Stretchly
Stretchly is an open-source break reminder for Windows, macOS and Linux with short and long breaks, multi-display overlays, strict mode, natural breaks, do-not-disturb detection and application exclusions.
What Stretchly provides
Stretchly schedules micro and long breaks, shows reminders across supported displays and can pause or adapt reminders when the system is idle or in do-not-disturb mode. It is a configurable behavior prompt, not a medical device or a guarantee that every full-screen application will be blocked.
Test interruption and permission boundaries
Multi-display overlays, desktop protocols and idle detection vary by operating system. Start with short intervals, test every display and keep application exclusions narrow. Strict mode should be enabled only after the pause and exit path is understood for meetings, remote support and accessibility needs.
Maintenance note
This page reviews Stretchly for break scheduling, display coverage, DND behavior and backup-friendly configuration. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave Stretchly to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save Stretchly to this cloud drive
Stretchly break and strict mode guide
Install Stretchly, test short and long breaks on each display, then add natural breaks, DND detection, exclusions and strict mode only after normal reminders behave as expected.
Before you start
- Confirm the Windows, macOS or Linux package and desktop protocol requirements.
- Decide break intervals, reminder lead time, postpone and skip rules around meetings.
- Multi-display and Wayland users should test overlay and idle-detection permissions with a non-critical profile.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the matching build
Install Stretchly for the platform, launch it and verify the tray process, language and version before setting long intervals.
- 02
Configure short and long breaks
Use a short test cycle to check durations, notifications, postpone and skip behavior, then restore the intended work schedule.
- 03
Test displays, DND and exclusions
Check every display, enable natural-break and DND tests and add only necessary exclusions for presentations or full-screen work.
Quick start
- 01
Complete one full cycle
Verify countdown, sound, suggestions, postpone and end shortcuts and confirm that no display retains a stale overlay.
- 02
Enable strict mode last
After normal mode is stable, test stricter limits with a short cycle and preserve a known pause or exit route for support scenarios.
- 03
Back up advanced settings
Exit Stretchly before editing JSON settings, keep a valid backup and restore defaults rather than stacking unknown values after an error.
Usage tips
- Default intervals are starting values and should be adapted to the user's workflow rather than treated as health guidance.
- Linux idle detection and desktop overlays may require permissions; grant only what the reminder needs.
- Do not run several reminder tools with overlapping schedules unless their interactions have been tested.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why does a break overlay miss one display?
Check the all-display and content-screen settings, desktop protocol and full-screen application behavior, then test again with the latest matching build.
Why does natural-break detection not pause reminders?
Check idle permissions, desktop session and input events, then compare a short manual test before changing global input or sandbox permissions.
- Export the schedule and configurationSave break intervals, exclusions and notification preferences and confirm the current cycle has ended before removal.
- Exit the tray process and uninstallQuit Stretchly completely, uninstall it through the platform and remove configuration only after deciding which settings must be retained.
Frequently asked questions
Does Stretchly provide medical advice?
No. It schedules reminders and optional exercises but is not a medical device or a substitute for professional assessment.
Can strict mode be interrupted?
Strict mode is intended to limit postponing or skipping. Test it with a short interval and understand the exit path before enabling it during a meeting or presentation.
Does DND detection read work content?
It is used to adapt reminders to idle or system do-not-disturb state, but the required permissions and data behavior depend on the operating system and should be reviewed.
Does the download require an extraction code?
The Quark entry does not require one; the four-character code for the Baidu entry is shown beside its download entry.