Frequently asked questions

What data does Cut Time collect?

Cut Time only reads the project name from your editing software (Resolve, Premiere, After Effects, or Final Cut Pro). It does not access your files, footage, timeline, or any project content. It tracks how long a project is open and whether you're actively editing or idle.

Can my studio see everything I do?

Studios can only see projects you've shared with them. You can mark any project as "Personal" from your Projects tab, and it will be completely hidden from your studio's dashboard. Your rates, earnings, and charged amounts are never shared with anyone.

Does Cut Time record my screen or keystrokes?

No. Cut Time does not record your screen, capture screenshots, log keystrokes, or monitor your activity in any way beyond detecting whether your editing software is in focus and whether you're actively using your mouse/keyboard.

Where is my data stored?

Your data is stored securely on Supabase (built on AWS). All connections are encrypted via HTTPS. We do not sell or share your data with third parties.

Can other editors see my data?

Other editors can only see your name, clan, streak, and total hours on the global leaderboard. They cannot see your projects, rates, earnings, or any detailed data.

What about location data?

Cut Time uses your IP address to determine your approximate city and country for the world map feature. This is city-level accuracy only, never your exact location. It updates at most once every 24 hours.

How does Cut Time track my time?

Cut Time runs as a lightweight desktop app on your Mac or PC. It detects when DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Final Cut Pro is open and automatically logs your active editing time. No timers to start, no buttons to click.

What counts as "active" vs "idle" time?

Active time is when your editing software is in focus and you're using your keyboard/mouse. Idle time starts when you tab out of your editor or stop moving your mouse for 5+ minutes. After 30 minutes of continuous inactivity, a new session begins when you return.

Does it work with After Effects / Final Cut / other apps?

Cut Time supports DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro on both Mac and Windows.

Does Cut Time slow down my computer?

No. Cut Time uses minimal resources. It polls every 10 seconds and sends tiny data syncs every 5 minutes. It has no noticeable impact on performance or internet speed.

What happens if I leave my project open overnight?

Cut Time detects inactivity after 30 minutes and stops counting meaningful idle time. "True idle" caps at 30 minutes per gap, so leaving a project open overnight won't inflate your stats.

Is Cut Time free?

Yes. The free plan includes passive time tracking, personal stats, project breakdown, and streak tracking. Pro unlocks the leaderboard, earnings, and community features for $5/mo billed annually ($60), or $15 month-to-month.

What do I get with Pro?

Pro unlocks the global leaderboard, clan system, earnings tracker, client management, friend follows, contests, and advanced analytics. It's designed for editors who want to understand their worth and compete globally.

Can I be part of multiple teams?

Yes. You can belong to multiple studios/organizations and control which projects each team can see from your Teams tab.

What's the invite code?

Your invite code connects the desktop tracker app to your account. You'll find it on your dashboard after signing up. Enter it once in the app and you're set. You'll never need it again.

Is Cut Time available on Windows?

Yes! Cut Time is available for both Mac and Windows. Visit the download page to get the installer for your platform.

Can I see what my editors are working on in real time?

Yes. The studio dashboard shows which editors are currently active, which project they're in, and whether they're actively editing or idle.

Can editors hide projects from me?

Yes — editors can mark projects as "Personal" which hides them from the studio dashboard. This is by design to respect editor privacy for personal/freelance work.

How do I add editors to my workspace?

You can create a new editor from your Editors page (generates an invite code) or invite an existing Cut Time user by their public ID.