Timer Controls

How to start, pause, reset, and pin the countdown timer in Smart Countdown Timer.

The main timer window in Smart Countdown Timer includes controls for managing your countdown, along with keyboard shortcuts for hands-free operation.

Start and Pause

Click the circular Start button in the top right corner of the window to begin the countdown. Click the same button during a countdown to pause it. You can also press the spacebar to start and pause the timer.

Reset

Click the Reset button (next to the Start button) to reset the timer to its original value. The keyboard shortcut Cmd+R also resets the timer. This returns the countdown to whatever value you last entered, allowing you to quickly restart without retyping.

Always on Top

Click the Lock icon to pin the timer window above all other windows. When locked, the timer stays visible no matter what app is in the foreground. This is useful when you need to keep an eye on the countdown while working in another application. Click the Lock icon again to unlock and allow the window to behave normally.

Timer History

Use the up and down arrow keys to cycle through previously entered countdown values. This makes it quick to reuse a timer you have set before without retyping it.

Keyboard Shortcuts Summary

Shortcut Action
Spacebar Start or pause the countdown
Cmd+R Reset the timer
Up / Down arrows Cycle through timer history
Cmd+, Open Settings

The countdown is displayed in three places simultaneously:

  • Timer window -- The main app window with the large countdown display.
  • Menu bar -- A compact countdown in your Mac's menu bar, visible at all times.
  • Dock icon -- The remaining time is shown on the app's Dock icon.

You can configure which of these are active in the Settings panel.