🚀 Quick Start Guide

Step 1: Installation

Windows Installation

1. Download the installer from freelancetimer.pro/download
2. Run the .exe file
3. Follow the installation wizard
4. Launch from Start Menu or desktop shortcut

System Requirements

• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• 50MB free disk space
• Internet connection (for email invoicing only)

Step 2: First Launch Setup

When you first open FreelanceTimer.pro, you'll see the First-Run Wizard.

2.1 Choose Database Location

Select where to store your time tracking data:

Click "Choose Location" → Select folder → Click "Continue"

2.2 Enter Company Information

This information appears on your invoices:

• Company Name: (e.g., "John Smith Consulting")
• Your Name: (e.g., "John Smith")
• Email: (e.g., "john@example.com")
• Phone: (optional)
• Address: (optional, but recommended for professional invoices)
• Tax ID/EIN: (optional)

Click "Save & Continue"

Don't worry — you can change this anytime in Settings → Company Info.

2.3 Email Setup (Optional)

To send invoices directly from the app:

1. Select "Gmail" (free version) or "I'll set this up later"
2. If Gmail:
   • Enter your Gmail address
   • Generate an App Password (from your Google account security settings)
   • Enter the App Password — not your regular Gmail password
   • Click "Test Connection"
3. Click "Finish Setup"

You can skip this and set it up later in Settings → Email.

Step 3: Add Your First Client

Navigate to the "Clients" Tab:

1. Click "Add Client" button
2. Enter client information:
   • Client Name: (e.g., "Acme Corporation") required
   • Contact Name: (e.g., "Jane Doe")
   • Email: (e.g., "jane@acmecorp.com")
   • Phone: (optional)
   • Address: (optional)
3. Click "Save"

Your first client is created! ✅

Step 4: Create a Project

Navigate to the "Projects" Tab:

1. Click "Add Project" button
2. Fill in project details:
   • Project Name: (e.g., "Website Redesign") required
   • Client: Select from dropdown (e.g., "Acme Corporation")
   • Hourly Rate: (e.g., "75.00")
   • Status: Active (default)
   • Description: (optional)
3. Click "Save"

Your first project is ready! ✅

Step 5: Add Tasks

Navigate to the "Tasks" Tab:

Tasks are specific activities within a project (e.g., "Design Mockups", "Frontend Development").

1. Click "Add Task" button
2. Enter task information:
   • Task Name: (e.g., "Homepage Design") required
   • Project: Select from dropdown (e.g., "Website Redesign")
   • Hourly Rate: (defaults to project rate, can override)
   • Description: (optional)
3. Click "Save"

Tip: You can also create Global Tasks (tasks available across all projects) like "Email", "Meetings", or "Admin Work".

Step 6: Start Tracking Time

Two Ways to Track Time:

Method 1: Live Timer (Recommended)

Use this when actively working:

1. Go to the "Timer" tab
2. Select:
   • Client: (e.g., "Acme Corporation")
   • Project: (e.g., "Website Redesign")
   • Task: (e.g., "Homepage Design")
3. Click "Start Timer" ▶️
4. Work on your task
5. Click "Stop Timer" ⏹️ when done

Time entry is automatically saved! ✅

Method 2: Manual Entry

Use this for time you forgot to track:

1. Go to the "Timer" tab → Manual Entry section
2. Select Client, Project, Task, and either a time range (e.g., 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM) or decimal hours (e.g., 2.5)
3. Add Notes/Description (e.g., "Created homepage wireframes")
4. Click "Add Entry"

Time entry is saved! ✅

Step 7: View Your Time Entries

Navigate to the "Time Entries" Tab:

Here you'll see all tracked time organized by Client → Project → Task → Individual Entries.

• ✏️ Edit any entry (click the entry → Edit button)
• 🗑️ Delete entries (select → Delete button)
• 📊 Filter by date range (top of tab)
• 📈 View totals by client/project

Step 8: Create Your First Invoice

Navigate to the "Invoices" Tab:

1. Select date range for billable hours (e.g., last month)
2. Select client (e.g., "Acme Corporation")
3. Select project (optional, or include all projects)
4. Click "Preview Invoice"

Review Invoice Preview: check all time entries, verify totals and rates.

Generate PDF:

1. Click "Generate PDF"
2. Choose save location
3. Click "Save"

Your invoice is ready! ✅

Step 9: Email Invoice to Client

Option 1: Email from App (Gmail — free version)

1. In Invoice Preview, click "Email Invoice"
2. Email dialog opens:
   • To: Client email (auto-filled)
   • Subject: (e.g., "Invoice #001 - Website Redesign")
   • Template: Choose from dropdown (Professional, Friendly, etc.)
   • Message: (auto-filled, customize if needed)
3. Click "Send"

Invoice emailed! ✅

Option 2: Manual Email

1. Generate PDF (Step 8)
2. Open your email client
3. Attach the PDF and send to client

Step 10: Explore Other Features

Common Tasks — Quick Reference

Troubleshooting