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From Manual to Automatic Tracking: All the Ways to Log Your Time

Icon of a pencilLast updated: 15 Dec 2024

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Automated Time TrackingTimer ModeManual ModeDuration-Only Mode

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Table of Contents

Automated Time TrackingTimer ModeManual ModeDuration-Only Mode

Introduction

Time tracking isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different workflows require different approaches. Some people need precise, minute-by-minute tracking, while others prefer to log their time at the end of the day.

Here’s a breakdown of all the ways to log your time entries, depending on your goals.

Automated Time Tracking

What if your time could track itself? With automated tracking, your tools handle the work for you, logging time spent on emails, meetings, or specific apps seamlessly in the background — all while you stay focused on your tasks.

Screenshot of timeline features in Toggl Track's calendar view
One of Toggl Track's automated tracking features: Background activity tracking

Timer Mode

The timer is your accountability partner. Think a task will take 30 minutes? The timer might reveal it’s actually 47. Timer mode captures your work in real-time, giving you accurate insights.

Here’s how it works: press "Start" when you begin, add a description, assign a project, and toss in a tag. When you’re done, hit "Stop." It’s a reliable way to log what’s real — not just what you estimated.

Over time, timer mode helps you uncover patterns, showing where your time is best spent — or where it’s slipping away.

Screenshot of timer mode in Toggl Track
Timer mode allows users to start and stop tracking with just one click

Manual Mode

Not every task fits neatly into a plan. Maybe you were too deep in focus or juggling too much to hit "Start." That’s where manual mode comes in.

Simply add your task manually later: enter the start and end time, attach it to a project, and you’re done — no stress, no guilt.

Screenshot of manual mode in Toggl Track
Manual mode allows users to add time entries after the fact

Duration-Only Mode

Sometimes precision isn’t necessary. For teams that value hours spent over specific timestamps, duration-only tracking is a perfect fit. This mode eliminates the pressure of recording exact start and stop times, making it ideal for flexible and remote teams.

Admins can enable this for the whole team. Log entries like “2 hours for Client Call” or “3 hours for Research” without worrying about the clock.

Screenshot of duration-only mode in Toggl Track
Duration-only mode allows users to add time for tasks without timestamps
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