MAC TIME TRACE / APPLICATION TIMELINE

Every app switch
leaves a trace in time.

Start recording on your own Mac to turn foreground activity in WeChat and other apps, app switches and system events into a timeline you can review.

See how it works →Get help
macOS 13 or laterStored locallyNo app account required

Preparing for release on the Mac App Store. This page describes the current version; no installer is provided outside the store.

My app timelineInterface illustration · Demo data
Which apps were active during this period?
WeChatApp observed entering the foreground
SafariForeground app changed
Screen lockedSystem screen-lock notification received
Observation resumedLocked time is not counted as foreground use
Records activity indicators without reading chats, window titles or keystrokes.
RECORD / REVIEW / KEEP

Review your time with the context intact.

Build a record from the moment you start recording, with daily summaries, app timelines and reviews of activity while you were away.

01 / Daily activity

See where your time goes

View accumulated foreground time and app rankings by day or a custom period. Filter for WeChat or other desktop apps.

02 / Activity review

App switches alongside system events

Review screen locks, sleep, wake events and gaps such as pauses. Mark when you leave and review the observations for that period when you return.

03 / Local records

Keep a standalone report

Export an HTML report for the selected period and filters, then print it to PDF in a browser. Reports may include app names and timestamps; choose carefully who you share them with.

Start when you choose to.

  1. Understand what is recorded

    Read the explanation on first launch, then confirm to start recording your own Mac.

  2. Use your apps as usual

    The app observes foreground switches while running. It can continue in the menu bar after you close its window.

  3. Review a period

    Select a date or time range to review the app timeline and system events.

  4. Save and manage your records

    Export reports as needed. Pause recording or quit from the menu whenever you choose.

BEFORE INSTALLATION

Activity before installation?
Check first, then analyze.

A separate historical log check looks for recognizable activity indicators in system logs you import. Checking is free; detailed analysis and reports require an active monthly subscription once indicators are found.

Read the historical log import guide →

System logs have retention and access limits

The App Store sandbox may prevent direct access to local historical logs. In the current version, follow the built-in guide to export logs manually and import them. Logs may be rotated, incomplete or redacted; no fixed retention period or complete coverage is guaranteed. Historical analysis does not turn isolated observations into continuous usage durations.

TRIAL & MEMBERSHIP

Try daily recording first,
then decide whether to subscribe.

Daily records can be viewed free for 24 consecutive hours from the first time recording starts. The trial does not charge automatically. Detailed historical log analysis is not included.

Local recording can continue after the trial. Viewing daily history, away reviews and exports in the app requires an active subscription. Detailed historical log analysis is a monthly member feature.

Apple processes subscriptions. The period, price and renewal terms are shown on the App Store confirmation screen. After canceling automatic renewal, access continues until the paid period ends. Subscription expiry does not automatically delete local records.

Foreground activity does not prove that a chat was read, and apps may also be activated by automation. Mac Time Trace cannot determine whether someone snooped, what they viewed or who operated the device. Quitting, sleep and missed observations may leave gaps.

Need help? Start here.

Help with recording, importing logs, purchases and exporting reports.

Visit support →