Focus Mode Overview
Deep work with a timer that keeps you on one task at a time. A short introduction to Focus Mode - what it does, when to use it, and how to open a session from the places you already are.
Focus Mode is PrimeTask's built-in deep-work tool. You pick a task, start a timer, and work on that task and nothing else until the session ends. When the timer runs out, you take a break and come back - or wrap up. The session is recorded so your week of focus time becomes a number you can actually see.
This article is the introduction - what Focus Mode is and how to open a session. For the deep guide - every entry point, every keyboard shortcut, break handling, streaks, the notes panel, and more - see Task Focus Mode.
Focus Mode is available on every PrimeTask license
You don't need Pro. Standard and Pro users get the same Focus Mode experience.
What Focus Mode does
- Locks you onto one task while the timer runs - no multitasking, no distractions.
- Tracks your focus time and session count. You can see a week's worth of focus at a glance.
- Handles breaks automatically between sessions so you come back refreshed.
- Syncs with your task's time tracking - the session counts toward the task's time total.
- Keeps going across unlocks - if you lock your screen mid-session, Focus Mode picks up where it left off when you unlock.
When to use it
- Deep work - writing, design, coding, research, anything that suffers when you context-switch.
- Overcoming procrastination - a timer running is often the nudge that gets you started.
- Time-boxing - giving a task a set amount of attention rather than letting it expand.
- Tracking real effort - when you want the numbers, not just vibes, on how long something took.
Start with a single session
Don't try to do five straight on day one. One focused session today beats four interrupted ones. Let the habit build.
How to start a focus session
There are several entry points, depending on where you are in PrimeTask. The most common:
- Task details page - open a task and start a session from there.
- Day Planner - open a scheduled task in the Day Planner and launch Focus Mode from the toolbar. See Day Planner View.
- Calendar right-click - right-click a task scheduled for today or overdue and pick Start Focus Session.
- Dashboard - the Today's Focus widget shows the tasks you've lined up for today; start a session straight from the widget.
- Urgent task prompts - when an automation flags a task as urgent, the prompt can launch Focus Mode immediately.
For every entry point and detail, see Task Focus Mode.
What happens during a session
A focused session has a timer, a task pinned to it, and a simple set of controls - start, pause, end the session, take a break. Breaks are automatic between sessions; you're encouraged to step away.
You can also write notes during the session so ideas that come up don't get lost - they sit alongside the task when the session ends.
See Task Focus Mode for the full session experience.
Focus Mode and your stats
Every session is recorded. Your totals show up in:
- The Dashboard's Focus Stats widget - weekly focus time, session count, completion rate, streak. See Focus Stats widget.
- The Reports → Tasks tab - Focus Mode stats summary with top focused tasks. See Tasks Report.
- The task's own time tracking - sessions count toward the task's total time. See Task Time Tracking.
Things worth knowing
Sessions survive a locked screen
If you lock your screen mid-session - lunch break, meeting, the end of the day - Focus Mode resumes when you unlock. Nothing lost.
Focus Mode counts as time tracking
A focus session is a time-tracked block on the task you're working on. Whatever the session records is added to the task's time total. You don't need a separate timer.
Breaks are a feature, not a bug
The break between sessions is where the "come back focused" part happens. Use it - stretch, drink water, look out the window.
Focus and multitasking don't mix
Focus Mode hides distractions by design. Closing other apps and notifications during a session is worth the tiny friction.
Deep-dive details live in the Tasks category
This article is the introduction. Every entry point, keyboard shortcut, break configuration, notes panel, session persistence detail, and stats integration is documented in Task Focus Mode.
Common questions
"Do I need Pro for Focus Mode?"
No. Focus Mode works on every PrimeTask license.
"What if I don't like the default timer length?"
Focus Mode timer preferences live in Settings. See Task Focus Mode for how to configure them.
"Where do I see my focus stats?"
The Focus Stats widget on your Dashboard shows the week at a glance. The Tasks Report has the longer view with top focused tasks.
"Does a focus session lock the rest of the app?"
No. You can still click around while the timer runs. The point is the timer running; the self-discipline part is up to you. Many people close other apps for the session to remove temptation.
"What happens if I end a session early?"
The time you already put in is recorded. You can end a session at any point without losing what you've done.
Where to go next
| If you want to… | Read this |
|---|---|
| Get the full Focus Mode guide | Task Focus Mode |
| Start focus sessions from the Calendar | Day Planner View |
| See your weekly focus stats | Focus Stats widget |
| See focus stats over time | Tasks Report |
| Track time on tasks generally | Task Time Tracking |