Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro)
Focus Timer, formerly GNOME Pomodoro, is free GPL 3 software for Linux desktops using the Pomodoro Technique.
What Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro) is
Focus Timer, formerly GNOME Pomodoro, is free GPL 3 software for Linux desktops using the Pomodoro Technique. It organizes work into customizable focus sessions and breaks, and can display a screen overlay during breaks. A system tray icon and global keyboard shortcuts provide controls. Daily, weekly, and monthly statistics show session activity. For automation, the app supports custom shell commands, D-Bus, and a command-line interface. A GNOME Shell extension offers deeper desktop integration, while a separate extension can synchronize Pomodoro sessions with popular time-tracking services. The project currently targets GNOME Shell, with support for more desktops planned. The Flathub distribution has an important limitation: it cannot run custom scripts, the feature represented by the Automation panel in Preferences. The software is available at no cost and has no trial because it is open source. Bug reports and feature requests go through GitHub issues, while questions and general discussion use GitHub Discussions. The project says it is independent of the GNOME Foundation and the Pomodoro Technique.
Good
- Custom work and break durations
- Daily, weekly, and monthly statistics
- Global shortcuts and system tray controls
- Shell, D-Bus, and command-line support
- GPL 3 open-source software
Watch out
- Flathub cannot run custom scripts
- Desktop integration currently targets GNOME Shell
- Linux desktop platform only
Who it suits
It suits Linux users, especially those working in GNOME Shell, who want customizable intervals and session statistics. Users needing automation should avoid the restricted Flathub build.
Verdict
Focus Timer provides a focused Pomodoro workflow with statistics and automation hooks at no cost. Its main considerations are GNOME-centered integration and the Flathub limitation on custom scripts.
Plans and prices
From Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro)'s own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Timer | Free | GPL 3 software · Flathub version cannot run custom scripts |
The facts
Each one read from Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro)'s own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audience
- The official site describes it as a GNOME app and says its desktop integration currently targets GNOME Shell, with support for more desktops on the way.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Break reminders
- The app can show a screen overlay during breaks.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Controls
- The app provides a system tray icon and global keyboard shortcuts.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Distribution limit
- The Flathub version does not include the ability to run custom scripts, which the app identifies as the Automation panel in Preferences.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- The app supports custom shell commands, D-Bus, and a command-line interface.checked 4 Oct 2026
- GNOME integration
- The project offers a GNOME Shell extension for deeper desktop integration.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker's site describes a separate extension that syncs Pomodoro sessions with popular time-tracking services.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The software is licensed under GPL 3.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Project affiliation
- The project states that it is not affiliated with or sponsored by the GNOME Foundation or the Pomodoro Technique.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Focus Timer is a GNOME time-management app based on the Pomodoro Technique, with structured work and break intervals.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Sessions
- Users can customize work-session and break lengths.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Statistics
- The app provides daily, weekly, and monthly statistics.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to GitHub issues for bug reports and feature requests, and GitHub Discussions for questions and general chat.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The maker lists Flathub and community-maintained Fedora and Arch Linux packages, and provides source-build instructions.checked 4 Oct 2026
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