Stretchly — Open-Source Break Time Reminder for Developers

Introduction

Stretchly is a cross-platform break time reminder that helps developers avoid repetitive strain injuries and screen fatigue. It sits in the system tray and prompts you to take micro-breaks and longer rest breaks at configurable intervals. Unlike proprietary alternatives, Stretchly is fully open source and respects your privacy with no analytics or cloud dependencies.

What Stretchly Does

• Reminds you to take short micro-breaks and longer rest breaks on a schedule
• Displays customizable break screens with optional stretch suggestions
• Integrates with system do-not-disturb and fullscreen detection
• Supports multiple monitor setups and system tray controls
• Tracks break compliance with simple statistics

Architecture Overview

Stretchly is built with Electron and runs as a tray application on Windows, macOS, and Linux. A timer service manages the break schedule, firing system notifications or overlay windows when breaks are due. The app respects system idle time, pausing the schedule when you step away. All settings are stored locally in a JSON configuration file.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Install from Homebrew, Chocolatey, Snap, or download pre-built binaries
• Configure micro-break and rest-break intervals in the preferences window
• Customize break screen colors, messages, and background images
• Set up do-not-disturb rules to skip breaks during presentations
• Enable startup launch and natural break detection for automatic scheduling

Key Features

• Configurable micro-break and rest-break intervals and durations
• Fullscreen break overlays that gently enforce screen rest
• Idle detection that resets the timer when you are away
• Multi-monitor support for covering all displays during breaks
• Strict mode that prevents skipping or postponing breaks

Comparison with Similar Tools

• Time Out (macOS) — macOS-only, not open source; similar core concept
• Workrave — Linux/Windows break timer; older UI, fewer customization options
• EyeLeo — Windows-only with animated exercises; closed source
• BreakTimer — simpler open-source option; fewer features than Stretchly

FAQ

Q: Can I skip or postpone breaks? A: Yes, unless you enable strict mode, which removes the skip and postpone buttons.

Q: Does Stretchly collect any data? A: No. Stretchly has no analytics, telemetry, or cloud connectivity. All data stays local.

Q: Does it detect when I am already idle? A: Yes. If the system has been idle long enough, Stretchly counts that as a natural break and resets the timer.

Q: Can I customize what appears on the break screen? A: Yes. You can set custom messages, colors, and background images for both micro-breaks and rest breaks.

Sources

• https://github.com/hovancik/stretchly
• https://hovancik.net/stretchly/