# Countdown timer

The countdown timer gives you a short buffer before recording starts. Use it to switch tabs, close sensitive content, or set up the screen.

### Change the duration

<figure><img src="/files/clu0f9yVvosH9m0jWIRR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Pick between a **3-second** or **5-second** countdown.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open Screendesk

Click the Screendesk icon in your browser toolbar.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open settings

Click **Settings** (gear icon).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set the countdown

Find **Countdown Timer**. Pick **3 seconds** or **5 seconds**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Your choice saves automatically. It applies to future recordings.

### How it works

<figure><img src="/files/CSPXqy8YywhUXbntk0hx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Start recording

Start a recording as usual.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Countdown overlay appears

A full-screen countdown shows on your screen.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Get ready

Close tabs, sensitive windows, or position UI elements.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Recording begins

Recording starts automatically when the countdown hits zero.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Pause or cancel during the countdown

Need more time?

* Click anywhere to pause the countdown.
* Click again to resume.
* Press <kbd>Esc</kbd> to cancel.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.screendesk.io/bug-reports/settings/countdown-timer.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.