Frequently asked questions
Everything about how StayInFlow tracks your focus, what it stores (spoiler: nothing leaves your Mac), and what it costs.
What exactly does StayInFlow track?
Only which app is frontmost during a session you started, as timestamps plus app names and bundle IDs. It never records window titles, keystrokes, screenshots, or browsing content — and it only tracks while a session is running.
Does my data ever leave my Mac?
No. All data lives in a local database on your Mac. There is no account, no cloud sync, and no telemetry — the app has no server to send anything to. You can export your data to CSV or delete everything at any time.
Does StayInFlow block apps or websites?
No. StayInFlow is a focus coach, not a blocker. It measures flow vs. drift honestly and can show a full-screen reminder when you drift past thresholds you set — but it never locks you out of anything.
How does StayInFlow know when I'm focused?
You define a Flow Set — the 1–8 apps that mean deep work for you. During a session, time in those apps counts as flow; sustained time in any other app counts as drift. Quick app switches within a grace period (default 3 seconds) are ignored.
What happens when I step away from my Mac?
The session pauses automatically when your Mac sleeps, the screen locks, or you're idle past a threshold you choose. Paused time is banked separately and never counts as focus, so your flow percentage stays honest. It resumes the moment you're back.
Is there a subscription?
No. StayInFlow is a one-time purchase with free updates. No account, no recurring charges.
Which macOS versions are supported?
StayInFlow is built for macOS 26 (Tahoe) and later, with a native Liquid Glass interface, desktop widgets, and Focus mode integration.
Can StayInFlow start sessions automatically?
Yes, three ways: attach it to a macOS Focus mode so turning on Work Focus starts a session; use Shortcuts/Siri or a global hotkey (⌃⌥F by default); or accept a smart suggestion — if you've been working in a Flow Set's apps for 10 minutes without tracking, one notification click starts the session.
Does it track websites or browser tabs?
Not yet. Browsers are tracked as apps (e.g. time in Safari counts by the app, not per site), because per-site tracking would require reading window titles or installing browser extensions — a privacy trade-off we haven't been willing to make lightly.
How is StayInFlow different from RescueTime, Rize, or ActivityWatch?
Cloud trackers like RescueTime and Rize upload your activity to their servers and charge subscriptions. ActivityWatch is local but is a passive all-day logger. StayInFlow combines the local-first privacy model with deliberate focus sessions, streaks, goals, coaching, and native macOS widgets — for a one-time price.
Does it need Accessibility or Screen Recording permissions?
No. StayInFlow uses standard macOS APIs to see which app is frontmost — no Accessibility permission, no Screen Recording, no input monitoring. It runs sandboxed with minimal entitlements.
Can I get my data out?
Yes. Export sessions and drift events as CSV for spreadsheets or scripts, and clear all history with one click whenever you want.
Something else on your mind? hello@stayinflow.app