own accounts; an authorized device coordinates changes. Removing access cannot erase copies already obtained, and storage revocation may wait for that device.
What can a delivery check tell you?
Integrity checks help identify particular contents and versions. They do not establish authorship, correctness, safety or legal effect. Cloud explains the separate scope of its Witness service.
Keep your choice of tools.
Packtell runs locally, is free and open source, and requires no account for local use. Your files and their story should remain useful when you change how you work.
Why local and open
Keep a file tool close to the people who depend on it.
Explore the storyRead the privacy information
Know which information can leave the device.
Explore the story