Free. No account needed. Built for ADHD brains.

Your brain drifts.
UpOrbit brings it back.

See time. Start tasks. Celebrate every comeback. A free tool designed around how your brain actually works — not how productivity culture says it should.

See time Start tasks Stay in orbit
Try UpOrbit Free →
No account. No downloads. Works in your browser.
📱 Mobile app coming soon NOTIFY ME
Time AwarenessTask InitiationSmooth TransitionsEnergy MatchingComebacksMeaning

How It Works

Your brain needs six things. We built all of them.

UpOrbit is external scaffolding for executive function.

Core
01
⏱

Time Awareness

Your internal clock works differently. UpOrbit makes time visible so hours stop vanishing.

→ Visual Now / Next / Later timeline
Read the science →
Core
02
🚀

Task Initiation

Knowing what to do and starting are different brain functions. Pick your #1 Must-Do and UpOrbit makes starting it effortless.

→ #1 Must-Do + 5-min starts
Read the science →
Core
03
🔀

Smooth Transitions

The gap between activities is where plans break. UpOrbit builds bridges between every task.

→ Ramp-up and wind-down support
Read the science →
04
🔋

Energy Matching

Your output peaks and dips. UpOrbit surfaces the right tasks for your current energy.

→ Energy-aware scheduling
Read the science →
05
🔄

Comeback Engine

Missed a day? A week? UpOrbit celebrates your return and picks up right where you left off.

→ Recovery-first design
Read the science →
06
💡

Meaning Reconnection

You planned it for a reason. UpOrbit reminds you why it matters, not just that it exists.

→ Meaning-based nudges
Read the science →
⏱

Time Awareness: Making the Invisible Visible

Your brain processes duration differently. UpOrbit gives you an external clock you can feel.

🧠 The Science

Time perception depends on the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. In ADHD, dopamine signaling between these regions is inconsistent, making time estimation unreliable. Research shows 25-40% underestimation of intervals.

Barkley, R.A. (2012). Executive Functions

🛠 How UpOrbit Helps

The Now/Next/Later timeline keeps your day visible. Visual countdowns show time shrinking. Nudges start before events, not when you are already late. The clock comes to you.

📚 Read: Time Blindness Guide
🚀

Task Initiation: From Stuck to Moving in 5 Minutes

The barrier is never the task. It is the start.

🧠 The Science

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex controls task initiation. In ADHD, it shows reduced activation for ambiguous tasks, triggering avoidance. Research shows specifying when and where to act increases follow-through 2-3x.

Diamond, A. (2013). Annual Review of Psychology

🛠 How UpOrbit Helps

Each morning, pick your #1 Must-Do with a "why" attached. Brain Dump captures scattered thoughts. Task breakdown splits vague items into first steps. The 5-minute start timer reframes the ask: just 5 minutes. Momentum takes over.

📚 Read: Task Initiation Guide
🔀

Smooth Transitions: Bridging the Gaps

Most tools assume seamless task-switching. UpOrbit builds actual bridges.

🧠 The Science

Transitions require deactivating one brain network and activating another. In ADHD, this switch is less clean, creating attentional inertia. You get stuck in the current mode.

Sonuga-Barke & Castellanos (2007)

🛠 How UpOrbit Helps

Every context switch includes wind-down, buffer, and ramp-up on your timeline. "Support time" prevents collisions. Transitions become supported moments, not invisible gaps.

📚 Read: Executive Function Guide
🔋

Energy Matching: Right Task, Right Time

You are not lazy at 3pm. Executive function peaks and dips. UpOrbit works with that.

🧠 The Science

Executive function fluctuates based on sleep, stress, medication, and circadian rhythm. In ADHD, these swings are more extreme. Scheduling hard tasks in low-energy windows sets up failure.

🛠 How UpOrbit Helps

Tag your energy. UpOrbit shows matching tasks: low energy = low-friction, high energy = focus work. Fewer choices, faster starts. Your best hours stay protected.

📚 Read: Time Management Guide
🔄

Comeback Engine: Every Return Is a Win

Life interrupts. UpOrbit holds the door open and cheers when you walk back in.

🧠 The Science

Negative pressure activates threat responses and releases cortisol, directly impairing prefrontal function. Self-efficacy research shows believing you can restart matters more than never stopping.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy

🛠 How UpOrbit Helps

No overdue counts. Missed tasks roll forward. After any break: "Welcome back. Pick one thing." The orbit planet grows from total engagement, not streaks. Recovery badges celebrate returns.

📚 Read: Breaking the Guilt Cycle
💡

Meaning Reconnection: Remember Why It Matters

You do not forget the task. You forget why it felt important.

🧠 The Science

Prospective memory depends on the prefrontal cortex maintaining a goal during other activities. In ADHD, the salience network loses the signal when attention shifts. The intention exists but the felt importance does not.

Kliegel et al. (2008)

🛠 How UpOrbit Helps

Attach a "why" to any task. Before it is due, the nudge surfaces that reason: "Call Dad at 5pm. You said: 'He always loves hearing from me.'" Context, meaning, choice.

📚 Read: ADHD & Procrastination

Why UpOrbit

Honest comparison with every major alternative.

We studied them all so you do not have to.

Toggl Track
$9-20/user/mo
  • + Time logging
  • + 100+ integrations
  • - No ADHD awareness
  • - Built for billing teams
Sunsama
$16-20/mo, no free tier
  • + Beautiful daily planner
  • + Calendar sync
  • ~ ADHD-adjacent
  • - $240/yr, trial only
Tiimo
Free + $6/mo Pro
  • + Visual circle timeline
  • + Neurodivergent focus
  • ~ Routines only
  • - No task breakdown
TickTick
Free + $3/mo
  • + Tasks + Pomodoro
  • + Calendar + habits
  • - Not ADHD-specific
  • - No transition support
Fabulous
$40-80/yr
  • + Research-backed habits
  • ~ Guided journeys
  • - Patronizing UX
  • - Habits only, not tasks
UpOrbit You are here
Free
  • + Built on ADHD neuroscience
  • + #1 Must-Do with meaning anchor
  • + Now / Next / Later timeline
  • + Transition engine with ramp-up/down
  • + Meaning-based nudges
  • + Energy-aware scheduling
  • + Brain dump + task breakdown
  • + Comeback celebrations
  • + No overdue counts. Ever.

FAQ

Common questions.

Is UpOrbit a medical app?

▾

No. UpOrbit is an organizational support tool. Our design is informed by ADHD research from Dr. Russell Barkley, Dr. Thomas Brown, and published studies — but we don't diagnose or treat any condition. If you think you may have ADHD, talk to a qualified clinician.

Is it actually free?

▾

Yes. The web app is completely free — no hidden paywalls, no premium tier, no credit card. We may offer a paid mobile app in the future, but the web app stays free.

Where is my data stored?

▾

By default, data is stored locally in your browser. Create a free account to sync your data across devices — your tasks, routines, XP, and progress are saved securely in the cloud and available wherever you log in.

What makes UpOrbit different?

▾

Most productivity apps are adapted for ADHD as an afterthought. UpOrbit is built from the ground up around six research-backed challenges: time awareness, task initiation, transitions, energy matching, comeback support, and meaning reconnection. See our full comparison.

What research is it based on?

▾

Key sources include Barkley (2012) on executive functions, Faraone et al. (2021) in Lancet Psychiatry, and Diamond (2013) in Annual Review of Psychology. See our executive function guide for details.

Can I use it alongside medication?

▾

Absolutely. Research shows combined approaches (medication + behavioral strategies) produce better outcomes than either alone. UpOrbit is a behavioral tool that complements any treatment plan. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What happens when I miss a day?

▾

Nothing negative. Tasks roll forward. The app celebrates your return with comeback badges. No guilt, no broken streaks. The orbit grows from total engagement, not consecutive days.

I just got diagnosed. Where do I start?

▾

Start with our ADHD in adults guide, then try the app: pick one Must-Do, set the 5-minute timer. For clinical resources: CHADD.org and ADDitude Magazine are trusted starting points.

Take UpOrbit everywhere. 📱

The web app is live and free. The native iOS and Android app is coming soon.

✨

You're on the list!

We'll email you when the app launches.

One email. App launch day only. Use our tool free →
1-6 pages
Space timer
N new task
D brain dump
F focus mode
? toggle this bar
📍 Today
📋 Tasks
🔄 Routines
💭 Dump
🏆 Progress
⚙️ Settings
🍪 UpOrbit Web App

Welcome to UpOrbit 🌱

A free tool built for the way your brain actually works. Everything saves automatically — no account needed.

1

Pick one thing

Not everything. Just the one thing that matters most today.

2

Build as you go

Add tasks, routines, and time blocks whenever they come to mind.

3

No guilt. Ever.

Missed a day? A week? A month? Your data is here. We celebrate the comeback.

Good afternoon. 👋

Tuesday, Feb 11

👋 This is sample data to show you around. When you're ready:
0 days in orbit
0 XP · Level 1
Active Comeback Rest
⭐ #1 Must-Do Today
Project writeup, section 2
"Deadline is Friday. This is the piece that unlocks everything else."

⚡ Quick Actions

Keyboard: Ctrl+1 Today · Ctrl+4 Dump

🧠 Why This Works

All Tasks

Organized by time horizon. Click a tab to focus.

📍 Today 0
⚡ Short-term 0
📅 Medium-term 0
🌟 Larger Goals 0
🔄 Habits 0
⏳ Waiting On 0
+
Add task
All
🟢 Active
✅ Done

Routines

The repeating things that give your day shape. Even one helps.

+
Create a new routine
🟢 🟡 🔴
🔔
Set a reminder
Get a push notification when it's time
+
Plan a time block
0%
📋 Today's Tasks0 of 0 done

🔄 Today's Routines

💡 Daily Nudge

🔔 Upcoming

📋 All Tasks

View all tasks →

Brain Dump

Get everything out of your head. We'll help sort it.

📁 Folders

💼 Work 0
🚀 Side Hustle 0
🏠 Personal 0
🩺 Health 0
💰 Money 0
💭 Random 0
📋 All 0

🔬 All captured items

Your Progress 🏆

Every small step counts. Here's the proof.

0
Days in orbit
0
Total XP
0
Tasks completed
0
Comebacks
0%
Return rate

🌱 Orbit Level

🌏Level 1
0 / 300 XPNext: First Steps

📅 This Week

MTWTFSS

Green = tasks done · Orange = comeback · Dark = rest · Hover for details

🏅 Achievements

🚀
First Orbit
Complete your first day
⭐
Comeback Kid
Return after a gap
🔥
Week Warrior
7-day engagement
🌊
Flow Finder
Complete 5 tasks in one day
💭
Brain Dumper
Use Brain Dump 10 times
🌙
Night Owl
Complete evening routine 14x
💫
Gravity Master
Reach Level 4
🌟
Month Master
30-day engagement
👑
Orbit Legend
100 tasks + 3 comebacks
🌌
Solar System
Earn all achievements

🎯 Milestones

📋
Complete 100 tasks
47 of 100
47%
🔄
Build 5 routines
3 of 5
60%
🔥
14-day streak
7 of 14
50%
💡
Brain dump 50 ideas
23 of 50
46%

Preferences

Make UpOrbit work for your brain, not the other way around.

🎨 Appearance

Accent Color
Customize your highlight color
Compact Mode
Tighter spacing for smaller screens
Floating Particles
Ambient background animation

🔔 Nudges & Notifications

Transition Alerts
Wind-down nudges before context switches
Browser Notifications
Allow UpOrbit to send system notifications
Meaning Nudges
Show your "why" in task reminders
Nudge Lead Time
How far ahead nudges appear
Sound Effects
Gentle audio cues for completions

📅 Time & Energy

Default Energy Level
Start each day at this level
Day Start Time
When your day begins
Wind-Down Start
When evening wind-down begins
Auto-Forward Tasks
Move incomplete tasks to tomorrow

🏆 Gamification

Show Orbit Planet
Animated planet visualization
Achievement Notifications
Celebrate when you earn badges
Show XP & Levels
Display progress toward next level
Streak Visibility
Show streak bar on Today page

🔒 Data

Account
Not signed in — data is only saved in this browser
Display Mode
Adjust screen brightness
Export My Data
Download all tasks, routines, and progress (0 KB)
Reset Progress
Clear all gamification data (tasks kept)
Clear All Data
Remove everything and start completely fresh