Block distracting apps on Linux.

Install Focus for Linux from this page, with the .deb for Ubuntu, Debian and similar or the .tar.gz for other distributions, and sign in. Pick the programs you want blocked, like Discord, Slack, Steam or a game, then start a focus session. Until the timer ends, Focus minimizes a blocked program whenever it comes to the front and shows its block screen. On Wayland, native Wayland programs are closed instead.

Yes, with no extension, on GNOME, Ubuntu, Cinnamon and Budgie. During a session Focus blocks websites in Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge and Opera (Firefox with its default “Use system proxy settings”). Blocking a program also blocks its website: Discord blocks discord.com, and Steam blocks store.steampowered.com. A blocked site won't connect, and Focus sends a notification.

It works by pointing GNOME's proxy setting at Focus during the session and putting it back afterwards. KDE Plasma isn't supported for websites yet, but programs are still blocked there. If your computer already uses a proxy setup script, as some workplaces do, Focus leaves it alone and shows that websites aren't blocked, and why.

Yes, with one difference. On Wayland, the default on Ubuntu and Fedora, Focus sees programs that run through XWayland, like Discord, Slack, Steam and most Electron apps, so they're blocked the same way as on X11. Native Wayland programs can't be seen in front, so while they're blocked Focus closes them instead. Time limits count only the programs Focus can see. On an X11 session, everything works.

Not on an X11 session: when a blocked program comes to the front, Focus minimizes it and shows its block screen, so you don't lose unsaved work. From the block screen you can write the thought down, solve a 30-second brain puzzle, take a break, or go back to work. On Wayland, programs that run through XWayland are minimized the same way, and native Wayland programs are closed instead.

Focus for Linux runs on 64-bit PCs (x86-64, also called amd64). The .deb is for Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS and elementary OS, and installs Focus to /opt/focus with a menu entry. For other distributions, use the .tar.gz: extract it and run ./install.sh, which installs Focus for your user only, without root.

Yes. With “Pause before opening”, a program shows a pause screen before it opens: go back, open it for 5 minutes, or play one puzzle to open it. You can also cap how many times a day it opens or how long it's used, like 10 minutes a day.

For the whole computer, set one daily limit: Focus warns you at 30, 10 and 5 minutes left, then shows a time's-up screen. Unless the limit is Strict (Pro), you can take 10 more minutes after a 30-second wait. Time counts while a program is in front, and stretches of 5 minutes or more away from the keyboard and mouse don't count. On Wayland, only programs Focus can see are counted.

Not in a Strict session: it can't be ended early, and Focus can't be quit until the timer ends. A Standard session can end early after a short puzzle, which costs 50 XP and resets your streak.

Yes. Closing the window keeps Focus running, so blocking and schedules keep working. Its tray icon needs AppIndicator support: Ubuntu shows it, and on stock GNOME you need the “AppIndicator and KStatusNotifierItem Support” extension. Without a tray, open Focus again from the apps menu. Start at login is optional and stays off until you turn it on.

Yes, with no ads, and the same free limits as the Android app, such as 3 programs blocked at a time; Focus Pro removes them. Pro can't be bought on Linux, but if you have Pro from the Focus Android app, or a Pro pass bought with XP, it works on Linux when you sign in with the same account.

Yes. Sign in with your Focus account, and your streak and XP carry over between Focus for Android, Focus for Windows, Focus for Mac, Focus for Linux and Focus for Chrome. Time you spend focusing on two devices at the same time counts once.