Does Time Tracking Software Take Screenshots?
Updated June 6, 2026
Some time trackers take screenshots; many don't; and the good ones make it your choice. Here's how screenshot capture actually works, and how to keep control of it.
It depends on the tool
Time tracking and employee monitoring overlap but aren't identical. Pure time trackers often don't take screenshots at all; monitoring-focused tools may take them frequently. The best tools treat screenshots as an optional setting, not a default.
| Tool type | Screenshots? |
|---|---|
| Simple time tracker | Usually none |
| Monitoring-first tool | Often frequent / default |
| Orvella Time | Optional, off by default |
How screenshots work when enabled
When turned on, tools capture the screen at intervals (sometimes randomized) across one or more monitors. Good tools let you set frequency and quality, blur or limit them, and disclose them to staff. Orvella captures across all monitors only if you enable it, with configurable frequency and quality.
Keeping control
If you don't want screenshots, choose a tool where they're optional and leave them off — you'll still get hours and activity. With Orvella, screenshots are off by default and configurable per person.
With Orvella, screenshots are optional and off by default — track time and activity with or without them, your call.
Frequently asked questions
Do all time trackers take screenshots?
No. Many don't take any. Monitoring-focused tools may, but the best make it optional. In Orvella, screenshots are off by default.
Can I turn screenshots off?
In Orvella, yes — they're optional and configured per person, and you still get hours and activity without them.
Are screenshots taken on all monitors?
When enabled, Orvella can capture all monitors in one cycle. If disabled, none are taken.