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Timer vs. Time Card: Which Should I Use?

Pick the right method for how you work — real-time tracking or after-the-fact logging

This is one of the first decisions you'll make in TimeTracker, and it affects your whole team's workflow. Some teams prefer tracking time as it happens, while others prefer logging it after the fact. Neither approach is better — it depends on how your team works.

TimeTracker offers two ways to record time. Both create identical time entries that appear on timesheets and can be invoiced.

Timer
Time Card (Manual Entry)
How it works
Start/stop a real-time clock
Type the duration or start/end times directly
Best for
Tasks where you want exact time capture
Logging time after the fact or for known durations
Where to use
Daily Timesheet (Timers in Progress section)
Weekly Timesheet or Daily Timesheet
Accuracy
Exact (tracks to the second)
Depends on your memory or records

When to Use a Timer

Use timers when you want precise time tracking and tend to work on focused tasks. They’re ideal for client calls, focused project work, and billable tasks where exact minutes matter.

When to Use Manual Entry

Use manual entry when you’re logging time at the end of the day or week, when you know the duration in advance (e.g., a standing 1-hour meeting), or when entering time for previous days.