Focus Timer

How to use the Focus Timer

1. Set how long you want to focus and how long your breaks should be. The defaults are 25 minutes of focus, 5-minute short breaks and a 15-minute long break after every 4 sessions.
2. Press Start and work on one task until the chime.
3. Take the break the timer suggests. Stand up, stretch or get some water.
4. Use Pause, Reset or Skip whenever you need to. You can also pick a phase yourself with the buttons at the top.
5. Turn on automatic start if you want sessions to flow into each other without clicking.

How it works

Working in timed blocks is a simple way to start a task you've been putting off and to keep breaks from stretching too long. A common pattern is 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer break after every few rounds. Some people prefer 50/10 or 90/20. Every length here is adjustable, so you can find what suits you.

The timer works from the clock time when each session ends, not from counting ticks, so it stays accurate even if your browser slows down timers in a background tab. The tab title shows the time left, so you can glance at it from another tab. The chime is generated by your browser's sound engine, so no audio file is downloaded.

Example: with the defaults, four focus sessions and their breaks take 25 + 5 + 25 + 5 + 25 + 5 + 25 + 15 = 130 minutes, which is just over two hours with 100 minutes of focused work.

Frequently asked questions

Will the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. It calculates time from the moment the session should end, so it stays correct in a background tab. Some phones pause web pages when the screen locks, but the timer catches up as soon as you come back.

Why didn't I hear the chime?
Browsers only allow sound after you interact with the page, so the chime works once you've pressed Start. Also check that the tab isn't muted and your volume is up.

How do desktop notifications work?
Tick the notification box and your browser will ask for permission. If you allow it, you'll get a small notice when a session ends. You can turn this off at any time in your browser's site settings.

Are my settings saved?
Yes, your session lengths, options and today's count are saved in this browser on this device only. Nothing is sent to a server.

What session length should I use?
There's no single right answer. Start with 25/5 and adjust: if you often get interrupted, try shorter sessions; if you lose momentum at the break, try longer ones.