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Desktop ApplicationDownload Chronixo
Download Chronixo
Desktop Tracker
Runs silently in the background. Captures time, screenshots, and app activity against your tasks. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Version 1.0 · Built on Electron · Windows 10+, macOS 11 Big Sur+, Ubuntu 20.04+
Before you install
Why the app needs certain permissions
Chronixo is a time tracker. To capture screenshots, detect active apps, and know when you are idle, it needs access to protected system features. Here is exactly what it needs and why.
Screen Recording
Captures screenshots at configurable intervals during active timer sessions. Without this permission, screenshots will be blank. Stored in your S3 bucket if BYOS is configured.
Accessibility & App Tracking
Detects which application is in focus and which URLs are open in the browser. Used to generate the activity accuracy percentage shown to your admin.
Background & Startup
Runs silently in your system tray while the timer is active. Start-with-system permission ensures the tracker is always ready when you begin your workday.
BYOS S3:If your admin has configured Bring Your Own S3, all screenshots write directly to your company's AWS, GCP, or Azure bucket and never touch Chronixo servers.
macOS is the most restrictive. Gatekeeper, Screen Recording, and Accessibility all require manual approval. You will see security warnings - this is normal behaviour for apps installed outside the App Store. Follow all steps in order.
1
Download and install
Click the macOS download button above. Open the .dmg file. Drag the Chronixo icon into your Applications folder. Do not run it directly from the .dmg.
2
Bypass GatekeeperExpected security warning
The first time you open Chronixo, macOS may say "Chronixo cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified." This is Gatekeeper blocking apps not from the App Store.
Method 1 (easiest): Right-click Chronixo in Applications → click Open → click Open again in the dialog.
Method 2:System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to the Security section → click "Open Anyway" next to the Chronixo warning.
Method 2:System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to the Security section → click "Open Anyway" next to the Chronixo warning.
If you see "Chronixo is damaged and cannot be opened", run this in Terminal: xattr -cr /Applications/Chronixo.app
3
Grant Screen RecordingRequired
Without this permission, all screenshots will be blank or fail silently. macOS blocks all screen capture by default until you explicitly allow it.
macOS 13 Ventura and later:
Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → find Chronixo → toggle ON → Chronixo will restart automatically.
macOS 11 & 12 (Big Sur / Monterey):
Apple menu → System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy tab → Screen Recording → check the box next to Chronixo.
Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → find Chronixo → toggle ON → Chronixo will restart automatically.
macOS 11 & 12 (Big Sur / Monterey):
Apple menu → System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy tab → Screen Recording → check the box next to Chronixo.
4
Grant AccessibilityRequired for app & URL tracking
Allows Chronixo to detect which application is in focus and read browser tab URLs to generate the activity accuracy percentage.
macOS 13+:System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → toggle Chronixo ON → enter your Mac password if prompted.
macOS 11 & 12:System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Accessibility → add Chronixo.
macOS 11 & 12:System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Accessibility → add Chronixo.
5
Enable Login ItemRecommended
So the tracker is always running when you start your Mac.
macOS 13+: System Settings → General → Login Items → click + → select Chronixo.
macOS 11 & 12:System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items → click + → select Chronixo.
macOS 11 & 12:System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items → click + → select Chronixo.
All set - log in and start tracking
Open Chronixo from Applications or menu bar. Log in with your Chronixo account. Pick a task and click Start. The app sits in your Mac menu bar while the timer runs.
macOS Troubleshooting
"Chronixo is damaged and cannot be opened"
Run in Terminal:
xattr -cr /Applications/Chronixo.app - then try opening again.Screenshots are blank or black
Screen Recording not granted or outdated. Go to Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → toggle Chronixo OFF then back ON. Restart the app.
Activity % always shows 0%
Accessibility permission missing. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → ensure Chronixo is toggled ON.
Quick reference
All permissions at a glance
| Permission | macOS | Windows | Linux | Why needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Recording | Manual grant | Auto | Portal (Wayland) | Screenshot capture during active timer |
| Accessibility | Manual grant | Auto | AT-SPI | App & URL tracking, activity % calculation |
| Gatekeeper / SmartScreen | Right-click Open | More info → Run | N/A | OS warning for apps outside official stores |
| Admin / UAC / sudo | N/A | Click Yes | sudo (deb/rpm) | Required for system-level installation |
| Network / Firewall | Auto | Allow access | Auto | Timer data sync to your workspace |
| Login / Startup | Optional | Optional | Optional | Tracker always ready when you start work |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No. You can track time from the web app or the browser extension. The desktop app adds automatic screenshots, idle detection, and app/URL activity tracking on top of that.
Yes. Time entries are stored locally and sync automatically the moment your connection is restored - no manual uploads, no lost data.
Yes, and that's expected. macOS Gatekeeper and Windows SmartScreen both warn about any app that hasn't yet built a reputation score outside their official stores. The install steps on this page show exactly how to proceed on each OS.
If your admin has set up Bring Your Own S3, screenshots are written directly to your company's AWS, GCP, or Azure bucket and never touch Chronixo's servers.
The universal AppImage runs on any modern distribution. Native .deb packages are provided for Ubuntu/Debian, and .rpm packages for Fedora/RHEL.
The app checks for updates automatically and prompts you to restart when a new version is ready - no need to manually download and reinstall.
Need help setting up the desktop app?
Contact support Windows, macOS & Linux Setup takes under 5 minutes