Knook is a native SwiftUI menu bar app that provides screen break reminders on macOS without requiring accounts, subscriptions, or cloud syncing. The app tracks break schedules locally and offers both short and long break intervals with context-aware pause behavior.
The scheduler supports heads-up reminder panels before break periods begin, followed by full-screen break overlay windows when it’s time to step away. Users can postpone breaks, skip them entirely, end breaks early, or manually pause and resume the reminder system. The app includes office hours configuration to limit reminders to working periods, idle reset functionality to adjust timing based on computer activity, and smart pause detection for full-screen focus modes.
Settings are stored locally in versioned JSON format within macOS Application Support directories. The app does not transmit data to external servers or require network connectivity to function. Launch-at-login support ensures the reminder system remains active across system restarts.
Knook is distributed as open-source software under the MIT License and can be installed via direct download from GitHub releases or through Homebrew. The project remains in active development with ongoing work on keyboard accessibility, timing algorithm refinements, and contributor workflow improvements.
Limitations include alpha-stage stability, pending notarization for streamlined distribution, and incomplete support for advanced smart pause providers such as meeting detection and video context awareness. Future roadmap items include AppleScript integration, Shortcuts support, and Focus Filters compatibility.
The app is suitable for users who need straightforward break reminders with full transparency into data handling and prefer local-first software without subscription models. It requires macOS 13 or newer and is particularly relevant for remote workers, developers, and individuals prioritizing screen time management with privacy guarantees.
