Cookie Policy
Last updated: September 2026
This page is the detailed technical reference for every cookie ForgePlug or a third-party service on ForgePlugcan set, why, and for how long. For the legal and consent framework around them — including how the consent banner controls which of these actually load — see our Privacy Policy.
What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. ForgePlug's tools themselves never use cookies to process your data — every tool runs entirely client-side, so a JSON file you format or a PDF you merge never touches a server, cookie or no cookie. The cookies below exist only for site preferences, anonymous usage analytics, and (once consented to) advertising — never for tool functionality.
Essential / Preference Cookies
These load automatically and don't require consent, since they're necessary for the site to remember your basic choices and can't be used to track you elsewhere.
| Cookie | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| forgeplug-theme | Remembers your light/dark mode preference. | 1 year |
| forgeplug-consent | Stores whether you accepted or declined non-essential cookies, so the banner doesn't reappear every visit. | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies (consent required)
If you accept non-essential cookies, we load Google Analytics to see aggregate, anonymized traffic patterns — which tools get used, roughly how long a visit lasts, and which country traffic comes from. If you decline, none of the cookies below are set and no analytics script loads at all.
| Cookie | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique visitors for Google Analytics. | 2 years |
| _ga_<container-id> | Persists session state for Google Analytics 4 property tracking. | 2 years |
| _gid | Distinguishes visitors within a 24-hour window. | 24 hours |
You can opt out of Google Analytics site-wide by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Advertising Cookies (consent required)
ForgePlugruns Google AdSense to help cover hosting costs for tools that stay free to use. Ad-related cookies only load after you accept non-essential cookies, and Google's own use of them is governed by its own policies, not ours:
| Cookie | Purpose | Set by |
|---|---|---|
| IDE | Used by Google to measure ad performance and, where permitted, personalize ads. | doubleclick.net |
| test_cookie | Checks whether your browser supports cookies at all before other ad cookies are set. | doubleclick.net |
| _gcl_au | Stores and tracks conversions for Google Ads / AdSense. | google.com |
You can manage or opt out of personalized ads at Google Ad Settings, or opt out of interest-based advertising site-wide via the Digital Advertising Alliance.
Managing Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- Delete all cookies stored on your device
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is set
- Use private/incognito browsing mode
Note that blocking essential cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on this site.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us.