Focus Timer – Pomodoro time-management application

Focus Timer is a desktop time-management application built around the Pomodoro Technique.

Formerly known as GNOME Pomodoro, it divides work into focused sessions separated by short and long breaks, helping users maintain concentration without working continuously. Session lengths and behaviour can be adjusted to suit individual routines.

The application provides a GTK 4 interface with a compact timer view, desktop notifications, sounds, a system tray icon and a screen overlay for breaks. It records completed sessions in a local database and presents daily, weekly and monthly statistics. Integration options extend beyond the graphical interface: Focus Timer supports global shortcuts, D-Bus, command-line controls, custom shell commands and a companion GNOME Shell extension

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

• Configurable focus, short-break and long-break durations.
• Controls to start, pause, resume, skip or stop a session.
• Optional automatic progression between work sessions and breaks.
• Screen overlay encourages users to step away during scheduled breaks.
• Desktop notifications and sounds signal changes between session types.
• Compact timer display for keeping the countdown visible while working.
• Daily, weekly and monthly statistics show completed work sessions.
• Global shortcuts control the timer without opening the main window.
• System tray integration provides quick access to common timer actions.
• GNOME Shell extension offers deeper integration with the desktop.
• D-Bus and command-line interfaces support external control and scripting.
• Custom shell commands can automate actions when timer events occur.
• Idle and lock-screen detection can adjust the timer to user activity.
• MPRIS integration exposes timer controls through compatible desktop components.
• Automatic daily database backups help protect stored session history.
• Supports both X11 and Wayland desktop sessions.

Website: github.com/focustimerhq/FocusTimer
Support:
Developer: Kamil Prusko
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

Focus Timer is written in Vala. Learn Vala with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

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