Before you begin, decide on one clear, short task cue: a verb-led label such as “Draft the outline” is easier to act on than a broad goal. You can choose a dark, light, or warm appearance to suit your room and display.
How to use Focus Screen
- Enter your cue in Private task label (this page only). Keep it focused on the next thing you plan to do.
- Under Options, choose a Focus theme: dark, light, or warm.
- Set Countdown minutes (0 = clock). Enter a countdown length for a timed session, or leave it at 0 to show a clock instead.
- Select Start to begin the timer. Press Space to start or pause timers when you are not typing in an input. Select Reset or press R to reset.
- Select Fullscreen or press F to make the task view fill the screen. Use Hide controls for a cleaner view. Select Exit or press Escape to leave fullscreen; tap the fullscreen scene or press Tab to bring up dismissible exit controls.
When to use it
- Starting a writing task: Keep a single next step in view instead of your full to-do list.
- Studying one topic: Put the subject or chapter you are reviewing on screen as a steady reminder.
- Working through a timed sprint: Set a countdown to give a focused work block a clear endpoint.
- Taking a short break: Use a countdown to mark when it is time to return to your main task.
- Doing an untimed activity: Use the clock option when you want a simple time reference without setting a countdown.
- Keeping a reminder visible on a spare display: Show one small task cue where you can glance at it without reopening a notes app.
- Reducing visual clutter during a work session: Hide the controls after setting your task and timer.
Tips for a useful Focus Screen session
Make the label specific enough to guide your next action, but short enough to read at a glance. “Review the first five slides” gives you a clearer starting point than “work on presentation.” If the task changes, replace the cue rather than adding several competing reminders.
Choose the theme that feels comfortable in your surroundings: dark, light, and warm change the appearance of the page. Your device’s own screen brightness is separate, so adjust it using your device controls if the screen feels too bright or dim.
For a session with a defined endpoint, set Countdown minutes before starting. Choose 0 when you want the browser clock rather than a countdown. You can keep the controls visible while setting up, then use Hide controls once you are ready to concentrate.
Limits to know
This is a visual prompt and timer, not an app blocker: it does not prevent you from switching tabs or opening other apps. The browser timer has no audio, so do not rely on a sound alert to signal the end of a session.
Task text stays in this page only, never in URLs, storage, analytics or server records. Reload clears it, so copy your label elsewhere first if you need to keep it for later. A Focus Screen can help you keep one intention in view, but it cannot guarantee uninterrupted attention or replace a dedicated timer with features you may need.