Time Tracker
A beautifully simple, privacy-first time tracker for freelancers and creators. No account required, data stays perfectly safe on your device.
Time Log
What is the Online Time Tracker?
The Online Time Tracker is a lightweight, privacy-focused utility designed for freelancers and digital creators to accurately log billable hours. Unlike complicated enterprise software, this tool requires no account creation, works instantly in your browser, and saves all data locally on your device.
How to Use the Time Tracker
- Define Your Task: Enter the name of the project or task you are working on in the designated input field.
- Start the Timer: Click the large "Play" button to begin tracking. You can pause and resume the timer as needed without losing your session.
- Stop and Log: Once completed, hit the "Stop" button. The duration, along with the current date, will be permanently added to your local history log.
- Export Your Data: Click "Export CSV" to download your timesheet, which can be easily imported into Excel, Google Sheets, or any accounting software.
How It Works: The Logic & Math
This Time Tracker runs purely on client-side JavaScript. When you start the timer, it captures the exact millisecond timestamp. The display updates in real-time, mathematically calculating the difference:
Elapsed Time = Current Timestamp - Start Timestamp
The resulting milliseconds are divided into hours, minutes, and seconds for the visual display. To ensure your data persists even if you refresh the page or restart your browser, the tool serializes the session logs and writes them directly to your browser's localStorage database under the timeTrackerLogs key.
Real-Life Use Cases & Examples
- Upwork Hourly Contracts: A freelance developer uses the tool to track offline work sessions when they cannot use the official desktop application, keeping an accurate record for manual time entry.
- Agency Retainers: A graphic designer splits their day across four different client retainers. They use the tool to log exactly how many minutes they spend on each brand, exporting the week's CSV for their Friday reporting.
- The Pomodoro Technique: A writer uses the tracker to establish focused 25-minute sprints without being distracted by the complex features or notifications of a heavy SaaS platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is my time tracking data synced to a cloud server?
No. Your data is 100% private. All time logs are stored locally in your current web browser. We do not maintain user databases, meaning your productivity habits are entirely your own business.
What happens if I accidentally close the tab while the timer is running?
To maintain absolute privacy, the active timer state is held in short-term memory. But any session you have already "Stopped" and saved to the log will safely persist across tab closures and computer restarts.
The tools and calculators provided on The Simple Toolbox are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to keep calculations accurate, numbers are based on user inputs and standard assumptions that may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a certified professional (such as a CPA, financial advisor, or attorney) before making significant financial or business decisions.
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