Help and FAQ

Basic Introduction

How Caato Time Tracker works

Caato Time Tracker is based on a very common workflow. It uses a 3-tier hierarchy:

  • Projects
    • Tasks
      • Time Entries

The smallest time tracking unit are Time Entries. Several Time Entries make up a task. And several Tasks make up a project. Explained the other way around, a project can have several Tasks. And each Task can have multiple time entries.

In the Projects View, you see a list of all Projects with their tracked times, consisting of the underlying Tasks. Here, you can add, edit or delete Projects.

In the Task View, you see a list of all Tasks with their tracked times, consisting of the underlying Time Entries. Here, you can add, edit or delete Tasks.

In the Time Entries View, you see a list of all Time Entries. Here, you can add, edit or delete Time Entries.

Adding a Project

In the free version of Caato Time Tracker, you only have one project. If you updated with the "Unlimited Projects" In-App Purchase, follow these simple steps to add a Project:

  1. Go to the Projects View
  2. Click the Plus Button in the Top Bar
  3. Click into the text field of the new entry and type a project name
  4. Click the Confirm Button next to it

Adding a Task

Follow these simple steps to add a Task:

  1. Go to the Task View in the desired Project
  2. Click the Plus Button in the Top Bar
  3. Click into the text field of the new entry and type a Task name
  4. Click the Confirm Button next to it

Tracking Time

Tracking time is incredibly easy:

  1. Go to the Task View of the desired Project
  2. Click the Play Button next to the name of the Task you want to track time for
  3. As soon as you want to stop tracking your time, click the pause button next to the name of the Task
Each time tracking period between clicking the Play and Pause buttons results in a Time Entry. You can access the Time Entries by clicking on the Task.

Renaming Entries

Follow these steps to rename a project:

  1. Click the Edit Button in the Top Bar
  2. Click into the text field of the entry you want to rename and type the new name
  3. Click the Confirm Button in the Top Bar

Editing Time Entries

Follow these steps in order to edit a time entry:

  1. Click the Edit Button in the upper window bar above the time entry list
  2. Click into the date picker of the time entry you want to modify. Enter a new time or date
  3. Click the Confirm Button in the upper window bar

PLEASE NOTE:
Please make sure that the end date is after the start date. Otherwise, your change will be submitted, but it will not be applied.

Deleting a Project

In the free version of Caato Time Tracker, you only have one project which cannot be deleted. If you updated with the "Unlimited Projects" In-App Purchase, follow these simple steps:

  1. Click the Edit Button in the Top Bar
  2. Click the Trash Can Button next to the entry you want to delete
  3. Click the Delete Button
  4. Click the Confirm Button in the Top Bar

Deleting a Task

Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Click the Edit Button in the Top Bar
  2. Click the Trash Can Button next to the entry you want to delete
  3. Click the Delete Button
  4. Click the Confirm Button in the Top Bar

Project Visibility: How can I toggle project visibility?

Follow these steps in order to toggle the visibility of a project in your project list:

  1. Click the Edit Button in the upper window bar above the project list
  2. Click on the Eye Icon right to the project you want to show or hide
  3. Click the Confirm Button in the upper window bar

Using the "Convert hours to days" Preference

You can change the way Caato Time Tracker displays tracked times. In the Preferences you can choose:

  • Off: Caato Time Tracker will count hours and will never convert them to days
  • 8 h: Eight hours of tracked time will be displayed as one day
  • 24 h: Twentyfour hours will be displayed as one day

Using the "App Icon" Preference

In Caato Time Tracker you can specify what's displayed in the App Icon while the application is running. You can choose from the following:

Shows the number of running projects:


The number of hours you have already worked is displayed with the number in the foreground. The number of minutes is represented by the trail in the background.

Using the Filter

The date range filter in the bottom bar of the Caato Time Tracker window allows you to see tracked time within the set date range.

The filter defaults to "All Times". In this setting you see the sum of all historically tracked data.

To change the date range, click on the filter drop down and select a date range preset or select "Date Range" to specify a custom date range in the calendar picker.

Using Export

Caato Time Tracker export is always context-sensitive. This means that the app always exports the data you are currently viewing. The date range filter is also taken into account. You can export by clicking Export in the File Menu or by clicking the export button in the bottom bar of the Caato Time Tracker window.


  • To export all projects, go to the Projects overview, set the date range filter to "All Times" and click Export.
  • To export a particular project, click on the project and click export in the task view.
  • To export task data of a particular project, click on the task and click export in the time entry view.
You can choose between two export formats:
  • CSV
  • Excel
When choosing CSV, you can specify a value and a field seperator. This allows you to prepare the data for whatever purpose you have in mind. The export setting last used is saved for your next export.


Frequently Asked Questions

How I can I restore one of CTT’s automatic backups?

1) Close Caato Time Tracker
2) Open Finder and press Option+Shift+G and enter this path: ~/Library/Containers/de.caato.timetracker.mac/Data/Library/Application Support/Caato Time Tracker
3) Copy “TimeTracker.data” (your current data) to your Desktop to back it up.
4) Copy one of the backup files (from backup folder) to the folder above and rename (replace) to TimeTracker.data
5) Start Caato Time Tracker

I have installed Caato Time Tracker on another Mac. How do I reactivate my Pro license?

You can reactivate your Pro license by starting the upgrade process again. If you use the same appleID as in your original purchase you won’t be charged again.

I purchased Pro for Caato Time Tracker. Can I use the same license for Caato Time Tracker+ (Plus)?

Unfortunately not. Since we have spent a lot of development time on the new "Plus" app and it's based on a subscription model you need to purchase a separate Pro license for "Plus".

I used to have the option to export to Excel but cannot find it anymore? What happened?

Unfortunately Excel export is only available in Pro from now on. Please consider upgrading to Pro.

Adding notes to time entries. Is it possible?

No. This feature is planned for a future upgrade of Caato Time Tracker.

Caato Time Tracker as the frontmost window: Is it possible?

No. However, the Caato Time Tracker App Icon in the Dock shows the number of running projects and hence reminds you of your time tracking status.

Copying projects: Is it possible?

No. You could, however, add some time entries manually to a new project using the edit-mode on the 3rd screen (task details).

Exporting Projects: How can I export one individual project?

In version 1.1, to export an individual project you can click on a project to go open the task view and then click on the export button.

Importing CSV files: Is it possible?

No. We are planning on integrating such a feature in one of the upcoming updates of Caato Time Tracker.

Is the data stored on my own computer or is it uploaded to Caato servers?

The data is only stored on your computer. Caato Time Tracker does not communicate with any servers.

Where does Caato Time Tracker store my tracking data? I want to make a backup or copy it to another Mac.

PLEASE NOTE:
Whenever you copy, edit or delete the following file, you do so at your own risk. Please always make backups.

In OS X 10.7 or higher you find Caato Time Tracker's data file here: ~/Library/Containers/de.caato.timetracker.mac/Data/Library/Application Support/Caato Time Tracker/TimeTracker.data

Menu Bar: Is there a menu bar Icon for Caato Time Tracker?

No. But we will offer a Menu Bar Icon for Caato Time Tracker in one of the upcoming updates. Stay tuned by subscribing to our newsletter.

Reordering projects or tasks: Is this possible?

No. Right now, the items with the most recent time entries show up at the top. We have received a lot of requests though to order items manually so it’s very likely that we implement this feature soon.

Resetting timers: Is it possible?

This is currently not possible.

Sorting Projects: Can I sort them automatically by number or alphabetlically?

No. Right now, the items with the most recent time entries show up at the top. We have received a lot of requests though to order items manually so it’s very likely that we implement this feature soon.

Syncing Caato Time Tracker on several Macs: Is it possible?

No. This feature is planned for a future upgrade of Caato Time Tracker.

Window size: Can I change it?

Yes. You can change the size of the window by dragging the lower righthand corner. Changing the type and buttons isn’t possible. We introduced a space-saving design in version 1.1.

Upgrade from OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) to higher OS X versions: How do I restore my data?

When upgrading from OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) to higher OS X versions, Caato Time Tracker will no longer show your previously tracked data. The reason lies in a modified program data storage theme introduced in Apple's OS X 10.7. Follow these steps in order to make Caato Time Tracker show your data again.

PLEASE NOTE:
Whenever you copy, edit or delete the following file, you do so at your own risk. Please always make backups.

  1. Close Caato Time Tracker
  2. Copy the file ~/Library/Application Support/Caato Time Tracker/TimeTracker.data into the folder ~/Library/Containers/de.caato.timetracker.mac/Data/Library/Application Support/Caato Time Tracker/ (Backup the TimeTracker.data file from the later folder ahead to be safe)
  3. Start Caato Time Tracker

In-App Purchase

How can I buy Caato Time Tracker?

Caato Time Tracker is a free app. You can upgrade functionality by purchasing In-App Purchases. To do so click on the "Purchase" Button at the bottom of the Caato Time Tracker window. You will be shown the price of the In-App Purchase and asked to confirm the Purchase. You will also have to enter your Apple ID. The transaction will be made via iTunes.

Using Caato Time Tracker on multiple Macs

If you have replaced your computer or want to use Caato Time Tracker on another Mac, and you have already paid for the In-App Purchase, you can simply unlock it again using the "Restore" Button.

I want to buy the In-App Purchase, but it doesn't work. What should I do?

In your Mac App Store app, please try signing out and signing in again with your Apple ID. Try purchasing again afterwards. If that doesn't help, you can try restarting your computer and try purchasing again.

I upgraded by clicking the upgrade for multiple projects and nothing changed. I ended up trying it again but now I'm not sure if I'll be charged twice.

Don't worry, you will never be charged twice if you try purchasing with the same Apple ID. Sometimes Apple servers may have problems, so please try again.

Is the In-App Purchase a one-time price or a monthly plan?

The In-App Purchase is a one-time price.

How can I tell I am using the Pro Version?

When upgrading to Caato Time Tracker Pro, you are allowed to add an unlimited number of projects. This is indicated by the Plus Button in the upper window bar above the project list. Simply click the Plus Button to add a new project.

Support

Did we miss anything? Do you have a suggestion for future improvements? We'd love to hear from you. Please email us.

Our Apps

Caato Time Tracker (Mac, Free)
Track your time with ease and export it to Excel or CSV for your reports

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