Frequently Asked Questions

What is AutoTrack?

AutoTrack is an automatic time tracking tool built specifically for developers. It automatically detects and logs your work activity without manual input. You can add entries via the Chrome Extension or automatically via git commits with the npm package.

Is AutoTrack free?

Yes! AutoTrack has a free plan with all basic features. For advanced features like email reports and team management we have paid plans. Check the pricing page for details.

How does automatic time tracking work?

There are two ways:

• npm package: Installs git hooks that automatically create a worklog entry with every commit based on your commit message and code changes
• Chrome Extension: Lets you quickly add manual entries from your browser with automatic project detection

What data is collected?

We only collect what you give us:

• Project name (repository name or manually entered)
• Task description (commit message or manually entered)
• Duration (estimated or manually entered)
• Timestamp (when the entry was created)
• Source (Git, Extension, or Manual)

We do NOT read source code, files, or other personal data.

Do I need to install both (npm package + Chrome Extension)?

No, you can choose what fits your workflow best. The npm package is perfect for automatic tracking via git commits. The Chrome Extension is handy for quick manual entries. Many users use both!

Does it work on Windows/Mac/Linux?

Yes! The npm package works on all platforms with Node.js and git. The Chrome Extension works everywhere Chrome runs (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS).

How long does setup take?

Super fast! Chrome Extension: ~1 minute (install + login). npm package: ~2 minutes (install + init). Check our Quick Start guide for step-by-step instructions.

Can I use AutoTrack without the npm package?

Yes! You can use only the Chrome Extension for manual entries. Or only the npm package for automatic git tracking. You don't need the npm package to use the extension.

Which commit format should I use?

Use Conventional Commits format:

feat: new feature
fix: bug fix
refactor: code refactoring
docs: documentation updates
test: add tests
chore: maintenance

Commits without prefix are not automatically logged.

How is duration estimated?

Duration is intelligently estimated based on:

• Type of change (feat, fix, refactor, etc.)
• Number of lines changed
• Number of files changed

You can always adjust the estimated duration in the dashboard.

Can I manually adjust entries?

Yes! Go to the dashboard, click on an entry and adjust what you want (project, task description, duration). You can also delete entries.

Are entries saved offline?

Yes! The npm package stores entries locally as backup in ~/.autotrack/. If you're offline during a commit, the entry is automatically synchronized later when you're back online.

Can I track multiple projects?

Yes! The npm package automatically uses the repository name as project. The Chrome Extension detects the project based on URL or you can enter it manually. All entries are grouped by project in the dashboard.

How do I export my data?

In the dashboard you can export entries to CSV. First filter what you want (date, project), then click "Export to CSV". You can open the file in Excel, Google Sheets, etc.

Is my data safe?

Yes! We take security seriously:

• All communication via HTTPS
• JWT token based authentication
• API keys are stored encrypted
• We never read your source code
• GDPR compliant

Who can see my worklog entries?

Only you! Your entries are completely private. With a Team plan you can choose to share entries with team members, but by default everything is private.

Is my code sent to AutoTrack?

No, absolutely not! We only read metadata like commit messages, file names, and number of lines changed. Your actual source code stays completely on your computer.

Can I delete my account and data?

Yes, you can delete your account at any time via Dashboard → Settings. All your data is then permanently deleted within 30 days.

Which Node.js version is required?

Node.js 18 or higher. Check your version with node --version.

Does it work with monorepos?

Yes! Every commit in your monorepo is logged under the repository name. You can change the project name with the WORKLOG_PROJECT environment variable.

Can I self-host AutoTrack?

Currently AutoTrack is a hosted service. Self-hosting may come in the future for enterprise users. Contact us for more info.

Is there an API available?

Yes! We have a RESTful API for custom integrations. Documentation coming soon. Contact us for early access.

Does it work with GitHub Actions / CI/CD?

The git hooks only work locally. For CI/CD tracking you can use the API to add manual entries from your pipeline.

What's included in the free plan?

The free plan includes:

• Unlimited worklog entries
• Chrome Extension access
• npm package access
• Basic dashboard
• CSV export

What are the Pro features?

Pro plan ($9/month) includes everything from Free plus:

• Automated email reports
• AI-generated summaries
• Advanced analytics
• Priority support
• Custom integrations

Can I upgrade/downgrade at any time?

Yes! You can upgrade or downgrade at any time. On upgrade you pay pro-rata for the remaining period. On downgrade your subscription stays active until the end of the period.

Is there a Team plan?

Yes! Team plan ($29/month for 5 users) includes everything from Pro plus:

• Multi-user support
• Team dashboard
• Shared projects
• Role management
• Team analytics

How do I get support?

Multiple options:

• Check this FAQ and the troubleshooting guide
• Open an issue on GitHub
• Email to hello@autotrack.dev
• Pro users get priority support

Is AutoTrack open source?

Parts of AutoTrack are open source (Chrome Extension, npm package). The backend/dashboard code is proprietary. Check GitHub for the open source components.

Can I contribute?

Yes! We welcome contributions to the open source components. Check the CONTRIBUTING.md in the GitHub repo for guidelines.