The Countup Timer :momentum-countup: lets you track how long you've been focused without setting a time limit. Unlike the Pomodoro Timer :momentum-pomodoro:, which counts down from a set duration, the Countup Timer starts at zero and counts up until you stop it.
It's ideal for open-ended work sessions where you want to stay aware of your focus time without the pressure of a countdown.
💡 Why use the Countup Timer?
Focus and deep work don't always happen within a set time limit. The Countup Timer lets you easily track your focus time for any task, right from your Momentum dashboard, without opening extra desktop apps or switching to another browser tab.
Switch to the Countup Timer
Note: The Countup Timer is only available in Focus Mode.
- Enter Focus Mode :momentum-focus-mode: from your dashboard.
- Click the ••• menu next to the Pomodoro timer.
- Click :repeat:.
- Under Switch to, select Countup.
- Click the Play button to start the Countup Timer.
The Countup Timer starts at 0:00. It won't start automatically until you click Play.
What happens when you start the Countup Timer
When you click the Play button to start the Countup Timer:
- Sounds: If enabled, your background sound starts playing automatically.
- Site Blocker: If enabled, any open sites listed under your Site Blocker will automatically begin being blocked.
Pause or restart the Countup Timer
Pause the Countup Timer
- Click the Pause button beneath the timer.
- Click Play to resume your session.
Restart the Countup Timer
- Click the ••• menu next to the timer.
- Select Restart timer.
Hide seconds
If you prefer a cleaner timer display, you can hide the seconds count.
- Click the ••• menu next to the timer.
- Turn on Hide seconds.
When enabled, the Countup Timer displays only hours and minutes for a cleaner, less distracting timer.
Add and manage a focus task under the timer
Having a task visible under your timer keeps your focus anchored to one thing at a time, even during an open-ended session.
If you're on the Standard plan:
You won't see synced tasks under the timer, but you can still add one manually:
- Click the "I will focus on…" banner under the timer.
- Type your task and press Enter.
- When you're done, check the box to clear it.
To edit or replace your task, double-click it, or click the three dots ••• and select Edit :pencil:
To remove it and start fresh, click the three dots and select Clear :x:
If you're on Momentum Plus: ❇️
❇️ Momentum Plus Exclusive
Your top task from your task list appears under the Countup Timer automatically. If your task list is empty, you'll see the "I will focus on…" banner so you can add one 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: Can I use the Countup Timer without Focus Mode?
A: No. The Countup Timer lives inside Focus Mode, so you'll need to enter Focus Mode first to use it.
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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