Ever feel like you’re juggling a million things at once?
Projects piling up, time slipping away, and money…well, let’s not even talk about that.
It’s tough. Imagine a tool that could help you wrangle all those tasks, keep track of every minute, and make sure you get paid what you deserve.
That’s where Harvest comes in.
This guide will show you step-by-step instructions on how to use Harvest.
Ready to stop losing track of time and money? Millions of people use Harvest to simplify their work and get paid faster.
Getting Started with Harvest
What is Harvest?
Harvest is a super helpful online tool designed to make work life easier.
It’s especially useful for freelancers, small business owners, and teams working together on projects.
Think of it as your digital assistant that keeps everything organized.
Harvest shines in three main areas: First, it’s great for time tracking, letting you easily log your work hours.
Second, it helps you manage your projects to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
And third, invoicing is a breeze, so you can get paid quickly and accurately.
Why Use Harvest in 2025?
The world of work is always changing, and Harvest changes with it.
In 2025, using a tool like Harvest is more important than ever.
Maybe they’ve added new features that make it even better for remote teams or integrated with the latest apps you use. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
One of the biggest reasons to use Harvest is accurate time tracking.
Knowing exactly where your time goes is crucial for pricing your services, managing your projects, and ensuring you’re profitable.
Plus, it helps you understand your expenses related to projects.
Harvest can also streamline how you invoice your clients.
Setting Up Your Harvest Account
Okay, let’s get you started with Harvest!
First things first, you’ll need to create an account. Think of it like setting up your own workspace in Harvest.
Creating Your Account:
Go to the Harvest website (you can just search for “Harvest time tracking” on Google).
Look for the “Sign Up” button – it’s usually pretty easy to spot. Click it!
You’ll need to enter some basic information, like your name, email address, and maybe your company name if you have one.
You’ll also need to create a password – make sure it’s something you can remember but also something secure.
Once you’ve filled everything in, click the “Create Account” button.
Harvest might send you an email to confirm your account – just click the link in the email to finish setting things up.
Profile Setup:
Now that you have an account, filling out your profile is a good idea.
This helps Harvest know who you are and makes it easier for you to manage your work.
You can add a picture of yourself, your job title, and other relevant details.
This is also where you might set your default hourly rate – we’ll talk more about rates later.
Having a complete profile makes your invoices look professional, too.
Mastering Time Tracking
Alright, now for the good stuff: tracking your time!
This is where Harvest really shines.
Accurate time tracking is the heart of good time management and is essential for getting paid correctly.
Whether you’re a beginner or aiming to become a pro, this section will show you how to use Harvest to track time like a champ.
The Timer:
The easiest way to start tracking time is with Harvest’s built-in timer.
When you start tracking time⚭, click the green “Track Time” button.
Choose the task that’s assigned to you, add a description of what you’re working on, and either start the timer or enter the time manually.
When you’re done, click the button again to stop the timer.
Your time entry automatically gets added to your timesheet.
It’s that simple!
Manual Time Entry:
Sometimes, you might forget to start tracking time right away.
No worries! You can also enter your time manually.
Just choose the date, the project, the assigned task, and enter the hours you worked.
Adding a description is always a good idea.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! We’ve covered a lot, from setting up your Harvest account to mastering time tracking and sending invoices.
You now know how to use the timer, manage your projects, and keep track of your time spent.
We’ve also touched on how to generate reports and get valuable insights into your work.
Remember, Harvest is a powerful tool that can really help you take control of your time and your business.
The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll become with all its features.
Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things.
If you want to dig deeper, Harvest has tons of resources available, like their help center and tutorials.
They’re always adding new stuff, too, so keep an eye out for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track my time in Harvest?
Tracking your time is easy! Click the green “Track Time” button, choose your project and task, add a description, and start the timer. You can also manually enter your time if you forget to use the timer.
Can I use Harvest on my phone?
Yes! Harvest has a mobile app for both iOS and Android. It lets you track time, manage projects, and even send invoices from anywhere. It’s a great way to track time on the go.
How do I create an invoice in Harvest?
Go to the “Invoices” section and click “Create Invoice.” Choose the client, add the items you’re billing for (based on your tracked time), and customize the invoice as needed. Then, send it directly to your client through Harvest.
What kind of reports can I generate in Harvest?
Harvest offers various reports, including time reports, project reports, and financial reports. These reports give you insights into your time spent, project progress, and income.
How do I invite my team to Harvest?
In your Harvest account settings, look for the “Team” or “People” section. You can then invite team members by entering their email addresses and assigning them roles.
