Guides
Using focus mode
A timer and pomodoro built into the task you're actually doing.
Focus mode puts a timer inside the task you're working on — so a focused session and the thing you're focusing on are never in two different places. It doubles as a per-task time tracker: every session adds to the time recorded on that task.
Start a session#
- Select a single task.
- Press ⌘G (or use the focus action).
- The rest of the app steps back so you can concentrate on one thing.
You can reopen focus mode for a task any time by clicking its focus-time badge.
Two ways to focus#
A pill at the top switches between:
- Timer — a simple count-up stopwatch. Open-ended; just work until you stop.
- Pomodoro — work and break intervals with a progress ring.
Both accrue time onto the task, so you always know how long something has taken.
Pomodoro settings#
Open the in-session settings to tune your rhythm. The defaults are the classic ones:
| Setting | Default |
|---|---|
| Work | 25 min |
| Break | 5 min |
| Long break | 15 min |
| Long break every | 4 cycles |
You can also choose whether to be notified at the start of each work and break phase, and whether break time counts toward the task's total.
During a session#
- Pause / resume with the play/pause control.
- Minimize to a small floating pill that stays out of the way — and remembers where you put it.
- Complete the task right from focus mode; there's a brief grace moment in case of a mis-click.
- Drag or click on the pomodoro ring to skip ahead within the current phase.
Make it a habit
Two or three focused sessions on your most important task usually beats a whole day of half-attention.
Your session is safe#
If you quit with a session running, Todebaran restores it — elapsed time, phase and all — the next time you open the app. Time is tracked against a real clock, so it stays accurate even when the app is in the background.
Where the time goes#
Focus time is recorded on each task and shown as a small badge (enable it under Settings → Tasks → Task Status Items). You can even filter on it in smart lists — for example, tasks with more than an hour of focus time. Pair focus mode with a smart list to always know what to work on next.