How it works
Common questions about the RoutineLab Timer
FAQ
Tap on the question for the answer
What is the difference between a routine and a template?
A routine is an activity you use and play. A template is a reusable blueprint that you can use as a starting point when creating new routines. Templates do not change when you edit a routine created from them.
Check question ‘How can I create and edit a template?’ to see how to create and edit templates.
How do I create a new routine?
Open the Routine Manager and tap Add Routine. You can choose:
- an existing template as a base, or
- an empty routine.
How do I edit multiple items at once?
Use Select mode:
- Tap Select or long-press an item to enable selection.
- Select one or more items.
- Apply actions such as Copy, Paste, Rename, Duration, Repeat, or Delete.
This is useful for bulk changes such as adjusting durations or renaming steps.
How do I create repeating steps or intervals?
There are two options:
- Repeat: repeats item(s) multiple times in sequence.
-
Cycle:
used for structured intervals.
- Create sub-items inside a cycle.
- Set the number of repetitions using Set cycle repeat on the main cycle item.
Use Repeat for simple repetition and Cycle for interval-based routines.
What is the difference between Repeat and Cycle?
- Repeat duplicates the same item(s) back-to-back.
- Cycle repeats multiple sub-items together as a group.
Use Repeat for simple repetition and Cycle for interval-based routines such as work/rest blocks.
How do I add actions like sound, vibration, or spoken text?
You can add actions to an item in two ways:
- Tap the 3 dots on the item and select Action , or
- Tap the + button next to the item at the bottom of the screen.
Then select the action type:
- Speak : spoken text.
- Vibrate : vibration, optionally with flash screen.
- Beep : sound signal, optionally with flash screen.
- Display text : text shown on screen during playback.
When exactly is an action triggered during a step?
You can define when an action is executed within the item’s duration using the time slider. Tap the time value to enter an exact moment manually.
How does time input work in routines?
Time is entered as a number plus a unit:
- h = hours
- m = minutes
- s = seconds
Examples:
- 30m
- 1h30m
- 300s or 5m
Confirm the input using the checkmark.
Can I use different voices for different routines?
Yes. By default, the app uses the voice selected in Settings . You can select a different voice per routine in the Voice tab. A routine-specific voice overrides the default.
How can I organize and find routines more easily?
Use Metadata to organize routines:
- Assign a Category and Tags to routines.
- Add a Description, Author, and Language.
You can then filter routines in the Routine Manager using the categories and tags.
What should I do if the sound or vibration does not work during a routine?
Check the following:
- Sound or haptic feedback is enabled in Settings.
- The item contains a sound or vibration action.
- Your device is not in silent mode or 'do not disturb'.
- Vibrationis is enabled at system level in your device settings.
If the issue persists, try restarting the app or your device, as system-level restrictions can sometimes block sound or vibration during playback.
How can I create and edit a template?
To create a template, first set up a new routine and save it. Then open the Routine Manager and use the 3 dots menu to save the routine as a template. You can use this template later via Add Routine > From Template .
You can edit your own templates at any time by opening the 3 dots menu in the top-right corner of the Routine Manager and selecting Templates .
Editing a template works the same way as editing a routine.
How can I import routines?
You can import routines by opening a routine file from your device or from a shared source such as email or a messaging app. The routine is automatically added to your Routine Manager, where you can use and edit it like any other routine.
How can I export, save, or share a routine?
In the Routine Manager :
- Open the 3 dots menu next to a routine.
- Select Export.
From the Timer screen:
- Open the [3 …] menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Export.
You can save the routine to your device or share it using standard sharing options such as email, messaging apps, or social media platforms. Only the selected routine is exported.