# Using the Pomodoro Timer

# Using The Pomodoro Timer

Chronoid's Pomodoro Timer helps you run timed work sessions and breaks directly from the menu bar or the app. The current settings go beyond the basic 25/5 cycle and let you tune reminders, countdowns, and break behavior.

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    Pomodoro timer workflow showing focused work sessions, reminders, and break behavior in Chronoid.
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## Start A Timer

You can start a timer from:

- the Chronoid menu bar menu
- the **Quick Start Focus Timer** submenu with 5, 10, 25, or 45 minute presets
- a global keyboard shortcut, if configured

## Core Session Settings

Open **Settings → Pomodoro Timer** to configure:

- work session duration
- short break duration
- long break duration
- how many work sessions happen before a long break

If both short and long breaks are disabled, Chronoid can run back-to-back work sessions.

## Break Reminder

Chronoid can show a pre-break reminder before the actual break begins.

You can choose:

- whether the reminder is enabled
- how long before the break it appears
- how long it stays visible

This is useful if you want a brief warning before the break window takes over.

## Countdown Before Break

Chronoid can also show a floating countdown near the cursor during the final few seconds before a break starts.

You control:

- whether the floating countdown is enabled
- the countdown duration

## Idle Handling During Pomodoro

The Pomodoro timer has its own idle handling option for work sessions.

When enabled, Chronoid can prompt you after you return from idle time so you can decide whether to:

- keep the timer running as-is
- discard the idle portion

This is separate from general activity tracking accuracy and is meant specifically for focus sessions.

## Smart Break Pause

Smart Break Pause lets Chronoid pause break timers automatically when it detects that you are still actively engaged.

Breaks can pause during things like:

- meetings or calls
- video or audio playback
- screen recording
- deep-focus apps
- fullscreen games

The break resumes when that activity ends, which helps avoid wasting the break while you are still busy.

## Tips

- Use Quick Start presets for ad hoc focus sessions.
- Turn on Break Reminder if sudden break windows feel disruptive.
- Turn on Smart Break Pause if calls regularly interrupt your scheduled breaks.

For help, email [support@chronoid.app](mailto:support@chronoid.app)

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Source: https://www.chronoid.app/docs/pomodoro-timer/pomodoro-timer