Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about DeskWell, the macOS eye protection app that helps you maintain healthy digital habits.

What is DeskWell and how does it protect my eyes?

DeskWell is a macOS productivity app that protects your eyes using the scientifically-proven 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, it reminds you to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The app also provides 7 different blue light filters to reduce eye strain and includes smart break scheduling to prevent digital fatigue.

How does the 20-20-20 rule work in DeskWell?

DeskWell automatically tracks your screen time and reminds you to take breaks every 20 minutes. During these breaks, you'll see a beautiful screen that guides you to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple practice helps reduce eye strain, dry eyes, and digital fatigue caused by prolonged screen use.

Is DeskWell free to use?

Yes, DeskWell offers a free version with core features including the 20-20-20 rule breaks, basic blue light protection, and essential productivity features. We also offer a premium version with advanced features like detailed analytics, custom break schedules, and enhanced blue light filters.

Does DeskWell work during video calls and meetings?

Yes! DeskWell is smart enough to detect when you're in important meetings or video calls and will pause break reminders automatically. It uses intelligent detection to avoid interrupting your workflow during critical moments while still protecting your eyes during regular work sessions.

What blue light filters does DeskWell provide?

DeskWell includes 7 scientifically-designed blue light filters that adapt throughout the day. These filters reduce harmful blue light exposure, especially in the evening, to help maintain your natural sleep cycle and reduce eye strain. The filters are automatically applied based on your usage patterns and time of day.

How much system resources does DeskWell use?

DeskWell is designed to be extremely lightweight and uses less than 1% of your CPU. It runs quietly in your menu bar and doesn't slow down your Mac. All processing happens locally on your device, ensuring your data stays private and your system performance remains optimal.

Can I customize the break reminders and schedules?

Yes, DeskWell allows you to customize break intervals, break duration, and even the type of activities during breaks. You can set different schedules for workdays vs weekends, adjust sensitivity for meeting detection, and choose from various break screen designs to match your preferences.

Is my data private and secure with DeskWell?

Absolutely. DeskWell processes all data locally on your Mac and doesn't send any personal information to external servers. Your screen time data, break patterns, and usage statistics remain completely private on your device. We believe in privacy-first design for digital wellness tools.

How do I install DeskWell on my Mac?

Installing DeskWell is simple. Download the DMG file from our website, open it, and drag DeskWell to your Applications folder. The app will automatically start running and appear in your menu bar. No complex setup or permissions required - it works immediately after installation.

Does DeskWell work with multiple monitors?

Yes, DeskWell works seamlessly with multiple monitor setups. It detects all your connected displays and applies blue light filters consistently across all screens. Break reminders will appear on your primary display, and the app intelligently manages screen time across all your monitors.

Can I use DeskWell alongside other productivity apps?

DeskWell is designed to complement other productivity tools, not replace them. It works alongside apps like Focus, RescueTime, or any other productivity software. In fact, DeskWell can enhance your existing workflow by ensuring you take healthy breaks without losing focus on your tasks.

What if I need to temporarily disable DeskWell?

You can easily pause DeskWell for specific time periods through the menu bar icon. This is useful for important presentations, gaming sessions, or any time you need uninterrupted screen time. The app will automatically resume normal operation after your specified pause period.

Ready to Protect Your Eyes?

Join thousands of digital workers who are already using DeskWell to maintain healthy screen habits and boost productivity.