Quick Timer - Start Tracking Instantly

Some tasks need a timer, not a stopwatch. The Quick Timer is a lightweight floating window that tracks time as you work. Start it, do your thing, stop it, and the elapsed time flows right into a new entry. Position it anywhere on screen so it is always visible without getting in the way.

Starting the Quick Timer

Get a timer running in seconds:

• Menu: Timers → Quick Timer
• Keyboard shortcut: ⌘ + T
• Toolbar: Click the timer icon in the toolbar

The Quick Timer window appears as a small, floating panel showing the elapsed time counting up in real time.

Working with the Timer

While the timer runs, the floating window stays on top of other windows. You can:

• Minimize it: Collapse to a compact view showing just the time counter
• Move it: Drag the window anywhere on screen
• Pause: Click pause to temporarily stop the counter. Click again to resume. Smart Rounding ensures accurate time tracking across pauses.
• Edit description: Update the description while the timer runs

Stopping and Creating an Entry

When you finish the task:

If you forgot to assign a client/matter before starting, no problem. You set it when you stop the timer. The time is still tracked accurately.

Quick Timer vs. Launchbar Timer

TimeNet Law has two timer options. Here is when to use each:

• Quick Timer: A dedicated floating window. Best when you want a visible, always-on-top timer you can position anywhere. Great for focused, single-task tracking.
• Launchbar Timer: Embedded in the menu bar area. Best when you want a compact, out-of-the-way timer that does not take up screen space. Great for background tracking.

Both timers support pause/resume and Smart Rounding. Both create time entries when stopped. The difference is just the interface and where the timer lives on your screen.

Running Multiple Timers

You can have multiple Quick Timers running at once. This is useful when you switch between tasks during the day:

• Start a timer for the Garcia research project
• Pause it when you take a call for the Chen matter
• Start a new Quick Timer for the Chen call
• When the call ends, stop the Chen timer and resume the Garcia timer

Each timer is an independent floating window with its own client, matter, and description. Switch between them as your day demands.

Tips for Effective Timer Use

• Start the timer first. Make it a habit: before you pick up the phone or open a document, start the timer. You will capture every minute.
• Use descriptive labels. Add a brief description when you start. "Garcia deposition prep" is better than a blank timer you have to identify later.
• Pause, do not stop. If you are interrupted briefly, pause the timer instead of stopping it. Stopping creates an entry. Pausing lets you resume.
• Review before saving. When you stop the timer, take a moment to review the duration and description before saving the entry.

Keep exploring:

• Timer Techniques for advanced timer strategies
• Smart Rounding for how rounding works with timers
• Quick Time Entry for manual entry without a timer
• Launchpad for the Launchbar timer option