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Focus Mode

Focus Mode is a Pomodoro timer built into the Cadeo Bar. It helps you work in timed intervals with breaks, keeping you productive without burnout.

Starting a Focus Session​

  1. Click the Cadeo icon in the menu bar to open the bar
  2. Click Start Focus Session at the bottom
  3. Optionally select a task from today's list
  4. Optionally type an intention ("What will you accomplish?")
  5. Adjust work/break/session durations if needed (defaults: 25m work, 5m break, 4 sessions)
  6. Click Start Focus

You can also press Cmd+Shift+F to start a focus session.

During a Focus Session​

Work Interval​

The bar shows a large countdown timer with your task name, session counter, and intention. The menu bar displays ◉ Task Name · MM:SS.

Controls:

  • Pause — Pauses the timer. Press again or Cmd+Shift+F to resume.
  • End — Stops the session and returns to the normal bar view.

Break​

When a work interval ends, the bar automatically switches to break mode. A macOS notification lets you know it's time to step away. The menu bar shows ☕ Break · MM:SS.

The break message encourages you to step away: "Step away. Stretch. Breathe."

Controls:

  • Skip Break — Jump straight to the next work interval if you're in flow.

Breaks end automatically and the next work session starts.

Long Break​

After every 4th session, you get a longer break (default 15 minutes) instead of the standard 5-minute break.

Cycle Complete​

When all sessions are done, a macOS notification confirms completion ("Great work! 4 sessions · 100m focused") and the bar returns to the normal awareness view.

Task Linking​

If you select a task before starting, your focused time is tracked against that task. When the session ends, the task's actual time is updated automatically. This feeds into Cadeo's time estimation system.

Session History​

All completed focus sessions are logged and include:

  • Task worked on (if selected)
  • Intention text
  • Sessions completed vs target
  • Total focused time
  • How the session ended (completed, manual stop)

Configuring Focus​

You can customise durations in two places:

  1. Inline in the setup view — adjust the work/break/sessions inputs before starting
  2. Settings — go to Settings > Cadeo Bar to set defaults. See Bar Settings.