Skip to main content

Using the Pomodoro Timer

Learn how to use our Pomodoro timer feature to boost your productivity and maintain focus throughout the day.

Quick Start​

Your First Pomodoro Session​

  1. Open the Timer: Click the timer icon in the navigation menu
  2. Choose a Task (Optional): Select a task you want to work on
  3. Start the Timer: Click the play button
  4. Focus: Work without distractions for 25 minutes
  5. Take a Break: When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break
  6. Repeat: After 4 sessions, enjoy a longer 15-minute break

That's it! You're now using the Pomodoro Technique.

Understanding the Interface​

Timer Display​

  • Large Numbers: Shows remaining time in minutes and seconds
  • Progress Ring: Visual indicator of session progress
  • Session Type: Displays whether you're in a work or break session

Control Buttons​

  • Play/Pause: Start or pause the current session
  • Stop: End the session early (data is still saved)
  • Skip: Move to the next session (break or work)

Status Indicators​

  • Task Name: Shows the currently selected task
  • Session Counter: Displays completed sessions today
  • Next Session: Shows what comes after current timer

Selecting Tasks​

Connecting tasks to your Pomodoro sessions helps you:

  • Track time spent on specific projects
  • Build accurate time estimates
  • See which tasks consume most of your time
  • Generate meaningful productivity reports

How to Select a Task​

  1. Click "Select a task" or "Working on: Free Focus"
  2. Browse recent tasks or search by name
  3. Click on a task to select it
  4. To work without a task, click the X to clear selection

Viewing Your Progress​

Quick Stats​

During your session, you can see:

  • Current session duration
  • Total focus time today
  • Number of completed sessions
  • Current streak days

Analytics Dashboard​

Click "View Analytics" to see:

  • Daily productivity trends
  • Time distribution across tasks
  • Your most productive hours
  • Streak calendar
  • Focus patterns

Kid Mode for Young Learners​

Activating Kid Mode​

  1. Click the baby icon in the timer
  2. The interface transforms into a colorful, animated experience
  3. A friendly tomato character appears to guide the session

Kid Mode Benefits​

  • Shorter default sessions (15 minutes)
  • Visual progress with filling animation
  • Encouraging messages throughout
  • Celebration animations on completion
  • Simplified, child-friendly controls

Exiting Kid Mode​

Click the X button in the top-right to return to normal mode.

Customizing Your Experience​

Accessing Settings​

Click the gear icon to open settings and customize:

  • Timer Durations: Adjust work and break lengths
  • Auto-Start: Choose if sessions start automatically
  • Notifications: Enable/disable and choose sounds
  • Sessions Until Long Break: Set your work cycle

For Deep Work:

  • Work: 45-50 minutes
  • Short Break: 10 minutes
  • Long Break: 20 minutes
  • Sessions: 3

For Learning:

  • Work: 25 minutes
  • Short Break: 5 minutes
  • Long Break: 15 minutes
  • Sessions: 4

For Creative Tasks:

  • Work: 30 minutes
  • Short Break: 10 minutes
  • Long Break: 30 minutes
  • Sessions: 2

Best Practices​

Before You Start​

  1. Clear Distractions: Close unnecessary tabs and apps
  2. Prepare Materials: Have everything you need ready
  3. Set Intentions: Know what you want to accomplish
  4. Silence Notifications: Put devices on Do Not Disturb

During Sessions​

  1. Stay Focused: Resist the urge to multitask
  2. Note Distractions: Write down thoughts for later
  3. Maintain Posture: Sit comfortably but alertly
  4. Trust the Process: The timer will tell you when to stop

During Breaks​

  1. Step Away: Leave your workspace
  2. Move Around: Stretch, walk, or do light exercise
  3. Rest Your Eyes: Look away from screens
  4. Hydrate: Drink water and have a healthy snack

Common Questions​

Can I pause the timer?​

Yes! Click the pause button anytime. However, try to minimize pauses to maintain focus momentum.

What if I finish early?​

You can stop the timer early. The partial session is still recorded for your statistics.

Can I extend a session?​

Currently, you need to start a new session. We recommend taking the scheduled break first.

Do breaks count toward my statistics?​

Break time is tracked separately from focus time in your analytics.

Can family members see my timer?​

Household members can see when you're in a focus session, promoting respect for deep work time.

Pro Tips​

Building Habits​

  • Start with just 2-3 sessions per day
  • Use the same time each day for consistency
  • Link specific tasks to specific times
  • Review your analytics weekly

Maximizing Focus​

  • Write your session goal before starting
  • Use the first session for your hardest task
  • Batch similar tasks in consecutive sessions
  • Take breaks seriously - they're part of the technique

Using Analytics​

  • Identify your peak hours and protect them
  • Notice which tasks take longer than expected
  • Celebrate streak milestones
  • Adjust timer lengths based on your data

Next Steps​

Now that you know the basics:

  1. Complete your first session today
  2. Experiment with settings to find your ideal configuration
  3. Track a full week to see your patterns
  4. Share your success with household members

Remember, the Pomodoro Technique is a tool to serve you. Adjust it to fit your needs and work style. The most important thing is to start!

Happy focusing! 🍅