MultiTimer iOS app features

Explore the features and comprehensive benefits of the MultiTimer app on iPhone, iPad, Mac,
and Apple Watch

BASIC VERSION

BASIC VERSION + PRO UPGRADE

The Basic version of the application includes such features as:

In addition to the Basic features, the Pro upgrade includes the following features:

*Tools is a general term that combines timers, counters, stopwatches and other means of counting and tracking time.

Important Notes: The features that are related to the Pro upgrade are marked with a "Pro" sign or have a light green color code.

BASIC FEATURES

Timers

The user of the basic version of the application can add any timers, counters, stopwatches and tools to the board, except the Buttons feature that belongs to the 'Commands' function, which is a part of the Pro update. Twelve (12) is the maximum number of tools which are available to be added onto the board in the Free version.

Board

An element of the application designed for the user to place timers, counters, stopwatches and other application tools on it. In the basic (free) version of the application only one board is available.

Board Name / Rename

A board property that can be changed as desired by the user. In the basic version of the application, the board has the name 'TIMERS'.
This name can be changed to your own name.

To change the name of the board, click on the button in the upper right corner of the screen, which looks like a gear wheel.

After clicking on the button, the board setup panel opens and the board goes into edit mode. Click the board name to edit it.

Tap the gear button again to save your changes.

Board Layouts

A feature that helps users organize and place timers and other tools on the board in the way that works best for them. In the basic version of the application, adaptive layout and fixed layout are available.

Adaptive layout - objects located on the board are automatically distributed over its entire area, changing the size proportionally.

Fixed layout - the user sets up what number of objects will be vertically and horizontally, thus determining the maximum number of timers on the board.

Delete Board

Boards can be removed in two ways:

1. By clicking the 'Delete' button on the board editing panel. The board edit panel opens when you click the button that looks like a gear wheel in the upper right corner.

2. Through the side navigation menu.

To do this, click the 'Edit' button in the 'BOARD' header, and swipe the board name to the left to reveal the 'Copy' and 'Delete' buttons. Click the 'Delete' button and then the 'Done' button.


Important notes:

Delete via Menu is only available in the Pro version of the app.

After you click the 'Delete' button on the board editing panel, a warning message appears about deleting the board.

Deleting a board via the Menu does not display a warning message - deletion occurs immediately.

Set of Timers

Section of the board edit panel, which includes a set of tools such as: Countdown timer, CountUp timer, Quick timer, Interval timer, Stepped timer, Pomodoro technique timer, Stopwatch, Lap timer, Tally counter, Clock.

You search for the desired tool by sliding the tools from left to right and vice versa.

Adding a tool to the board is done by dragging it from the tool set to the board, i.e., by the drag and drop method.


Important note:

Adding tools to the board is only done in board edit mode.

Control Gestures

Gestures that are used to control tools. These gestures include: one touch to start, pause, or resume timer; increase timer (spread); decrease timer (pinch), reset timer by double tap, open settings or context menu by applying a long press on timer.

You can familiarize with the basic set of gestures and the principles of timer control by going through the interactive walkthrough tutorial, which can be found in Menu > App Settings.


Important note:

You can disable the double tap timer reset gesture in: Menu > Settings > Optional settings > Reset timer by double tapping.

Board Edit Mode

A special mode in the application designed to add - delete tools located on the board, change their position, and other manipulations.

Board editing mode is activated by clicking the button in the upper right corner. Clicking the button opens an editing panel with such sections and functions as: Timers, Layout, Delete, Commands, Export, Web.

The background of the board acquires an auxiliary grid for placing tools.

Pop-Up Contextual Menu

A context menu (also called contextual, and pop up or pop-up menu) is a menu that appears upon timer interaction, such as a long press on it. Each tool has its own set of context menu items. The main context menu items include: Add / Subtract time, Start, Resume, Reset, Delay, Lock, Add, Set, Edit.

Copy / Edit / Delete Timers

Any of the timers can be duplicated, edited and deleted. All the listed actions are performed in the edit mode of the board - you need to click on the button that looks like a gear in the upper right corner. After that, you should tap the timer to open a pop-up menu with the such items as: ’Edit’, 'Copy' and 'Delete'.

Edit - opens the settings page of the timer or another tool.

Copy - duplicates the timer with all its settings.

Delete - removes the timer without warning. It is impossible to restore a deleted timer later.

Also the timer can be deleted by pressing the 'Delete' button in the timer settings. In this case the user receives a warning about deleting the timer.


Important notes:

Twelve (12) is the maximum number of instruments that can be placed on the board in the basic version of the application. When the maximum number of tools is reached, the 'Copy' function is not shown in the context menu.

When you need to add a new timer to the board while deleting an existing tool, you can change the type of an existing tool instead of deleting it. To do this, go to the tool settings, click the 'Change Type' button and select the desired tool.

Re-arranging timers / Moving timers

A tool on the board can be either moved to another location on the board (re-arrangement), or moved to another board.

Changing the order of the tools on the board performs in board edit mode - after clicking the button in the upper right corner.

The user should lightly press the timer and pull it to another new place on the board.

The tools will automatically change their places if the board has an adaptive or fixed layout.

When you have finished moving the timers, you need to press the board edit button again.


Important notes:

By dragging the timer to the left or right edge of the board (close to the edge of the screen) and waiting about a couple of seconds, the timer will move to the next board on the list. The timer can then be dropped at the desired location on the board.

The timers remain in their places when the flexible layout is applied to the board.

Lock Timer

A function that locks out all possible ways of operating the instruments - gestures and control buttons, which you can find in the single timer view. The lock function is designed to prevent accidental pressing of the instrument.

To lock the timer, you should:

First way - click the ‘Lock’ item on the pop-up contextual menu that appears after a long press on the timer.

Second way - increase the timer by clicking the button that looks like a magnifying glass. The button is at the bottom right corner of the screen. The control buttons are below the enlarged timer. Click the button that looks like a lock.

After the function has been activated, a small function icon appears next to the timer in normal mode - the Lock. Deactivate the function by tapping again the ‘Lock’ item on the context menu or the control button under the timer.

Single Timer View Mode

Unlike normal mode, where the user interacts with several timers at once, single timer view mode involves the user interacting with a single enlarged timer or other tool.

A tool can be enlarged in two ways:

1. By pressing a button that looks like a magnifying glass. The button is located in the lower right corner of the screen.

2. Using the gesture - spread - spread 2 fingers over the tool.

The user can swipe the tools in both directions after zooming in.

The tools can be zoomed out by pressing the magnifying glass button again or by applying a gesture over the enlarged timer - pinch - put two fingers together.

Web

The 'Web' or 'WebShare' function creates a special link (URL) that can be copied and pasted into a web browser. 

After that, the timer board, on which the function has been activated, becomes available for viewing on a PC.


To activate the function, the user should:

- Open the board edit mode - click the button in the upper right corner that looks like a gear.

- Click the 'Web' button on the board edit panel.

- Click the 'Open Access' button in the pop-up window.

- Click the link or the button next to the link to share it.


When the function activated, the link/chain icon appears in the lower left corner of the board.


Important notes:

The feature only allows you to monitor timers through a web browser, not to control them.

The URL is one-time - once access is closed, the link becomes inaccessible. A new link is created each time a new access is opened.

Clicking the function button in the lower left corner of the board opens the ‘WebShare' pop-up window to manage the function.

Commands: Terminate All Timers

A command that applies to all the tools by default. It’s designed to reset all active tools down to zero or to a preset value. This command is available in all versions of the application. The command cannot be edited or deleted. The 'Terminate all timers' command can be found in the side navigation Menu under ‘COMMANDS' header.

[example of using the function]

History

The section of the application in which all the history of the timer is recorded. History contains information about the date and time when the timer started, how much time the timer was active, as well as the total amount of time for the current day. When the time is marked with a * sign - it means that the timer was reset before its completion.

Clicking on the entry takes the user to the 'Details' page, where a mini log of timer actions and the time of such actions are shown; also on this page you can leave a comment on the history entry.

Records on the main page can be removed, stowed, or exported.

To delete records, the user should click the 'Edit' button in the upper right corner. Then you need to mark a checkbox, which record you would like to delete. The buttons 'Delete' and 'Select all' records at once (to clear the entire timer history) are on the bottom history panel.

After deleting records, you need to tap the 'Done' button.

Next to the 'Edit' button is the icon for exporting the timer history.

By clicking this button, select the location where the history export file will be saved in CSV format - it can be opened with any text or table editor.

Timer history is not saved and is stored only until the next start of the timer in the free version of the application.

Delayed Start

This function is an optional timer that is used to delay the main timer for a certain time. The main timer will start automatically after the delayed timer finishes.

Location: Timer context menu ➝ Delay item.


The function can be configured according to the following parameters (tabs): Wait Time, Start Date, End Date:


Timers that support the function: countdown, count-up, interval, stepped.


Tip: The function can be used to adjust a timer that was not started on time. To do this, use the 'Start Date’ tab, where you specify the day and the exact start time of the timer.

After pressing the 'Start' button, the timer will automatically calculate the remaining timer time. In case the timer has the 'Autocompletion' function disabled, the timer will show the elapsed time.

Settings: Appearance

The setting sets the color theme of the application's user interface.

Location: Side navigation Menu ≡ ➝ Settings ➝ Appearance.

Quick Guide:

Settings: Badge

Red circle with a counter displayed on top of the application icon.


Location: Side navigation menu ≡ ➝ Settings ➝ App icon.


Quick Guide:

Settings: Display Settings (Auto-lock feature)

You can set the screen lock parameter when the app is in the foreground.

This setting is called Display Settings in the app Settings (side navigation menu ≡ > Settings > Display Settings).


When you click on the item, it reveals a pop-up with 3 options for the Display Settings function:

- will keep the display on while while the timer's running - means that the screen will be active and won't be locked while there is at least one active timer or counter;

- will use system auto-lock setting - the app uses iOS screen lock settings;

- will always keep screen on - regardless of iOS settings and timers activity, the screen will always stay active.


Importan note:

In the new version this setting works a bit differently, previously if any timer is running in the app, the app is not blocked no matter where the user is.

Now the application checks which board is open at the moment, if the board is open without active timers - the application is blocked, if the user is somewhere in the settings (i.e. also does not see an active timer) the application is also blocked.

Settings: Sound Settings

Sound settings allow you to specify the sound and notification settings of the application.


Location: Side navigation menu ≡ ➝ Settings ➝ Sound settings.


Quick Guide:


(Timer Alarm) - Default: the beep sound (notification) for all new timers to be added to the board. The alarm sound can be changed to a different sound at a later time in the timers’ settings.

(Timer Alarm) - Volume: parameter for the volume of the timer alarm sound. The setting is valid when the application is in the foreground.

(In addition to the timer alarm) - Vibration: The timer notification is additionally accompanied by vibration. The setting is valid when the application is in the foreground.

(In addition to the timer alarm) - LED Flashlight: The timer alarm is additionally accompanied by a flickering LED Flashlight. The setting is valid when the app is in the foreground.

Show Low Level Notification: The user is warned about the extremely low current volume level of the application, which may be the reason for missing the moment when the timer goes off.

Settings: Optional Settings

The advanced settings allow you to configure the parameters that will be applied to control an individual timer or the entire application.


Location: Side navigation menu ≡ ➝ Settings ➝ Optional settings.


Quick Guide:


Pause Pomodoro timer on call — The timer automatically pauses when your phone rings incoming; after the call ends, you need to press the timer to resume it. 

Disable timer pop-up actions — the option disables the pop-up contextual menu, which pops up on a long press on the timer.

Reset timer by double tapping — disables the double-tap timer gesture, which resets the timer, counters or other tools to the initial preset value or down to zero.

Settings: Review on AppStore

The option allows you to leave a review about your experience with the app in more detail.

Users can leave app reviews for iOS and iPadOS apps on the AppStore site.

Settings: Feedback

It is possible to send comments, suggestions and observations directly to the application support.
The feedback message can be supplemented with screen shots, videos from the device screen, as well as the analytical logs of the application.

Important note:

The message cannot be composed and sent if no email client is configured on the device.

Settings: Help With Translation

Users of the application can help the MultiTimer project in translating the interface by offering their own versions of the translation, which will correspond to the correct understanding of the content of the application.

Settings: Walkthrough Tutorial

Step-by-step solutions that guide users through a series of steps to help them understand the process of managing and editing timers, counters, and other tools.

Settings: MultiTimer PRO

A special page of the application, designed to make purchases and restore previously made purchases.

The application can be purchased on a subscription basis for one month to one year. A one-time purchase is also offered.

The cost of subscriptions and one-time purchase depends on the regional affiliation of the user's profile.

Home Screen Widgets

Home Screen widgets display timely information about active timers from the MultiTimer application at a glance. The application supports the following home screen widgets: One timer, Active timers (small), Active timers (medium), Active timers (large).

One timer - shows only one timer that has been selected in the widget settings. The widget settings can be opened be a long press on widget → Then click the 'Edit widget' button in pop-up menu.

Active timers (small), Active timers (medium), Active timers (large) - all of the widgets show all active timers of the application.

How to add widgets - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207122

Notification Center Widgets

The Notification Center in Apple iOS10 got a big update in the form of widgets. With widgets, you can get a huge amount of information in the Notification Center.

Most of the widgets are passive widgets. The MultiTimer application supports 2 widgets: ‘Active timers’ and ‘Multitimer’.

The ‘Active timers’ widget shows all active timers, counters and stopwatches of the application.

The ‘Multitimer’ widget shows timers and other tools of the currently selected board. This is an interactive widget that allows you to control timers and other tools in the same way as in the app.


How to add widgets to Notification Center.

On the ‘Add Widgets’ screen, scroll past your active widgets list to the ‘More Widgets’ listing.

The widget you added is automatically appended to the bottom of your active list.


How to add widgets - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207122

Lock Screen Widgets

The current version of the MultiTimer app supports the Lock Screen Widget. This widget is called "Timer activity" and it shows the icon and the progress of the closest to the end of the timer.

This type of widget, as well as the complications on the Apple Watch, are highly static, do not have animation and can only show a limited amount of information per unit of time.

How to add widgets - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207122

Autocompletion

The function to auto complete timers resets timers to their initial value after they are finished.

When the function enabled, the timer displays 'COMPLETED' and the timer automatically resets down to zero or the set time after 10 seconds.

When the function is disabled, the timer does not reset to the set value, continues to operate and displays 'COMPLETED' with the time elapsed after it has finished. 

The function is activated by a switch in the setting of each timer.


Important note:

The function cannot be activated or deactivated if the timer has the ‘Auto-repeat' function enabled on the ‘Time’ page.

Auto-repeat

The Countdown timer includes the possibility of repeating an unlimited number of times. The possibility is activated by the 'Auto-repeat' function.
The function can be found on the 'Time' page in the timer settings.


Important note:

IOS limits up to 64 scheduled notifications.

Therefore, the user needs to launch the application to continue receiving notifications.

Siri Shortcuts

The app supports Siri functionality.

You can see the 'SIRI SHORTCUTS' item by going into the timer settings.

The Siri Shortcuts page offers for a list of actions that you can set as a phrase to control the timer.


You can use Siri by saying like:

"Hey Siri, Start [timer label] using MultiTimer"

"Hey Siri, Pause [timer label] using MultiTimer"

"Hey Siri, Resume [timer label] using MultiTimer"

"Hey Siri, Stop [timer label] using MultiTimer"


Timers that support Siri: Countdown, Count-Up, Quick, Interval, Stepped.


Important note in relation to the Interval timer and Stepped timer


Adding timers (example):

1. Add a board with the name "Tasks" (or rename if you have the free version of the app).

2. Add onto the board the Stepped Timer.

3. Enter the timer settings:

- Label the timer as "Cycle" (please, do not confuse with the intervals labels).

- Add and configure the required number of intervals (intervals can be without labels).

- Tap "Done" to store all settings.


Activate Siri:

1. Hey Siri, start "Cycle" using Multitimer.

When you receive a notification of the completion of the current interval, you should say:

2. Hey Siri, resume "Cycle" using Multitimer.

Using Siri, you refer to a certain timer by its name.


Unfortunately, it is very difficult for Siri to access timer intervals - it just does not understand them.

Voice Alerts

There is no way on iOS to add mp3 or wav files as custom alert sounds.

But you are able to record your own sound using the Voice alert feature.

To do this, you should:
– Go to Timer Settings → Alarm and click on 'Play: Alarm'.

– Select 'Voice Alert' in the pop-up window and go to the page of the same name.

– Tap the microphone icon and record a ringtone up to 30 seconds long.

– Name the sound file and press the 'Done' button.

– Tap the recording line to listen to and mark as a timer alert sound.

– Press '< Back' to go back to the previous page.

– Press 'Done' on the main settings page to save your changes.

Notification Control Buttons

Depending on the timer type, notifications have action buttons: Reset, Start, Snooze.

Notification Snooze

The Snooze function allows you to set a repeat notification. The user will be notified again 9 minutes after the service has been activated.

TIMERS / COUNTERS / TOOLS

Countdown

Chronometer with a preset time - duration parameter, which facilitates counting down the remaining time to an event in the reverse direction. The countdown timer can be set to repeat automatically - the 'Autorepeat' function.

[example of use]

Quick

A chronometer without a preset time-duration parameter, which facilitates counting down the remaining time to an event in the reverse direction. The duration of the Quick timer type can be set by Time as well as by Date&Time.

[example of use]

CountUp

The timer without a preset time - duration parameter, which facilitates counting the time in the forward direction. The timer has the ability to set time reference points - checkpoints, at which the notification is made.

[example of use]

Pomodoro

A timer that functions according to the Pomodoro method - a time management technique that allows you to concentrate on specific tasks. The Pomodoro method consists of a few simple steps: start the timer for 25 minutes, get to work, and when the time runs out, go to rest for 5 minutes. And so several times in a row. One 25-minute sprint is called a pomodoro (tomato).

[example of use]

Interval

Universal type of timer whose total duration consists of pre-set time intervals. Thanks to the huge number of settings, the timer allows you to make programs with any number and duration of intervals.

[example of use]

Stepped

Modification of the interval timer type with the function of automatic pause between the set intervals.

[example of use]

Stopwatch

The electronic counterpart of the device, which is used to measure the time interval, as well as to record intermediate time intervals with an accuracy of fractions of a second (1/100 second); has a wider range of functions.

[example of use]

Lap

A modification of the stopwatch that has special functionality that allows lap or lap times to be measured in fractions of a second (1/100th of a second).

[example of use]

Counter

A tally Counter is a tool used to incrementally count something. One of the most common things tally counters are used for is counting people, animals, items, or things.

[example of use]

Clock

Customizable world clock with analog and digital views and world time zones.

Container

A special, visual tool that is designed primarily for organizing work with timers. The tool allows you to select in its settings any of the existing boards, so that all timers located on it will be used as templates on the container placement board. The container is capable of running one timer at a time. This does not affect the parent timer.

[example of use]

Buttons

A functional element that can consist of several buttons. Buttons can change their purpose depending on what actions are to be performed on the timer or group of timers and tools.

[example of use]

PRO UPDATE FEATURES

The MultiTimer Pro update includes everything in MultiTimer Free, plus the following features:

Multiple Timers

Users can add the number of timers to the board they are comfortable with. The Pro update removes the limit on the number of tools that can be placed on a single board. The free version is limited to 12 tools.

Adding new tools to the boards perform by dragging and dropping them onto the board from the 'Timers' set of the board edit panel.

Multiple Boards

Users have the ability to add an unlimited number of boards, distributing tools by subject and purpose. The free version is limited to 1 board.


New boards are added via the side navigation Menu.


To add/create a new board you should:

Changing Boards Order

To change the order of the boards in the list of boards, you should:

Flexible Layout

A feature that helps users organize and place timers and other tools on the board in the way that works best for them. In the basic version of the application, adaptive layout and fixed layout are available.

The Pro update includes a flexible layout. This layout gives the user the ability to resize tools, move them to any location on the board, and overlap them.

You can resize a tool with two finger gestures by spreading and pinching.

Moving timers and other tools on the board is done in the board edit mode - after clicking the gear button in the upper right corner.

Delete Board

Boards can be removed in two ways:

1. By clicking the 'Delete' button on the board editing panel. The board edit panel opens when you click the button that looks like a gear wheel in the upper right corner.

2. Through the side navigation menu.

To do this, click the 'Edit' button in the 'BOARD' header, and swipe the board name to the left to reveal the 'Copy' and 'Delete' buttons. Click the 'Delete' button and then the 'Done' button.


Important notes:

Delete via Menu is only available in the Pro version of the app.

After you click the 'Delete' button on the board editing panel, a warning message appears about deleting the board.

Deleting a board via the Menu does not display a warning message - deletion occurs immediately.

Syncing Data via iCloud

The 'iCloud Sync' feature gives you a way to sync the app data on different devices. All devices must be signed with the same Apple ID.


There are some important notes about iCloud syncing:


iPhone & Apple Watch

The function has no effect on the process of syncing of data between iPhone and Apple Watch. Synchronization of these devices is initially completely different, since the Apple Watch is configured with the iPhone via the Watch app.


Data Exchange

The ‘iCloud Sync’ feature allows you to share your board and timer settings. Implementing real-time synchronization via iCloud is not yet possible, because iCloud takes data and then gives it away according to rules set by Apple.


Alerts & Notifications

iCloud has a limit on the number of notifications that can be sent during app sync - no more than 5 notifications within 2-3 hours.

For this reason, after starting a timer, for example, in the iPad app, it is necessary to run the app on iPhone for synchronization to take place and the user to receive a notification in time, regardless of iCloud restrictions.

Timer History

The section of the application in which all the history of the timer is recorded. History contains information about the date and time when the timer started, how much time the timer was active, as well as the total amount of time for the current day. When the time is marked with a * sign - it means that the timer was reset before its completion.

Clicking on the entry takes the user to the 'Details' page, where a mini log of timer actions and the time of such actions are shown; also on this page you can leave a comment on the history entry.

Records on the main page can be removed, stowed, or exported.

To delete records, the user should click the 'Edit' button in the upper right corner. Then you need to mark a checkbox, which record you would like to delete. The buttons 'Delete' and 'Select all' records at once (to clear the entire timer history) are on the bottom history panel.

After deleting records, you need to tap the 'Done' button.

Next to the 'Edit' button is the icon for exporting the timer history.

By clicking this button, select the location where the history export file will be saved in CSV format - it can be opened with any text or table editor.

The history of deleted timers is stored in Menu > History > Others.

Commands

A function by which the user can create actions with multiple timers simultaneously (but not sequentially): start, pause, stop and other cations within the same board or on different boards without having to open those boards or search for timers.


There are two ways to create commands:


1. Side Navigation Menu.


2. Board editing toolbar


Important notes:

Commands can include timers from different boards.

Swipe left or right across the screen to switch between boards.

You can check the current command by tapping the 'Run' button on the toolbar.

Click the ‘Edit’ button next to the ‘COMMANDS’ heading and then swipe leftwards on the command name to open additional buttons to edit or delete commands. You can change the command name by tapping the command name box next to the 'Run' icon on the toolbar, after tapping the ‘Edit’ button.

The app has a built-in 'Terminate all timers' command that stops all running timers at once.


Warning:

We advise you to use the new ‘Buttons’ element to create commands. The current functionality will be removed in the future version of the application.

Changing Commands Order

To change the order of the commands in the list of commands, you should:

Command Buttons

A functional element that can consist of several buttons. Buttons can change their purpose depending on what actions are to be performed on the timer or group of timers and tools. The function of the buttons applies only to the tools of one board.

Timers and Boards Export

By using the 'Export' function, the user opens up the possibility to save boards with the tools on them, share the board and timer settings with another user, and share timers between iOS and Android versions of the app.


To export boards, you should:

An action window will appear with different sharing options. Choose the one you are more comfortable using: AirDrop, Email, or Messengers. When AirDrop and Email are shared, the boards and timers will be installed on the target device as is.


Important notes:

When you select the boards you want to save, you get one file.

This file is readable both by the iOS and Android app.

When you click on this file in emails or messages on the device where the app resides, you will receive a pop-up notification that asks you to "Import this file into the MultiTimer app." By agreeing to import the file, you will immediately get the boards and timers installed.

Buttons

A functional element that can consist of several buttons.
Buttons can change their purpose depending on what actions are to be performed on the timer or group of timers and tools.