Timer

Time Stream incorporates two time tracking methods, a Pomodoro and a continuous timer, for extra flexibility.

The continuous timer is a standard count-up timer. It is a simple tool that measures elapsed time continuously from zero. It has no predefined intervals or breaks; it keeps track of time as it progresses. Unlike a Pomodoro timer, it doesn't have built-in intervals for work and rest periods. It allows you to manually start, pause and stop your timer, ensuring you capture the time you spend on your tasks.

Based on the time management framework of The Pomodoro Technique, the Pomodoro timer will improve your focus and productivity. It encourages you to work within your time rather than struggle against it by breaking work into intervals, usually 25 minutes each, separated by short breaks. The timer helps individuals stay focused during these work periods. It encourages regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain mental freshness.

Here is a guide to using each timer type and the universal features;

Time tracking with the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique helps to boost focus and encourages greater productivity. Use it to stay on task.

When using the Pomodoro technique in Time Stream, the timer is set up with 25-minute blocks (called Pomodoro sessions), followed by 5-minute breaks. There is also a 20-minute break after four sessions before repeating the process. All these timings are editable in preferences. The Time Stream timer is set to Pomodoro by default (the infinity icon will be grey).

Pomodoro sessions

To start a Pomodoro session, minimise distractions or potential interruptions, hit play, and focus only on the task you are working on.

If you use the default settings, a session will run for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. During your break, step away from your desk to rest.

The default settings have a 20-minute break after four consecutive pomodoro sessions, called a long break. The break length and number of sessions are configurable in preferences.

Pomodoro count

The Pomodoro count displayed above the timer visually indicates the number of completed Pomodoro sessions. It will reset to zero after the long break.

Here is a user guide for the Pomodoro count:

• It displays the number of completed Pomodoros.
• Double-click this icon to reset the count.
• The count will automatically reset after your long break.
• The Pomodoro count will be greyed out and disabled when the infinity timer is active.

Auto-start/recurring sessions

Time Stream automates Pomodoro time tracking by providing the option to auto-start Pomodoros. This feature allows you to automatically start Pomodoros to avoid forgetting to start/stop the timer.

Here is a user guide for the auto-start Pomodoro feature:

• Find the auto-start pomodoro icon above the timer; it is purple and switched on by default when in pomodoro mode.
• Toggle the icon to turn it on or off. It will turn grey when disabled.
• This toggle will be greyed out and disabled when the infinity timer is on.

Time tracking with the infinity timer

There might be situations where you want to work on a task with a solid block of time rather than in Pomodoro sessions. The infinity timer is a continuous count-up timer that only pauses or stops when you manually action it.

Infinity timer

Here is a user guide for the infinity timer:

• Click the infinity icon, the first toggle button from the left above the timer, to switch from a Pomodoro to an infinity timer.
• When the infinity timer is selected, the icon turns purple, and the timer reads 00:00.
• Click the play icon to start the timer.
• Click the stop icon to pause/stop the timer.
• When the timer pauses, click the small play icon to continue playing or the circle icon to restart the timer.
• You can change the timer mode by clicking the infinity icon when the timer is idle.

Universal features

Whether using a Pomodoro or infinity timer, Time Stream features are designed to help you manage your time effectively.

Today's task

This feature assists you in focusing on your current task by picking a task from today's list.

Here is a user guide for the Today's Task feature:

• Tasks that appear in this dropdown are your today's tasks or 'My Focus'.
• Select a task from the dropdown. If you have multiple tasks for today, pick the one you are focusing on now.
• To change the task mid-session, you must first end the session and then choose another task.
• You can add notes and tags during or at the end of your session.

Tags

This feature allows for categorizing time entries to help with organization and reporting. The tag list is populated from the tags you have created.

Here is a user guide for the tags feature:

• Select as many tags as needed for a session.
• The tag list is populated from the tags you have created.
• Read this article about tags to learn how to create and manage tags.

Notes

This feature provides a space to record detailed information about your session. It helps to remember what was covered during a project and provides additional information for time entries.

Here is a user guide for the Notes feature:

• Use the Notes field to add a quick description.
• You can edit your notes during or after a session. Add more details about activities, issues, or achievements during your time block.
• Your notes are saved automatically when you end a session.

Manual inputs

If you forgot to log a time block, manual inputs let you create time logs for past activities. This feature ensures all your productivity is accurately recorded.

Here is a user guide for the Manual Input feature:

• Click on the kebab menu (three vertical dots) and then click Manual Entry.
• On the pop-up modal, enter:
  When you started your work session
  When you stopped your work session
  A note for the session.
  Tags for the session
• Click Save.