Browser Extension

The CatchTime browser extension lets you track specific websites you visit. Without it, CatchTime can only see that you're using "Chrome" or "Edge." With the extension, it can distinguish whether you're on GitHub, YouTube, or any other site.

Installation

Chrome / Edge

  1. Download the extension package from the download page
  2. Extract it to a local folder (remember this location -- don't delete it later)
  3. Open the browser's extension management page:
    • Chrome: enter chrome://extensions in the address bar
    • Edge: enter edge://extensions in the address bar
  4. Enable "Developer mode" in the top-right corner
  5. Click "Load unpacked"
  6. Select the extracted folder

Firefox

  1. Download the Firefox extension from the download page
  2. Open Firefox and enter about:addons in the address bar
  3. Click the gear icon and select "Install Add-on From File"
  4. Select the downloaded extension file

Once installed, the CatchTime icon will appear in your browser toolbar.

How It Works

The browser extension works in a straightforward way:

  1. The extension detects the tab you're currently viewing
  2. It captures the website URL and page title
  3. It sends this information to the CatchTime desktop app through a local connection
  4. CatchTime replaces "Chrome browser" with the specific site name in its records

All communication happens locally on your computer -- nothing goes through external servers.

Permissions

The browser extension requires these permissions:

  • Read tab info — To get the current tab's URL and title
  • Run in background — To maintain the connection with CatchTime desktop

The extension does NOT:

  • Read webpage content
  • Modify webpages
  • Access your browsing history
  • Record your actions on webpages

Connection Status

Click the CatchTime icon in the toolbar to check the connection status:

  • Connected — The extension is working properly and website data is being recorded
  • Disconnected — The extension cannot reach the CatchTime desktop app

Common reasons for connection failure:

  • CatchTime desktop is not running — Launch CatchTime first
  • Firewall blocking local connections — Allow CatchTime's local network access
  • Port conflict — Another program is using the port CatchTime needs

Things to Note

  • The extension requires CatchTime desktop to be running simultaneously
  • On Android, you don't need a browser extension -- CatchTime detects browser app usage directly
  • In incognito / private mode, the extension won't run by default (unless you manually enable it)
  • Don't move or delete the extracted extension folder, or the extension will stop working

Learn More

  • Auto Tracking — Understand the overall tracking mechanism
  • Download — Get the extension and desktop app
  • Insights — View website usage statistics