How to Use the Countdown Timer in LiveClass
The LiveClass countdown timer helps hosts manage breaks, quizzes, group activities, and timed exercises. Everyone in the main room sees the same countdown and hears a short chime when the timer reaches zero.
Who can use this guide: Hosts and co-hosts. Only hosts and co-hosts can start, adjust, restart, or stop the timer.
Start a Countdown Timer
Step 1: Open the Timer
Select the timer icon in the room's top bar. The tooltip displays 'Countdown timer'.
Step 2: Choose the Display Size
Under 'Size for everyone', select one of the following options:
Compact: Displays a small countdown in the top bar.
Normal: Displays a timer box in the top-right corner of the stage.
Large: Displays large digits across the top of the stage.
Step 3: Add a Label
Enter a 'Label' to indicate the purpose of the timer, such as Break, Quiz, or Group Activity.
Step 4: Set the Duration
Choose a preset duration to start the timer immediately:
1m
3m
5m
10m
15m
Alternatively, enter a custom duration between 1 and 240 minutes. If you entered a custom duration, select 'Start' to begin the countdown.
Change or Stop a Running Timer
Step 1: Adjust the Timer
Change the duration, display size, or label as needed, then select 'Restart' to restart the countdown with the updated settings.
Step 2: Stop the Timer
To stop the countdown before it reaches zero, open the timer settings and select 'Stop timer'.
Understand the Timer Display
Step 1: Choose a Display Size
Select the size that best suits your session. The selected display size applies to everyone in the main room.
| Size | What Participants See |
|---|---|
| Compact | A small countdown in the top bar |
| Normal | A timer box in the top-right corner of the stage |
| Large | Large digits across the top of the stage |
Step 2: Watch the Final Minute
The timer changes colour during its final minute to indicate that time is running out.
Step 3: Check the End Notification
When the countdown reaches zero, 'Time's up' appears in red for approximately one minute. Everyone hears a short two-note chime.
Step 4: Keep Participants in Sync
Everyone in the main room counts down to the same moment, regardless of their device. Participants who join while a timer is running will see it within approximately 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can presenters or attendees set the timer?
No. Only hosts and co-hosts can start, adjust, restart, or stop the countdown timer. Other participants can view it.
Does the countdown timer appear in breakout rooms?
No. The main-room countdown timer does not appear in breakout rooms. Breakout rooms have a separate timer.
Why didn't I hear the timer chime?
The chime plays once when the timer reaches zero for participants who saw the countdown running. Check your device's volume. Participants who join after the timer reaches zero will not hear the chime.
Is the countdown timer the same as the "Session ends in…" bar?
No. The Session ends in… bar appears during the final 15 minutes before a session reaches its time limit and allows hosts to extend the session. The countdown timer is separate and does not end the session.
Use the countdown timer to keep activities on schedule and help participants manage their time. Choose a suitable display size, add a label when useful, and remember that the timer reaching zero does not automatically stop any session activity.
