Countdown Timer for Mac
Glasstimer is a native Mac alternative to browser timers and the macOS Clock app. Run multiple labeled timers at once, each in its own floating window.
Jan 23, 2026 • Jake @ CaLab
Browser countdown timers are fine for a single quick timer, but they live in a tab and disappear the moment you switch context. The macOS Clock app has timers too, but they are limited to one at a time with no labels and no floating windows.
Glasstimer is a native Mac app built for the cases those tools do not cover: multiple timers running at once, each labeled, each in a window you can pin anywhere on screen. It also survives app quits and restores running timers on relaunch.
Highlights
- Multiple windows Open as many timers as you need with
⌘N. Each runs independently. - Labels per timer Click the title on any window to name it. "Tea", "Sprint", "Render" all running at once.
- Type time in any format Click the time display and type
1h30m,90, or1:30. Press Return to apply and start. - Preset slider Drag to snap to common durations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
- System notifications Get a macOS notification when each timer completes.
- Completion sounds Optional click, chime, and ticking sounds. Configure per-app in Settings.
- Pin on top Float timers above creative tools or video without trapping the mouse.
- Session restore Timers survive app quits. Running timers resume on next launch.
Why use a native timer instead of a browser tab?
Browser timers like Online Stopwatch get the job done when you only need one timer and are already in a browser. They fall apart when you want to run three timers with different labels, keep them visible over your work, or get a notification when one finishes.
Glasstimer is a Mac app, so it can send system notifications, stay above other windows, and keep running even when you switch apps. It also picks up where it left off if you quit and reopen.
Glasstimer vs. macOS Clock app
| Feature | Glasstimer | Clock app |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple floating windows | ✅ | ❌ |
| Label each timer | ✅ | ❌ |
| Type time directly (1h30m, 90, 1:30) | ✅ | ⚠️ Scroll wheel |
| Pin window on top | ✅ | ❌ |
| Session restore on relaunch | ✅ | ❌ |
| Keyboard shortcuts | ✅ | ⚠️ None |
FAQ
Can I run three timers at once?
Yes. Use ⌘N to open additional windows. Each
timer runs independently with its own label, duration, and state.
What happens if I quit the app while a timer is running?
Glasstimer saves timer state on
quit. When you reopen the app, running timers resume from where they left off.
How do I set the time?
Click the time display on any timer window and type a duration:
1h2m30s, 2:30, or just 90 for 90 seconds. Press Return to
apply.
Does it run on Apple Silicon?
Yes, macOS 13 and later on Apple Silicon and Intel.