Floating Clocks

Floating clocks are one of iClock’s signature features, allowing you to place beautiful, customizable clocks anywhere on your screen. These always-visible timepieces can be styled to match your workflow and aesthetic preferences.

Creating Floating Clocks

Basic Setup

1. Open iClock preferences
2. Navigate to Floating Clocks section
3. Click “Add New Clock”
4. Choose your preferred clock style
5. Position the clock on your screen

Clock Types Available

• Analog clocks: Traditional round clock faces with hands
• Digital displays: Modern digital time readouts
• World clocks: Show time from different time zones
• Specialized clocks: Binary, hexadecimal, or other unique formats

Customization Options

Appearance Settings

Clock Face Design

• Face styles: Choose from dozens of pre-designed clock faces
• Colors: Customize background, hands, numbers, and text colors
• Transparency: Set opacity levels for subtle desktop integration
• Size: Scale clocks from tiny desktop widgets to large wall clocks

Font and Text Options

• Digital font selection: Choose from system fonts or custom typefaces
• Text size: Adjust readability for different screen distances
• Color schemes: Create custom color combinations
• Effects: Add shadows, glows, or other text effects

Positioning and Behavior

Screen Placement

• Free positioning: Place clocks anywhere on your desktop
• Snap to edges: Automatically align with screen edges
• Multiple monitors: Spread clocks across different displays
• Desktop integration: Float above or below desktop icons

Window Behavior

• Always on top: Keep clocks visible above all other windows
• Click-through: Allow clicking through clocks to reach underlying windows
• Auto-hide: Hide clocks when certain applications are active
• Sticky: Keep clocks in position during screen changes

Advanced Features

Time Zone Support

• Multiple zones: Display different time zones simultaneously
• Automatic updates: Sync with system time zone changes
• Custom labels: Add city names or custom descriptions
• Daylight saving: Automatic DST adjustments

Animation and Effects

• Smooth transitions: Animated hand movements for analog clocks
• Fade effects: Elegant appearing/disappearing animations
• Rotation: Gently rotating elements for visual interest
• Pulsing: Subtle breathing effects for digital displays

Managing Multiple Clocks

Organization

• Named configurations: Save and recall different clock setups
• Groups: Organize related clocks together
• Show/hide sets: Toggle entire groups of clocks
• Import/export: Share clock configurations with others

Workspace Integration

• Project-specific clocks: Different clocks for different workflows
• Meeting mode: Special configurations for presentations
• Focus mode: Minimal clocks for distraction-free work
• Gaming mode: Unobtrusive clocks for full-screen activities

Popular Clock Configurations

Professional Workspace

• Main clock: Large, elegant analog clock in corner
• World time: Small digital clocks for global team coordination
• Meeting reminder: Clock showing next appointment time
• Minimal style: Clean, professional appearance

Creative Studio

• Artistic faces: Beautiful, artistic clock designs
• Color coordination: Clocks matching current project themes
• Inspiration mode: Clocks that enhance creative thinking
• Gallery display: Multiple artistic timepieces as desktop art

Developer Setup

• UTC clock: Essential for server work and logging
• Local time: Primary work time reference
• Build timer: Track compilation and deployment times
• Binary clock: Geeky binary time display for fun

Troubleshooting Floating Clocks

Common Issues

• Clocks disappearing: Check visibility settings and window levels
• Performance impact: Adjust animation settings for better performance
• Position drift: Verify sticky positioning settings
• Display problems: Update graphics drivers and check resolution settings

Optimization Tips

• Memory usage: Limit number of active clocks for older systems
• CPU usage: Reduce animation frequency if needed
• Battery life: Use static clocks on laptops for longer battery life
• Compatibility: Test with your most-used applications

Customization Examples

Minimal Digital Clock

Style: Clean digital display
Position: Top-right corner
Font: SF Pro Display, 18pt
Color: White text, 20% black background
Format: HH:MM (24-hour)
Transparency: 80%

Classic Analog Timepiece

Style: Traditional Roman numerals
Position: Center-left of primary monitor
Size: 200px diameter
Colors: Gold hands, black numbers, white face
Effects: Subtle drop shadow
Behavior: Always on top, click-through enabled

World Time Dashboard

Setup: 4 small digital clocks
Zones: New York, London, Tokyo, Sydney
Layout: Grid arrangement in top-left corner
Style: Compact, labeled displays
Updates: Every second
Colors: Zone-specific color coding

Floating clocks transform your desktop into a functional and beautiful workspace. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for your needs and aesthetic preferences.