---
title: Presets
keywords: presets, time entry presets, time logging, quick time entry, pre-filled fields, productivity, time tracking, template, recipe, efficiency
summary: Describes how to create and use time entry presets to quickly log time with pre-filled data. Explains preset fields, how to create and delete presets, and best practices for efficient time entry.
url: /profile/preset
---

# Presets

## What is a Preset?

A preset is a template for time entries that saves you time by pre-filling common details. Instead of entering the same project, description, or duration every time you log work, you can create a preset once and then create entries with one click.

Think of a preset as a "recipe" — you define which fields matter for that particular type of work, and Manor remembers them for next time. You pick a preset from the **My presets** menu in the top toolbar, and the **New time** form opens pre-filled.

## Accessing Presets

The **My presets** button in the top toolbar gives you quick access to your presets, and the management page lives under your profile settings.

1. In the top toolbar, click **My presets** to open a menu listing your saved presets.

   ![The My presets menu in the top toolbar](../screenshots/my-presets-dropdown-menu.png)

2. Click **Add/edit my presets** at the bottom of the menu. This opens the **Presets** page under your profile settings.

   You can also reach the same page by clicking your name in the top-right corner and then clicking **Presets** in the settings menu on the left.

3. You'll see a list of your saved presets (empty at first) and a **New preset** button.

## Creating a Preset

To create a preset:

1. On the Presets page, click **New preset**.

2. The **New preset** dialog opens. Enter a **Name** (required) — something descriptive like "Client review meeting" or "Research work".

   ![The New preset dialog with name, project, duration, description and internal note](../screenshots/my-presets-new-modal.png)

3. Fill in the fields you want to pre-fill. You don't have to complete all of them — only add fields that are common to this type of work:

   - **Project** — The project this work belongs to
   - **Duration** — How long this typically takes (e.g., `1:30` for 1 hour 30 minutes)
   - **Description** — A summary of the work (e.g., "Client meeting - strategy discussion")
   - **Internal note** — Private notes only you can see

4. Click **Save** to create the preset.

## Using a Preset

Once you've created a preset, using it takes two clicks. You always start from the **My presets** menu in the top toolbar, not from the time entry form.

1. In the top toolbar, click **My presets**.
2. Click the preset you want to use.
3. The **New time** form opens with that preset's fields already filled in — for example the project, activity, duration and description.
4. Adjust anything that is different this time:

   - Change the date or time
   - Change the duration if needed
   - Edit the description or internal note

5. Click **Save time** to log the entry.

There are no preset shortcut buttons inside the time entry form itself. To use a preset you always start from the **My presets** menu.

## Editing a Preset

To modify a preset:

1. Go to the **Presets** page (**My presets** → **Add/edit my presets**, or your profile settings).

2. Click the row of the preset you want to change. The **Edit preset** dialog opens.

3. Update any fields and click **Save**.

All future entries created from this preset will use the updated values.

## Deleting a Preset

To remove a preset you no longer use:

1. Go to the **Presets** page (**My presets** → **Add/edit my presets**, or your profile settings).

2. Click the row of the preset to open the **Edit preset** dialog.

3. Click **Delete** (bottom left of the dialog) to remove the preset.

Deleting a preset does not affect time entries you've already created with it.

## Preset Fields Explained

| Field | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Name** | The label shown when selecting a preset. Keep it short and descriptive. |
| **Project** | The project this work belongs to. |
| **Activity** | The activity within the project (shown when editing an existing preset). |
| **Duration** | A default time duration in `HH:MM` format (e.g., `2:00` for 2 hours). You can always adjust this when creating an entry. |
| **Description** | A template description for the work. This helps you remember what this preset is for and provides a starting point for each entry. |
| **Internal note** | A private note visible only to you. Useful for reminders about how to categorize or bill this work. |
| **Created at** | Read-only. The date the preset was created (shown when editing an existing preset). |

> Presets only apply to time entries. They are not saved list views — a preset cannot store filters, columns, sorting or dashboard settings. See [Saved List Views and Presets](../organizing-work/dashboard-presets.md).

## Best Practices

**Create presets for recurring work**
If you regularly do the same type of work (e.g., daily standup meetings, client review calls, specific project phases), create a preset to save time.

**Use descriptive names**
Name your presets clearly so you can quickly find the right one. Use names like "Code review - Project X" rather than "Work" or "Time entry".

**Don't over-populate fields**
Only pre-fill fields that are actually consistent. If the duration varies widely, leave it blank and enter it when logging time.

**Combine with your daily target**
Use presets alongside your daily target (set in profile settings) to track whether you're hitting your daily hour goals efficiently.

**Review and prune presets regularly**
Over time, you may accumulate presets for old projects or work types. Periodically delete presets you no longer use to keep your preset list clean.

**Use internal notes for billing reminders**
If a type of work should be billed at a specific rate or to a specific cost center, add a note in the internal note field as a reminder.

## Common Use Cases

**Recurring meetings**
Create a preset for daily standups, weekly planning meetings, or client check-ins with the typical duration pre-filled.

**Project phases**
If you work on the same project in distinct phases (design, development, testing), create separate presets for each so you can quickly categorize your time.

**Administrative work**
Create presets for internal tasks like training, admin work, or research that don't belong to a specific client.

**Billable vs. non-billable work**
Use the project selection to separate billable client work from internal firm work — presets make it quick to categorize correctly.

## See Also

- [My Presets](../administration/my-presets.md) — How to reach and use your presets from the toolbar.
- [Saved List Views and Presets](../organizing-work/dashboard-presets.md) — Why list views and dashboards cannot be saved as presets.
- [Time Tracking](../organizing-work/time-tracking.md) — How time entries work in Manor.