Paythread
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Using the Paythread Browser Extension

Using the Paythread Browser Extension

The Paythread browser extension puts time tracking and work item logging right in your browser toolbar. No need to switch tabs or open the full app — start a timer, log a deliverable, or record quantity-based work in a few clicks.

Supported Browsers

The extension works with any Chromium-based browser:

  • Google Chrome
  • Brave
  • Arc
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Opera
  • Vivaldi

Installing the Extension

Install the Paythread extension from the Chrome Web Store. Chromium-based browsers like Brave, Arc, Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi can all install extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, you'll see the Paythread icon in your browser toolbar. Click it to open the popup.

Signing In

You can sign in with the same credentials you use on the web app:

  • Email and password — enter your Paythread email and password
  • Google — click "Sign in with Google" to authenticate with your Google account

Your extension session is independent from the web app — signing out of one doesn't affect the other.

Three Ways to Track Work

The extension has three tabs, matching the work item types in the web app:

Timer

The Timer tab lets you clock hours in real time.

  1. Enter a description ("What are you working on?")
  2. Select a client from the dropdown
  3. Your hourly rate auto-fills from the client's default rate (or your global default from Settings)
  4. Click Start to begin timing
  5. Click Pause to take a break, Resume to continue
  6. When you're done, click Finish & Save

The timer runs in the background even when the popup is closed. Open the popup again and your timer is right where you left it.

Fixed

The Fixed tab is for flat-rate deliverables — a logo design, a blog post, a consulting session with a set fee.

  1. Enter a description
  2. Select a client
  3. Enter the dollar amount
  4. Click Add Work Item

Rate × Qty

The Rate × Qty tab is for quantity-based billing — hours at a rate, units at a price, or any multiplier calculation.

  1. Enter a description
  2. Select a client
  3. Enter the rate and quantity
  4. The total calculates automatically
  5. Click Add Work Item

Everything Syncs Instantly

Every work item you create in the extension lands in your Unbilled Queue on the web app immediately. From there, you can review, edit, and bundle items into invoices — the same workflow as always.

Form Persistence

If you close the popup while filling out a form, your inputs are saved. Open the popup again and everything is right where you left it — including which tab you were on.

Default Rates

The extension uses the same default rate system as the web app:

  1. Per-client rate — if the selected client has a default hourly rate, it auto-fills
  2. Global rate — if no client rate is set, your global default rate from Settings is used
  3. Manual entry — you can always override the rate for any work item

Light and Dark Mode

The extension automatically matches your system theme. If your browser or OS is in dark mode, the extension follows suit.

Tips

  • Use the timer for client calls and meetings — start it before the call, finish when you hang up
  • Log fixed items for deliverables you've already completed
  • Keep the extension pinned to your toolbar for quick access
  • Your unbilled queue on the web app shows everything you've tracked from both the extension and the web app
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