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How to Track Time

Quick and easy instructions for using the MinuteDock timer.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

This guide provides quick and easy instructions for using the MinuteDock timer and covers tracking time for other users and editing already logged time entries.

Time Tracking Workflow

MinuteDock uses the Dock - the main timer/textbox bar at the top of your screen - to track time as you work. Here's the basic workflow:

  1. Start the Timer in the Dock

  2. Assign Contacts, Projects, and Tasks and add notes

  3. Log the Time Entry when finished

  4. View and edit logged entries on the Time screen

Start and Control the Timer

Start the Timer: Click the gray clock icon in the Dock at the top of your screen to start timing your work.

Pause the Timer: Click the Timer again to pause it. The icon will change to show the Timer is active.

Edit Time Manually

Add time directly: Double-click the Timer display to edit hours and minutes directly.

Use shortcuts: Type natural language like "30 mins" or "1.5 hrs" in the time field and press TAB to apply.

Assign Contacts, Projects, and Tasks

As your Timer runs, you can organize your work using the Dock's text field. Assigning Contacts, Projects, and Tasks helps organize time for reporting and billing.

Assign Contacts

Contacts represent your clients - the people or companies you bill for work.

  1. In the Dock text field, type @ followed by your client's Short Code (e.g., @acme)

  2. Press SPACEBAR to assign the Contact

  3. Or: Type @ to open the dropdown, then click a Contact from the list

  4. Or: Type part of the Contact name after @ to search the list

Assign Projects and Tasks

Projects organize work within Contacts. Tasks categorize the type of work across all clients.

  1. In the Dock text field, type # followed by the Short Code (e.g., #website or #admin)

  2. Press SPACEBAR to assign the Project or Task

  3. Or: Type # to open the dropdown, then click an item from the list

  4. Multiple Tasks: You can assign multiple Tasks to a single Time Entry

💡Tip: Short Codes are custom aliases you create for Contacts, Projects, and Tasks. They make categorizing time faster and easier. Learn more about Short Codes

Add Notes

Type additional details about your work directly in the Dock text field alongside your Contacts, Projects, and Tasks. These notes can appear on invoices and help with detailed record-keeping.

Visual Indicators

When Contacts, Projects, and Tasks are assigned correctly, you'll see:

  • Contacts and Projects: Appear in highlighted boxes within the Dock

  • Tasks: Appear as tabs above the Dock

  • Notes: Appear as plain text in the Dock

Log Your Time Entry

When you're finished working and ready to save your time:

Click LOG: Press the LOG button in the Dock, or press ENTER on your keyboard.

Entry saved: Your Time Entry is now saved to your timesheet and a fresh Timer is ready for your next task.

Success! Logged Time Entries appear on the Time screen where you can view, edit, and organize all your tracked time.

View and Edit Time Entries

View Your Time

Time screen: Navigate to Time to see all your logged Time Entries organized by date.

Reports: Use Reports to analyze time across different periods, Contacts, Projects, or Tasks. Learn more about Reports

Edit Time Entries

Click any Time Entry on the Time screen or in Reports to edit:

  • Time amount and date

  • Contact, Project, or Task assignments

  • Notes and descriptions

  • Billable/unbillable status

Click the green checkmark to save changes.

Backdate Time Entries

Add time for previous dates by typing date information in brackets:

  • "(12/3/24)" for specific dates

  • "(yesterday)" or "(last Wednesday)" for relative dates

  • Press TAB to apply the date

Track Time for Other Users

⚠️ Admin permissions required to log time on behalf of other Users.

  1. Navigate to the Time screen

  2. Click My Time and select the User you want to track time for

  3. Click New next to the date heading

  4. Fill in the Time Entry details (Contact, notes, time amount)

  5. Click ✅Save

MinuteDock Mobile App

Track time on the go with MinuteDock's mobile apps for iPhone and Android. Account management and invoicing are done through the web app.

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