Pomodoro Timer

Welcome. This timer is designed to help you boost focus and productivity by implementing the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.

Getting Started: Your First Pomodoro

1. Plan Your Day: A core principle of the Pomodoro Technique is to decide what you want to accomplish today. Before you begin, create a focused list of the tasks you will work on. You can use your favorite task management app or a simple pen and paper. The goal is to commit to a set of priorities, preventing distractions from a larger backlog. If you’d like a template, you can download the To Do Today Sheet based on the original method here: [PDF] [Google Docs].
2. Estimate Your Effort: Once you have your list, estimate how many Pomodoros each task will take. A good rule of thumb is to break down any task that you think will take more than 5-7 Pomodoros. Using a sheet, you can record the number of available Pomodoros, assign them to tasks, and tick them off as you go. Here is an example:

3. Set Your Session Goal: Below the main timer, use the session configuration slider to choose how many Pomodoros (focus sessions) you want to complete. The default is 8.
4. Press Start: Click the Start button to begin your first Pomodoro. The timer will count down from the time set in your current preset (default is 25 minutes).
5. Focus: Work on your chosen task without interruption until the timer rings. The progress bar will fill up to show your progress through the interval.
6. Take a Break: When the alarm sounds, take a short break (typically 5 minutes). The timer will automatically switch to the “Short Break” mode if “Auto Start Breaks” is enabled in your settings.
7. Repeat: Continue this cycle of focus and rest. Your progress will be tracked with the dots above the timer.

Understanding the Controls

The main timer interface gives you full control over your session.

• Start / Pause / Resume: This is your main control. It starts, pauses, and resumes the timer.
• Next Button (Arrow pointing right): Skips the current interval and moves to the next one in the cycle (e.g., from a Pomodoro to a break). This is enabled only when a timer is active.
• Rewind Button (Arrow pointing left): Moves back to the previous interval in your session. This is useful if you get distracted or want to restart a segment. This is only enabled after you’ve completed at least one Pomodoro.
• Reset Button (Trash can icon): Resets the entire session, clearing your completed Pomodoro count. This button requires a second confirmation click to prevent accidental resets.

The Pomodoro Cycle

The technique is built on a consistent work-rest rhythm. After a set number of Pomodoros, you earn a longer break.

• Pomodoro: A focused, uninterrupted work session.
• Short Break: A 3-5 minute break to relax your mind.
• Long Break: After completing a set of Pomodoros (the default is 4), you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes to properly recharge before the next set.

The progress dots above the timer visualize this cycle. Filled dots represent completed Pomodoros, a pulsing dot is your current one, and a separator (|) indicates where a long break occurs.

Mastering the Settings

Click the Settings button to customize every aspect of your timer. Your changes are only applied when you click Save Changes.

Here is a breakdown of the available settings:

• Timer Presets:
  • Traditional: The classic 25-minute work session with 5-minute short breaks and a 30-minute long break every 4 Pomodoros.
  • Sprint: Shorter 15-minute work sessions for quick tasks.
  • Deep Work: Longer 45-minute focus blocks for intensive tasks.
  • Custom: Automatically selected when you adjust any of the sliders. Your custom configuration is saved and will be available the next time you open the app.
• Auto Start: Enable these toggles to have the timer automatically start the next break or Pomodoro session without requiring you to press “Start”. This helps maintain a seamless flow.
• Sound: Choose an alarm sound to signal the end of each interval and set its volume. Use the “Test” button to preview it.
• Desktop Notifications: Enable this to receive a system notification when a timer completes, even if the browser window is not active. You must grant permission for this to work.

Core Principles for Success

To get the most out of this timer, adhere to the core principles of the Pomodoro Technique.

• A Pomodoro is Indivisible: A 25-minute Pomodoro is an atomic unit of work. It cannot be split. If you are interrupted, the Pomodoro is considered void, and you should start a new one.
• Protect Your Pomodoro: The biggest challenge is handling interruptions.
  • Internal Interruptions: If you think of something you need to do, quickly write it down on a piece of paper and get back to your task immediately. Don’t let your own thoughts derail your focus.
  • External Interruptions: If a colleague approaches you, politely inform them you are in the middle of a focused work block and arrange to speak with them later (e.g., in 15 minutes or during your next break).
• Finished Early? Overlearn! If you complete your task before the Pomodoro rings, use the remaining time to review and improve your work. This reinforces what you’ve just done and helps you spot areas for improvement. Don’t just stop and wait for the bell.

By combining the powerful features of this focus timer app with the proven principles of the Pomodoro Technique, you can take control of your time, reduce burnout, and achieve a new level of focus. Happy working!

For more information about the science behind the Pomodoro technique follow our Science of Focus series.