Welcome to the GLOW
Before you use GLOW, please take a moment to read how this tool works and how it handles your documents. This is a short, plain-language summary -- not legal boilerplate.
Welcome to the GLOW
GLOW (Guided Layout and Output Workflow) is a free, open-source accessibility tool sponsored by Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS), a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind. It helps authors and organizations produce documents that meet the ACB Large Print Guidelines and WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards.
GLOW can audit, fix, convert, and transcribe documents and audio files entirely on this server. No commercial account, subscription, or login is required.
How GLOW Handles Your Files
Documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, Markdown, ePub)
- Your file is uploaded directly to this server over an encrypted HTTPS connection.
- It is processed in a private temporary folder identified only by a random token. No filename, content, or metadata is logged.
- The file and all outputs are automatically deleted within 1 hour of upload, and immediately after you download your results.
- Your document is never shared with, forwarded to, or stored by any third party.
AI-Assisted Features
- This server supports personal Ollama Cloud keys for AI-powered heading detection, MarkItDown support, and the AI Playground. You can configure your own key in Settings to enable AI features. Your key is never logged or stored on disk.
- All AI-assisted options are optional, clearly labelled, and can be disabled at any time.
Cookies and Storage
GLOW uses one consent cookie and optional device-local storage:
- Consent cookie (
glow_consent_v1): stores the fact that you have read and agreed to these terms. It expires after 365 days. No personal data is stored in it -- it contains only the value1. - Saved preferences (optional): if you choose to remember your defaults, those choices are stored in your browser's local storage on your device only. This can include workflow defaults, custom rule sets, and Rules Reference filters. Nothing from that storage is sent to the server.
Your Agreement
By using GLOW you confirm that:
- You have read and understood this summary of how GLOW handles your data.
- You have the right to upload any files you submit (they are your documents, or you have permission to process them).
- You understand that GLOW is provided free of charge, without warranty, as an open-source community project.
For full details, see the Privacy Policy.