Start and Stop Tracking
Learn how to track your work time with VSWork
Desktop Application Required
Time tracking (start/stop) happens in the VSWork Desktop Application, not in the web application. The web app is for administrators to manage projects, teams, and view reports.
🖥️ Desktop App: Users track time, start/stop timer, work activities
🌐 Web App: Admins manage projects, teams, billing, and view reports
Overview
The VSWork Desktop Application makes it simple to track your time. With just one click, you can start tracking your work hours and VSWork will automatically monitor your activity, capture screenshots, and log your time.
Tip: Always select the correct project before starting your timer to ensure accurate time allocation.
Starting Time Tracking
Using the Desktop Application
- Open the VSWork Desktop Application(The small desktop app that runs on your computer, not the web browser)
- Select a Project from the Dropdown Menu
Projects are created by your admin in the web application. You'll see a list of projects assigned to you.
If you don't see your project, contact your admin to have it added in the web dashboard.
- Click the Green "Start" ButtonThe button will turn green and show "Tracking ON"
- Begin WorkingThe timer starts counting, and VSWork monitors your activity automatically
When Tracking is Active:
- • Timer displays elapsed time (HH:MM:SS)
- • Screenshots are captured automatically at set intervals
- • Keyboard and mouse activity is monitored
- • Status indicator shows "Tracking" in green
- • Data syncs to the web dashboard in real-time
Pausing Your Work
Need to take a break? You can pause your tracking session without losing your progress.
To Pause:
- Click the "Pause" button in the app
- Your timer will stop, but your session remains active
- Screenshots will not be captured while paused
- Click "Resume" to continue tracking
Note: Paused time is not counted toward your total tracked hours. Use this for breaks, meetings, or interruptions.
Stopping Time Tracking
When you're done working on a project, stop the timer to finalize your time entry.
To Stop Tracking:
- Click the red "Stop" button
- Your tracking session ends immediately
- Total time is recorded to your project
- You can add notes or tags to the completed session (optional)
Best Practice: Always stop your timer when you finish work. This ensures accurate time records and prevents idle time from being logged.
Switching Between Projects
Working on multiple projects? Here's how to switch:
Method 1: Stop & Start
- Stop current project timer
- Select new project
- Start new timer
Method 2: Quick Switch
- Select new project from dropdown
- Click "Switch Project"
- Previous project stops automatically
Understanding the Timer Display
Hours
08
Minutes
45
Seconds
32
Timer is running and recording time
Tracking paused, not recording time
No active tracking session
Tips & Best Practices
- •Start your timer immediately when you begin work to capture accurate hours
- •Stop tracking during breaks to avoid idle time in your records
- •Use descriptive project names to easily identify what you worked on
- •Review your time entries daily to ensure accuracy
- •Add notes to your sessions for better context and reporting