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TimeScribe

Free, open-source local time tracker for macOS and Windows

FreeTime TrackingChecked Oct 6, 2026
TimeScribe, as pictured on timescribe.app
How TimeScribe presents itself. Image from timescribe.app.

What is TimeScribe?

TimeScribe is a free, open-source desktop app for recording working hours, breaks, projects and overtime on macOS and Windows. Everything is stored locally on the device, with no account, no cloud and no paid tier, and the app works offline. It is built for individual users rather than teams, and times export as PDF, Excel or CSV for invoices or accounting.

TimeScribe is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • Individuals who have to record working hours, breaks and overtime
  • Freelancers who want free tracking with exports for invoices
  • People who do not want an account or their time data in the cloud

Worth knowing

  • It is built for individual users; the vendor's FAQ recommends other tools for teams.
  • All data is stored locally on the device, without a cloud or an account.
  • There are apps for macOS and Windows only; no Linux, mobile or web version is listed.
  • Help and feature requests go through GitHub issues and discussions.

Key features

Timer in the menu bar
Work and break tracking starts, pauses and stops with one click, and the timer can be controlled from the menu bar, including switching between projects.
Time balance and overtime
Day and week views show work patterns and whether you are ahead of or behind your hours, so overtime and missed time are visible at a glance.
Projects and hourly rates
Time is tracked per project with descriptions, and an optional hourly rate produces billing calculations for client work.
Absences and holidays
Vacation and sick days are planned and recorded separately from work, and public holidays can be included in the overview.
App activity and automatic start
Optional app tracking, off by default, shows which apps were used and sorts work from distractions. The timer can start and pause by itself based on screen time and idle status.
Exports, shortcuts and deep links
Times export as PDF, Excel or CSV. Custom keyboard shortcuts and timescribe:// links let tools such as Shortcuts, Alfred, Raycast or AutoHotkey start and stop the timer.

TimeScribe pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
Completely free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. The vendor's FAQ says there are no hidden costs, no subscriptions and no restrictions.
Free trial
None listed
Free$0Every feature on macOS and Windows, with no account, no premium plan and no paywall.

Read from timescribe.app on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with TimeScribe before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

TimeScribe alternatives

Common questions

Is TimeScribe free?

Yes. TimeScribe is free to use. Completely free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. The vendor's FAQ says there are no hidden costs, no subscriptions and no restrictions.

How much does TimeScribe cost?

TimeScribe lists one plan. Free: $0. Prices were read from timescribe.app on Oct 6, 2026.

What platforms does TimeScribe work on?

TimeScribe is available on macOS and Windows.

Does TimeScribe have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. TimeScribe is listed for macOS and Windows.

Does TimeScribe have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. TimeScribe is listed for macOS and Windows.

Is TimeScribe open source?

Yes. TimeScribe is open source, according to its own site.

Does TimeScribe work offline?

Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.

What does TimeScribe integrate with?

TimeScribe's listing names Apple Shortcuts, Alfred, Raycast and AutoHotkey. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes TimeScribe?

TimeScribe is made by TimeScribe.

What are the alternatives to TimeScribe?

The closest alternatives to TimeScribe in our directory are Tim, ActivityWatch, ManicTime, Timing and Toggl. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with TimeScribe.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.