Pomodoro (Pomodoro Timer)

The Pomodoro add-on implements the Pomodoro technique, helping users effectively manage their work time and breaks. This add-on is ideal for users who want to increase their productivity and better manage their time while using NVDA. The Pomodoro technique involves dividing work time into blocks.

The classic "Pomodoro" method is a time management technique proposed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The name is associated with the kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato that Cirillo used.

Classic method: Pomodoro: 25 minutes of work on a single task. Task block: 4 Pomodoros with short five-minute breaks between them and a long fifteen-minute break after the block.

This classic method in the add-on will be launched by default immediately after installation or upon the first activation of the add-on.

In addition, you can choose the following alternative fixed methods:

• Classic (25/5/15).
• Classic (25/5/30).
• Classic (20/5/15).
• Classic (20/5/30).
• Alternative method 52/17/30.
• Alternative method 90/30/60.
• Alternative method 50/10/20.
• Alternative method 20/5/10.
• Custom method.

Fixed methods have a cycle of four. If you select the custom method, the following custom method settings with default values will become available:

• Work time (minutes): 25.
• Short break (minutes): 5.
• Long break (minutes): 15.
• Number of cycles: 4.

In these fields, you can enter numbers from 1 to 300. If you select any fixed method, these fields will be unavailable.

How It Works

After activation, the add-on allows the user to start, pause, resume, or stop the Pomodoro timer using special keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, it provides audio and informative speech feedback at the beginning and end of each work session or break. The add-on automatically manages work and rest cycles, including long breaks after every four completed work cycles in fixed methods. In the custom method, the number of cycles may differ.

Speech Notifications

The user receives the following notifications:

• When starting Pomodoro: the cycle number and selected method are announced.
• During work: when requesting status, the remaining work time is reported.
• At the start of a break: the type of break (short/long) and the number of the next cycle.
• At the end of a break: the start of a new work cycle is announced.
• When paused: the current status and cycle number are reported.

Audio Signals

• Start of work: sound at 400 Hz.
• Start of break: sound at 600 Hz.

Usage Examples

1. Standard Workflow:

   • Start the timer (keyboard shortcut, see below).
   • 25 minutes of work (the timer runs in the background).
   • Automatic notification of the start of a 5-minute break.
   • After 4 cycles - a long 15-minute break.

2. Custom Settings:

   • Set 50 minutes of work, 10 minutes of break in the settings.
   • Select "Custom method".
   • The timer will work according to your settings.

3. Process Control:

   • At any time, you can request the current status.
   • You can pause the timer.
   • You can completely stop the timer.

Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Start or pause Pomodoro.
• Stop Pomodoro.
• Report Pomodoro status.

Shortcuts are not assigned by default - you can set them yourself in the "Input Gestures" settings, under the "Pomodoro" category.

Notes

• The add-on does not work in NVDA's secure mode.
• All time intervals are preserved between NVDA sessions.

Changelog

2026.03.10

• Compatible with API 2026.1

25.06.25

The prototype for the Pomodoro add-on was the GestorDePomodoros add-on by JesГєs PavГіn AbiГЎn. The original add-on was not modified, as the author actively maintains it, so the add-on was branched under a new name. In this branch of the add-on, settings have been implemented with the ability to select alternative fixed Pomodoro methods. A customizable user method is also available, where you can set work time, short and long break times, as well as the number of cycles.

Speech notifications in the add-on have been made more informative. The add-on does not launch on secure screens. Compatible with NVDA API 2025.