Getting started with Restier
Restier is a desktop work-and-break timer for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Install the build for your platform from restier.app, then open the app from your applications menu.
Start with the 14-day trial
The direct download starts with a 14-day trial. During setup, choose a quick preset to begin with the recommended routine, or choose Custom to set your work and break lengths yourself. You can change every choice later in Settings.
Complete onboarding
- Pick a timer preset or configure a custom cycle.
- Choose whether breaks use a fullscreen or light surface.
- Review reminders and startup preferences.
- Finish setup; Restier begins managing work and break cycles.
To revisit those choices, open Settings → General → Repeat onboarding. This reopens the setup flow without requiring a reinstall.
Use the tray or menu-bar menu
Restier keeps its primary controls in the system tray on Windows/Linux or the menu bar on macOS. Use that menu to see timer status, open Settings or About, and pause or resume the timer.
When you pause, choose exactly one duration:
- Indefinitely
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
- 2 hours
- 4 hours
- Rest of day
A timed pause automatically resumes when its duration ends. Rest of day resumes at the end of the current working-hours range when that schedule is enabled and active; otherwise, it resumes at the next local midnight. An indefinite pause needs you to resume it manually.
Start and follow a cycle
A cycle begins with focused work. At the end of the work interval, Restier offers a short break; after the configured number of breaks, it offers a long break. The default cycle is 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes short break, and 15 minutes long break after 4 breaks.
The optional mini panel keeps the current timer visible above your work. Enable it in Settings → General → Mini panel. If you prefer less on-screen presence, leave it off and use the tray/menu-bar status instead. On GNOME, the desktop may hide tray icons; the mini panel remains optional, and after disabling it you can reopen Settings by launching Restier again. Install AppIndicator and KStatusNotifierItem Support to use the tray icon on GNOME.
Find the controls later
- Settings contains timer, reminder, schedule, appearance, sound, shortcut, statistics, and license controls.
- About contains the installed version, product links, and support resources.
- Timer and break configuration: Timers and breaks
- Reminder configuration: Posture and wellness reminders
- Schedule and interruption controls: Smart pauses and schedules
Tip: Pausing stops the active timer; it does not change the durations or your saved preferences.