I’ve been using my Mac for hours at a stretch without realizing how much time has passed, only to notice my neck is stiff and my eyes are tired. Like most people working remotely, I get absorbed in tasks and completely forget to take breaks. I recently discovered Kopniak, a Ukrainian-developed break reminder that takes a refreshingly simple approach to this common problem.
The name itself is clever. In Ukrainian, “копняк” means “a kick,” which is exactly what this app delivers. Every interval you set, Kopniak gives you a gentle nudge to step away from your computer. What stands out is how customizable it is without being complicated. You can adjust both the break intervals and snooze durations to match your actual work patterns, rather than conforming to rigid preset schedules.
I appreciate that the countdown timer is optional in the menu bar. Some break reminder apps force you to constantly see the ticking clock, which can be distracting. With Kopniak, you can choose whether you want that visual reminder or prefer just the notification when it’s time for a break. The app also includes optional sound notifications, and I’ve found the audio cue helpful when I’m deep in work and might otherwise dismiss a silent notification.
One thoughtful feature is the automatic pause and reset when your Mac locks. If you step away and lock your computer, Kopniak recognizes this and adjusts accordingly. This prevents the app from pestering you with break reminders when you’re already taking a break, which was an annoying issue I had with previous break reminder tools.
The app is fully accessible with VoiceOver and Voice Control support, works in dark mode, and maintains proper contrast throughout the interface. At only 10.5 MB, it’s extremely lightweight. In my usage over the past few weeks, I haven’t noticed any performance impact on my Mac Mini M4.
Privacy is handled correctly. The developer, Serhii Dunets, doesn’t collect any data whatsoever. Everything stays local on your machine, and the app requires macOS 15 or later to run. It’s also open-source under the MIT license, which means the code is publicly available on GitHub for anyone who wants to review it or contribute.
The app is completely free on the Mac App Store, which is refreshing for a well-made utility. The developer accepts donations through Buy Me a Coffee if you want to support the project. For anyone looking for a straightforward break reminder without unnecessary complexity or privacy concerns, Kopniak delivers exactly what it promises.
