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FAQ — deep work, the timer, streaks, heatmap, privacy & exports
Frequently Asked Questions — Deep Work Log
What is deep work?
A term popularised by Cal Newport: professional activity performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that pushes your cognitive abilities to their limit. The opposite of shallow work — email, chat, quick tasks. Tracking deep work hours is the most reliable way to increase them: what gets measured gets managed.
How does the deep work timer work?
Press ▶ Start session when you begin focusing. The timer runs live — and survives a page reload, because the start time is saved instantly. When you finish, press ■ Stop & log and write one line about what you accomplished. The entry is saved with date, time and duration, and feeds your streak, heatmap and stats automatically.
Is my log private?
Completely. Everything lives in your browser's localStorage — nothing is ever sent to a server, there is no account, and no analytics touch your entries. The flip side: clearing browser data erases the log, so hit Export .md now and then for a backup.
How long should a deep work session be?
Most practitioners land on 60–90 minute blocks: long enough to reach real depth (loading a hard problem into your head takes 15–20 minutes), short enough to keep intensity. Beginners often start at 45 minutes. Almost nobody sustains more than ~4 hours of true deep work per day — if your log shows more, your definition is probably too generous.
What is the streak and how is it counted?
Consecutive calendar days with at least one logged entry or session, ending today or yesterday. It's the most motivating number in the app — don't break the chain (the Seinfeld method).
What does the heatmap show?
Your last 12 weeks, GitHub-style. Each cell is a day; brighter green = more logged minutes (2+ hours is the brightest). Days with untimed quick-log entries get the lightest shade. Hover any cell for the exact number.
Can I use tags to organise sessions?
Yes — write #hashtags anywhere in an entry, e.g. Finished the API refactor #project-x #coding. Tags become clickable chips above the log; click one to filter, click again to clear.
Deep work log vs pomodoro timer — which should I use?
Pomodoro (25/5) is a rhythm technique; a deep work log is a measurement and reflection tool. They combine beautifully: run pomodoros inside a session, then log the whole block here with what you achieved. This site also has a free pomodoro timer.
Does the timer keep running if I close the tab?
Yes — the start moment is stored when you press Start, so reloading or reopening the tab picks the timer up exactly where it should be. Even a full browser restart preserves it.
Can I edit or delete entries?
Hover an entry and hit ✕ to delete it. For edits, delete and re-log — the journal is append-only on purpose, which keeps logging friction near zero.
How do I back up or export?
Export .md produces a clean Markdown journal grouped by day — drop it straight into Obsidian, Notion or any notes app. Export CSV gives date, time, minutes and text columns for spreadsheets. Both are generated locally.
Does it sync between devices?
No — there's no server by design, so there's nothing to sync. Use the Markdown export to move history into a synced system like Obsidian or Notion.
Can I log work without the timer?
Yes — the quick-log box adds a timestamped entry without a duration, perfect for jotting an accomplishment after the fact. Timed sessions simply add minutes to the stats and heatmap intensity.
Will my old entries from the previous version still be here?
Yes — existing logs are migrated automatically the first time you open the new version. Nothing is lost.
Is this really free?
Completely — no account, no trial, no premium tier, no ads. One of 160+ free browser tools at jasperbernaers.com.
Free Deep Work Tracker — Timer, Journal, Streaks & Heatmap
This free deep work log combines a focus session timer, a Markdown work journal and motivating statistics in one private browser app. Start the timer when you sit down to focus, stop it when you surface, write one line about what you accomplished — and the app builds your daily streak, weekly totals and a GitHub-style 12-week heatmap automatically.
Why Track Deep Work?
Cal Newport's core argument in Deep Work is that focused hours are the scarcest resource in knowledge work. Most people dramatically overestimate how much they get — until they measure. A visible streak and heatmap turn abstract intentions into a game you don't want to lose.
A Work Journal That Respects Your Privacy
Everything is stored in your browser's localStorage: no account, no cloud, no tracking, and your notes about clients or projects never leave your device. Export to Markdown for Obsidian/Notion or CSV for spreadsheets whenever you want a backup.
Works With Your Pomodoro Practice
Pomodoro gives rhythm inside a session; the log measures across days and weeks. Run them together — and add focus audio or the distraction-free zen room for the full setup.
Related Free Productivity Tools
- Pomodoro Timer — 25/5 rhythm timer
- Focus Audio — ambient sound for concentration
- Zen Room — distraction-free writing space
- Kanban Board — visual task management
- Markdown Editor — for the exported journal
- All free tools →