Support

Email support@loosebraidsbakery.com with any question, problem or suggestion. Please include your macOS version and your Mac model.

DataCurtain

How do I start the privacy screen?

Press Option+H, choose "Show Privacy Screen Now" from the menu bar icon, or open DataCurtain from your Applications folder. It also starts on its own after the idle time set in Settings, unless that's set to Never.

How do I close it?

Move the mouse, click, or press a letter or number key. If "Require authentication to resume" is on, you'll be asked for Touch ID or your Mac's password first. The Control, Option, Command and Shift keys do nothing on their own. If the privacy screen ever doesn't respond, press Option+H.

Can I change the Option+H shortcut?

No. Option+H is fixed, because it's also the guaranteed way back if the privacy screen stops responding. While DataCurtain is running, the character that Option+H normally types (˙ on US keyboards) can't be typed.

Does DataCurtain lock my Mac?

No. It hides what's on your display, but it isn't a system lock. When you need real security, use your Mac's Lock Screen: Control+Command+Q, also near the bottom of the Apple menu. It works while DataCurtain is showing.

Should I change my Mac's screen saver settings?

We recommend setting your Mac's screen saver never to start by itself, and clearing any hot corner set to Start Screen Saver. It isn't required, but in rare cases during testing, both running together left the display unresponsive until the Mac was restarted. Keep "Turn display off when inactive" set to a time and "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off" on, so your Mac still locks itself. How to Use, inside the app, has the steps for each macOS version.

Why does my display turn off while DataCurtain is showing?

By default, your Mac's own display timer still applies, so your Mac can turn off its display and lock as usual. To keep DataCurtain on screen longer, choose a time under "Keep the display on while the privacy screen is showing" in Settings. Your Mac won't lock itself during that time, so use the Lock Screen if you leave it.

Why didn't it start during my video call?

That's on purpose. While a video is playing, a call is in progress, or a slide show is running, DataCurtain waits. You can turn this off in Settings. Option+H always works.

How do I make it open when I log in?

Turn on "Start this app when I log in" in Settings. DataCurtain then waits in the menu bar after each login. The automatic start and Option+H work only while the app is running.

Does it cover more than one display?

Not yet. DataCurtain covers your main display.

Does it use much battery?

It animates continuously, so it uses more power than an idle Mac, like anything with moving pictures. For long stretches on a laptop, plug in.

How do I remove DataCurtain?

Turn off "Start this app when I log in" in Settings, choose Quit from the menu bar icon, then drag DataCurtain from your Applications folder to the Trash.