Ascend Documentation

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Using the Focus Timer (Tomato Timer) ​

The Focus Timer (often called a Tomato Timer) is a productivity tool built directly into Ascend. It helps you maintain focus using the Pomodoro Technique, breaking work into intervals (typically 25 minutes) separated by short breaks.

Accessing the Focus Timer ​

The Focus Timer is always available in the global header of the application.

  1. Look for the Tomato icon (🍅) or the timer display in the top-right header.
  2. Clicking it opens the Focus Timer dialog.
  3. Note: The timer stays on top of other windows (z-index optimized) so you never lose track of it.

Timer Modes ​

The timer supports three standard modes:

  • Focus (Default: 25 min): For deep work sessions.
  • Short Break (Default: 5 min): For quick recharges.
  • Long Break (Default: 15 min): For longer rests after several focus sessions.

Switch modes by clicking the tabs at the top of the timer dialog. The background color shifts to indicate the current mode (Red for Focus, Teal/Blue for Breaks).

Controls ​

  • Start: Begins the countdown.
  • Pause: Pauses the timer.
  • Reset: Resets the timer to the original duration.
  • +1m / -1m: Quickly adjust the remaining time.

Tip: The timer runs in the background. You can close the dialog, and the countdown will continue in the header widget.

Completion & Alarms ​

When the timer reaches zero:

  1. Notification: A browser notification will appear (if enabled).
  2. Sound: An alarm will play.
  3. Dialog: The Focus Timer dialog will automatically open if it was closed.

Looping Alarms ​

The alarm sound will loop continuously with a brief pause between repetitions until you take action. This ensures you don't miss the end of a session if you step away.

  • Click "Silence" to stop the sound but keep the timer ready.
  • Click "Stop" or switch modes to reset.

Settings & Customization ​

Click the Gear Icon (⚙️) in the Focus Timer dialog to customize your experience.

Sound Settings ​

You can choose from a variety of alarm sounds, including:

  • Classic: Digital, Bell, Bird, Chime.
  • Synthesized: Sci-Fi, Retro, Doorbell, and more.

Note: Synthesized sounds are generated on-the-fly and will repeat every 3 seconds until stopped.

Volume Control ​

Adjust the volume slider to set the alarm level. Each change previews the selected sound.

Auto-Start Options ​

  • Auto-start Breaks: Automatically start the break timer when a focus session ends.
  • Auto-start Pomodoros: Automatically start the next focus session when a break ends.

Browser Notifications ​

For the best experience, click "Request Permissions" in the settings to allow browser notifications. This ensures you are alerted even if the Ascend tab is in the background.