What Is Harvest Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives
Time tracking, invoicing & reporting.
Editorially updated Oct 25, 2025
The overview
What Harvest is for
1Core Capabilitie
- Project-based timer interface
- Manual time entry log
- Client invoice generation panel
- Expense tracking module
- Project budget burn rate visualization
2Specialized Workflow
- Uninvoiced time report
- Recurring invoice scheduler
- Timesheet approval queue
- Detailed project profitability report
- Team capacity planning overview
Who it helps
Useful ways to use Harvest
A practical path
Initiate Time Tracking
Navigate to the web application, select the relevant project and task from the dropdown menu on the 'Timesheets' tab, and click the 'Start Timer' button to begin logging billable or non-billable hour
External signals
Reviews & reputation
Aggregated review score
Users consistently praise Harvest for its intuitive web interface, reliable time tracking, and robust invoicing capabilities, making it a go-to for service-based businesses. The detailed reporting and seamless integrations with accounting software are frequently highlighted as key strengths, though some users occasionally note a desire for more advanced project management features beyond time tracking.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
1How does Harvest handle time tracking for offline work or when my internet connection is unstable?⌄
Harvest's web application requires an active internet connection for real-time syncing. However, if you're using the desktop or mobile apps, they typically cache time entries locally and sync them once an internet connection is re-established. For browser-only users, manual entry after regaining connection is the standard method for logging time spent offline.
2Can I customize the appearance and content of invoices sent to clients?⌄
Yes, Harvest offers robust customization options for invoices. You can upload your company logo, adjust colors, add custom notes, specify payment terms, and choose which details (like task descriptions or team members) are visible to the client. These settings are managed within the 'Invoices' section under 'Settings'.
3What happens if I forget to stop a timer, and it runs for an excessively long period?⌄
Harvest will typically flag unusually long timer entries for review. You'll receive a notification or see a visual cue in your timesheet prompting you to confirm or adjust the duration. This helps prevent accidental over-billing and ensures data accuracy. You can always manually edit the entry to correct the end time.
4Is there a way to integrate Harvest time data with our existing accounting software?⌄
Harvest provides direct integrations with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero, allowing you to push invoices and payments seamlessly. For other systems, Harvest offers a robust API for custom integrations and supports data export in various formats (CSV, Excel) for manual import into other financial tools.
5How does Harvest ensure the security and privacy of sensitive client and project data?⌄
Harvest employs industry-standard security measures, including SSL/TLS encryption for all data in transit, regular security audits, and secure data centers. Access controls are granular, allowing administrators to define user permissions for viewing and editing sensitive project, client, and financial information. They also maintain a transparent privacy policy detailing data handling practices.
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