Context-aware break timing
The app waits for natural pauses instead of interrupting during meetings or media playback. It can detect calls, recordings, and video playback, then move the next break accordingly.
TouchGrass
TouchGrass is a macOS break reminder app that waits for meetings and media, counts away time as a break, and runs locally without Accessibility permission.
Overview
TouchGrass is a macOS break reminder app that adjusts around real activity instead of interrupting at arbitrary times. It pauses for meetings and media, counts time away as a break, and works without Accessibility permission.
The app is designed for people who want break reminders that fit around calls, playback, and focused work sessions. It runs locally on the Mac, supports offline use, and keeps the workflow simple: download, install, and enter a license key if you buy it.
Features
Away time counts as a break
If you step away for coffee or another short break, TouchGrass counts that time away so the next reminder adjusts automatically.
Wellness reminders beyond breaks
Beyond basic break prompts, it can trigger blink reminders, posture nudges, and typing strain alerts based on your activity and screen time.
Detailed customization controls
You can customize break screens, wallpapers, messages, timing, durations, working hours, and enforcement level from within the app.
Local-only operation
The app is designed to work without Accessibility permission and keeps processing on your Mac, with no analytics, tracking, cloud sync, or accounts.
Use cases
Work around meetings and playback
Use TouchGrass when you want scheduled breaks to avoid interrupting meetings, screen recordings, or media playback. The reminder waits for the next natural pause instead of forcing a break mid-session.
Support healthier work habits
Use it if you often forget to step away during long focus blocks. The app can nudge you with breaks, blink reminders, posture prompts, and typing-strain alerts based on your activity.
Keep reminders local and private
Use it in privacy-sensitive workflows where you do not want a reminder app to read the screen, request Accessibility access, or depend on cloud sync and account sign-ins.
Adjust after unplanned breaks
Use it when you want a break reminder that adapts after you step away on your own. If you already took a break for coffee or a short walk, the next reminder is adjusted automatically.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works without Accessibility permission.
- Counts meetings and media playback as break-aware contexts, so reminders can wait for a better moment.
- Keeps processing local and says it does not use analytics, tracking, cloud sync, or accounts.
- Includes customization for break screens, timing, working hours, and enforcement level.
- Offers a 7-day free trial, a one-time purchase, transferable license activation, and a 14-day refund policy.
Cons
- The site does not list a full compatibility matrix beyond macOS 14+ on the homepage.
- Pricing is simple but still somewhat narrow: the site presents one license for one Mac, so multi-device use is not bundled into a single license.
FAQ
Does TouchGrass require Accessibility access?
No. The site says TouchGrass works without Accessibility permission.
How does meeting detection work?
The site says meeting detection checks for active audio sessions locally, and it does not use microphone access.
What data leaves my Mac?
The site states that only license validation and update checks leave the Mac; other processing stays local.
Can I try TouchGrass before buying?
Yes. The buy page says the free trial includes every feature for 7 days and does not require payment.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS
- Version
- v1.0.2
- OS requirement
- macOS 14+
- License
- One-time purchase, one Mac
- Privacy model
- Local processing; no analytics, tracking, cloud sync, or accounts
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