Logging Time on Tasks and Subtasks

  • Updated: November 17, 2025
  • Topic: Projects & Tasks

WorkOwl makes it easy to record time spent on any task or subtask so you can track performance, monitor workload, and generate accurate reports for clients or internal management. You can log time manually, use timers, and track time separately for subtasks.

1. How to Log Time Manually on a Task

You can add time entries directly inside the task window.

Steps:

  1. Open the Project and click the Task you want to update.
  2. Go to the Time Tracking panel.
  3. Click Add Time Entry.
  4. Enter:
    • Hours/minutes spent
    • Date
    • Optional notes (e.g., “Client revisions” or “UI updates”)
  5. Click Save.

Best for:
✔ Work completed offline
✔ End-of-day updates
✔ Adding previously missed hours

2. Using the Built-In Timer

If you prefer real-time tracking, you can use WorkOwl’s timer.

Steps:

  1. Open the task.
  2. Click Start Timer.
  3. WorkOwl begins tracking automatically in the background.
  4. When you’re done, click Stop Timer.
  5. Review the tracked time and save the entry.

Notes:

  • You can switch between tasks without losing timer data.
  • Timer entries are stored the same way as manual entries.

3. Logging Time on Subtasks

Subtasks have their own independent time tracking—useful for complex work.

Steps:

  1. Open the main task, then select the subtask.
  2. Go to the Time Tracking area for that subtask.
  3. Add time manually or start a timer.
  4. Time logged on subtasks is automatically rolled up into the parent task.

Benefits:
✔ More accurate billing
✔ Precise workload measurement
✔ Better understanding of where time is spent inside a task

4. Editing or Deleting Time Entries

You can update time logs if a mistake is made.

Steps:

  1. Open the task or subtask.
  2. Go to Time Tracking → Entry List.
  3. Click the Edit or Delete icon next to the entry.
  4. Save your changes.

Edits sync instantly across workload views and reports.

5. Viewing Total Time Logged on a Task

Each task displays a time summary:

  • Total Time Logged
  • Subtask Time Included
  • Estimated vs. Actual Time Comparison

This helps you quickly see whether you’re on schedule, behind, or exceeding estimates.

6. Best Practices

Review total logged hours weekly to keep workload capacity balanced.

Use the timer during active work to ensure accuracy.

Break large tasks into subtasks and log time separately for better insights.

Add notes to time entries for future reference or client transparency.

  • More On: Projects & Tasks