Preferences Guide

iClock’s preferences panel is the central control center for all app features and customization options. This comprehensive guide covers every preference panel and setting.

Accessing Preferences

To open iClock preferences:

1. Click the iClock time menu in your menu bar
2. Select “Preferences…” at the bottom of the menu
3. Or use the keyboard shortcut Command+, when the menu is open

The preferences window is organized into several tabs, each focusing on different aspects of iClock’s functionality.

iClock Tab

iClock:About

• Version Information: Current version number and build details
• License Information: Registration status and license details
• Credits: Development team and acknowledgments
• Check for Updates: Manual update checking
• Support Links: Quick access to help and support resources

iClock:Register

• License Key Entry: Enter your purchased license key
• Registration Status: View current registration status
• Purchase Links: Direct links to purchase or upgrade
• Trial Information: Trial period details (if applicable)
• Transfer License: Instructions for moving license to new Mac

iClock:General

• Start at Login: Automatically launch iClock when you log in
• Check for Updates: Automatically check for new versions
• Update Frequency: How often to check for updates
• Beta Updates: Participate in beta testing (advanced users)
• Error Reporting: Anonymous crash reporting to improve the app
• Performance Options: Memory and CPU usage optimization
• Language Settings: Interface language selection
• Accessibility: High contrast and large text options

Time Tab

Time:Menu

• Time Format: Choose how time appears in the menu bar
  • 12-hour vs 24-hour format
  • Show/hide seconds
  • AM/PM indicator options
  • Custom format strings
• Display Options:
  • Font selection and size
  • Color customization
  • Text shadow effects
  • Transparency settings
• Click Behavior: What happens when you click the time
• Tooltip Options: Hover information display

Time:Menu Items

Configure what appears in the time menu dropdown:

• World Clocks: Show multiple time zones
• System Information: IP addresses, network status
• Quick Actions: Common functions and shortcuts
• Recent Locations: Recently viewed time zones
• Weather Information: Current weather display
• Sunrise/Sunset: Local sun times
• Custom Items: Add your own menu items

Time:Floating Clocks

Create and manage desktop clocks:

• Clock Management: Add, remove, and configure clocks
• Position Settings: Screen placement and anchoring
• Appearance Options:
  • Size and scale
  • Font and color schemes
  • Transparency levels
  • Border and shadow effects
• Behavior Settings:
  • Always on top
  • Click-through mode
  • Auto-hide options
  • Multiple monitor support

Time:Chimes

Audio time announcements:

• Chime Schedule: Hourly, quarter-hour, or custom intervals
• Sound Selection: Choose from built-in or custom sounds
• Volume Control: Independent volume settings
• Quiet Hours: Automatic silence periods
• Voice Announcements: Spoken time announcements
• Custom Scripts: Run actions when chimes play

Time:Take 5

Break reminder system:

• Break Intervals: How often to remind you to take breaks
• Break Duration: Suggested break length
• Activity Suggestions: Types of break activities
• Smart Detection: Pause when you’re away from computer
• Notification Style: How break reminders appear
• Productivity Tracking: Monitor break patterns
• Health Integration: Sync with fitness apps

Time:Alarms

Alarm and notification system:

• Alarm Management: Create, edit, and delete alarms
• Recurring Alarms: Daily, weekly, custom schedules
• Notification Options:
  • Sound selection
  • Visual alerts
  • Screen flashing
  • Notification center integration
• Snooze Settings: Snooze intervals and limits
• Advanced Options:
  • Fade-in volume
  • Progressive alerts
  • Custom actions
  • Email notifications

Time:Countdown Timer

Timer functionality:

• Timer Presets: Save commonly used timer durations
• Multiple Timers: Run several timers simultaneously
• Notification Settings: How timer completion is announced
• Auto-Reset Options: Automatically restart timers
• Pomodoro Support: Work/break cycle timers
• Integration: Connect with task management apps

Time:Global Scheduler

Advanced automation system:

• Schedule Management: Create complex scheduling rules
• Action Types:
  • Run applications
  • Execute scripts
  • System commands
  • File operations
• Conditions: Time-based and system-based triggers
• Logging: Track scheduled actions
• Error Handling: What to do when actions fail

Time:Stopwatch

Timing and measurement:

• Precision Settings: Millisecond accuracy options
• Lap Time Recording: Track multiple intervals
• Export Options: Save timing data
• Multiple Instances: Run multiple stopwatches
• Hotkey Support: Keyboard shortcuts for timing

Time:Set Timezone

Time zone management:

• Primary Timezone: Your local time zone setting
• World Clocks: Add cities and regions
• Contact Integration: Import time zones from contacts
• Custom Locations: Add unlisted cities
• DST Handling: Daylight saving time preferences
• Search Function: Find cities quickly

Time:Light/Dark Mode

Appearance adaptation:

• Mode Selection: Light, dark, or automatic
• System Integration: Follow macOS appearance
• Custom Themes: Create your own color schemes
• Time-based Switching: Automatic mode changes
• Per-Element Control: Different themes for different elements

Date Tab

Date:Menu

Date display configuration:

• Date Format: How dates appear in the menu bar
• Calendar System: Gregorian, lunar, or other calendars
• Locale Settings: Regional date formatting
• Display Options: Font, color, and positioning
• Click Behavior: What happens when you click the date

Date:Menu Calendar

Calendar integration:

• Calendar Sources: Apple Calendar, Google, Exchange
• Event Display: How events appear in menus
• Calendar Selection: Which calendars to show
• Color Coding: Event color schemes
• Notification Integration: Calendar alert handling
• Sync Settings: How often to update calendar data

Date:Date Difference Calculator

Calculation tools:

• Default Calculations: Common date calculations
• Business Days: Exclude weekends and holidays
• Holiday Lists: Regional holiday calendars
• Age Calculations: Precise age determination
• Historical Dates: Calculate with old dates
• Export Results: Save calculation results

Applications Tab

Applications:Menu

Application monitoring:

• Running Apps: Display currently running applications
• Recent Apps: Show recently used applications
• App Categories: Group applications by type
• Memory Usage: Show application memory consumption
• CPU Usage: Display processor usage by app
• Quit Options: Easy application termination

Applications:Laptop Alarm

Security features:

• Motion Detection: Alert when laptop is moved
• Power Monitoring: Detect power adapter changes
• Sleep Detection: Monitor unauthorized wake events
• Action Options:
  • Take screenshots
  • Send email alerts
  • Run security scripts
  • Lock screen
• Sensitivity Settings: Adjust detection thresholds
• Stealth Mode: Hidden operation

Advanced Settings

Backup & Restore

• Export Settings: Save all preferences to file
• Import Settings: Restore from backup file
• Sync Across Macs: Share settings between computers
• Reset Options: Return to factory defaults
• Selective Restore: Import only specific settings

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Global Hotkeys: System-wide keyboard shortcuts
• Menu Navigation: Quick access to functions
• Custom Combinations: Create your own shortcuts
• Conflict Detection: Avoid shortcut conflicts
• Reset Shortcuts: Return to default keys

Performance Tuning

• Memory Management: Optimize RAM usage
• CPU Throttling: Reduce processor usage
• Animation Settings: Enable/disable animations
• Refresh Rates: Update frequency settings
• Background Processing: Control background tasks

Troubleshooting

• Debug Logging: Enable detailed logging
• Crash Reports: Automatic crash reporting
• Connection Testing: Network connectivity tests
• Permission Checking: Verify system permissions
• Repair Options: Fix common issues

Tips for Optimizing Preferences

Performance Optimization

1. Disable Unused Features: Turn off features you don’t use
2. Reduce Animation: Disable animations on slower Macs
3. Limit Floating Clocks: Use only necessary desktop clocks
4. Optimize Refresh Rates: Balance accuracy with performance

Customization Best Practices

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic settings, add complexity gradually
2. Test Changes: Verify new settings work as expected
3. Backup Settings: Export preferences before major changes
4. Document Customizations: Keep notes about custom configurations

Security Considerations

1. Laptop Alarm: Enable on portable Macs for security
2. Screen Lock: Configure automatic screen locking
3. Email Alerts: Set up email notifications for security events
4. Stealth Mode: Use hidden mode for sensitive environments

Getting Help with Preferences

If you need assistance with any preference setting:

1. Contextual Help: Many preference panels have built-in help
2. Tooltips: Hover over settings for quick explanations
3. Documentation: Refer to specific feature guides
4. Support: Contact Plum Amazing support for complex issues
5. Community: Join user forums for tips and tricks

Related Guides

For detailed information about specific features:

• Time Menu Configuration - Detailed time menu setup
• Floating Clocks - Desktop clock configuration
• Alarms & Timers - Notification setup
• Calendar Integration - Calendar configuration
• Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions