Alex Kim
Launch date moved
The Northstar launch moved to September 18. Please update the plan before tomorrow.
A private, searchable Timeline for Mac
Go back to the moment you missed.
Retrace records your screen so you can search what you remember or drag back through your day. Your Timeline stays on your Mac.
7-day free trial · macOS 15+ · M1 or later
Try RetraceTwo-finger scroll or drag the Timeline, or search “September 18”
Monday, 2:41 PM, Notes, Tomorrow
⌘F
Monday · Sample Timeline
Notes
Start with what you remember
You remember seeing it. That should be enough.
You do not have to remember the file name, URL, or which app had it. Start with the words, idea, app, or rough time you still remember.
Different clues. The same way back.
Try finding it from one clueDifferent clues, same way back
Start wherever your memory does.
- 01
A word or phrase
Search text that appeared on screen, even if you cannot remember which app showed it.
- 02
A related idea
Use Meaning when you remember the idea but not the exact wording.
- 03
An app or rough time
Narrow the Timeline to one app, jump to a time, or simply drag through the day.
Across your workday
One workday. One place to look back.
- 9:08 · MailThe message that changed the plan.
- 10:24 · SafariThe page you never bookmarked.
- 11:16 · FinderThe file you saw but did not open.
- 2:41 · NotesThe sentence before the interruption.
Stored on your Mac
A screen memory should stay under your control.
Retrace encrypts your Timeline on your Mac. Your screen recordings, the words Retrace finds in them, and your searches are not uploaded.
Retrace has no ads. Its maker funds the app, and subscriptions pay for improvements.
- Choose what not to recordTell Retrace which apps to skip, temporarily or permanently.
- Choose how long to keep itDecide how long Retrace keeps your Timeline on this Mac.
- Lock RetraceUse Touch ID or a passcode to keep the app private.
Made for Mac macOS 15 or later M1 or later Records one display at a time
A tool worth keeping
A private way back for $4.99 a month.
Try the full app for 7 days. Then pay $4.99 monthly or $50 yearly. One license works on one Mac at a time, and you can move it to another Mac when needed.
Retrace is paid software, not an advertising business. Your subscription supports ongoing Mac updates and fixes while your Timeline stays on your Mac.
Download for MacA payment method is required to start the trial.
Timeline search, app filters, notes, labels, privacy controls, and updates.
Before you download
What to know.
What does Retrace record?
While Recording is on, Retrace saves what is visible on one display and reads the words on screen so you can search your Timeline later.
Does Retrace upload my screen recordings?
No. Your Timeline is encrypted and stored on your Mac. Retrace does not upload your screen recordings, the words it finds in them, or your searches.
Can I keep private apps out of Recording?
Yes. You can choose apps Retrace should leave out temporarily or permanently. This applies from that point forward and does not remove anything already saved.
Which Macs can run Retrace?
Retrace requires macOS 15 or later and a Mac with an M1 chip or later.
How does Retrace work with multiple displays?
Retrace records one display at a time and follows the display containing the app you are using. Switching may take a brief moment.
How does the trial and billing work?
You can use every feature free for 7 days. A payment method is required to start the trial. After that, choose $4.99 per month or $50 per year.
Where do I download Retrace?
Download Retrace from retracesteps.com. It is not available in the Mac App Store or on Windows.
Try it with your own day