TodoTicked
TodoTickedHelp Center
FeaturesUpdated Jan 3, 2024

Pomodoro Timer

Boost your focus and productivity with TodoTicked's built-in Pomodoro timer and focus sessions.

Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro Technique helps you work in focused sprints. TodoTicked's built-in timer makes it easy.

What is Pomodoro?

The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo:

  1. Choose a task to work on
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes (one "pomodoro")
  3. Work until the timer rings
  4. Take a 5-minute break
  5. After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break

This rhythm helps you:

  • Stay focused
  • Avoid burnout
  • Track time spent
  • Build work momentum

Starting a Pomodoro

From a Task

  1. Click on any task
  2. Click the timer icon (or press P)
  3. Timer starts automatically
  4. Work until it rings

From the Timer View

  1. Click Pomodoro in the sidebar
  2. Or press G then F (Go to Focus)
  3. Select a task to work on
  4. Click Start

Quick Start

Press P from anywhere to start a pomodoro on your current task.

Timer Settings

Customize Durations

Adjust to your preferences:

  1. Go to Settings → Pomodoro
  2. Set your durations:
    • Focus session: 25 minutes (default)
    • Short break: 5 minutes (default)
    • Long break: 15 minutes (default)
    • Long break interval: 4 sessions

Sound Settings

  • Timer end sound: Choose notification sound
  • Ticking sound: Optional ambient ticking
  • Volume: Adjust loudness
  • Desktop notification: Get notified when timer ends

During a Pomodoro

Focus Mode

When timer is running:

  • Task is highlighted
  • Distractions are minimized
  • Optional: Other tasks are hidden

Progress Bar

See your progress:

  • Time remaining
  • Session count
  • Visual progress bar

Interruption Handling

If you need to stop:

  1. Click Pause - Resume later
  2. Click Void - Discard this pomodoro
  3. Click Stop - End and log partial time
<Callout type="tip"> Try to avoid pausing. If interrupted, write down the interruption and return to your task. </Callout>

Taking Breaks

Short Breaks (5 min)

After each pomodoro:

  • Step away from your screen
  • Stretch or walk
  • Get water
  • Rest your eyes

Long Breaks (15-30 min)

After 4 pomodoros:

  • Take a real break
  • Grab a snack
  • Do something different
  • Recharge fully

Break Timer

TodoTicked times your breaks too:

  1. Pomodoro ends
  2. Break timer starts automatically
  3. Notification when break ends
  4. Next pomodoro ready

Tracking Your Time

Daily Summary

See today's focus time:

  • Total pomodoros completed
  • Total focus time
  • Tasks worked on
  • Break time taken

Weekly Stats

Review your week:

  • Daily focus patterns
  • Most productive days
  • Average session length
  • Completion rate

Task Time

Each task shows:

  • Pomodoros spent
  • Estimated pomodoros
  • Total time tracked

Task Estimates

Adding Estimates

Estimate how many pomodoros a task needs:

  1. Open a task
  2. Click Add estimate
  3. Enter number of pomodoros
  4. Plan your day better

Estimate vs Actual

Compare your estimates:

  • See if tasks took longer than expected
  • Improve future estimates
  • Identify tasks that need breakdown

Advanced Features

Strict Mode

For serious focus:

  1. Enable in Settings → Pomodoro
  2. Timer can't be paused
  3. Must void to stop
  4. Builds discipline

Auto-Start

Keep the momentum:

  • Auto-start breaks after pomodoros
  • Auto-start pomodoros after breaks
  • Optional setting in preferences

Focus Music

Built-in ambient sounds:

  • White noise
  • Nature sounds
  • Lo-fi beats
  • Coffee shop ambiance

Access from the timer view.

Do Not Disturb

When timer is running:

  • Mute notifications (optional)
  • Hide task counts
  • Minimize distractions

Tips for Effective Pomodoros

Plan Your Pomodoros

At the start of each day:

  1. Estimate tasks in pomodoros
  2. Plan how many you can do
  3. Prioritize accordingly

Right-Size Your Tasks

Each task should be:

  • Less than 4 pomodoros
  • At least 1 pomodoro
  • Break down large tasks

Handle Interruptions

Keep an "interruption log":

  1. Write down the interruption
  2. Return to your task
  3. Address interruptions during breaks

Protect Your Pomodoros

  • Tell others you're focusing
  • Use headphones
  • Close unnecessary tabs
  • Put phone on silent

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
PStart/pause pomodoro
G then FGo to Focus view
SSkip break
VVoid pomodoro
SpacePlay/pause timer

Integrations

Calendar Blocking

When a pomodoro starts:

  • Optionally block calendar
  • Shows as "Focus Time"
  • Prevents interruptions

Reporting

Export your pomodoro data:

  • CSV export
  • Weekly reports
  • Time tracking integration

Troubleshooting

Timer Not Working

  1. Check browser notifications are enabled
  2. Ensure TodoTicked isn't blocked
  3. Try refreshing the page

Notifications Not Showing

  1. Go to Settings → Notifications
  2. Enable Pomodoro notifications
  3. Check system notification settings

Next Steps

Was this article helpful?

Let us know if this article helped you find what you were looking for.