# Visual Task Timer — For speakers and teachers

> A visual countdown timer for public speakers, teachers, and students. (iPhone/iPad app by Erik Heitfield.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visual-task-timer/id1038824425 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Erik Heitfield](https://appshunter.io/developer/1012332918)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 857 App Store ratings · 29 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 30 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2015-09-18
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visual-task-timer/id1038824425/reviews.md

## What is Visual Task Timer?

Visual Task Timer - the countdown timer built for public speakers, teachers and students. Everything about Visual Task Timer is designed to make it easy to see at a glance exactly how much time is left so you can concentrate on finishing your task. No more trying to find a wall clock halfway through a final exam or glancing at your watch in the middle of a big presentation.

- Elegant, high-contrast display is easy to read from a distance.
- Set a low-time warning to remind you to start wrapping up.
- Option to disable your device’s lock screen so the time display remains easily visible throughout your task.
- Overtime clock display can tell you how much extra time you’ve used.
- Siri shortcuts allow you to set and manage your timer from Siri or the Shortcuts app.
- Works great on all sizes of iPhones and iPads.
- Dark and light color themes are easy on the eyes.
- Widgets let you quickly view your timer from your device's home screen.
- Fully updated for iOS 14.

Why does the world need another countdown timer app? I’m frequently required to give public speeches or make presentations. I'm also quite nearsighted, which makes it difficult for me to read wall clocks from a distance.  As a result, I’ve long sought a simple timer app that I could just set down on a nearby desk or podium to help keep my talks from running too long. No app I could find quite fit the bill. Some are beautiful but difficult to read. Many let my phone’s lock screen blank the display after a few minutes. And as far as I can tell, none provide an option for an audible low-time reminder. 

I designed Visual Task Timer to meet my own needs, but I’ve since found that it can serve many other useful functions. Teachers can use it help administer tests. Just prop an iPad up in front of the class, and your students will know exactly how much time remains before “pencils down.” Need to keep a panel of conference presenters on schedule? No need to assign an intern to keep time; let Visual Task Timer do the job. I hope you’ll enjoy using Visual Task Timer as much as I enjoyed creating it.

## Key features

- High-contrast, readable display
- Low-time warning alert
- Disable device lock screen
- Overtime clock display
- Siri shortcuts integration
- Home screen widgets

## What do users think of Visual Task Timer?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Helpful for keeping meetings on time
- 🔒 Useful for sensitive kids
- 👍 Elegant and clean design

**Cons**

- ⏱️ Limited time duration (max 23 minutes)
- 🔊 Lack of customizable sounds/vibrations
- 🔢 Clunky time entry interface

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when playing sounds
- Icon in 'recently used' bar doesn't open app
- Volume tied to ringer instead of system volume

**Most requested features**

- Option to display actual time of day
- Ability to set timers under 1 minute
- Multiple low-time warning options
- User-selectable sounds

## Recent user reviews (10 of 29)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visual-task-timer/id1038824425/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Limited

*2023-04-23*

This is exactly what I was looking for. Except there is a big problem. Can’t go more than 23 minutes

### 5/5 — It saved our meeting!

*2023-03-13*

I recently attended a scientific meeting in which many speakers were speaking too long, leaving too little time for questions despite the moderators standing up as a 5-minute warning. I found this timer before the final session, which I moderated. I didn’t know how many speakers would use it, but most did, leading several attendees to comment on the speakers’ improved performance. It was all thanks to you!

### 4/5 — Just needs one thing

*2023-01-04, version 2.5.0*

Love this app but wish there were an option to see the actual time of day in addition to the countdown.

### 5/5 — School

*2022-05-17, version 2.5.0*

Great for kids!

### 5/5 — This is a good time for us but I’m going to be able to be a

*2022-02-28, version 2.5.0*

Good time for a quick trip to the airport and to the beach Isaac a good boy and Ian the bad boy

### 5/5 — Susan

*2022-02-07, version 2.5.0*

GREAT! If you just want a simple timer this is it! I use it to remind me not to stay at the Easel for too long at a time.

### 5/5 — For timing zoom meetings

*2021-01-07, version 2.5.0*

I downloaded this app specifically for timing speakers in zoom meetings. In particular I wanted it took show the countdown and 'count-up' when the time heads expired. I only wish the seconds were displayed larger.

### 5/5 — Elegant and simple design good for meditation

*2021-01-03, version 2.5.0*

I use the app for meditation. I love the design and use of colors colors elegant and simple very easy to use. When meditating it can be set up so you can briefly open your eyes and all the information is there at once without having to think about it, scroll, touch the screen.

### 1/5 — Time limited

*2020-12-06, version 2.5.0*

Very disappointed with the amount of time for countdown.  The most was 23 minutes. Settings did not allow for adjustments. Not usable in the professional field for even practicing speech giving!
I definitely wouldn’t recommend.

### 5/5 — Love this timer! It’s so simple and easy ;)

*2020-07-15, version 2.4.0*

I run very large meetings, and use this app in order to keep the meetings on time. It’s awesome and I love the light sound warning too!

## Frequently asked questions about Visual Task Timer

### What is Visual Task Timer?

Visual Task Timer is a countdown timer application specifically designed for public speakers, teachers, and students. It focuses on providing a clear, easy-to-read display of remaining time to help users stay on schedule during presentations, exams, or other timed tasks.

### What are the key features of Visual Task Timer?

Key features include an elegant, high-contrast display for readability from a distance, a low-time warning to signal when to wrap up, an option to disable the device's lock screen, an overtime clock display, Siri shortcuts for easy control, and home screen widgets for quick access.

### Is Visual Task Timer free to use?

Yes, Visual Task Timer is a free application. The provided information indicates it does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a completely free user experience.

### What devices is Visual Task Timer compatible with?

Visual Task Timer works great on all sizes of iPhones and iPads. It is fully updated for iOS 14 and supports both dark and light color themes for user preference.

### How can teachers and speakers use this app?

Teachers can use it to administer tests, displaying the remaining time for students. Public speakers and presenters can use it to manage their talk duration, ensuring they stay within their allotted time without needing to constantly check a watch or wall clock.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 2.5.0 — 2020-09-25

Thank you to everyone who has supported development of Visual Task Timer by contributing to the tip jar, writing App Store reviews, and sending feedback. Version 2.5.0 is fully updated for iOS 14 including support for widgets!  Add a Visual Task Timer widget to see your countdown time from your home screen.

## Apps similar to Visual Task Timer

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [The Big Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-big-timer/id969746649) | 4.7 (6) | Free | Utilities |
| [Timer for Rehearsal: Fin](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-for-rehearsal-fin/id726213320) | 4.6 (132) | Free | Utilities |
| [--Stop Watch--](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stop-watch/id1462034805) | 4.5 (238) | Free | Utilities |
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| [Timy - timer, stopwatch, laps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timy-timer-stopwatch-laps/id928958368) | 3.6 (19) | Free | Utilities |
| [Countdown Timer - Clock Widget](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/countdown-timer-clock-widget/id1123159300) | 4.5 (1,393) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Erik Heitfield

- [Placemark+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/placemark-plus/id1012332919)
- [Our Congress](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/our-congress/id1299483227)
- [TeX Anywhere](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tex-anywhere/id1474534056)
- [Radix Clock](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/radix-clock/id1517031702)
- [Celestial Clock](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/celestial-clock/id1540483312)

All apps by Erik Heitfield: https://appshunter.io/developer/1012332918

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*