How Focus Timer works
Focus Timer is a work and break timer built around the Pomodoro technique: you work in short, fixed sessions and take a real break between them. Nothing to install, no account, and your settings stay in your browser.
1. Pick a session length
The default is 25 minutes of focus, a 5 minute short break, and a 15 minute long break after every four focus sessions. Open Settings under the timer to change any of these, from 1 to 180 minutes.
2. Add what you are working on
Type a task and press Enter. The first open task becomes your current task and is shown above the clock so you always know what this session is for. Tick tasks off as you finish them, reorder them, or clear the completed ones at the end of the day.
3. Start, and let the timer run
Press Space or the Start button. The remaining time also appears in the browser tab title, so you can switch to other windows and still see it. When the session ends you hear a short chime (choose bell, chime, beep or silent in Settings) and, if you allowed it, a desktop notification.
The clock is based on real time, not on counting ticks, so it stays accurate even if your browser throttles background tabs or your laptop sleeps for a moment.
4. Take the break
After a focus session the timer switches to a break. Turn on Auto-start breaks if you want the break to begin immediately, or start it yourself. Stand up, look away from the screen, and come back when it chimes.
Keyboard shortcuts
- Space start or pause
- R reset the current session
- S skip to the next session
- N jump to the new-task field
- 1 2 3 switch to focus, short break or long break
- ? show this list inside the app
Where is my data stored?
Settings, tasks and your daily session count are saved in your browser’s local storage. They stay on the device you are using, never leave it, and are not synced anywhere. The privacy policy sets out the details.
Why timeboxing helps
A fixed block removes the question of when to stop, which makes starting easier. Breaks are scheduled instead of improvised, so you take them before you are exhausted. Over a day, the completed-session count gives you an honest record of focused time rather than hours at the desk.
Sounds, notifications and what carries across devices are covered in the FAQ.