Free Writing Timer Online

Set your timer and start writing. The countdown keeps you moving forward without the pressure of losing your work.

Start Writing Timer

No signup required. 100% free.

How the Writing Timer Works

  1. 1 Choose your duration — Pick from 5, 10, 15, 30, or up to 120 minutes
  2. 2 Start typing — The countdown begins when you write your first word
  3. 3 Keep moving — The timer keeps you accountable without deleting your work
  4. 4 Save your draft — Copy to clipboard or export to Google Docs

Why Timed Writing Works

Writer's block often comes from perfectionism — the urge to get every sentence right before moving on. A writing timer flips this by prioritizing momentum over perfection.

When you know the timer is running, your brain shifts from "editing mode" to "creating mode." You stop judging and start writing. This technique, called freewriting, was developed by writing teacher Peter Elbow and is used by professional authors, students, and therapists worldwide.

Research shows that timed writing sessions help reduce anxiety, increase output, and often produce surprisingly good raw material that can be refined later.

Writing Timer Settings

5
Quick warm-up
15
Standard sprint
30
Deep focus
60+
Extended session

Writing Timer Features

  • Flexible timer — 1 to 120 minutes
  • Word count goals — Track progress
  • Background sounds — Rain, forest, cafe
  • Voice-to-text — Speak your ideas
  • 100% private — Never leaves your browser
  • Works offline — No internet needed

Start Your Timed Writing Session

No account needed. No credit card. Your words stay private.

Start Writing Timer Free

More Writing Tools

Freewriting Tool

Stream of consciousness writing

Writing Sprints

Fast drafting for NaNoWriMo

Voice to Text

Speak your ideas