A Background for Work and Study
Music with lyrics gets in the way of reading and writing, and complete silence makes every small noise stand out. That is why so many people work to a steady background sound. A campfire is a good choice: the sound is continuous, with irregular pops that keep it from becoming monotonous. This guide covers the settings that work best for it.
Where to put the screen
With two monitors, the best option is fullscreen on the second one. Each time you look over there is a fire to rest your eyes on.
With one monitor, you do not need to see it at all. Open a tab, turn the sound on and work in another window. While the tab is hidden the fire is not drawn, so it puts no load on your computer. The sound keeps playing.
With a spare tablet or phone, stand it at the edge of the desk. The screen stays awake for as long as the sound is on.
Suggested settings for work
- Flame size 60–80 — a large fire moves a lot and pulls your eyes. Bring it down for a calmer picture.
- Fire crackle 40–50 — clearly quieter than for listening. It should be barely noticeable unless you pay attention.
- Wind 15–25 — a little wind underneath softens the pops.
- Crickets and rain — to taste, and sparingly. If you like rain, lower the crackle further and let the rain lead.
- Brightness 50–70 — a bright second screen keeps drawing your attention.
Timing work sessions
Choose Custom in the sleep timer and enter 25 or 50 to measure one work session. When the time is up the sound fades out, and noticing the quiet is your cue to stand up and take a break. When you come back, press Light it again and set the timer for the next session. See Using the sleep timer for the details.
Keyboard shortcuts
A few shortcuts save you from hunting for the tab with the mouse. They work while the tab with the fire is in front.
- M — sound on / off. Quick to reach when the phone rings or someone speaks to you.
- F — toggle fullscreen
- Esc — close the open panel
In shared spaces
In an office, a library or anywhere else you share, always use earphones. Crackling carries a long way in a quiet room, even at low volume.