At a Glance:
TimeScribe is a free, offline-first time tracking desktop app for macOS and Windows that runs entirely locally with no account or cloud uploads required, supporting project billing, absence planning, app usage monitoring, and deep-link automation.
Overview:
TimeScribe is a desktop time tracking application for macOS and Windows. It provides manual and automatic time logging, project-based tracking with hourly rates and billing calculations, and app usage categorization to distinguish work from distractions. The software also includes absence planning for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. All data stays on the local device, with no registration, no cloud storage, and no paywall. TimeScribe supports export to PDF, Excel, and CSV, and offers a deep-link API for controlling timers from external tools like Raycast, Alfred, or custom scripts. It installs via direct download, Homebrew, or WinGet, and can also be built from source.
Key Decision Points:
Local-only data with no cloud component: TimeScribe stores all tracking data in a local SQLite database. If cross-device synchronization or team-wide reporting is needed, this tool does not provide it natively.
macOS and Windows only: The application runs on macOS and Windows desktops. Linux and mobile platforms are not listed as supported targets.
Project billing relies on manual input: Hourly rates and billing calculations are supported, but invoicing is not part of the documented feature set. Export formats include PDF, Excel, and CSV for further processing.
Deep-link API for local automation: TimeScribe exposes a URL scheme that allows scripts, launchers, and automation tools to start and stop timers. This is useful for users who already integrate desktop workflows through tools like Shortcuts, AutoHotkey, or Raycast.
Core Features:
One-click time tracking: Start, pause, and stop manual time tracking from the interface.
Project tracking with billing: Assign time entries to projects with descriptions and hourly rates, and view calculated amounts.
App usage monitoring: View which applications are in use and categorize activities as work or distractions.
Absence planning: Schedule vacation, sick leave, and holidays within the tool.
Auto start/pause: Automatically start and pause tracking based on screen time and idle status.
Local data export: Export time tracking data as PDF, Excel, or CSV files.
Use Cases:
Freelancers who need to track billable hours per project and export data for client reporting.
Remote workers or individuals who want to analyze daily app usage and distinguish focused work from distractions.
Users who prefer a locally installed time tracker that works offline and does not require account creation.
Desktop users who want to trigger time tracking via external automation tools using a deep-link API.
Open-Source Alternative Value:
TimeScribe is distributed under the GPL-3.0 license and can be built from source. All tracking data remains on the user's device, and the tool operates without cloud dependencies or required registration. The deep-link API allows local integration with other desktop tools, and the application can be installed through package managers like Homebrew and WinGet alongside direct downloads. These factors make TimeScribe a practical option for users who need a standalone time tracker they can fully control on their own machine.
