What is DotBGE

DotBGE is a privacy-focused encryption tool designed to keep your files safe without requiring you to create an account. It follows a simple rule: everything is encrypted on your device, and no account is ever created. This means your data stays under your control. The tool uses an open file format, which ensures that your encrypted files can be opened even if the app or the company behind it disappears in the future. It works on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, with command-line tools available for Linux and macOS. Native apps for Windows and Android are currently in development.

Benefits

DotBGE offers several key advantages for users who want strong security without the hassle. First, it allows you to share files with a specific person by scanning a QR code. This method removes the need for email attachments or trusting unknown servers. Second, the app includes a private vault that locks automatically when you switch to another app. This vault uses biometric security like Face ID to keep sensitive files hidden. Third, if the person you are sending a file to does not have the app, you can use a password to lock the file. This password mode uses strong hashing techniques to ensure security. Finally, you can preview photos, videos, and PDFs directly in the app. A critical safety feature is that these previews never save a copy to your device, preventing any accidental data leaks.

Use Cases

DotBGE is useful for many situations where secure file sharing is needed. You can use it to send private documents to a friend or colleague by simply scanning a code. The Share Extension feature lets you encrypt files directly from your Photos or Files app without opening the main app. This makes sharing quick and easy. The tool is also great for storing sensitive personal files in a vault that locks when you are not looking at it. For more advanced users, the command-line version allows for batch processing and integration into automated workflows or AI agents. The open format also means that other developers can build their own clients to read your files, ensuring long-term access to your data.

Pricing

DotBGE uses a flexible pricing model that is free to use forever. The free tier allows you to decrypt and preview any file, encrypt single files, and use the biometric vault for up to three files. You can also create one identity and use the Share Extension. For users who need more power, there is a Pro tier available. This option costs $24.99 for a one-time lifetime purchase or $3.99 per month. The Pro version adds features like batch encryption, the ability to encrypt entire folders, unlimited vault storage, and support for multiple identities.

Vibes

Users appreciate DotBGE for its focus on privacy and simplicity. The idea that files remain accessible even if the company vanishes gives people a sense of long-term security. The ability to lock the vault with Face ID and the fact that previews do not save data to the disk are highly valued features. The open-source nature of the file format builds trust, as it proves the company is not trying to lock users into a proprietary system. Reviews highlight the ease of use for sharing files via QR codes and the robustness of the password protection for those who prefer not to use the app.

Additional Information

DotBGE is built on an open format called .bge, which is fully documented and free for anyone to use. This transparency is a core part of its design. The encryption standards used include RSA-4096-OAEP and AES-256-GCM, which are considered very strong in the security industry. The app is available on iOS and iPadOS with a full feature set. A menu-bar app is also available for macOS users. While native apps for Windows and Android are not yet fully released, the open format allows third-party developers to create compatible clients for those platforms.