Ascend Documentation

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Using Timers ​

Starting a Timer ​

  1. Click the Play button in the Time Tracking page header
  2. Select the Job you're working on from the dropdown (or use your default job)
  3. Optionally add a description of what you're doing
  4. Click "Start Timer" to begin tracking

Active Timer Display ​

When a timer is running, a timer card appears at the top of the Time Tracking page showing:

  • The job name, color, and icon
  • Elapsed time (updates every second)
  • Description (if provided)
  • Pause and Stop buttons

The timer continues running even if you navigate to other pages in Ascend.

Pausing and Resuming ​

When to Pause ​

Use the pause feature when you need to take a break without stopping the timer completely:

  • Taking a lunch break
  • Switching to a personal task briefly
  • Attending an unrelated meeting
  • Any interruption where you plan to return to the same task

How to Pause ​

  1. Click the Pause button on the active timer
  2. The timer will stop counting but remain active
  3. The elapsed time is preserved

How to Resume ​

  1. Click the Resume button on the paused timer
  2. The timer continues counting from where it left off
  3. Paused time is not counted toward your total

Important: Only the active time (not paused time) is included in your time entry.

Stopping a Timer ​

Stopping and Saving ​

  1. Click the Stop button on the active timer
  2. A dialog appears showing the time entry details
  3. Review and adjust if needed:
    • Description: Add or edit what you worked on
    • Job: Change the job if needed
    • Duration: Adjust the time if necessary
  4. Click "Save" to record the time entry

What Happens When You Stop ​

  • The time entry is saved to your time log
  • The timer is cleared and ready for a new task
  • The entry appears in your Entries list
  • Earnings are calculated based on the job's hourly rate

Timer Tips ​

Tip 1: Use Descriptions ​

Add meaningful descriptions while you work:

  • "Fixed login bug in authentication module"
  • "Client call - discussed Q4 requirements"
  • "Designed homepage mockups"

Why: It's easier to remember what you did while you're doing it, and detailed descriptions help when generating invoices.

Tip 2: Leverage Default Jobs ​

If you primarily work on one job:

  1. Set it as your default job (star icon in Jobs tab)
  2. Timers will automatically select this job
  3. Saves clicks every time you start tracking

Tip 3: Pause for Interruptions ​

Don't stop the timer for short interruptions:

  • Use pause for breaks under 15 minutes
  • Keeps your workflow context
  • Resume easily when you return

Tip 4: Review Before Saving ​

When stopping a timer, always review:

  • Is the duration accurate?
  • Is the description clear?
  • Is the correct job selected?

Making corrections now saves time later!

Manual Time Entries ​

If you forgot to start a timer or need to log time retroactively:

  1. Click the "Add Time Entry" button in the Time Tracking page
  2. Fill in the details:
    • Job: Select which job this time is for
    • Start Time: When you started working
    • End Time: When you finished (or set duration directly)
    • Description: What you worked on
  3. Click "Save" to create the entry

When to use manual entries:

  • Forgot to start a timer
  • Logging time at end of day
  • Entering time from external tracking
  • Correcting timer mistakes

Common Workflows ​

Workflow 1: Single Task Focus ​

  1. Start timer for your main task
  2. Work without interruption
  3. Stop timer when complete
  4. Repeat for next task

Best for: Deep work sessions, focused project time

Workflow 2: Multi-Task Day ​

  1. Start timer for Task A
  2. Pause when switching to Task B
  3. Start new timer for Task B
  4. Resume Task A timer when returning
  5. Stop each timer when tasks complete

Best for: Days with multiple projects or clients

Workflow 3: Billable vs Non-Billable ​

  1. Create separate jobs for "Billable" and "Admin"
  2. Track all time to appropriate job
  3. Filter invoices to only include billable jobs
  4. Keep complete time records

Best for: Consultants and freelancers who need to track all time

Workflow 4: End-of-Day Logging ​

  1. Review your calendar and notes
  2. Create manual entries for each task
  3. Add detailed descriptions
  4. Ensure all time is accounted for

Best for: Those who prefer batch entry over real-time tracking

Keyboard Shortcuts ​

While on the Time Tracking page:

  • Start/Stop timer (if keyboard shortcuts are enabled globally)
  • Quick navigation between tabs