Everything you wanted to know about catching creatures by focusing.
What is FocusDex?
FocusDex is a macOS focus app with Pokémon-style mechanics. You start a focus session, creatures spawn quietly in the background based on what you're doing, and when your timer ends a Safari Mode screen opens so you can catch them. Your Pokédex becomes a living diary of your year of work.
Is it really free?
Yes. FocusDex is
MIT licensed and free forever. No subscription, no paywall, no "premium tier." If you love it and want to chip in, the
tip jar and
GitHub Sponsors are open — but never required.
Why does macOS say it can't be opened?
Apple charges
$99/year for a Developer ID certificate that signs apps so Gatekeeper trusts them. FocusDex is a free indie project, so we skip that fee and pass the savings on to… literally nobody, because it's already free. The app is open source — you can read every line of code on
GitHub.
How do I get past the "can't be opened" warning?
Easy fix — takes about 10 seconds:
1. Try to open FocusDex once (macOS will block it).
2. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down to the message about FocusDex being blocked.
4. Click "Open Anyway".
5. Confirm in the next dialog.
That's it — you only ever have to do this once.
Will my data be uploaded anywhere?
No. FocusDex is fully local. Your focus sessions, your Pokédex, your catches, your streaks — all of it lives on your Mac. There's no account, no telemetry, no analytics calling home. The only network traffic is optional weather (for storm-types) and update checks via Sparkle.
How does the catch game work?
Every 5 minutes of focus earns you a Pokéball. Creatures spawn quietly during your session based on time of day, the app you're using, the weather, and your streak. When the timer ends, Safari Mode opens — a full-screen catch scene where you tap to throw balls at the creatures that spawned. You can also pop into Safari Mode anytime to use balls you've banked.
Do I have to focus to play?
No! You start with a stash of balls, and you can play Safari Mode whenever you want. Focusing is just how you replenish your balls and unlock rarer tiers. If you're having a low-energy day, catch some creatures with what you've got — no guilt, no lectures.
What's the Notchyverse?
The Notchyverse is Ben's connected universe of macOS apps that live in (or around) your MacBook notch — like NotchPop, WallPop, Boulder, SkyJournal, and Campfire. They share design DNA, a tiny mascot named Notchy, and a belief that your menubar should be a window into something delightful.
How do I trade creatures?
Trading is coming in v1.1. The plan is share codes you can paste to friends, plus regional-exclusive trades. v1.0 ships solo so the core loop is rock solid before we layer on multiplayer.
What if I miss a streak?
Your streak resets to 1. No shame, no scary red number, no "you've disappointed Notchy" popup. Streaks are a fun bonus that unlock guaranteed shinies at week+ runs, but FocusDex isn't a habit-shaming app. Tomorrow is a new day.
Is there a Windows or Linux version?
macOS only, sorry. FocusDex is built natively in Swift + SwiftUI and leans heavily on macOS-specific features (the notch, Apple Health, location, weather, Calendar). A cross-platform version would be a totally different app — and not a better one.
How do I report a bug?
Open an issue on
GitHub Issues. Include your macOS version, what you were doing when the bug happened, and a screenshot if you can. Bonus points for a "steps to reproduce." Ben reads every one.
Can I sponsor or tip?
Yes, and thank you 💜 — every tip lets Ben spend more time on indie projects like this one.
One-time: Cash App — $Dryeetsolutions
Recurring: GitHub Sponsors
Who made this?
FocusDex is made by
Ben Burnette — aka
@bendawg2010. Indie macOS dev, builder of the Notchyverse, and a person who really, really wanted his focus timer to feel like a Pokémon game.