How to use the online timer
A focused work block of 28 minutes is a solid length for chipping away at a task without your attention drifting off after the first ten minutes. Start the timer, close whatever tabs are tempting you, and treat the deadline as real even though you set it yourself. When the alarm goes, you've either finished the job or made a proper dent in it, which beats an open-ended hour of half-attention.
It runs the moment you hit Start, no extra steps needed before the numbers begin moving. Because everything happens inside this browser tab, it needs to remain open while the clock runs; switching tabs is fine, but closing the page or turning off your screen partway through will stop the countdown. A sound marks the finish, so you'll know the moment it's done without having to watch it count down.
A kitchen timer only works in the kitchen, and a phone timer competes with texts, calls, and every other app fighting for your attention. Keeping the countdown in a browser tab sidesteps both problems: it goes wherever your laptop or phone goes, and it isn't trying to notify you about anything else. Minimise it, work on something else, and it'll be counting when you check back. Set a timer for 28 minutes, set the timer to 28 minutes, start a 28 minutes timer — it is the same countdown either way.
Common questions
Does the timer work without an internet connection?
The page needs to load once, but the countdown itself runs locally in your browser, so a dropped connection partway through won't stop it.
Will the timer still run if my laptop goes to sleep?
No, if the device sleeps or the browser is suspended, the countdown pauses along with it, so keep your screen awake for an accurate result.
Is there a cost to use the timer?
No, it's free to use, with no registration, sign-up, or hidden limit on how many times you can run it.
Can I run more than one timer at once?
Yes, opening the page in separate tabs lets you track a few things at the same time, each counting down independently of the others.