Track your focus time at your own pace with Momentum's Countup Timer :momentum-countup:
Unlike the Pomodoro Timer, which counts down from a set duration, the Countup Timer starts at zero and counts upward, helping you keep track of how much time you've spent working without setting a time limit.
It's ideal for open-ended work sessions when you want to stay focused without the pressure of a countdown.
💡 Why use the Countup Timer? Not every task fits into a fixed time block. Whether you're writing, studying, or working on a project, the Countup Timer helps you stay aware of your focus time directly from your Momentum dashboard.
❇️ Momentum Plus Exclusive — Standalone Countup Timer
With Momentum Plus, you can use the Countup Timer directly from your dashboard without enabling Focus Mode.
Using Momentum Standard? You can still access the Countup Timer during your limited free Focus Mode sessions.
Start the Countup Timer
How you access the Countup Timer depends on whether you're using Momentum Plus or Standard.
For Momentum Plus users
You can select the Countup Timer directly from your dashboard or through your General settings, without entering Focus Mode.
From your dashboard
- Hover over Clock :clock: in the center of your dashboard.
- The built-in Clock switcher will appear.
- Select Countup :momentum-countup: from the available options.
- The Countup Timer will appear in the center of your dashboard.
- Click Play to start counting.
From Settings
- Open Settings :settings-2: → General.
- Scroll down to Center region.
- Select Countup from the available display options.
- Return to your dashboard.
- Click Play to start the Countup Timer.
💡 Tip: The built-in Clock switcher also lets you switch between Clock, Percent Clock, Pomodoro, and Countup without opening Settings.
For Momentum Standard users
You can use the Countup Timer during your free limited Focus Mode sessions per day.
- Start Focus Mode from your Momentum dashboard.
- Once you're in Focus Mode, hover over the timer in the center of your screen.
- Select Countup from the timer switcher.
- Click Play to begin tracking your focus time.
💡 Tip: You can also switch between Countup and Pomodoro while you're in Focus Mode, even without Momentum Plus.
Using Countup Timer with Focus Mode
While Momentum Plus users can use the Countup Timer independently, Standard users can access it during their limited free Focus Mode sessions.
When you use Countup Timer inside Focus Mode, you can also take advantage of other Focus Mode features to help minimize distractions:
- Sounds: Play your selected background sound while you focus, if enabled.
- Site Blocker: Automatically block websites on your block list, if enabled.
These features are part of Focus Mode and aren't automatically activated when you use the standalone Countup Timer.
💡 Tip: Want to learn more about minimizing distractions? Visit our Focus Mode article to explore its available features and settings.
Pause or restart the Countup Timer
You can pause your timer when you need a quick break or restart it when you're ready for a new session.
Pause the Countup Timer
- Click the Pause button beneath the timer.
- Click Play to resume counting from where you left off.
Restart the Countup Timer
- Click the ellipsis (•••) next to the Countup Timer.
- Select Restart timer.
Your timer will reset so you can begin tracking a new session.
Hide seconds
If you prefer a simpler timer display, you can hide the seconds count.
- Click the ellipsis (•••) next to the Countup Timer.
- Turn on Hide seconds.
When enabled, the Countup Timer displays only hours and minutes for a cleaner, less distracting view.
Add and manage a focus task under the timer
When using Countup Timer in Focus Mode, you can also keep a task visible beneath your timer to help you stay focused on one thing at a time.
For Standard users
You can manually add a task to focus on:
- Click the "I will focus on…" banner beneath the timer.
- Type your task and press Enter.
- When you've finished your task, check the box to clear it.
To manage your focus task:
- Edit or replace: Double-click your task, or click the ellipsis (•••) next to it and select Edit.
- Remove: Click the ellipsis (•••) next to your task and select Clear.
For Momentum Plus users
❇️ Momentum Plus Exclusive
With Top task in center, you can display the top task from your selected task list beneath the Countup Timer during Focus Mode.
This lets you work through tasks without losing sight of what you're focusing on.
If your task list is empty, you'll see the "I will focus on…" banner, where you can add a task manually.
Troubleshooting: My task isn't showing under the Countup Timer
If you're a Momentum Plus user and your top task isn't appearing:
- Open :settings-2: Settings.
- Select Focus Mode.
- Scroll to Top task in center.
- Make sure the toggle is enabled.
If your task list is empty, the "I will focus on…" banner will appear instead.
FAQs
:::faq
Q: Is the Countup Timer available for free?
A: Yes! Momentum Standard users can use the Countup Timer during their limited free Focus Mode sessions.
To use Countup independently of Focus Mode, you'll need Momentum Plus.
Q: Can I switch back to the Pomodoro Timer at any time?
A: Yes. Click the ••• menu next to the timer, click :repeat:, then select Pomodoro under Switch to.
Q: Why don't I see a task under my Countup Timer as a Plus user?
A: Make sure Top task in center is toggled on in Settings :settings-2: → Focus Mode. If your task list is empty, you'll see the manual "I will focus on…" banner instead.
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