What is the best timer for studying?

It depends on your style. The Pomodoro (25 minutes) is best for avoiding burnout. However, for deep research, a 50/10 split (50 minutes work, 10 minutes break) often works better.

How do I use a timer for ADHD?

Visual timers are crucial. Use shorter intervals (like a 15-minute timer) to reduce the barrier to starting. Pair it with a 'Body Doubling' session or use AFFiNE to visually map out your task steps first.

Does this timer work in the background?

The AFFiNE Online Timer keeps counting while the browser tab remains open. For the most reliable visual cue, keep the timer visible during your session.

Can I use this for offline time tracking?

This web tool requires an internet connection. However, the AFFiNE App (available for Mac, Windows, and Linux) offers offline-first productivity features for managing your tasks anywhere.

Free Online Timer

Start a visual countdown for focus, study, Pomodoro sessions, meetings, and quick breaks.

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Make Your Time Count with AFFiNE

Keep Stand-ups on Track
Running a daily scrum? Use the 10-minute timer to keep updates concise. Display it alongside your AFFiNE Kanban Board to visualize progress without the meeting fatigue
Try AFFiNE for Teams
Master the Pomodoro Technique
Struggling with distractions? Set a 25-minute timer and enter AFFiNE Focus Mode. Write docs with zero interruptions, then take a 5-minute break
Start Deep Work
Timebox Your Creativity
Creativity loves constraints. Set a 5-minute timer on your AFFiNE Whiteboard. Sprint through ideas and sticky notes before the countdown ends.
Open Whiteboard

Why You Need a Visual Timer for Productivity

Overcoming Time Blindness & ADHD
For many, especially those with ADHD, time is an abstract concept. 'Time blindness' makes 10 minutes feel like 30, or vice versa. A visual online timer anchors you in the present. Watching the seconds count down creates a 'visual urgency' that hacks your brain's executive function, helping you start tasks (task initiation) and stay on track
The Power of Time Blocking
Stop multitasking. Time blocking is the practice of dedicating specific windows of time to single tasks. Whether it's a 60-minute study session or a 15-minute email sprint, using a digital timer allows you to externalize your focus. In AFFiNE, you can plan these blocks visually and keep a matching online timer open while you work.
Flow State on Demand
Flow state isn't magic; it's engineered. By setting a 45-minute timer for a single objective, you eliminate the cognitive load of 'watching the clock.' You are free to immerse yourself in your work and reset when the countdown ends.

Common Timer Durations

1 Minute Timer

Use a 1 minute timer for micro-breaks, quick checks, or tiny tasks you want to start right now.

2 Minute Timer

Start a 2 minute timer for quick resets, short drills, or the classic two-minute productivity rule.

3 Minute Timer

Set a 3 minute timer for breathing breaks, short warm-ups, or fast team check-ins.

4 Minute Timer

Use a 4 minute timer for focused review, short exercises, or a quick transition between tasks.

5 Minute Timer

Start a 5 minute timer for stretch breaks, quick brainstorming, or a short focus sprint.

10 Minute Timer

Use a 10 minute timer for daily standups, inbox sweeps, quick planning, or focused review.

15 Minute Timer

Set a 15 minute timer for task triage, short study blocks, meeting prep, or ADHD-friendly starts.

20 Minute Timer

Start a 20 minute timer for reading, writing, design review, or a steady mid-length focus block.

25 Minute Pomodoro

Use a 25 minute timer for a classic Pomodoro session and a clear deep-work boundary.

30 Minute Timer

Set a 30 minute timer for half-hour study sessions, focused work blocks, or meeting timeboxes.

45 Minute Timer

Use a 45 minute timer for classes, workshops, longer reading blocks, or extended focus sessions.

60 Minute Timer

Start a 60 minute timer for one-hour study sessions, deep work blocks, meetings, or focused planning.