# TimeRetain

> TimeRetain is a fast, private time tracker for work, study, and client projects. Your data stays in your browser, with optional end-to-end encrypted sync.

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## Home

- [Track your time. Keep your privacy.](https://timeretain.com/about.md): Learn why TimeRetain keeps time tracking private and local-first, how it handles your data, and what makes it a practical tool for focused, independent work.
- [Practical time tracking tips from TimeRetain](https://timeretain.com/blog.md): Tips, guides, and opinions on spending and tracking your hours well.
- [Help](https://timeretain.com/help.md): A collection of articles on how to use TimeRetain.
- [Import your data into TimeRetain](https://timeretain.com/import.md): Bring spreadsheet or app export data into TimeRetain by having an AI assistant convert it to the supported import format.
- [Pricing](https://timeretain.com/pricing.md): TimeRetain is free to use while it's in beta — every feature, no account, your data stays in your browser.
- [Privacy](https://timeretain.com/privacy.md): TimeRetain keeps your time tracking data on your device by default. No account, no email, no cookies. Optional sync is end-to-end encrypted with a key only you hold.
- [What's new](https://timeretain.com/whats-new.md): Recent TimeRetain updates — new features, improvements, and fixes for the private, browser-based time tracker.

## Blog

- [Daily work log: what to record at the end of each workday](https://timeretain.com/blog/daily-work-log.md): A daily work log is a short end-of-day record of what you finished, what blocked you, and what's next. Use this copyable template and skip the noise.
- [Freelance time tracking without losing control](https://timeretain.com/blog/freelance-time-tracking-without-losing-control.md): A practical guide to freelance time tracking: what it is, why billable hours matter, what bloated apps get wrong, and how to keep your records portable.
- [How to track billable hours without letting time tracking take over your day](https://timeretain.com/blog/how-to-track-billable-hours.md): Billable hours tracking should help your invoices, not eat your day. Use a simple workflow to keep trusted records, send cleaner invoices, and cut admin.
- [How to track study time without adding more homework](https://timeretain.com/blog/how-to-track-study-time.md): Track focused study sessions, review your habits once a week, and keep the log light enough to use during a busy semester.
- [Manual time tracking: record work without surveillance](https://timeretain.com/blog/manual-time-tracking.md): Manual time tracking means recording work blocks yourself, with a task, start time, stop time, and note. Use this plain method to keep records you can trust without screenshots or monitoring.
- [Time budgeting: plan your week with hours, not wishful thinking](https://timeretain.com/blog/time-budgeting.md): Build a weekly time budget that leaves room for real life. Set a work-hour ceiling, keep a buffer, and compare the plan with what happened.
- [What is a time audit? Find where your hours really go](https://timeretain.com/blog/what-is-a-time-audit.md): A time audit shows where your hours go. Use this private three-day method, then decide what is worth tracking after.
- [What is a timesheet? A simple guide for tracking work hours](https://timeretain.com/blog/what-is-a-timesheet.md): A timesheet is a record of when work happened, how long it took, and what it was for. Learn what to include, what to skip, and how to keep it useful.
- [What is offline time tracking?](https://timeretain.com/blog/what-is-offline-time-tracking.md): Offline time tracking records work hours without an internet connection. Learn how it works, where it helps, and what local-first tracking changes.
- [Why automatic time tracking apps fail you](https://timeretain.com/blog/why-automatic-time-tracking-apps-fail-you.md): Automatic time tracking promises less work, but it creates noisy data, cleanup work, and privacy risk. Manual tracking is often more trustworthy.
- [Why I built a time tracker instead of a time tracking spreadsheet](https://timeretain.com/blog/why-i-built-a-time-tracker-instead-of-a-time-tracking-spreadsheet.md): A time tracking spreadsheet works until it has to become a timer, weekly report, analytics system, and correction workflow. That is why I built TimeRetain.

## Help

- [Keep your data from being cleared](https://timeretain.com/help/keep-your-data.md): Why a browser can clear TimeRetain data, and how to keep it in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.