Browser Extension

Overview

The z8 Browser Extension brings time tracking directly to your browser toolbar. With a single click, you can clock in and out without switching to the main web application. The extension is compatible with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers.

Key Features

• One-click clock in/out - Start and stop tracking instantly from your toolbar
• Live timer display - See your current work session duration in real-time
• Project selection - Assign your time to specific projects when clocking out
• Offline support - Clock in/out even without internet; actions sync automatically
• Desktop notifications - Get notified when you clock in or out
• Status badge - Green badge indicator shows when you're clocked in

---

Installation

---

Configuration

Before using the extension, you need to configure it to connect to your z8 instance.

---

Authentication

The extension uses your existing z8 web session for authentication. No separate login is required.

---

Usage

Clocking In

1. Click the z8 extension icon in your toolbar
2. Click the green Clock In button
3. A green badge will appear on the extension icon indicating you're clocked in
4. The timer will start showing your current session duration

Clocking Out

1. Click the z8 extension icon in your toolbar
2. (Optional) Select a project from the dropdown to assign your time
3. Click the red Clock Out button
4. The badge will disappear, indicating you're clocked out

Project Selection

When you're clocked in, you can optionally select a project to assign your time entry to:

1. Click the extension icon while clocked in
2. Use the Project dropdown to select a project
3. The selected project will be applied when you clock out

Understanding the Status Badge

The extension icon displays a badge to indicate your current status:

---

Offline Support

The extension works even when you're offline or have intermittent connectivity.

How It Works

1. Offline actions are queued - When you clock in or out without internet, the action is saved locally
2. Automatic sync - When connectivity is restored, queued actions are automatically sent to the server
3. Sync notifications - You'll be notified when offline actions have been successfully synced

Offline Indicators

• An amber banner appears in the popup when you're offline
• An amber badge (!) appears on the extension icon when actions are queued
• Project selection is disabled while offline (will need to be assigned in the web app)

---

Troubleshooting

Login Required Message

Problem: The extension shows "Login Required" even though you're signed in.

Solutions:

1. Open your z8 webapp in a new tab and ensure you're signed in
2. Check that cookies are not being blocked for your z8 domain
3. Verify the Webapp URL in extension settings matches your sign-in URL exactly
4. Try signing out and back in to the web app

Extension Not Connecting

Problem: The extension can't connect to your z8 instance.

Solutions:

1. Verify the Webapp URL in settings is correct (check for typos)
2. Ensure the URL uses https:// (not http:// for production)
3. Check if your organization's firewall is blocking the connection
4. Try the Test button in settings to verify the URL works

Badge Not Updating

Problem: The status badge doesn't reflect your actual clock status.

Solutions:

1. Click the extension icon to refresh the status
2. Check your internet connection
3. Right-click the extension and select "Reload" to restart it

Notifications Not Working

Problem: You're not receiving desktop notifications.

Solutions:

1. Check that notifications are enabled in extension settings
2. Verify your browser has permission to show notifications
3. Check your operating system's notification settings
4. Use the Send test notification button in settings to verify

Queued Actions Not Syncing

Problem: Offline actions remain queued even when online.

Solutions:

1. Ensure you're signed in to the web app
2. Wait for the periodic sync (runs every minute)
3. Click the extension icon to trigger a manual sync check
4. Check the browser console for error messages

---

Privacy and Security

The z8 Browser Extension:

• Uses your existing session - No passwords are stored in the extension
• Stores settings locally - Configuration is saved in browser sync storage
• Minimal permissions - Only requests access to storage, alarms, and notifications
• No tracking - The extension does not collect analytics or usage data

---

Version History