Workrave icon
Workrave icon

Workrave

Open-source tool to prevent RSIs by promoting customizable micro-breaks, providing exercise reminders, tracking computer use, and supporting typing improvement across Windows and Linux, with community-driven development for user health and workspace ergonomics.

Animated GIF showing some of Workrave's exercises

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  • Windows
  • Linux
  • PortableApps.com
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Comments and Reviews

   
Top Positive Comment
spqe
0

I tried about 10 apps, and this classic app suits me the best:

  1. There are both long and short breaks.
  2. You can remove the icon from the tray, so there’s no temptation to close the app.
  3. The counter does not reset when the screen is locked.
Dheerendra
0

It is Open-source and highly configurable. You can blacken out the whole screen and also block keyboard and mouse inputs. I recently discovered 'Reading mode' feature in it which does not consider natural breaks.

Review from a new or low-activity account — shown here, but not counted in the app rating.
carlottaV
0

Pros: The app offers many options and variables to customize your breaks. If you know you will keep "pausing" your breaks - to your own bad health - you can tell it to put a limit on the number of times you can put off taking a break. The app shows pictures of stretches you can do for stretch breaks - which helps a lot for all the keyboarding and mousing we do. I can tell a difference even with a few stretches a day. Plus: the sheep icon is super cute. The developers have resumed updating the app

Cons: Caveat: These might have changed; I'm not running the most recent version. The look and feel doesn't look modern and sleek for a more business-like impression if I'm screen-sharing or a colleague walks by. The graphics look a little cheesy. The sheep icon is cute but risks giving a frivolous impression. OTOH it makes me smile, which reduces stress!

Review from a new or low-activity account — shown here, but not counted in the app rating.
Alex A
0

I use this app all the time, it is simple, yet useful. But it seems abandoned (last update was in 2014), so I give it only 4 stars...

carlottaV
Replying to @Alex A

In case anyone is concerned: The app has been updated several times since MSXfan posted. As of today, WorkRave was last updated in March 2021, and the developers have created a new website.

TimPl
0

Any plans to port this app on Qt framework?

JustCode
Replying to @TimPl

You can check my Workrave alternative - Resto (see http://just-code.org/applications/resto/). It's not as complex as Workave itself, but it's written entirely in Qt.

PeterSavin
0

I have been using EyeLeo, but it's almost stopped working. Went out to find a replacement. And Workrave is working just fine. Someone below said it was memory hungry. I didn't notice. Only eats 20MB of RAM. It's nothing these days. Don't make me laugh. The design is fine and I like it for now. Will be checking out others to see if there is still something better. Save your eyes. Be no fool.

[Edited by PeterSavin, September 15]

dwalkercouk
-3

Workrave is too memory hungry for such a simple app.

Its also way too complicated. All you need is something which pops up every 20 mins to remind you to take a break.

Dont waste your time with this - try Eyedefender which is 20 times smaller and is simple to use.

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Install from the command line

  • winget install -e --id Workrave.Workrave

Be careful what you paste into a terminal. Check what a command installs before running it.

What is Workrave?

Workrave is a helpful, open-source application that assists users in preventing and recovering from Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) caused by computer usage. The software encourages healthy habits by suggesting regular breaks and micro-pauses, helping to maintain a proper work-life balance and reduce the risk of long-term injuries.

Workrave offers customizable break schedules, allowing you to set up intervals that fit your needs. During breaks, the application provides a variety of exercises and stretches to alleviate strain and promote blood circulation. Additionally, Workrave includes a practical typing tutor to help users improve their typing technique and further reduce the risk of RSIs.

The software features an intuitive user interface, making it easy to set up and monitor your break schedule. Workrave is available for Windows and Linux platforms, ensuring broad compatibility for users across different systems. By incorporating Workrave into your daily routine, you can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment, ultimately leading to increased productivity and overall well-being.

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AlternativeTo Categories

Office & Productivity, Sport & Health, OS & Utilities

GitHub repository

  •  1,832 Stars
  •  232 Forks
  •  219 Open Issues
  •   Updated  
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Our users have written 7 comments and reviews about Workrave, and it has gotten 206 likes

Workrave was added to AlternativeTo by ondrapelech on and this page was last updated .