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Floating Pomodoro timer that stays on top of your windows

The floating timer is a small window that shows your Pomodoro countdown on top of your other windows while you work in your notes, browser or code. It is new in Dabadoro 1.2, on by default, and comes in 4 styles. Drag it anywhere and it stays where you put it.

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Try it: drag the timer anywhere on the screen.Try it: drag the timer anywhere on the screen, or tap it for details.

18:42Focus · Organic chemistry: chapter 7 problem set
The timer counts down for real. Pause it with its own button. Example data.

How the floating timer works

Start a session in Dabadoro, then switch to your work. The timer follows you there.

  1. Step 1: Start a focus session

    Pick a task and press Space in the Pomodoro focus timer.

  2. Step 2: Switch to your work

    Open your notes, browser or code. The timer appears at the top centre of the screen.

  3. Step 3: Drag it where you want it

    It stays there, even after a restart.

  4. Step 4: Point at it for details

    See the task and its progress. Open Dabadoro, or hide the timer until your next session.

Four styles

Pick one on the Timer tab in Settings. Each style shows the same session.

  • Minimal

    Just the clock and a pause button.

  • StandardDefault

    The clock with its ring and activity.

  • Bar

    A thin strip with a progress line.

  • Detailed

    Everything in view, nothing to open.

Settings that change it

All on the Timer tab in Settings. The floating timer guide shows what each one does.

Floating timer settings on the Timer tab
SettingWhat it doesChoices
Show the floating timerShows the timer on top of other windows while a session runs in the background.On by default
Show while pausedKeeps the timer on screen while the clock is paused.On by default
DetailsChooses how the panel with the activity and its progress opens.Hover, Button or NeverHover by default
Fade when not in useTurns the timer see-through a few seconds after the pointer leaves.Off by defaultFade strength 55%, from 20 to 80%
StylePicks how much the timer shows, from a small clock to a full card.Minimal, Standard, Bar or DetailedStandard by default
ColourColours the ring, the dot and the progress line. Breaks keep their own colours.6 coloursTheme accent, Task colour, Habit colour, Reward colour, Done colour and Alert colour
Clock sizeSets the size of the time.Regular or LargeRegular by default
Activity nameShows or hides the name of the task or habit.On by default
Progress ringShows or hides the ring around the time.On by default

Who it suits

Three ways to use the floating timer, and where it stops.

  • A student with a problem set

    The Standard timer sits above problem-set-7.pdf and reads 18:42 and Focus · Organic chemistry.

  • A developer in an editor

    A thin Bar along the top edge shows the time and a progress line. Fade when not in use keeps it faint.

  • Someone who likes a nudge

    Detailed keeps the task, the time and the progress in view, with a Large clock. More on a focus app for brains that like a nudge.

Where it helps

  • It stays on top of your other windows while you work in another app.
  • It pauses without bringing Dabadoro to the front.
  • It keeps its place on the screen, even after a restart.
  • It shows the length of each set, including progressive focus sets, which are in beta.

Where it does not

  • It is part of the desktop app only. The web Pomodoro timer has no floating timer.
  • It follows the session you started. You pick tasks in Dabadoro, not on the timer.
  • Full-screen games and video players may cover it.

Questions about the floating timer

What is a floating timer?

A small window that shows the countdown of your focus session on top of your other windows. In Dabadoro it appears while a session runs and Dabadoro is in the background.

How do I turn the floating timer on or off?

Open Settings, choose the Timer tab and use Show the floating timer. It is on by default. The floating timer guide covers every setting on that tab.

Why can't I see the floating timer?

It shows when the setting is on, you are signed in, Dabadoro is not the window in front, and a session is running. With Show while paused on, it also stays while the clock is paused.

Which styles can I choose?

Minimal, Standard, Bar or Detailed. Standard, the default, shows the clock with its ring and the activity. Change it on the Timer tab in Settings.

Does the web Pomodoro timer have a floating timer?

No. The floating timer is part of the desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux, which needs a free account. The web Pomodoro timer runs in a browser tab with no account.

Is it free?

Yes, for now. The floating timer is a Pro feature, open to everyone while plans are not on sale.

Does it show over full-screen games and videos?

It stays on top of your other windows while you work. Full-screen games and video players may cover it.