No timer for every switch
Use automatic recording, and pause tracking when you need to.
Your workday, recorded for you.
drifty records Mac activity automatically, so you can review the day without starting a timer for every task.
Something to check, instead of reconstruct.
The record begins with activity your Mac can observe. Automatic recording and AI classification are distinct parts of the experience.
- 01
Active apps and time
See which apps were active, when an activity happened, and how long it lasted.
- 02
Window and browser context
Permissions and supported connections can add window titles and context from web activity.
- 03
Activity classifications
Review work, learning, and communication alongside the focus and drift in your day.
Automatic tracking is only the capture layer.
The products below all record activity without a timer, but they differ in how the record becomes useful and where that record is handled.
| Tool | Automatic capture | What happens next | Documented data boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| drifty | Apps, sites, windows, and sessions on Mac | Context-aware focus and drift classification | Complete timeline local by default; Local AI stays on the Mac |
| Timing | Apps, documents, and domains on Mac | Project-oriented review and optional AI summaries | Local database by default; optional Sync merges tracking data in its account |
| ActivityWatch | Apps and active-window history | Local event history plus user-authored rule categories | Usage data stays local according to its privacy documentation |
| Rize | Automatic activity capture | AI client, project, and task tagging | Its policy defines tracked activity as User Data retained while subscribed; optional Screen Text can use Vertex AI cloud processing |
Official sources checked September 13, 2026: drifty data boundaries, Timing FAQ, Sync and AI summaries, ActivityWatch privacy and categorization, Rize privacy policy and automatic tracking.
Know what each permission adds.
Accessibility permission helps drifty read active-window and supported browser context. The permissions screen shows the current state and the access the app needs.
Stepping away is part of the day, too.
drifty detects input inactivity to distinguish active use from time away. It does not infer the work you may be doing away from the screen.
Come back to the record
Review activity details and classifications to add the context that matters.
A few things to know.
Does recording work without starting a task timer?
Yes. While tracking is enabled, drifty records Mac activity automatically. You do not need a separate timer for each task.
What happens if I decline a permission?
The available activity information is limited. Active-window titles and browser context depend on permissions and connection state; check the permissions guidance in Settings.
How does drifty handle time away from the computer?
It detects system input inactivity to distinguish time away. This does not require collecting the contents of your keystrokes.
Which Macs are supported?
The current public app supports Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 13 or later. See the download guidance for Intel Mac and other platforms.
Let the next workday leave a record.
Review what happened without relying on memory alone.