---
title: Turn on Apple Focus with Session Shortcuts
description: Reduce/eliminate distraction based on Session timer status
date: 2024/10/15
---

### What is Apple Focus?

Apple Focus is a feature introduced on iOS 15 and macOS 11.

Apple Focus helps you to stay focused by minimizing distractions. You can:
- selectively disable individual app notification,
- block calls / messages by individual person. 

Even better: Apple Focus status is synced on all of your Apple devices—making it one of the best feature to help you stay focused—even without Session.

You can learn more about Apple Focus [here](https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/iphone/iphd6288a67f/ios).


### Use Session with Apple Focus

Session can help you stay focused by activating Apple Focus when Session starts. This is useful if you want to selectively block off distracting notifications by focus.

### 1. Enable `session_start` Integration

1. Go to `Session > Preferences > Shortcuts`.
2. Enable Session start shortcuts.

![Enable Session Start Shortcut](/blog-assets/enable-session-start-shortcut.jpg)

### 2. Create `session_start` Shortcut
1. Go to Apple Shortcuts app.
2. Press `+` button to create a new shortcut.
3. Set the Shortcut title to `session_start`.

![Set Shortcut title to Session Start](/blog-assets/apple-shortcut-title.jpg)

4. Session will match the category name you set in `Session > Preferences > Session` with Shortcut found in here.
5. On search bar, type `Set Focus` and select `Set Focus`.

![Find Apple Shortcut](/blog-assets/find-apple-shortcut.jpg)

6. Double click it.
7. Select the focus you want to activate and set it to on

![Set Focus Off](/blog-assets/set-apple-focus-on.jpg)

### 3. Create `session_end` Shortcut
1. Follow all steps on point 1 and 2, but:
- Enable `session_end` shortcut integration.
- Add new shortcut with title: `session_end`. 

![Set Focus On](/blog-assets/set-apple-focus-off.jpg)

### 4. Test it
You can test the Apple shortcut by going to `Preferences > Shortcuts`. Press Test to see if it works.

![Test Session Shortcut](/blog-assets/apple-shortcut-test.jpg)

### 5. Bonus: Change focus based on Session category
You can also selectively turn on specific work focus based on Session category. For example:
- I turn off "Work Focus" when my category is Session.
- I turn on "Reduce Interruption Focus" when my category is Release.

1. Search `Current Session Category title` shortcut to get current active category.
2. Search `If` shortcut.
3. Drag it into the shortcut.
4. Check if the title matches your category you used on Session.
5. Selectively turn on focus you want based on category.

![Shortcut per category](/blog-assets/shortcut-focus-per-category.jpg)

---
title: Automate your Workflow with Session Automation
description: Introduction on how Session automation can help your workflow
date: 2021/01/29
---

Imagine having Do Not Disturb turned on when you start your Session and have it turned off after you've stopped working.

Or, what if you can play \"focus\" playlist while you're on Session and play \"relax\" playlist on break.

You can even close Slack (because Slack notification does not respect Do Not Disturb on Mac) when session started to help you stay in the flow.

That all is possible! Session automation can do all that for you.

- On Mac, Automation is powered by `AppleScript`. On Monterey and above, it's possible to use `Apple Shortcuts`:
  - You can learn if from [Session automation on Mac with AppleScript](./session-automation-on-mac-with-applescript). No coding experience is needed.
- On iOS and Mac, Automation is powered by `Apple Shortcuts`:
  - Learn more from [Session automation on macOS and iOS with Shortcuts](./session-automation-on-ios-with-apple-shortcuts).

### Example how automation can help your workflow

Session will run automation you wrote depending on what `state` you're in right now.

Some scenarios that's useful:

1. `session_start`
   - Turn on Do Not Disturb
   - quit Slack
   - play Spotify playlist "focus"
   - start time tracking app (like Toggl)
2. `break_start`

   - play Spotify playlist "relax"
   - record time tracking app

3. `stop_working`
   - Turn off Do Not Disturb
   - reopen Slack

What you probably use is `session_start`, `stop_working`, and possibly `break_start`.

### Learn how to Setup Session Automation on Mac and iOS

You've seen the benefit. Now you can integrate it based on platform that you use. We've made a tutorial for each:

On Mac [Session automation on Mac with AppleScript](./session-automation-on-mac-with-applescript). No coding experience is needed.

On iOS [Session automation on iOS and macOS with Apple Shortcuts](./session-automation-on-ios-with-apple-shortcuts).


---
title: Integrate automatic Do Not Disturb with Session on Mac
description: Setup Session to automatically start and stop Do Not Disturb without coding
date: 2021/01/31
---

### Important!
As of macOS 11 or later, it is better to rely on Apple Shortcut to turn on/off Do Not Disturb instead of relying on this Applescript hack. 

You can follow it [here](/learn/apple-focus-with-session-shortcuts).


### Introduction

Setting up Do Not Disturb without AppleScript experience is the easiest way to keep you stay focused and out of distraction. Instead of turning it on/off manually, Session can help you automate it.

There are 5 steps to follow:

1. Add Do Not Disturb Cresent Moon Icon on Menu Bar,
2. enable Do Not Disturb keyboard shortcut on your Mac,
3. download the necessary file, and
4. put it on Session script folder.
5. Done!

Let's get started.

### 1. Add Do Not Disturb Cresent Moon on Menu Bar

If you have Cresent Moon icon (Do Not Disturb) on menu bar, you can skip this step. Otherwise, please follow the gif:
![Keyboard shortcut DND](/blog-assets/cresent-moon-icon.gif)

1. Press control icon
2. Open `Do Not Disturb`
3. Hold the `Do Not Disturb` text header into menu bar
4. Make sure the Cresent Moon icon exists

### 2. Enable toggling Do Not Disturb with keyboard shortcut

1. Go to Mac's `System Preferences` > `Keyboard` > `Shortcuts` > `Mission control`
2. Enable `Turn Do Not Disturb On/Off` checkbox.
3. Double click the input beside the "Turn Do Not..." text
   ![Keyboard shortcut DND](/blog-assets/keyboard-shortcut-dnd.gif)
4. Press `CMD + SHIFT + OPT + CTRL + D` key combination while the input is **focused**.
5. Try pressing your new keyboard shortcut and see if Do Not Disturb is turned on/off

Great! Now you can toggle Do Not Disturb with keyboard shortcut! What we need to do next is to tell Session to press that keyboard automatically when Session has started, and when you have stopped working.

### 3. Download pre-made AppleScript file that turn on and off Do Not Disturb

You're going to download a code to toggle the Do Not Disturb. It basically does this:

- When Session has started, we check if Do Not Disturb is off. If yes, press `CMD + SHIFT + OPT + CTRL + D` keyboard shortcut with code.
- When you stopped working, we check if Do Not Disturb is on. If yes, press `CMD + SHIFT + OPT + CTRL + D` to turn off the Do Not Disturb.

Download the pre-made AppleScript code [here](/do-not-disturb-session-apple-script.zip)

### 4. Extract the `zip` file on Session's AppleScript folder.

1. Extract the files `session_start.scpt`, `session_end.scpt`, and`stop_working.scpt` on your Mac `Desktop` temporarily.
2. Copy both files.
3. Put both file on Session's AppleScript folder. The folder is accessible by clicking a `open appple script folder` on Session's setting page.

![Open AppleScript folder gif](/blog-assets/apple-script-folder-mac.gif)

### 5. Check if the AppleScript is working

1. Go back to Session `Preferences` > `Automation (AppleScript)`,
2. check `Session start` checkbox,
3. check `Session end` checkbox,
4. check `Stop working` checkbox,
5. press `Test session start`,
6. make sure it turn on Do Not Disturb.
7. press `Test session end`,
8. make sure it turn on Do Not Disturb.
9. Press `Test stop Working`,
10. make sure it turn off Do Not Disturb.

If it didn't ran, make sure you have put the script in correct location. Refer to screenshot above. Otherwise, you can contact us [on our email](mailto:support@stayinsession.com)

### 6. Enjoy undistracted working

Congratulations! Now Session will turn on and off Do Not Disturb while you're working :)

If you want to quit distracing app like `Slack`, play spotify playlist—consider [learning and writing your first AppleScript](/learn/write-your-first-applescript). We've made a tutorial for you!


---
title: Export Session data to CSV or JSON
description: How to export your data for time logging, archive, or other purposes
date: 2023/04/18
---

With Session, it's possible to export your data in CSV or JSON format.

### 1. CSV fields
- `Name`: Session intention 
- `Category`: Session category
- `Type`: `fullFocus`, `partialFocus`, `pause`, `rest`, or `endEarly`
- `Duration (in seconds)`: Duration in seconds
- `Pauses (in seconds)`: Pause in seconds
- `Duration (in minutes)`: Duration in minutes
- `Pauses (in minutes)`: Pause in minutes	
- `Start date`: Start date	
- `End date`: End date	
- `Notes`: Session notes

### 2. JSON fields
- `title`: Session intention
- `type`: `fullFocus`, `partialFocus`, `pause`, `rest`, or `endEarly`
- `category`:
    - `id`: Category ID
    - `title`: Category title
    - `status`: `active` | `archived`
    - `hex_color`: Color of the category
- `durationSecond`: Session duration in seconds
- `pauseSecond`: Session pause in seconds
- `startDate`: Start date
- `endDate`: End date
- `notes`: Session notes
- `meta`: pauses with start date and end date if exists

---
title: Getting started with Session on iOS
description: This guide will teach you how to stay productive with Session on your iPhone / iPad
date: 2021/02/19
---


### Important!

We just made a ultimate guide to use Session app.

You can [read it here](/learn/getting-started-with-session-pomodoro-app).


### Introduction

In this guide, you'll learn how Session can help you stay focused and productive with some simple setup. Here are benefits you're going to experience:

- automate and change your environment (Do Not Disturb, quit distracting app, block websites),
- stay more mindful with task at hand,
- stop working too long and take a necessary break,
- stop spending time and stuck on one problem,
- block external distractions (website, apps, notifications)

If you want a guide for Mac, [go here](/learn/getting-started-with-session-on-mac)

Some screenshots below are still Mac centric, but the big idea stays the same. Let's get started.

### Start small / take a rest before working

![](/blog-assets/schedule-rest.jpg)
I found this very helpful when I'm bored and don't want to work immediately. Either:

- work for just 5-10 minutes. You can quickly change the timer by rotating the dial clockwise, or
- Take a break first. You can do this by rotating the dial counter-clockwise. When I'm ready and relaxed, I start my focus with Session.

### Experiment with your Session duration

![](/blog-assets/session-duration-mac.jpg)
Some people find joy working in:

- 25 minutes followed by 5 minutes break,
- others in 45 minutes session with 15 minute break.

There are no one size fits all. Find the one that works for you. Experiment. Iterate. Also remember that your ideal workflow can change.
I personally found that 25 minute Session works best for the past 4 years. Nowadays I found joy working in 45-15 minutes interval.

You can set this up from `Session Settings` > `Preferences` and change the duration.

### Stay focused and on track with Calendar integration

![](/blog-assets/user-calendar-on-session.jpg)

I've been planning my day with Calendar and Session. It's been a huge game changer for me. Here's how:

1. Every week, give a daily theme for each day. Just choose one, not two or more. Consider your day is a complete success when you finished it.
2. Just plan the day in general. 2 hours from 14:00 - 16:00 on project A, 17:00 - 19:00 on project B. Keep it simple.
3. Time block ~10 hours of each day for Sleep + preparation. This way you can visualize how "little" time you have each day to do something meaningful.

This is very simple—non complex way to manage your day on weekly basis.

You can enable this on `Session Settings` > `Calendar`

### Visualize how your day and week goes with Calendar and Session

![](/blog-assets/session-events-on-calendar.jpg)

You can also see your Sessions on Calendar. I keep things simple—just time block Sleep, afternoon walk, and reading.

If you noticed, yes, my sleep schedule is messed up (from `4` > `14`). And on Wednesday I have so much on my thought that I can't sleep! Worked some Sessions until morning. This is unhealthy and I'm planning to fix it.

Anyway, the point here is it'll give you bird eye view of how your day goes and how you can be better next.

You can enable this on `Session Settings` > `Calendar`

### Always show notification

![](/blog-assets/persistent-notif-ios.jpg)

One of the biggest problem while working and thinking for me is how I can stuck into one problem, try to solve it in many different way, and found out that it's actually not that important, or I've spent way too much time on it.

Session can help you with that.

Showing a persistent will help you to be reminded to:

- take a break (instead of overworking)
- nudge you back to reality when you're too consumed on one thing.

Session can keep "you're working too long" notification persistent on your monitor.

Open iPhone `Settings` > `Notifications` > and find `Session`

- enable `Allow Notifications`,
- set banner style to `Persistent`

### Reminder to take break interval

![](/blog-assets/notify-when-too-long-ios.jpg)
This, in combination with `Always show notification` will help you to stop working, pause, or taking break for too long.

- Open Session `Preferences` > `Sound and notification` > and `Notify when session/rest/pause went too long`.
- Set the reminder duration to `5-15 minutes`. Experiment which one work best for you.

### Automate and change your environment

Imagine having no distracting notifications while working on your iOS device. It's possible by turning on Do Not Disturb. Yes, you can turn it on manually when Session has started, but that's tedious. What if you can turn it on when you started your Session, and disable it after Session ends—all automatically?

You can do it with Session Automation. Do not disturb automatic on/off is only one example what Automation can do. Other scenarios:

1. `session_start`
   - Turn on Do Not Disturb
   - quit Slack
   - change smart bulb to cool color
   - play Spotify playlist "focus"
   - start time tracking app (like Toggl)
2. `session_went_too_long`
   - change Spotify playlist to silently reminds you that your Session has went too long
3. `break_start`

   - change smart bulb to warm color
   - play Spotify playlist "relax"
   - record time tracking app

4. `stop_working`
   - Turn off Do Not Disturb
   - reopen Slack

If you're interested, you can learn more about how to [integrate Session Automation](/learn/automate-workflow-with-session-automation).


---
title: Getting started with Session on Mac
description: This guide will teach you how to stay productive with Session on your Mac
date: 2021/01/27
---

### Important!

We just made a ultimate guide to use Session app.

You can [read it here](/learn/getting-started-with-session-pomodoro-app).


### Introduction

In this guide, you'll learn how Session can help you stay focused and productive with some simple setup. Here are benefits you're going to experience:

- automate and change your environment (Do Not Disturb, auto play Spotify),
- stay more mindful with task at hand,
- stop working too long and take a necessary break,
- stop spending time and stuck on one problem,
- block external distractions (website, apps, notifications)

If you want a guide for iOS, [go here](/learn/getting-started-with-session-on-ios)

### Start small / take a rest before working

![](/blog-assets/schedule-rest.jpg)
I found this very helpful when I'm bored and don't want to work immediately. Either:

- work for just 5-10 minutes. You can quickly change the timer by rotating the dial clockwise, or
- Take a break first. You can do this by rotating the dial counter-clockwise. When I'm ready and relaxed, I start my focus with Session.

### Experiment with your Session duration

![](/blog-assets/session-duration-mac.jpg)
Some people find joy working in:

- 25 minutes followed by 5 minutes break,
- others in 45 minutes session with 15 minute break.

There are no one size fits all. Find the one that works for you. Experiment. Iterate. Also remember that your ideal workflow can change.
I personally found that 25 minute Session works best for the past 4 years. Nowadays I found joy working in 45-15 minutes interval.

You can set this up from session preferences (menu bar icon > `Preferences`) and change the duration.

### Stay focused and on track with Calendar integration

![](/blog-assets/user-calendar-on-session.jpg)

I've been planning my day with Calendar and Session. It's been a huge game changer for me. Here's how:

1. Every week, give a daily theme for each day. Just choose one, not two or more. Consider your day is a complete success when you finished it.
2. Just plan the day in general. 2 hours from 14:00 - 16:00 on project A, 17:00 - 19:00 on project B. Keep it simple.
3. Time block ~10 hours of each day for Sleep + preparation. This way you can visualize how "little" time you have each day to do something meaningful.

This is very simple—non complex way to manage your day on weekly basis.

You can enable this on `Session Settings` > `Calendar`

### Visualize how your day and week goes with Calendar and Session

![](/blog-assets/session-events-on-calendar.jpg)

You can also see your Sessions on Calendar. I keep things simple—just time block Sleep, afternoon walk, and reading.

If you noticed, yes, my sleep schedule is messed up (from `4` > `14`). And on Wednesday I have so much on my thought that I can't sleep! Worked some Sessions until morning. This is unhealthy and I'm planning to fix it.

Anyway, the point here is it'll give you bird eye view of how your day goes and how you can be better next.

You can enable this on `Session Settings` > `Calendar`

### Always show notification

![](/blog-assets/alert-notification-mac.jpg)

One of the biggest problem while working and thinking for me is how I can stuck into one problem, try to solve it in many different way, and found out that it's actually not that important, or I've spent way too much time on it.

Session can help you with that.

Showing a persistent will help you to be reminded to:

- take a break (instead of overworking)
- nudge you back to reality when you're too consumed on one thing.

Session can keep "you're working too long" notification persistent on your monitor.

Open `Spotlight` (search), find `System Preferences` > `Notifications` > and find `Session`

- enable `Allow Notifications`,
- set alert style to `Alerts`.

### Reminder to take break interval

![](/blog-assets/notify-interval-mac.jpg)
This, in combination with `Always show notification` will help you to stop working, pause, or taking break for too long.

- Open Session `Preferences` > `Sound and notification` > and `Notify when session/rest/pause went too long`.
- Set the reminder duration to `5-15 minutes`. Experiment which one work best for you.

### Block distracting websites

I found Twitter, app analytics, and "Session" finances steal my attention on daily basis. Turning them off is a good idea.

On preferences, you can block distracting website.
![](/blog-assets/web-blocker-mac.jpg)

Session also will remind you about what task you're currently focusing on. All blocked websites will be restored when your Session has ended.
![](/blog-assets/blocked-website-mac.jpg)

### Block applications

![](/blog-assets/app-blocker-mac.jpg)

Same as website, you can block application with Session. If you want something more restrictive, you can also use Session automation to `force close Application` (like Slack) when Session has started.

### Keyboard shortcuts

![keyboard shortcut](/blog-assets/keyboard-shortcut.jpg)

Navigate Session directly with Keyboard shortcuts. Start and end your Session without even having the app shown. You can even change the keyboard shortcuts to your liking.

### Automate and change your environment

Imagine having no distracting notifications while working on your Mac. It's possible by turning on Do Not Disturb. Yes, you can turn it on manually when Session has started, but that's tedious. What if you can turn it on when you started your Session, and disable it after Session ends—all automatically?

You can do it with Session Automation. Do not disturb automatic on/off is only one example what Automation can do. Other scenarios:

1. `session_start`
   - Turn on Do Not Disturb
   - quit Slack
   - change smart bulb to cool color
   - play Spotify playlist "focus"
   - start time tracking app (like Toggl)
2. `session_went_too_long`
   - change Spotify playlist to silently reminds you that your Session has went too long
3. `break_start`

   - change smart bulb to warm color
   - play Spotify playlist "relax"
   - record time tracking app

4. `stop_working`
   - Turn off Do Not Disturb
   - reopen Slack

If you're interested, you can learn more about how to [integrate Session Automation](/learn/automate-workflow-with-session-automation).


---
title: Ultimate Guide to use Session Pomodoro Timer
description: Getting productive with Session
date: 2024/10/16
---

In this guide, we will talk about how to effectively use Session and show you features that make Session the best Focus Timer on the market.

### What is Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro technique is a simple but powerful way to help you stay focused. The technique is straightforward—you commit to 25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle 4 times, then you take a long break.

The general flow is as follows:

- 25 minutes: Focus
- 5 minutes: Break
- 25 minutes: Focus
- 5 minutes: Break
- 25 minutes: Focus
- 5 minutes: Break
- 25 minutes: Focus
- 20 minutes: Long Break

…and the cycle is repeated from the beginning.

Because the flow is predictable. You know exactly when to focus, when to take a break, and how long it will take. This helps with procrastination, as there's a clear structure when you can stop working.

The first 25 minutes are the most important phase. If you successfully follow this, the rest will come naturally when you're already in the flow.

### The issue with Pomodoro Technique

While the technique is simple, it's not perfect. The pure Pomodoro Technique is rigid. It forces you to stay focused for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes. This can be problematic for some reasons:

- What if you're in the "flow"? What if you want to work longer than 25 minutes?
- Most Pomodoro-based apps on the market follow this rigid structure. Your progress is not saved unless you work for at least 25 minutes.
- What if 25 minutes is too long or too short for the person?
- The same issue applies to the break duration.

### Why Session is The Best Tool to Stay Focused

Session is built with Pomodoro Technique in mind, without the rigid structure. Here's how Session addresses the concerns mentioned above:

- When the Session timer ends, it enters an `overflow` phase. In this phase, you can take a break or continue working.
- If you focus less than 25 minutes, Session will still save your progress.
- You can customize session duration, short break duration, and long break duration.

### How to use Session

#### Set duration
![Session Timer Hand](/blog-assets/session-timer-hand.jpg)
You can adjust Session duration or break duration by rotating the timer hand. Rotating clockwise will start a Session, and counter-clockwise will start a break. 

Then, you can tap "Start Session" or "Start Break".

#### 1. Set intention

![Session Intention](/blog-assets/session-intention.jpg)
Start your Session with a clear intention. This helps you focus on one thing only. The intention is shown everywhere: widget, live activities, notifications, app and website blockers—ensuring you always know what you're working on.

Session also provides a list of suggestions from past Sessions that you've completed.

#### 2. Breathe

![Session Breathe](/blog-assets/session-breathe.jpg)
Start every Session with a breath to calm your mind. It'll help you re-evaluate the intention before actually committing to the Session.

#### 3. Start Focus

![Session Focus](/blog-assets/session-focus.jpg)
This is the most important phase. Pomodoro Technique gives a clear expectation when to focus and when to take a break. You know exactly that you only "need" to focus for 25 minutes.

While in Session, you can block distracting apps and websites to keep you stay focused.

#### 4. Write notes

![Session Notes](/blog-assets/session-notes.jpg)
Write what you have learned in your notes. The notes are displayed contextually on the right pane to give you context on what you have done or learned.

#### 5. Auditory Reminders

![Session Background Sound](/blog-assets/session-background-sound.jpg)
Not just visually, Session also reminds you on what Session phase you're on with sound:

- Session utilizes different background sound depending on your session phase (session, overflow, break, break overflow) so you know exactly "where you are" without even having the app open.
- This background sound is perfect while working from home: you play the background sound at home. Your family members and kids know exactly when they can reach you based on the background sound. This workflow is used by many existing Session users.
- Session presence: it reminds you every 10 minutes (configurable) with a gentle, unintrusive sound while working on Session. In case you're distracted, this sound helps you return to work. Instead of "wasting" the whole Session, you waste only 10 minutes.
- Lastly, Session notifies you 2 minutes (configurable) before the Session ends. This helps you to get ready to take a break and wrap up the current Session.

#### 6. Session Ended

![Session Ended](/blog-assets/session-ended.jpg)

When the timer ends, Session timer will keep running in case your work is not finished. 

Session's background color will change to your category color. It visually indicates that the Session is over. Other than that, the background sound audibly lets you know that the timer has ended. 

If overtime is not a desired behavior, you can automatically start the break by going to `Settings > General > "Automatically start break when Session has ended"`.

You can take a break by pressing the coffee icon, or stop working by pressing the stop icon.

#### 7. Take a Break

![Session Break](/blog-assets/session-break.jpg)
Now it's time to take a break. You can block your working apps here so you can take a break without overworking.

Stand up, stretch, walk around, and hydrate.

Break also has a distinctive "Break End" phase with darker background color and background sound to notify you visually and audibly.

If you're working on Mac, you can leave your workspace. Bring your phone & Apple Watch. Session will notify via live activity and push notifications when the it's the time to get back to work.



#### 8. Start Focus Again or Stop Working

Now that your break is over, it's time to start focusing again. 

Repeat until work is done.

You can finish your Session by pressing the stop (square) icon and choosing "Finish Session".

![Session Square Button](/blog-assets/session-square-button.jpg)
![Session Square Button More](/blog-assets/session-square-button-more.jpg)

### Other Notable Feature

Session has a suite of notable features to help you stay focused.

#### Categorization

![Session Category](/blog-assets/session-category.jpg)

You can categorize your Sessions into various categories. You can analyze them later on and filter your session by category.  

#### Calendar Integration

![Session Calendar](/blog-assets/session-calendar.jpg)

See your calendar side by side with the Sessions you’ve completed. Schedule your daily tasks here.

You can start a new Session by clicking your calendar and choosing “Start Session.”

#### Analytics

![Session Analytics](/blog-assets/session-analytics.jpg)

You can see your past Sessions at daily, weekly, and monthly intervals. You can also filter the analytics based on category, focus state, and only Sessions with notes.

#### App & Website Blocker

![Session Website Blocker](/blog-assets/session-web-blocker.jpg)

You can block apps and websites to help you stay focused. This feature is available on both macOS and iOS.

#### Slack Blocker

![Slack Blocker](/blog-assets/session-slack-blocker.jpg)

If you use Slack, you can use Session’s Slack blocker to stop Slack notifications from distracting you while you’re trying to focus.


#### Session Automation

Session Automation gives you the ability to automate your Session.

![Apple Automation](/blog-assets/setting-apple-shortcuts.jpg)

The best use case here is [Apple Focus](/learn/apple-focus-with-session-shortcuts) integration; you can block specific app notifications and messages and calls from individual contacts when Session starts.

Other than that you can:

- Change the bulb color in front of your home office to different color based on tje Session phase,
- Customize Spotify/Apple Music playlist based on the Category,
- Save Sessions to [Google/Outlook Calendar with Apple Shortcut](/learn/save-session-to-google-and-outlook-calendar-per-category),

…and many more!

#### Keyboard Shortcut

![Keyboard Shortcut](/blog-assets/session-keyboard-shortcut.jpg)

Session also has list of keyboard shortcuts to help you quickly start a Session, stop Session, take a break, and many more.

You can find the list of keyboard shortcuts [inside Session app](session:///settings/keyboard-shortcut).

#### Highly Configurable

![Session Settings](/blog-assets/session-settings.jpg)

Session is highly configurable. You can customize Session to fit your own workflow. Most of these settings are configurable on the settings page.

#### Sync Between Devices

Session timer also syncs across all your Apple devices. You can start the timer from Mac, continue it on your iOS device. And push notifications are also sent to all devices.

### Building Habit to Use Session

You can build a habit to use Session by setting a daily reminder and contextual window tracker.

#### Set daily reminder

![Session Daily Reminder](/blog-assets/session-daily-reminder.jpg)

Set daily reminder to start a Session. You can configure it [here](session:///settings/general).

#### Set window tracker

![Session Window Tracker](/blog-assets/session-window-tracker.jpg)

Session can show you notifications to start Session based on keywords displayed in your window. You can configure it [here](session:///settings/notification).

### Ways to start Session

#### Calendar interface

![Session Calendar Action](/blog-assets/session-calendar-action.jpg)

You can start a Session from the Calendar interface by clicking on the Calendar event and choosing "Start Session".

#### Apple Shortcuts

![Apple Automation](/blog-assets/setting-apple-shortcuts.jpg)

You can start Session from Apple Shortcuts. More details can be found [here](/learn/session-automation-on-ios-and-macos-with-apple-shortcuts).

[Here](session:///settings/apple-shortcut) is a quick link to go to Apple Shortcuts settings.

#### URL Scheme

You can start a Session with a [URL Scheme](/learn/session-url-scheme). 

Some users optimize this by creating a formula in spreadsheet-based app (like Excel/Notion) to convert their to-do lists to a clickable URL with URL Scheme.

#### Siri & Homepod

You can start the Session timer via Siri or Homepod with these phrases:

- Start recent Session
- Start last Session
- Start recent focus Session
- Start last focus Session
- Start focus Session
- Start `category` on Session
- Stop working on Session
- Stop Session
- Finish Session
- Toggle pause on Session
- Pause on Session
- Break on Session
- Take a break on Session
- Abandon Session
- Abandon on Session
- Set intention on Session
- Set current intention on Session
- Change intention on Session
- Update Session intention
- What's current Session?
- Current active Session
- Current status of Session
- What's Session status
- What's Session current status
- Start `category` category on Session

Siri is already localized to languages like Spanish, German, Russian by Session users.

You can help to add translation to your local language, [here](https://translate.stayinsession.com/projects/session/app-shortcuts/).

#### Widget

<div className="flex flex-row flex-nowrap space-x-4 items-center">
    <div className="w-1/2">
        <img src="/blog-assets/session-timer-widget.jpg" alt="Session Timer Widget"> 
    </div>
    <div className="w-1/2">
        <img src="/blog-assets/session-summary-widget.jpg" alt="Session Summary Widget">  
    </div>
</div>

Session widget helps you see your timer phase and analytics on your main screen.

- You can add the widget on iOS by following Apple's guide [here](https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/iphone/iphb8f1bf206/ios).
- You can add the widget on macOS by following Apple's guide [here](https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/mac-help/mchl52be5da5/mac).

#### Live activities

Starting a Session automatically starts a Live Activity. You can start Session on your macOS device, and it'll automatically start a Live Activity on all of your iOS devices.

Live Activity is also supported on watchOS 11—making it easy to control Session timer from Apple Watch.

<div className="flex flex-row flex-nowrap space-x-4 items-center">
    <div className="w-1/2">
        <img src="/blog-assets/session-live-activity.jpg" alt="Session Live Activity" />
    </div>
    <div className="w-1/2">
        <img src="/changelog/2.11/watchos-11-live-activity.png" alt="WatchOS Live Activity" />
    </div>
</div>

#### Push notifications

![Session Push Notification](/blog-assets/session-push-notification.jpg)

Session sends push notifications to all of your devices. You can control your timer directly on the notification.

If you don't want Session to send push notifications, you can turn it off per device [here](session:///settings/notification).


---
title: Save Session to Google/Outlook Calendar with Apple Shortcut
description: If Apple Calendar integration is not enough, you can save Session to custom calendar per category
date: 2024/10/15
---

### Introduction

Session has a calendar integration feature, where every Session that made is saved to Apple Calendar.

This feature is great—but it would be nice to have more control. 

You can save Sessions to a custom calendar per category with Apple Shortcuts.

Example use case:
- if you have a meeting, you may want to save it to your personal calendar, and 
- if you have a work meeting, you may want to save it to your work calendar.

You can achieve this with Apple Shortcuts integration.

### 1. Enable `stop_working` Integration

1. Go to `Session > Preferences > Shortcuts`.
2. Enable Stop working shortcuts.

![Enable Session Start Shortcut](/blog-assets/enable-session-start-shortcut.jpg)

### 2. Create `stop_working` Shortcut
1. Go to Apple Shortcuts app.
2. Press `+` button to create a new shortcut.
3. Set the Shortcut title to `stop_working`.

![Set Shortcut title to Session Start](/blog-assets/apple-shortcut-title.jpg)

### 3. Map each category to a calendar
1. You can get Session data from [Shortcut Input Data](./session-automation-on-ios-and-macos-with-apple-shortcuts).
2. From `Shortcut Input`, you can get Session:
- title, 
- category, 
- notes, 
- start date, and 
- end date

…which we will use to create calendar event.
3. Get the category with `category.title` from Shortcut input dictionary.

![Shortcut Dictionary](/blog-assets/shortcut-dictionary.jpg)

4. On each `category.title`, do `Add New Event` Shortcut to create calendar event. 
5. Note: `Add New Event` **needs to have a title**. Empty title will not create the calendar event.

![Apple Shortcuts Calendar](/blog-assets/apple-shortcut-calendar.jpg)

We made a code example below so you can easily make your own calendar integration.
<a href="https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/e3f8413f7cc443728f3ce71af2f491e0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
  <div className="bg-yellow-400 rounded-lg text-sm leading-tight text-white font-bold inline-block w-48 h-28 p-4">
    <div className="flex flex-col justify-between h-full">
      <div>📆</div>
      <div className="bg-yellow-400-sm">
      Apple Shortcut Calendar Example
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</a>

### 4. Also enable this on `session_end` integration

Pro tip: You can run shortcut within shortcut. In this case, we can run our `stop_working` shortcut within `session_end` shortcut.

![Run Shortcut within Shortcut](/blog-assets/run-shortcut-within-shortcut.jpg)

---
title: Setup session automation on iOS and MacOS with Apple Shortcuts
description: How to make Session read Shortcuts you've made
date: 2021/01/29
---

In this guide, you'll learn how to integrate Session with Apple Shortcut. If you don't know about Session automation yet, you can learn more from [Automate your workflow with Session Automation](./automate-workflow-with-session-automation).

You can learn how to make your iOS Shortcut from internet / YouTube. We'll write a guide soon.

### 1. Apple Shortcuts naming

There's 9 scenarios where automation ran. They are:

1. Your session has started: `session_start`
2. You paused session: `session_pause`
3. You unpaused session: `session_unpause`
4. Your session has ended: `session_end`
5. Your session has finished but it went too long: `session_went_too_long
6. Your break has started: `break_start`
7. Your break has finished but it went too long: `break_went_too_long`
8. Your break has ended: `break_end`
9. Called whenever `session_end` or `break_end` not called. Example, from abandon Session : `stop_working`

What you probably use is `session_start`, `session_end`, `stop_working`, and possibly `break_start`.

Simply made an Apple Shortcut with the matching name above. Session will run it for you.

![Setting Apple Shortcuts](/blog-assets/setting-apple-shortcuts.jpg)

### 2. Enable Shortcuts you've made

1. Go to `Session` > `Settings (Gear icon)` > `Automation`,
2. check all shortcuts you want to run,
3. make sure you have matching file name on your Apple shortcuts.
4. Note that if you check it and have no Shortcut with matching file name, Session won't do anything.

![Enable Session Start Shortcut](/blog-assets/enable-session-start-shortcut.jpg)

### 3. Create the Shortcut

1. Go to Apple Shortcuts app.
2. Press `+` button to create a new shortcut.
3. Set the Shortcut title to Shortcut you want.
4. In this example, it's `session_start`.

![Set Shortcut title to Session Start](/blog-assets/apple-shortcut-title.jpg)

### 4. Shortcut input data

As of Session `v2.3`, you will receive additional data from Session on shortcut like Session `title`, `start date`, `end date`, `category title`, etc

You can get those data on shortcut by choosing `Get dictionary from input` and choose the input as `Shortcut input`.

Then You can parse the data from Shortcut Input by getting it from `Get Value For Key`.

![Shortcut Dictionary](/blog-assets/shortcut-dictionary.jpg)

Here are possible values from Session:

- `title`: your session intention
- `type`: `fullFocus`, `partialFocus`, `pause`, `rest`, or `endEarly`
- `category`
  - `id`: Category ID
  - `title`: Category title
  - `status`: `active` | `archived`
  - `hex_color`: Color of the category
- `start_date`: start date
- `pause_date`: pause date if exists
- `end_date`: ended date (only on `session_end` and `break_end`)
- `notes`: the notes
- `meta`: pauses with start date and end date if exists
- `duration_second`: session duration you choose
- `passed_second`: total passes second since start date
- `from_another_device`: If the event comes from your other devices via real time sync

![Shortcut Input Data](/blog-assets/shortcut-input-data.jpg)

Use this Shortcut to easily get the data that you need.
<a href="https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/91a8cfa99d6644b1ba5e9b094a74f4a1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
  <div className="bg-green-500 rounded-lg text-sm leading-tight text-white font-bold inline-block w-48 h-28 p-4">
    <div className="flex flex-col justify-between h-full">
      <div>"{}"</div>
      <div className="bg-blue-400-sm">
      Session Shortcut JSON Parser
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</a>

### 5. Additional Shortcuts
As of `v2.10`, Session has redesigned Apple Shortcuts to be more powerful and convenient. Now you can easily get Sessions':
- title, 
- notes, 
- start date, and 
- category 

…directly from Apple Shortcuts.

Keep in mind that this only works for **ongoing session**—not for session end or stop working.

For that you need to rely on Shortcut Input data.

![Apple Shortcuts Helper](/blog-assets/apple-shortcut-helper.jpg)



### 5. Enjoy your automation!

Congratulations! Now you've automated your workflow based on Session current `state`!


---
title: Setup session automation on Mac with AppleScript
description: How to make Session read AppleScript you wrote
date: 2021/01/29
---

Session automation on Mac is powered by AppleScript. This means you need to understand a bit of code to unlock it's full potential. If you don't know about Session automation yet, you can learn more from [Automate your workflow with Session Automation](./automate-workflow-with-session-automation).

If you don't want to dabble with code and just want to turn on Do Not Disturb on and off—follow this [guide to turn on/off Do Not Disturb](/learn/do-not-disturb-on-mac) with Session.

If you're up with the challenge, you can [learn to write your first AppleScript](/learn/write-your-first-applescript).

Now, let's dissect how to integrate AppleScript you wrote or download with Session.

### Important!

It's now possible to use Apple Shortcuts (the same one on iOS) on Monterey on above. This way you can share the shortcut between macOS and iOS. Take a look at [here](/learn/session-automation-on-ios-and-macos-with-apple-shortcuts).



### 1. Automation file name

There's 5 scenarios where automation ran. They are:

1. Your session has started: `session_start.scpt`
2. Your paused session: `session_pause.scpt`
3. Your unpaused session: `session_unpause.scpt`
4. Your unpaused session: `session_went_too_long.scpt`
5. Your session has ended: `session_end.scpt`
6. Your break has started: `break_start.scpt`
7. Your unpaused session: `break_went_too_long.scpt`
8. Your break has ended: `break_end.scpt`
9. Called whenever `session_end` or `break_end` not called. Example, from abandon Session : `stop_working.scpt`

p.s. `.scpt` is a file extension for AppleScript (like `.mp3` for Music).

What you probably use is `session_start`, `session_end`, `stop_working` and possibly `break_start`.

Session will run AppleScript you've made if **the script with matching file name** above **exists** on Session script folder. Otherwise, it'll be ignored.

### 2. Put the script you've wrote inside Session folder

You can put the script you've wrote, rename the script while filename above (refer to #1) inside Session's user script folder (you can open the folder location by clicking a button on Session's setting page).

![Open AppleScript folder button](/blog-assets/open-applescript-folder.jpg)


Move the script you have wrote / download to:
- Session from Direct Download `com.philipyoungg.session-direct` folder,
- Session from App Store: `com.philipyoungg.session` folder,
- Session from Setapp `com.philipyoungg.session-setapp` folder

![AppleScript inside folder](/blog-assets/applescript-folder-source.jpg)

### 3. Check if the AppleScript is working

1. Go back to Session `Preferences` > `Automation (AppleScript)`,
2. check `Session start` checkbox,
3. check `Stop working` checkbox,
4. press `Test session Start`,
5. make sure it turn on Do Not Disturb.
6. Press `Test stop Working`,
7. make sure it turn off Do Not Disturb.

If it didn't ran, make sure you have put the script in correct location. Refer to screenshot above. Otherwise, you can contact us [on our email](mailto:support@stayinsession.com)

### 4. Enjoy your automation!

Congratulations! Now you've automated your workflow based on Session current `state`!


---
title: Session URL scheme
description: Session's URL Scheme documentation
date: 2021/03/05
last_updated_date: 2022/11/15
---

URL Scheme is one way to navigate Session directly from URL. Use cases:

- a document with list of clickable links,
- integrate your to-do app with Session,
- run Session from Alfred,
- run Session inside AppleScript,
- and much more.

URL Scheme is Pro feature and only availble from version 2.1 and above.

### Start Session

Programatically start Session.

Parameters:

- `intent` (optional): Your Session intention.
- `duration` (optional): Duration in minutes. If not provided, it defaults to your default app duration
- `categoryId` (optional): Match the first category id. Fall back to default project if not found.
- `categoryName` (optional): Match the first category with identical name. Case insensitive. Fall back to default project if not found.
- `notes` (optional) (v2.7.12): Initial notes for the Session

`session:///start?intent=Example%20Session&duration=30&notes=Example%20Notes`

Try URL above by clicking [this link](session:///start?intent=Example%20Session&duration=30&notes=Example%20Notes)

### Start Previous Session

Start previous session with your last intent.

`session:///start-previous`

Try URL above by clicking [this link](session:///start-previous)

### Toggle Pause

Toggle pause. Only works while Session is running.

`session:///pause`

Try URL above by clicking [this link](session:///pause)

### Take a break

Start a break / take a break while in Session

`session:///break`

Try URL above by clicking [this link](session:///break)

### Finish Session

Finish Session. Only works while Session is running.

`session:///finish`

Try URL above by clicking [this link](session:///finish)

### Abandon Session / Rest

Abandon session / stop rest / stop working.

`session:///abandon`

Try URL above by clicking [this link](session:///abandon)


### Navigate to Menu (v2.9.8 BETA. Might change at later date)

- Upgrade page → [`session:///upgrade`](session:///upgrade)
- Analytics → [`session:///analytics`](session:///analytics)
- Main screen → [`session:///main`](session:///main)
- Calendar → [`session:///calendar`](session:///calendar)
- Account → [`session:///account`](session:///account)

#### Settings
- Settings → [`session:///settings`](session:///settings)
- General → [`session:///settings/general`](session:///settings/general)
- Profile Settings → [`session:///settings/profile`](session:///settings/profile)
- Notification → [`session:///settings/notification`](session:///settings/notification)
- BackgroundSound → [`session:///settings/background-sound`](session:///settings/background-sound)
- Calendar → [`session:///settings/calendar`](session:///settings/calendar)
- LiveActivity → [`session:///settings/live-activity`](session:///settings/live-activity)
- MenubarAndDock → [`session:///settings/menubar-and-dock`](session:///settings/menubar-and-dock)
- Window → [`session:///settings/window`](session:///settings/window)
- SlackBlocker → [`session:///settings/slack-blocker`](session:///settings/slack-blocker)
- AppleShortcut → [`session:///settings/apple-shortcut`](session:///settings/apple-shortcut)
- AppleScript → [`session:///settings/apple-script`](session:///settings/apple-script)
- Display → [`session:///settings/display`](session:///settings/display)
- Language → [`session:///settings/language`](session:///settings/language)
- KeyboardShortcut → [`session:///settings/keyboard-shortcut`](session:///settings/keyboard-shortcut)
- Support → [`session:///settings/support`](session:///settings/support)
- DeveloperMode → [`session:///settings/developer-mode`](session:///settings/developer-mode)
- WindowTracker → [`session:///settings/window-tracker`](session:///settings/window-tracker)

---
title: Start Session from Todoist, Trello, and Github with Session Chrome Extension
description: Easily start Session from your favourite app
date: 2024/10/21
---

You can start Session from your favourite from:
- Todoist,
- Trello, and
- Github
… with Session Chrome Extension.

You can download the Chrome extension [here](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/session-button/cecegigghbmhmapdgolkgpdclnjgdjlj).


### Todoist

![Todoist List](/blog-assets/chrome-extension-todoist-list.jpg)

You can start Session from Todoist list view.

![Todoist Board](/blog-assets/chrome-extension-todoist-board.jpg)

You can also start one from Todoist board view.

If you have matching Session category with Todoist project, Session automatically link them and choose the correct category.


### Trello

![Trello Board](/blog-assets/chrome-extension-trello.jpg)

You can hover on Trello card and press the Session icon to start Session.


### Github

![Github](/blog-assets/chrome-extension-github.jpg)

You can start Session from Github issues by pressing the button on sidebar.


###  Download link

You can download the Chrome extension [here](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/session-button/cecegigghbmhmapdgolkgpdclnjgdjlj).

---
slug: write-your-first-applescript
title: Write your first AppleScript!
description: If you can't write code / AppleScript to automate your workflow, this guide is for you!
date: 2021/01/31
---

AppleScript is a scripting language made by Apple. It gives you superpower and helps you automate part of your workflow.

If you can't code, this quick tutorial will help you understand how easy it is to get started.

Otherwise, you probably only need to `turn on and off Do Not Disturb` when you start a session & stop working. If that's the case, you can learn it from [Integrate automatic Do Not Disturb with Session on Mac](./do-not-disturb-on-mac).

### 1. Your first AppleScript code

1. First, open `Script Editor` app. You can do it by:
2. Open `Finder` > `Applications` > `Utilities` > `Script Editor`, or
3. you can press `CMD + Space` on your Keyboard and type `"Script Editor"`
   ![Script editor search](/blog-assets/script-editor.jpg)
4. Create a new document
5. On `Script Editor`, type:

```applescript
display dialog "I'm shown!"
```

6. Press the `play` icon
   ![Script editor run button location](/blog-assets/script-editor-run.jpg)
7. A dialog will be shown
   ![Dialog shown](/blog-assets/script-editor-im-shown.jpg)

   Congratulations. You've just wrote your first code!

### 2. Open and close App

![Slack gif](/blog-assets/open-close-slack.gif)

Opening and closing app is very easy. Let's use `Slack` as an example.

1. To open Slack, write:

```applescript
tell application "Slack" to activate
```

2. or you can close the app by calling:

```applescript
tell application "Slack" to quit
```

Slack is a good example of app to be closed with Session automation. You can force close it when you start your focus with `start_session`, and reopen it again on `stop_working`.

### 3. Spotify example

TBD

### 4. Combining multiple AppleScript

The best thing with AppleScript is you can combine all of them into single file.

Say on `session_start` you want to:

- quit `Slack`
- quit `Mail`
- turn on `Do Not Disturb`
- Display a `dialog` that your Session has started

This is the AppleScript code

```applescript
tell application "Slack" to quit

tell application "Mail" to quit

set output to (do shell script "defaults read com.apple.controlcenter 'NSStatusItem Visible DoNotDisturb'")
if output is "0" then
	tell application "System Events" to keystroke "D" using {command down, shift down, option down, control down}
	do shell script "defaults write com.apple.controlcenter 'NSStatusItem Visible DoNotDisturb' 1"
end if

display dialog "Session Started!"
```

Do Not Disturb section is extremely complex. Don't be discouraged. You can learn to set it up from [here](/learn/automate-workflow-with-session-automation).

### 5. Running your AppleScript on Session

You have wrote your code. Now what?

Integrate it with Session automation! You can put your code inside Session's AppleScript folder. Look into [Setup your AppleScript with Session](/learn/session-automation-on-mac-with-applescript) to learn what's possible.

### AppleScript on iOS?

Sadly AppleScript is not available on iOS. but it's sibling—Apple shortcut—exists. And Session also support Apple shortcut hook 😎! In the future, it's possible to block iOS apps if, say, your 3 hour focus daily is not reached yet.

Tutorial coming soon 😊.

### Conclusion

The possibilities are endless. If you can't code, now you can.

If you want to start Spotify, try to Google "How to play Spotify album with AppleScript". Internet will tell you how. Otherwise, keep looking into Session's website from time to time. We'll write a new tutorial on productivity, time management, automation for you.

That's it for now. Be more mindful, and keep stay focused!


A Simple Markdown Blog build with Nextjs.

Session academy

Start Session from Todoist, Trello, and Github with Session Chrome Extension

Ultimate Guide to use Session Pomodoro Timer

Save Session to Google/Outlook Calendar with Apple Shortcut

Turn on Apple Focus with Session Shortcuts

Export Session data to CSV or JSON

Session URL scheme

Getting started with Session on iOS

Write your first AppleScript!

Integrate automatic Do Not Disturb with Session on Mac

Setup session automation on Mac with AppleScript

Setup session automation on iOS and MacOS with Apple Shortcuts

Automate your Workflow with Session Automation

Getting started with Session on Mac