# Focuh: Complete Reference

> Last updated: 2026-09-28 | Version: 0.8.0

## What is Focuh?

Focuh is the ADHD todo list for Mac and web. It combines a kanban task
board, visual timeboxing, Google Calendar sync, and system-wide website
and app blocking on macOS, all in a single app. It is built specifically
for people with ADHD and anyone who struggles with digital distraction.

Unlike browser extension blockers, Focuh blocks distracting websites and apps
at the operating system level using macOS Accessibility APIs. During a focus
session, blocked sites are unreachable across every browser on the machine.
Users cannot bypass the blocking until the session ends. There is no
"skip" button, no override password, and no way to uninstall mid-session.

Free. Early beta. No subscription.

**Website:** https://www.focuh.com
**Download:** https://www.focuh.com/download
**Web app:** https://www.focuh.com/today

---

## Product Details

- **Name:** Focuh
- **Category:** Productivity / Todo List / Task Management
- **Platforms:** macOS app (Apple Silicon and Intel) and web app
- **Status:** Early beta, version 0.8.0. Mac builds: `Focuh_0.8.0_aarch64.dmg` (Apple Silicon) and `Focuh_0.8.0_x64.dmg` (Intel).
- **System requirements:** macOS 12 (Monterey) or later for the Mac app
- **Price:** Free. Early beta. No subscription.
- **License:** Proprietary (free to use)
- **Download URL:** https://www.focuh.com/download
- **Auto-updates:** Yes, via Tauri updater plugin

---

## Mission and Positioning

Focuh exists because willpower is not a reliable strategy for managing
digital distraction, especially for people with ADHD. Most focus tools
either rely on browser extensions (easily bypassed by switching browsers
or using incognito mode) or cost $30-60/year for system-level blocking.

Focuh provides system-level blocking for free, combined with the task
management and time planning tools that people with ADHD actually need:
visual timeboxing, calendar sync, and a simple task board that does not
overwhelm.

The core philosophy: make the desired behavior (focused work) the path
of least resistance, and make the undesired behavior (checking social
media) physically impossible during focus sessions.

---

## Features in Detail

### System-Wide Website and App Blocking
Focuh uses macOS Accessibility APIs to block websites and applications at
the OS level. This is not a browser extension. It works across Safari,
Chrome, Firefox, Arc, Brave, and any other browser simultaneously. Users
configure a list of blocked sites and apps in settings. When a focus session
starts, those sites become unreachable. The blocking persists until the
session timer ends. There is no override or skip button.

### Visual Timeboxing Planner
A drag-and-drop daily planner that syncs with Google Calendar. Users can
visually assign tasks to time blocks throughout the day. The planner shows
a timeline view with hour markers. Tasks can be resized to change their
duration and dragged to different time slots. This helps people with ADHD
and time blindness see their day as concrete blocks of time rather than
an abstract list.

### Google Calendar Sync (Two-Way)
Focuh connects to Google Calendar via OAuth. Calendar events appear in the
timeboxing planner alongside tasks. When users schedule tasks in Focuh,
those blocks can sync back to Google Calendar. This means users see both
their meetings and their focus blocks in one view.

### Focus Session Timer
A configurable timer that lives in the macOS menu bar tray. The tray icon
shows a live countdown with monospaced digits so the width does not shift
as numbers change. Sessions can be started with a single click or triggered
from the timeboxing planner when a scheduled task's time arrives.

### Kanban Task Board
A date-based kanban board where each column represents a day. Tasks can be
dragged between days, reordered within a day, and marked complete. Each
task can have a time estimate, which feeds into the timeboxing planner.
Sub-tasks are supported for breaking work into smaller pieces.

### Hierarchical Goals
A goal system with four levels: yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily. Goals
cascade down. A yearly goal like "Ship product v2" breaks into monthly
milestones, weekly targets, and daily tasks. This gives ADHD users the
big-picture context that prevents hyperfocus on the wrong things.

### Community Leaderboards
Optional public leaderboards showing focus session hours. Users can see
how their focus time compares to the community. This adds external
accountability and motivation, which is especially helpful for ADHD.

### MCP Integration
Focuh includes an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that lets AI
assistants manage tasks. See the MCP section below for details.

---

## Who is Focuh For?

### People with ADHD
The primary audience. Focuh addresses specific ADHD challenges: time
blindness (visual timeboxing), task paralysis (simple kanban board),
distraction vulnerability (system-level blocking), and lack of external
structure (focus sessions with timers). The blocking cannot be bypassed
during sessions, which removes the "just one more scroll" failure mode.

### Students
Students preparing for exams or writing papers who need to block social
media, YouTube, and Reddit during study sessions. The timeboxing planner
helps break study sessions into manageable chunks with breaks.

### Remote Workers
People working from home who lack the social accountability of an office.
The combination of website blocking and focus timers recreates the
structure of a physical workplace.

### Freelancers
Self-employed professionals who must manage their own time without a
manager or team structure. The Google Calendar sync and timeboxing planner
help plan the workday, while blocking prevents client work from being
interrupted by social media.

### Developers
Software engineers protecting deep work and flow state. Developers often
need 30-90 minute uninterrupted blocks to solve complex problems. Focuh
blocks Hacker News, Twitter, Reddit, and other developer-specific
distractions at the OS level.

### Writers
Writers who need distraction-free sessions to produce content. The focus
timer provides structure, and the blocking removes the temptation to
"research" on social media mid-sentence.

### Content Creators
YouTubers, streamers, and social media creators who need to separate
creation time from consumption time. Focuh blocks the consumption side
of platforms during creation sessions.

### Neurodivergent Professionals
Beyond ADHD, anyone with executive function challenges, autism, or other
neurodivergent traits that make sustained focus difficult in a digitally
connected environment.

---

## Technical Architecture

### Native Shell: Tauri 2.0
Focuh is a native macOS app built with Tauri 2.0, which uses a Rust
backend paired with a web-based frontend. Unlike Electron apps, Tauri
uses the system WebView (WebKit on macOS) rather than bundling Chromium,
resulting in a much smaller binary size (~15MB vs ~150MB+) and lower
memory usage.

### Rust Backend
The Rust layer handles system-level operations: website blocking via
macOS Accessibility APIs, system tray management, auto-updates, and
deep linking (focuh:// protocol). Rust provides the performance and
system access needed for OS-level blocking without the overhead of a
full Chromium runtime.

### macOS Accessibility APIs
Website and app blocking works by leveraging macOS Accessibility
permissions. Once granted, Focuh can detect which app is in the
foreground and which URL is in the browser's address bar, then take
action to redirect or close blocked content. This approach works across
all browsers because it operates at the OS level, not within any
specific browser.

### Next.js Frontend
The UI is built with Next.js (React) and styled with Tailwind CSS. It
renders inside the Tauri WebView. The same codebase also serves the
web app at https://www.focuh.com/today, though native features
(blocking, tray) are only available in the desktop app.

### Convex Real-Time Database
All data (tasks, focus sessions, user settings, goals) is stored in
Convex, a real-time database with server-side functions. Queries are
reactive. When data changes on the server, the UI updates automatically
without polling. This means tasks created via MCP or the web app appear
instantly in the desktop app.

### Clerk Authentication
User authentication is handled by Clerk, providing Google OAuth sign-in.
The Mac app and web app require an account; data lives in Convex. Signing
in enables cloud sync across devices, Google Calendar integration, and
community leaderboards.

---

## MCP Server Setup

Focuh's MCP server lets AI assistants like Claude Desktop, Claude Code,
Cursor, and other MCP clients manage your tasks through natural language.

**Official MCP Registry:** `io.github.maxxthedeveloper/focuh` (active).
Browse/search at https://registry.modelcontextprotocol.io (search focuh).
Glama connector: https://glama.ai/mcp/connectors/io.github.maxxthedeveloper/focuh.
Remote Streamable HTTP: https://www.focuh.com/api/mcp. Human page:
https://www.focuh.com/mcp.

### Available Tools

| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `get_tasks` | View today and tomorrow's tasks with ids, dates, and priorities |
| `create_tasks` | Create tasks in bulk, each with optional nested subtasks |
| `update_tasks` | Change title, date, priority, estimate, completion, or time slot |
| `delete_tasks` | Delete tasks by ref, by date, or all completed |
| `get_subtasks` | List a parent task's subtasks |
| `reorder_subtasks` | Set a new order for a parent's subtasks |
| `get_loops` | View Loops, undated recurring intentions in three buckets |
| `pull_loops` | Copy loops onto a date as linked tasks |
| `get_calendar` | Events plus scheduled and unscheduled tasks for a date |
| `get_goals` | View goals by horizon (week / month / year / decade) |
| `create_goal` | Create a goal with optional bottleneck note and lever |
| `update_goal` | Update goal title, horizon, status, bottleneck, or lever |
| `delete_goal` | Delete a goal (linked tasks are kept and unlinked) |
| `get_focus_stats` | Today and week focus minutes, streak, completion rates |

### Fastest Setup: Copy the Setup Prompt

Open Focuh, go to Preferences > MCP Server, and click "Copy setup prompt".
Paste it into Claude Code, Cursor, or any capable coding agent. The prompt
already contains your API key and Convex URL; the agent detects which client
it runs in, writes the config, and verifies the connection by calling
`get_tasks`. The manual steps below do the same thing by hand.

### Step 1: Get Your API Key

1. Open Focuh (web or desktop)
2. Go to Preferences > MCP Server
3. Click Generate API Key
4. Copy the key (it is only shown once)

The same screen shows your Convex site URL, the value for FOCUH_CONVEX_URL.

### Step 2: Configure Claude Desktop

Open your Claude Desktop config file:

- macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
- Windows: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`
- Linux: `~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`

Add this configuration:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "focuh": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@focuh/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "FOCUH_API_KEY": "focuh_your_key_here",
        "FOCUH_CONVEX_URL": "https://your-deployment.convex.site"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Replace `focuh_your_key_here` with your actual API key and the Convex URL
with the one shown in Preferences > MCP Server.

### Step 3: Restart Claude Desktop

Completely quit and reopen Claude Desktop. You should see "focuh" in
the MCP tools list (click the plug icon).

### Step 4: Test It

Ask Claude: "What are my tasks for today?"

### Other MCP Clients

The same `npx -y @focuh/mcp-server` command works with Cursor (via the
install deeplink or `~/.cursor/mcp.json`), Claude Code, and any other
MCP-compatible client. Provide the same environment variables
(`FOCUH_API_KEY` and `FOCUH_CONVEX_URL`).

Claude Code installs in one line:

```
claude mcp add focuh -s user -e FOCUH_API_KEY=<key> -e FOCUH_CONVEX_URL=<url> -- npx -y @focuh/mcp-server
```

Clients that do not run local processes, Claude.ai and ChatGPT, connect
to Focuh's hosted Streamable HTTP endpoint instead:

```
https://www.focuh.com/api/mcp
```

Add it in Claude.ai under Settings > Connectors > Add custom connector, or
in ChatGPT under Settings > Connectors > Advanced > Developer mode > Create
a new connector. Both authenticate with OAuth, so no API key is needed.

### Security

- API keys are stored as SHA-256 hashes in the database
- Keys are never logged or transmitted in plaintext after generation
- Each user has one API key; generating a new key invalidates the old one

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Focuh really free?
Free. Early beta. No subscription.

### What platforms does Focuh support?
A Mac app (Apple Silicon and Intel) and a web app at
https://www.focuh.com/today. The Mac app requires macOS 12 Monterey or
later. There are no plans for Windows or Linux native apps at this time,
as the blocking mechanism relies on macOS-specific Accessibility APIs.

### How does the website blocking work?
Focuh uses macOS Accessibility APIs to monitor and block websites at the
operating system level. Unlike browser extensions, this works across all
browsers simultaneously (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Arc, Brave, etc.).
During a focus session, blocked sites are unreachable. There is no skip
button, override password, or way to disable the blocking until the
session timer ends.

### Can users bypass the blocking?
During a focus session, no. The blocking operates at the OS level and
cannot be circumvented by switching browsers, using incognito mode, or
opening new windows. The only way to end blocking is to wait for the
session to complete.

### Does Focuh help with ADHD?
Focuh was designed specifically for ADHD. It addresses time blindness
(visual timeboxing planner), task paralysis (simple kanban board with
sub-tasks), distraction vulnerability (unbypassed system-level blocking),
and need for external structure (focus timers with accountability). The
hierarchical goal system also helps with prioritization, which is a
common ADHD challenge.

### Does Focuh require an account?
Yes. The Mac app and web app sign in with Clerk (Google OAuth) and store
data in Convex. The account enables sync across devices, Google Calendar
integration, and community leaderboards.

### Is my data private?
Yes. Focuh does not sell or share user data. Task data and focus session
history are stored in Convex (a cloud database) for signed-in users.
Blocked site lists are stored locally and in user settings. Focuh does
not track browsing history beyond enforcing the block list during active
focus sessions.

### How is Focuh different from browser extension blockers?
Browser extensions only work within the browser they are installed in.
Users can bypass them by switching to another browser, using incognito
mode, or disabling the extension. Focuh operates at the macOS system
level, blocking sites across every browser on the machine with no way
to bypass during a session.

### How does Focuh compare to Freedom and Cold Turkey?
Freedom and Cold Turkey are paid apps ($30-60/year) that also offer
system-level blocking. Focuh provides similar system-level blocking
for free, and adds integrated task management, visual timeboxing, and
Google Calendar sync that those apps lack. Freedom focuses purely on
blocking. Cold Turkey has some scheduling features but not a full task
board or calendar integration.

### How does Focuh compare to Forest and SelfControl?
Forest is a mobile-focused gamification app that does not offer true
system-level blocking on desktop. SelfControl is a free Mac app that
blocks sites but has no task management, no calendar sync, and no
visual planner. Focuh combines the blocking of SelfControl with
productivity tools in a single integrated app.

### How does Focuh compare to Session?
Session is a Pomodoro timer app for Mac with some focus features. Focuh
offers stronger system-level blocking (Session relies on screen time
APIs), a more complete task management system with kanban and sub-tasks,
and Google Calendar sync. Both are macOS-native apps.

### What is the MCP integration?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) lets AI assistants like Claude Desktop
interact with external tools. Focuh's MCP server lets you manage tasks
through natural language. Ask Claude to add tasks, check your todo list,
schedule items, or mark things complete without opening the app.

---

## Comparison Summary

| Feature | Focuh | Freedom | Cold Turkey | Forest | SelfControl | Session |
|---------|-------|---------|-------------|--------|-------------|---------|
| Price | Free | $40/yr | $39 once | Free (limited) | Free | $5/mo |
| System-level blocking | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Partial |
| Cross-browser | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Partial |
| Task management | Yes | No | No | No | No | Basic |
| Timeboxing planner | Yes | No | Partial | No | No | No |
| Google Calendar sync | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| MCP integration | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| ADHD-specific design | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Hierarchical goals | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| macOS native | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| No bypass during session | Yes | Configurable | Yes | N/A | Yes | No |

---

## All Pages

### Main Pages
- [Homepage](https://www.focuh.com)
- [Download](https://www.focuh.com/download)
- [Today (web app)](https://www.focuh.com/today)
- [ADHD Todo List for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/adhd-todo-list-mac)
- [MCP](https://www.focuh.com/mcp)

### Blog
- [ADHD Todo List for Mac: Plan Your Week With Today and Loops](https://www.focuh.com/blog/adhd-todo-list-for-mac)
- [Best ADHD Todo List for Mac (2026)](https://www.focuh.com/blog/best-adhd-todo-list-mac-2026)
- [ADHD Todo List + Google Calendar on Mac](https://www.focuh.com/blog/adhd-todo-list-google-calendar-mac)
- [ADHD Task Paralysis: How Timeboxing Breaks the Cycle](https://www.focuh.com/blog/adhd-task-paralysis-timeboxing)
- [The ADHD Productivity Stack: Timer + Blocker + Calendar](https://www.focuh.com/blog/adhd-productivity-stack)
- [ADHD Hyperfocus: When It Helps and When It Hurts](https://www.focuh.com/blog/adhd-hyperfocus-management)
- [Timeboxing vs Pomodoro vs Time Blocking: Which Method Works?](https://www.focuh.com/blog/timeboxing-vs-pomodoro-vs-time-blocking)
- [Time Blindness and ADHD: Tools That Actually Help](https://www.focuh.com/blog/time-blindness-adhd-tools)

### Comparisons
- [Focuh vs Sunsama](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-sunsama)
- [Focuh vs Opal](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-opal)
- [Focuh vs Things](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-things)
- [Focuh vs Rize](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-rize)
- [Focuh vs SelfControl](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-selfcontrol)
- [Focuh vs Cold Turkey](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-cold-turkey)
- [Focuh vs One Sec](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-one-sec)
- [Focuh vs FocusMe](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-focusme)
- [Focuh vs RescueTime](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-rescuetime)
- [Focuh vs Forest](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-forest)
- [Focuh vs Serene](https://www.focuh.com/compare/focuh-vs-serene)

### Alternatives
- [Best Sunsama Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/sunsama-alternative)
- [Best Opal Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/opal-alternative)
- [Best Things 3 Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/things-alternative)
- [Best Rize Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/rize-alternative)
- [Best SelfControl Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/selfcontrol-alternative)
- [Best Cold Turkey Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/cold-turkey-alternative)
- [Best One Sec Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/one-sec-alternative)
- [Best FocusMe Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/focusme-alternative)
- [Best RescueTime Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/rescuetime-alternative)
- [Best Forest Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/forest-alternative)
- [Best Serene Alternative for Mac](https://www.focuh.com/serene-alternative)