Clockgauge runs on macOS and Windows. On a Mac the employee app needs two macOS permissions, Screen Recording for screenshots and Accessibility for activity counts, and asks for them one at a time with a clear explanation of each. The Host runs on a Mac too, and nothing is recorded until the employee has read the consent screen and started a timer.
The two permissions
| Permission | What it lets the app do |
|---|---|
| Screen Recording | Take the periodic screenshots |
| Accessibility | Count typing, clicking and scrolling, as numbers only |
macOS shows its own prompt for each. Clockgauge asks for the first, then the second, and does not touch the next until the first is done. After granting Screen Recording the app asks you to restart it, because macOS applies that permission on launch.
Why not read the active window the usual way
The app uses a small helper to find the frontmost app and window title, so it does not trigger a surprise third permission prompt.
For the manager
The Host is a normal Mac app. Install it on a Mac that stays on, and see the work-from-home setup guide.
Limits
At the moment the app is for macOS. Apps from outside the App Store may show a warning on first open until the build is notarised; the product page says when that is in place.
Questions people ask
Do I have to grant both permissions?
Yes, to track. The timer cannot start until they are granted.
Does it work on Apple Silicon?
Yes. Builds exist for Apple Silicon and Intel.
Try Clockgauge
Clockgauge is an employee and freelancer time tracker that runs on your own computer: timers, consented random screenshots, activity levels, clients, projects and tasks, budgets, payroll balances and reports, paid once instead of per user per month..