> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.birdtab.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Clock & Timer

> Display the current time or a countdown timer on your new tab page.

<Info>Clock and Timer are BirdTab Pro features. [Start your free trial](/installation) or [upgrade to Pro](/pro/overview) to enable them.</Info>

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  <source src="https://mintcdn.com/birdtab/mMS_-hy5jDGR5gcB/videos/clock.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=mMS_-hy5jDGR5gcB&q=85&s=9dcf19e80f17c906ae7467db91fab6a4" type="video/mp4" data-path="videos/clock.mp4" />
</video>

The Clock and Timer appear in the Quick Access panel. Switch between them — or turn both off — via **Settings → Clock / Timer Display**.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Clock">
    Shows the current time, updated every minute (or every second if seconds are enabled).

    ## Settings

    | Setting      | Options          | Default |
    | ------------ | ---------------- | ------- |
    | Format       | 12-hour, 24-hour | 12-hour |
    | Show seconds | On / Off         | Off     |

    Access these via the gear icon next to the clock display, or through **Settings → Clock / Timer Display**.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Timer">
    A countdown timer you configure and control directly from the new tab page.

    ## Setting up

    When you switch to Timer mode, input fields appear for hours, minutes, and seconds. Set your duration (default: **5 minutes**) and click **Start**.

    ## Controls

    | Control        | Action                             |
    | -------------- | ---------------------------------- |
    | Start / Resume | Begins or resumes the countdown    |
    | Pause          | Pauses the countdown               |
    | Reset          | Returns to the configured duration |

    Keyboard shortcuts work for all three controls when the new tab page is focused.

    ## Alarm

    An optional alarm sounds when the timer reaches zero. It plays for up to 30 seconds or until dismissed.

    <Note>
      The alarm is **off by default**. Enable it from the gear icon next to the timer display.
    </Note>

    ## Multi-tab sync

    Timer state syncs across all open BirdTab tabs — pausing in one tab pauses everywhere. This keeps your countdown consistent across your workspace.

    ## Pomodoro Technique

    The timer is a natural fit for the [Pomodoro Technique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_technique) — a focus method that alternates timed work sessions with short breaks. BirdTab includes presets for every phase:

    | Phase        | Preset  | What to do                                  |
    | ------------ | ------- | ------------------------------------------- |
    | Work session | **25m** | Focus on a single task, ignore distractions |
    | Short break  | **5m**  | Step away, stretch, breathe                 |
    | Quick reset  | **1m**  | A brief pause between back-to-back tasks    |

    **A typical Pomodoro cycle:**

    1. Open a new BirdTab tab and switch to **Timer** mode.
    2. Tap the **25m** preset and click **Start**. Work on one task until the timer ends.
    3. Enable the **alarm** (gear icon → Alarm) so you don't have to watch the clock.
    4. When the alarm sounds, click **Reset**, tap **5m**, and start your break.
    5. After four work sessions, take a longer break (set a custom duration like 15–30 minutes using the minute/second inputs).

    <Tip>
      Because BirdTab syncs timer state across tabs, you can open a new tab mid-session without losing your countdown. The bird in the background also gives your break a calming, nature-focused feel.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I turn the alarm on or off?">
    Click the **gear icon** next to the timer display to open timer settings. Toggle **Alarm** on or off from there. When on, a bird call plays for up to 30 seconds when the countdown reaches zero — click anywhere to dismiss it early.

    The alarm is **off by default**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I change the timer duration?">
    There are two ways:

    **Quick presets** — below the timer display you'll find one-tap presets:

    * **1m** — one minute
    * **5m** — five minutes (default)
    * **25m** — classic Pomodoro work session

    Tap any preset and the timer updates immediately.

    **Custom duration** — click directly on the hours, minutes, or seconds input fields and type your own value. Press **Start** when ready.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>