Task Timer
The Task Timer lets you track time spent on tasks, export/import timer data, and show formatted durations in your notes.
If the link doesn't work: Obsidian → Settings → Community Plugins → Task Genius
Enable the Task Timer
- Go to Obsidian → Settings → Task Genius → Task Timer
- Toggle “Enable Task Timer”
Once enabled, additional options for detection and formatting appear.
Metadata Detection
Task Timer can automatically enable for specific files using simple metadata rules:
- Frontmatter field: Name of a boolean field in frontmatter that enables the timer (e.g.
task-timer: true) - Folder paths: Comma-separated list of folders where the timer is active
- Tags: Comma-separated list of tags that enable the timer
Tip: You can mix these to control scope precisely.
Time Format Template
Customize how durations render using tokens:
{h}= hours{m}= minutes{s}= seconds
Examples:
{h}hrs{m}mins→ 2hrs30mins{h}h {m}m {s}s→ 2h 30m 45s{h}:{m}:{s}→ 2:30:45({m}mins)→ (150mins)
Block References
Choose a prefix for generated block reference IDs (e.g. timer generates IDs like ^timer-123456-7890).
Data Management Commands
Use the command palette (Cmd/Ctrl+P) to:
- Export task timer data
- Import task timer data
- Export task timer data (YAML)
- Create task timer backup
- Show task timer statistics
Troubleshooting
- Timer not appearing? Ensure it’s enabled and your file matches the detection rules (frontmatter/folder/tags)
- Unexpected format output? Double-check the time format template tokens
Best Practices
- Keep detection rules as narrow as needed to reduce noise
- Choose a consistent time format for better readability across notes
- Use exports/backups for periodic snapshots of your work