MACOS ALPHA

Running Workforce Time Tracker on macOS

The Mac client is at v1.4.0 alpha. The Windows build has since moved on to v1.7.1, so the Mac is one tier behind on features (multi-device sync, project budgets, daily goal, manager approvals are Win-only at the moment) and on UI polish (compact mode, transparency slider, overflow menu, soft transport buttons all land in a future Mac release). Same data files, same license — you can already point Mac and Windows at the same sync folder via Dropbox / OneDrive / iCloud / SyncThing once both are on a sync-aware build (Win v1.6.0+).

What "alpha" means here

  • Core workflow: tracking, customer pick, week calendar, idle prompt, PDF invoicing, CSV import all work on Mac.
  • One license: the same activation key works on Windows and Mac.
  • Data is safe: the macOS client writes the same JSON formats as Windows. You can copy your data folder Win ↔ Mac at any time.
  • Ad-hoc signed, not Apple-notarized. Gatekeeper will block first launch until you approve it (see step 3 below). Notarization comes once Mac sales fund the Apple Developer Program (EUR 99/year).
  • Active-window detection requires Accessibility permission. Without it, manual time tracking still works fully.
  • Known rough edges: Login Item registration is being verified across macOS 13/14/15 - if auto-start does not stick, toggle it off and on once and report back.
  • If you hit anything weird, email support@workforcetimetracker.com with a short repro.

Install in 4 steps

1Download the .dmg

Get the latest Mac build from the download page. The file is named WorkforceTimeTracker_v1.4.0_macos-arm64.dmg and is around 50 MB.

2Drag the app into Applications

Open the .dmg and drag Workforce Time Tracker.app into the Applications folder shortcut shown in the Finder window. Then eject the .dmg.

3Approve the first launch (Gatekeeper)

The first time you open the app, macOS will refuse to run it because it is not Apple-notarized. This is normal for ad-hoc-signed builds.

  1. Right-click Workforce Time Tracker.app in your Applications folder, then choose Open.
  2. Click Open in the dialog that appears.
  3. If macOS still refuses, open System Settings → Privacy & Security. Scroll to the bottom - you will see "Workforce Time Tracker was blocked..." with an Open Anyway button. Click it, then re-launch the app.

You only need to do this once. After approval, future launches work normally.

4Grant Accessibility permission (optional but recommended)

Without this, the app cannot read window titles - so auto-tracking, suggestion banners, and CRM auto-start will be inactive. Manual time tracking still works.

  1. The app shows a yellow banner on launch when permission is missing - click Open System Settings.
  2. Under Privacy & Security → Accessibility, click the + button.
  3. Browse to /Applications/Workforce Time Tracker.app and add it.
  4. Make sure the toggle next to it is ON.
  5. Restart the app.

Where your data lives

All settings, customers, and time entries are stored locally in:

~/Library/Application Support/WorkforceTimeTracker/

You can open this folder anytime from Settings → Data → Open. The JSON files in there are byte-compatible with the Windows version - copy them across machines or platforms freely.

One license, both platforms

Your license key activates the same on macOS and Windows. There is no separate Mac SKU and no extra cost for cross-platform use.

Reporting alpha bugs

Send a short note to support@workforcetimetracker.com with:

Optional but very helpful: attach ~/Library/Application Support/WorkforceTimeTracker/settings.json with any sensitive bits redacted.

When does it stop being alpha?

The Mac build moves from alpha to stable when:

Realistic estimate: a Mac feature-catch-up release (v1.5+ on the Mac side) within the next two months. The Windows build remains stable throughout.

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