SideTrack Support
Answers to common questions. Can't find what you need? Email us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
How do I create a project?
Tap the + button on the Projects screen or use the quick-add button on the Dashboard. Give your project a name, pick a type (Woodworking, Automotive, Software, Electronics, etc.), and optionally set a target hours or budget goal. You can fill in or adjust any details later.
What project types are supported?
SideTrack includes seven built-in project types: Woodworking, Automotive, Software, Electronics, Crafts/Maker, Home Improvement, and Other. You can also create your own custom project types from Settings → Project Types.
Can I use templates for new projects?
Yes. When creating a project, you can apply a pre-built template that seeds a set of sub-tasks automatically. Available templates include Woodworking Build, Garage Build/Restoration, Software Side Project, Electronics Build, and General Project.
Time tracking
How do I start a timer?
Tap the Start Timer button on the Dashboard or on any project's detail screen. You can also start a timer directly for a specific sub-task. The timer continues running even if you background the app — it will still be active when you return.
Can I log time manually?
Yes. From any project's detail screen, tap Log Time and enter hours, minutes, and an optional note. This is useful for logging work you forgot to time, or time spent away from your phone.
How does the Pomodoro timer work?
The Pomodoro timer is a SideTrack Pro feature. It runs configurable work and break intervals (default: 25 min work / 5 min break) and keeps a count of completed cycles. Enable it from the timer screen when starting a session. Haptic and sound alerts signal interval changes.
Expenses
How do I log an expense?
Tap the Log Expense quick-add button on the Dashboard, or open a project and tap the Expenses tab. Enter the vendor, amount, category, and purchase date. You can optionally attach a receipt photo and mark whether the item is a tool (reusable) or a consumable.
How does mileage tracking work?
From a project's Expenses tab, tap Log Mileage. Enter the distance and the app will apply your configured per-unit rate to generate a corresponding expense entry automatically. You can set your mileage unit (miles or km) and rate in Settings.
What is Receipt OCR?
Receipt OCR is a SideTrack Pro feature. When adding an expense, tap Scan Receipt to photograph a receipt — the app uses on-device text recognition to extract the cost and vendor name and pre-fill the expense form for you.
Purchases & sync
How do I restore a SideTrack Pro purchase?
Open Settings and tap Upgrade to Pro. On the Pro screen, tap the Restore Purchase link below the Unlock Pro button. Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID used for the original purchase. SideTrack Pro is a one-time purchase and can be restored on any device tied to that Apple ID at no extra charge.
Where is my data stored?
All your project, time, and expense data is stored locally on your device using an on-device database. TinkerBench Labs never has access to your data. If you enable iCloud sync (Pro feature), data is also synced through your personal Apple iCloud account.
How does iCloud sync work?
iCloud sync is a SideTrack Pro feature. Trigger it manually from Settings → iCloud Sync. SideTrack merges all your projects, time entries, expenses, photos, and voice notes across devices. Your data flows only through your own iCloud account — TinkerBench Labs never has access to it.
What happens to my data if I delete the app?
Local data stored on your device is removed when you delete the app. If you're a Pro user with iCloud sync enabled, your data remains safely in your iCloud account and will be restored automatically if you reinstall SideTrack and sign into the same Apple ID.
Still need help?
Send us an email and we'll get back to you.
Contact Support
Email us with your question, a description of the issue, and your device model and iOS version if relevant. We typically respond within a couple of business days.
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