How to Use Focusly

Your complete guide to mastering productivity with the Pomodoro Technique

🚀 Introduction

Focusly is a modern productivity app that helps you stay focused and get more done using the proven Pomodoro Technique.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that breaks work into focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) called "Pomodoros," separated by short breaks. This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

With Focusly, you can manage your tasks, track your productivity, and build better work habits through gamification and detailed statistics.

🎯 Getting Started

Create a Task

Start by creating your first task. Click the "Add Task" button and give it a clear, actionable title.

  • Use specific titles like "Write project proposal" instead of "Work"
  • Add priority levels to organize your work
  • Set due dates to create urgency
  • Use tags to categorize tasks by project or type

Start the Timer

Select a task from your list and click the play button to start a Pomodoro session.

  • The timer will run for 25 minutes of focused work
  • You'll hear a notification when the work session ends
  • Take a 5-minute break before starting the next Pomodoro
  • After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break

Understand the Cycle

Each complete cycle consists of 4 work sessions and breaks. The app will guide you through this process automatically.

📋 Tasks Management

Priorities

Set priority levels (High, Medium, Low) to focus on what matters most. High priority tasks appear first in your list.

Tags

Organize tasks with custom tags. Create tags for different projects, clients, or categories to keep everything organized.

Due Dates

Set deadlines to create urgency and stay on track. Tasks with approaching due dates are highlighted.

Sub-tasks

Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable sub-tasks. Track progress as you complete each part.

⏱️ Timer Controls

Start/Pause

Use the play/pause button to control your work sessions. Pause if you need a quick break without losing progress.

Skip

Skip to the next phase if you need to adjust your timing. This is useful if you finish early or need more time.

Reset

Reset the current session if you get interrupted or need to start over. Your progress won't be lost.

📊 Productivity Tracking

Statistics

View detailed stats about your productivity, including total Pomodoros completed, time spent working, and daily/weekly trends.

Achievements

Unlock achievements as you build productive habits. Celebrate milestones like completing your first week or reaching 100 Pomodoros.

Streaks

Build and maintain daily work streaks. Stay motivated by seeing how many consecutive days you've been productive.

🎨 Customization

Settings

Customize your experience in the Settings page. Adjust timer durations, notification preferences, and more.

Auto-start

Enable auto-start to automatically begin breaks and work sessions, keeping your flow uninterrupted.

Dark Mode

Switch between light and dark themes using the toggle in the header. Choose what works best for your environment.

💡 Tips & Best Practices

  • Start your day by planning 3-5 key tasks to focus on
  • Group similar tasks together to maintain focus
  • Use breaks to stretch, hydrate, or do quick exercises
  • Review your completed Pomodoros at the end of each day
  • Don't multitask during a Pomodoro - focus on one thing
  • Adjust timer lengths if 25 minutes feels too long or short
  • Celebrate small wins and completed tasks
  • Be consistent - even 2-3 Pomodoros per day can make a difference

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these keyboard shortcuts. Press ? anywhere in the app to see the full list.

Timer Controls

  • Space - Start/Pause timer
  • S - Skip to next phase
  • R - Reset timer

Tasks

  • N - New task
  • Enter - Select task
  • Delete - Delete task