OneTabFocusAdd to Chrome
Deep work

Deep work mode for Chrome.

Lock the browser to one tab for as long as you need. No blocklist. Just the work, the timer, and a focus wall.

The requirement

What deep work needs from a browser.

Cal Newport defined deep work as professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit (source). The operational requirement is uninterrupted 60–120 minute blocks.
  • One thing on screen. Not a list.
  • Interruption cost is 10–20 minutes per switch.
  • Browsers are bad at this by default.
The mechanism

Anchor to the work tab.

OneTabFocus tucks every other tab into one hidden group. Nothing gets closed. Your audio keeps playing, and your half-typed text and scroll position stay put.
  • Name your session — “Draft Q3 strategy memo.”
  • Focus wall replaces every new-tab attempt.
  • Restored exactly when the timer ends — colours, titles, order.
Session lengths

Pick a block. Earn the next one.

  • 60 min

    Single block. Good for a bounded task — one PR review, one section of a memo.

  • 90 min

    Aligns with ultradian rhythm (Kleitman, 1980s). Two of these in a morning is a strong day.

  • 2–4 hr

    Long-form writing, research, hard debugs. One block, undisturbed.

For ADHD + time-blockers

Low entry friction. High exit friction.

OneTabFocus inverts the default browser dynamic. Three clicks to start. A five-second hold to leave.

Related reading: How to Stop Procrastinating — Science-Backed Guide · How Many Hours of Deep Work Per Day Is Realistic? · How to Build a Daily Focus Streak That Sticks · What Is Deep Work? The Beginner's Guide · How to Stay Focused at Work — A System That Holds

Deep work mode

The browser, made for one thing.

Free to install. Pro unlocks unlimited focus time, Pomodoro, and the heatmap.

  • 7-day Pro trial on install
  • No card required
  • Works on day one