About timefocus
We believe that focused work, paired with intentional rest, is the foundation of lasting productivity. timefocus is a free tool built to help anyone harness the power of the Pomodoro Technique.
Our Mission
Modern work is full of distractions. Notifications, endless tabs, and context switching make it harder than ever to sit down and do meaningful, deep work. Research consistently shows that the average knowledge worker is only truly focused for about 2.5 hours per day.
We built timefocus to change that. By giving you a clean, distraction-free timer grounded in the Pomodoro Technique, we help you structure your work day around short bursts of intense focus followed by restorative breaks. The result: more done in less time, with less stress.
Our goal is simple — help people do their best work every day without burning out.
Who's Behind timefocus
Hi, I'm Juan Heberle, the founder & developer of timefocus. timefocus isn't a product of a big company — it's a tool I built for myself first, and then opened up for free because the people I shared it with kept asking to keep using it.
I work as a software developer, and like a lot of people who stare at a screen all day, I struggled with context-switching and the slow drift into burnout. The Pomodoro Technique was the first method that actually stuck for me. I wanted a timer that was beautiful enough to keep open all day, honest about my data (everything stays in your browser), and free of the dark patterns most "productivity" apps lean on. So I made one.
Every guide on this site comes from running the method myself — thousands of real focus sessions, plenty of failed experiments, and the questions readers email me. If something here is wrong or could be clearer, I want to know: reach me any time on the contact page.
What Makes timefocus Different
Distraction-Free Design
A clean, minimal interface that lets you focus entirely on the task at hand. No clutter, no unnecessary features — just you, your task, and the timer.
Session Tracking
Track your focus sessions over time. See how many pomodoros you complete, how long you've focused, and build momentum with daily streaks and progress insights.
Task Management
Pair your timer with a built-in task list. Assign pomodoros to tasks, track estimated vs. actual effort, and check items off as you go.
Customizable Timers
Adjust focus duration, short break length, long break length, and how many cycles before a long break. Make it work for your personal rhythm.
Beautiful Themes
Choose from multiple color themes and customize phase colors to match your mood and workspace. A beautiful tool is one you'll actually use.
Sound Notifications
Gentle audio cues let you know when it's time to take a break or get back to work, so you can stay in flow without watching the clock.
The Pomodoro Technique
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses a timer to break work into focused intervals — traditionally 25 minutes — separated by short breaks. The name comes from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a university student.
The method is simple but powerful: by committing to short, uninterrupted work sessions, you train your brain to focus deeply while the regular breaks prevent mental fatigue. After four pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes to fully recharge.
The Five Steps
- Choose a task — Pick a single, well-defined task you want to make progress on.
- Set the timer — Start a 25-minute focus session. This is one "pomodoro."
- Work with full focus — Give the task your undivided attention until the timer rings.
- Take a short break — Step away for 5 minutes to rest your mind.
- Every four pomodoros, take a long break — After four cycles, rest for 15–30 minutes.