Using Animated Timer Themes

Introduced in CadenceAI v1.9, animated timer themes replace the plain countdown with a living visual that fills, grows, or evolves as your session runs. They make it easier to keep your eyes on the timer instead of your notifications. Here's what's available and how to switch.

Free vs. Pro themes

Every CadenceAI user gets two animated timer themes for free:

• Classic ring — the clean progress ring, ideal if you want a focused, minimal look.
• Plant — a plant that fills in as your session progresses, echoing the app's growth-tree theme.

Cadence Pro unlocks six more animated themes:

• Hourglass — sand falls as time counts down.
• Candle — a candle that burns down through the session.
• Water — a vessel that fills or drains with your progress.
• Rocket — a launch that builds toward the end of your interval.
• Mountain — a scenic climb that advances as you focus.
• Pixel pet — an evolving companion that grows over time as you complete more sessions.

How to switch your timer theme

1. Go to the timer screen, or open Settings and look for the timer theme option.
2. Open the theme picker to see all available themes.
3. Tap the theme you want. Free themes (Classic ring, Plant) apply immediately; Pro themes apply once you're subscribed.
4. Start your next session — the timer now displays your chosen animation.

You can change themes as often as you like, so it's worth trying a few. Many people keep the calm Plant or Classic ring for deep work and save the Rocket or Pixel pet for lighter tasks or study streaks.

Where to find them and tips

The theme picker lives with the timer, so your selection is only ever a couple of taps away. A few tips to get the most from animated themes:

• Match the mood to the method. A slower Candle or Water suits long Deep or Ultradian sessions; the Classic ring keeps quick Pomodoros distraction-free.
• Grow the Pixel pet. Because it evolves as you complete sessions, keeping it on gives you a small reason to finish.
• Both light and dark look great. CadenceAI supports light and dark themes, and the animations are designed for both.
• Pair with Fitness mode. Themes also frame your interval workouts, so your active breaks stay visual too — see using fitness interval workouts.

Animated timer themes are a small touch, but they turn a countdown into something you actually want to watch — which is the whole point of keeping your attention on the session and off your phone.