Guides

Explore detailed guides for common SmartTimer.app use cases and features.

Timer Features

Timer Messages

Display custom messages at specific times during your timer:

  1. Edit a timer
  2. Add messages with timestamps
  3. Messages appear automatically when the time is reached

Use cases:

  • "5 minutes remaining" warnings
  • Transition announcements
  • Activity reminders

Fixed Messages

Set a persistent message that stays visible throughout the timer:

  • Perfect for session titles
  • Display current activity
  • Show instructions to audience

Current Time Display

Show the current clock time alongside your timer:

  • Helps audience track absolute time
  • Useful for scheduled events
  • Configurable 12/24 hour format

Timer Sessions

Organize multiple timers in a single session:

  • Switch between timers instantly - Click any timer to make it active
  • Reorder timers - Drag and drop to rearrange
  • Show/hide timers - Control what the audience sees

Blackout Mode

Hide the timer from audience view while keeping it visible to controllers:

  • Useful for surprise reveals
  • Prevents audience distraction
  • Toggle on/off anytime

Team Collaboration

Inviting Team Members

Add collaborators to your organization:

  1. Go to Team settings
  2. Click "Invite Member"
  3. Enter their email address
  4. They'll receive an invitation link
  5. Once accepted, they can access all organization sessions

Member Roles

  • Admin - Full control over organization, sessions, and team
  • Member - Can create and manage sessions

Share timers with people outside your organization:

  • View Links - Read-only access to see the timer
  • Control Links - Can start, stop, and modify the timer
  • Links work without an account
  • Perfect for presenters, moderators, or audience

Best Practices

For Presentations

  1. Create a session with one timer per slide/section
  2. Use countdown timers to stay on schedule
  3. Add messages at key transition points
  4. Share a view link with your audience
  5. Keep a control link for yourself

For Meetings

  1. Create timers for each agenda item
  2. Use blackout mode during breaks
  3. Share control link with meeting facilitator
  4. Use fixed messages to show current topic

For Events

  1. Create a timer for each event segment
  2. Use current time display for absolute scheduling
  3. Add countdown warnings at critical points
  4. Share view link on livestream/display

Advanced Features

Timer State

Timers can be:

  • Running - Actively counting
  • Paused - Stopped but retaining time
  • Stopped - Reset to initial value

Session Management

  • Duplicate sessions to reuse configurations
  • Archive old sessions to keep dashboard clean
  • Export timer data for records

Keyboard Shortcuts

When controlling a timer:

  • Space - Start/Pause timer
  • R - Reset timer
  • Arrow keys - Switch between timers

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