# Logging time on a ticket (/en/docs/usage/timer-log-ticket)







Logging time means creating a **time entry** on Redmine for the active ticket. This happens when you stop the timer, or manually at any time.

## The draft comment [#the-draft-comment]

While the timer runs, you can prepare a **draft comment** that will be reused when logging.

1. Click **Draft comment** (or the edit icon).
2. Type your comment (*Add a comment for this running timer…*).
3. The comment is kept until you log the time.

<div align="center">
  <img alt="Draft comment" src="__img0" />
</div>

<Callout type="info">
  If **Reuse last ticket comment** is enabled, the draft is automatically filled with the last comment logged for that ticket.
</Callout>

## Logging by stopping the timer [#logging-by-stopping-the-timer]

When you click **Stop**, the behavior depends on **Express Mode**:

### Express Mode off (default) [#express-mode-off-default]

A &#x2A;*"Log Time Entry"** dialog opens, prefilled with:

* the related **ticket**;
* the **date**, **start time**, and **end time**;
* the computed **duration**;
* the **activity** (the default activity if one is set);
* the **comment** (your draft).

Review the details, adjust if needed, then click **Log Time**. To cancel without saving, use **Discard time**.

<div align="center">
  <img alt="Logging dialog" src="__img1" />
</div>

<Callout type="info">
  The logging dialog cannot be dismissed with the Escape key or by clicking outside: explicitly choose **Log Time** or **Discard time**.
</Callout>

### Express Mode on [#express-mode-on]

Time is logged **automatically** to Redmine, with no confirmation dialog, using the **default activity** and the comment (draft, or default comment as a fallback). A success message appears, then the timer resets.

<Callout type="warn">
  Express Mode requires a **default activity** to be set in the settings.
</Callout>

## Manual entry [#manual-entry]

You are not required to use the stopwatch. The **Manual entry** button (button in the autocomplete, or under the timer controls, active ticket required) opens the logging dialog directly with a duration of 0, which you fill in yourself.

This is handy to record a past or planned task without having started the timer.

## After logging [#after-logging]

Once the time is saved:

* the entry appears in the day's [timeline](/en/docs/usage/timer-timeline);
* the timer resets (except in specific keep-running cases);
* the totals (**Redmine Total**, **Today's Total**) are updated.