10. Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sift Send My Case Documents to an Online AI Service?

No. Your documents and searches stay on your computer. Sift contacts Polar for license access and the Sift website for update information. Those requests do not include your case documents or searches.

Can I Use Sift without the Internet?

Yes, after the first activation. There is no recurring deadline to reconnect. An internet connection is needed to activate a license, release it from a computer, or download an update.

Can Sift Search Scanned Pages and Pictures?

Yes, when the printed words can be read. Blurry scans, handwriting, faint print, and unusual layouts can leave words unavailable to search. The original page remains available for review.

Can I Search Questions as Well as Answers?

Yes. Sift includes every statement it can read in a transcript, including questions, answers, and remarks in every section. The optional search controls can narrow results to a particular speaker or section.

Does Sift Answer Legal Questions?

Sift finds relevant passages for you to read. It does not decide a legal issue, resolve conflicting testimony, or replace your judgment. A high Match score does not mean a statement is true.

Is the Test Version Free?

Yes. Invited testers receive beta access without payment. A beta key works with beta versions and does not automatically become a commercial license.

What Will a Purchased License Include?

The planned Sift 1.x license allows continued use of Sift 1.x on one active computer, including updates within 1.x. Future major versions are separate purchases. Pricing explains the planned prices.

Can I Move My License to a Different Computer?

Yes. The illustrated Settings instructions explain the transfer. Moving a license does not move case documents; export and import handle those separately.

Can I Share a Case?

Yes. An exported case can be opened in Sift on another supported computer. A password can protect the exported file. Each person using Sift needs a valid license.

Does a Password-Protected Export Protect the Case Inside Sift?

No. The password protects the exported file. The working case on your computer is not separately password-protected by Sift. Your computer’s own security protections still matter.

Can I Buy Sift Now?

Public sales are not open during the private beta. Support can answer availability questions.