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Data management

Time Stream protects your time and privacy, and as such, we operate differently from cloud-based applications to ensure your data stays private.

We use local-only data storage. This method of storage stores data directly within your browser. It is accessible only by Time Stream and not sent to a server with every request. This data persists even when the browser is closed and reopened, offering a way to maintain state and user preferences without relying on server-side storage.

Data safety

It is important that you understand that local-only storage requires you to be aware of certain actions that may inadvertently remove your data.

There are scenarios in which you need to be aware you will lose your data if it is not exported and then imported again;

  • When using a different browser on the same device.
  • When using a different device.
  • If you remove your browser history. Depending on your chosen browser, this generally involves clearing browser data/recent history and will potentially remove all your Time Stream data.

Local-only storage

What it is:

Local-only storage is the practice of storing data only on your device in a particular browser. The data is not sent externally, accessed by Time Stream the company or used in any other way, other than by yourself.

How it works:

  • Data is stored locally on the user's device, not on a server.
  • We use two commonly used Web API technologies in combination called localStorage and IndexedDB API to store your data.
  • Data persists even after the user closes the browser, navigates from the page or restarts the device.

Benefits:

  • Improved performance: Data retrieval is faster because it's directly from the user's device, reducing latency.
  • Offline support: Applications can continue working offline, as the browser stores data locally and is accessible without an internet connection. This will be coming to Time Stream soon.

Limitations:

  • Risk of data loss: Data can be lost if you clear your browser's cache or history.
  • Limited accessibility: Data is only available on the device and browser where you created it.
  • Storage capacity: Storage limits (typically 5MB per origin) exist.
  • Security: Any JavaScript code on your page can access local storage, which can be a security issue.

Data management functions

In Time Stream, you can do what you like with your data because it is your data.

To help you manage your data between devices and browsers or in the event you want to move away, we have enabled an import/export function.

Export to CSV

Here is a user guide for exporting your data from Time Stream in CSV format (you cannot import a CSV file back into Time Stream):

  • Click on the Entries tab.
  • Click Export.
  • A file called 'entries-export.csv' will be saved to your downloads or other default location.
A CSV export (Comma-Separated Values export) is a lightweight, versatile way to extract and share structured data. It is commonly used for data analysis, integration with other tools, backup and sharing. Its universal format makes it a convenient choice for most applications that work with data in rows and columns.

Export to JSON

Here is a user guide for exporting your data from Time Stream in JSON format (you can import a JSON file back into Time Stream):

  • Click on the Settings (the gear) icon at the top right corner of Timestream, and select Manage data.
  • Click Export.
  • A file called 'time-stream-data.json' will be saved to your downloads or other default location.
A JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file a simple, text-based format for storing and exchanging structured data. It uses key-value pairs to represent data in an easily readable and writable format, making it ideal for use in web applications, APIs, and data storage.

Import from JSON

Here is a user guide for importing your JSON data to Time Stream:

  • Click on the Settings (the gear) icon at the top right corner of Timestream, and select Manage data.
  • Click Import.
  • Select the 'time-stream-data.json' file.
  • Click Save on the confirmation modal.
Be aware that importing data will override any existing Time Stream data in that browser; if you are unsure about anything, export the data in that browser before you finalise the new import.

Reset your Time Stream data

If, for any reason, you would like to reset your Time Stream data, you can do that too.

Here is a user guide to reset your Time Stream data:

  • Click on the Settings (the gear) icon at the top right corner of Timestream, and select Manage data.
  • Click Reset.
  • Click Save on the confirmation modal.
Be aware that this destructive action will remove all data from Time Stream. Time Steam data is stored in your browser; it does not exist elsewhere. You cannot undo this action. We suggest you export your data before resetting.

Backups

Time Stream automatically creates daily data backups (for the past 5 days). They run every 2-hours. You can download these backups to your computer.

Export an backup

Here is a user guide for exporting your backups from Time Stream in JSON format (you can import a JSON file back into Time Stream):

  • Click on the kebab menu next to the backup you would like to use, and select Export.
  • A file called 'time-stream-backup-date_and_time.json' will be saved to your downloads or other default location.

Import a backup

Here is a user guide for importing your backup from Time Stream in JSON format:

  • Click on the Settings (the gear) icon at the top right corner of Timestream, and select Manage data.
  • Click Import.
  • Select the 'time-stream-backup-date_and_time.json' file.
  • Click Save on the confirmation modal.
Be aware that importing data will override any existing Time Stream data in that browser; if you are unsure about anything, export the data in that browser before you finalise the new import.