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Retro Dot Timer
A retro-styled dot-matrix countdown timer that lives in your Mac's menu bar. Ambient, visual-first, and out of the way until you need it.
Getting Started
Find the icon in your menu bar
After launching Retro Dot Timer, look for the dot-matrix icon in your Mac's menu bar at the top of the screen. There is no Dock icon — the app lives entirely in the menu bar.
Click to open the popover
Click the menu bar icon to open the timer popover. From here you can select a preset duration, toggle Pomodoro mode, or enter a custom time with Pro.
Start your timer
Hit Start and the countdown begins. The remaining time displays directly in your menu bar as a retro dot-matrix readout. Close the popover — the timer keeps running.
Customize in Settings
Open Settings from the popover to change display styles, color schemes, completion sounds, and other preferences across three tabs: General, Appearance, and Behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the app? I can’t find it.
Retro Dot Timer is a menu bar app — it lives in your Mac’s menu bar at the top of the screen, not in the Dock. Look for the dot-matrix timer icon near the clock. If you don’t see it, the icon may be hidden behind the notch on newer MacBooks — try holding Command and dragging other menu bar icons to make room.
How do I start a timer?
Click the timer icon in your menu bar to open the popover. Choose a preset duration (5, 10, 25, or 45 minutes) or enter a custom time if you have Pro. Then click Start. The countdown appears directly in your menu bar.
What is Pomodoro mode?
Pomodoro mode runs the classic productivity cycle: 25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute break, repeated 4 times with a longer 15-minute break at the end. Toggle it on from the popover — no configuration needed.
What’s included in Pro?
Pro is a one-time purchase ($4.99) that unlocks premium color themes (Amber, Green Terminal, Blue Glow, and more), a custom color picker, custom timer durations (1–180 minutes), and additional display styles including 7-Segment, Flip Clock, and Small & Big displays.
How do I add the desktop widget?
Right-click your desktop and select Edit Widgets (or open Notification Center and click Edit Widgets at the bottom). Search for "Retro Dot Timer" and drag the widget to your desktop. The widget is display-only — it shows your current timer but can’t start or stop it.
How do I get a refund?
We want you to be happy with your purchase. Please see our refund policy for details on eligibility and how to request a refund.
Still need help?
If your question isn't covered above, reach out directly. Include your macOS version and a brief description of the issue — it helps us respond faster.