Workspace data export, backup, and import

Timether includes workspace data tools to help you back up, move, export, and restore your workspace information.

These tools are useful when you want to keep a backup, analyze your time logs outside Timether, prepare reports, or restore data from a previous export.

You can find these options inside your workspace settings.

Exporting a full JSON backup

The Export JSON option downloads a complete backup file of your workspace data.

This backup can include:

Clients
Projects
Tags
Invoices
Time entries

A JSON export is useful when you want to keep a full copy of your workspace data or move data between environments.

Because this export is designed as a structured backup, it is best used for restoring or migrating data rather than for spreadsheet analysis.

When to use JSON export

Use Export JSON when you want to:

Create a full workspace backup
Save a copy before making major changes
Move workspace data to another setup
Restore data later using the import tool
Keep a long-term backup of important records

It is a good idea to store exported backup files safely, especially if they contain client names, invoice details, or time tracking history.

Exporting time logs as CSV

The Export CSV option lets you export time logs in a spreadsheet-friendly format.

You can filter the export by date range and tags before downloading the file.

CSV exports are useful when you want to analyze your time data in tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers, or other reporting systems.

For example, you can export time logs for a specific month, project period, or tag such as #meetings, #dev, or #design.

Exporting time logs as PDF

The Export PDF option creates a visual report of your time logs.

Like CSV exports, PDF exports can be filtered by date range and tags.

PDF exports are useful when you want to share or present time records in a cleaner format.

For example, you may use a PDF export for:

Client updates
Internal reviews
Project reports
Billing support documents
Management presentations

CSV is better for calculations and analysis, while PDF is better for reading, sharing, and presentation.

Filtering exports by date range and tags

When exporting time logs to CSV or PDF, you can choose the date range you want to include.

This helps you export only the records that matter for the report or analysis.

You can also filter by tags to focus on specific types of work.

For example, you might export:

All #meetings from this month
All #dev work from last week
All #support time during a billing period
All tagged entries for a selected client review

Using filters keeps exports focused and easier to understand.

Importing a JSON backup

The Import JSON option lets you upload a previously exported Timether JSON backup file.

This can be used to quickly restore workspace data from a backup.

To import a JSON backup:

Go to Workspace Settings.
Open the data export, backup, or import section.
Choose Import JSON.
Select the previously exported JSON backup file.
Confirm the import.

Once imported, Timether will restore the data from the backup file into the workspace.

Before importing data

Before importing a JSON backup, make sure you are in the correct workspace.

Imports can affect the workspace you are currently using, so it is important to check your active workspace before continuing.

You may also want to export a fresh backup before importing, especially if the current workspace already contains important data.

Clearing a workspace

The Clear Workspace option deletes workspace data and resets the workspace to a clean state.

This action can delete:

Tracked time entries
Projects
Clients
Tags

It can also reset active timers.

Clear Workspace is a destructive action and requires confirmation.

Only use it if you are sure you want to remove the workspace’s tracked data and setup.

Important warning about Clear Workspace

Clearing a workspace cannot be treated like archiving.

Archiving hides old clients or projects while keeping historical records. Clearing a workspace removes data from the workspace.

Before using Clear Workspace, consider exporting a JSON backup first. This gives you a copy of the workspace data in case you need to restore it later.

Recommended backup practice

If your workspace contains important billing, client, or time tracking records, create regular JSON backups.

You may also want to export CSV or PDF reports at the end of each billing period for accounting, analysis, or client records.

Use JSON for full backup and restore.

Use CSV for spreadsheet analysis.

Use PDF for readable reports and presentation.