ProPresenter has a built-in timer, but it has limitations. Here's how to use it, plus a free alternative that gives you phone control and works on any screen.
ProPresenter includes a countdown timer that can be displayed on your output screen. Here's how to set it up:
In ProPresenter, go to the Timer tab at the bottom of the window, or press Command+T (Mac) / Ctrl+T (Windows).
Set the countdown duration (e.g., 30 minutes for a sermon). Choose between countdown or count-up mode. Configure warning alerts if needed.
Click "Show Timer" to display the countdown on your output screen. The timer will appear as an overlay on your current slide.
Use the Start, Pause, and Reset buttons in the Timer panel to control the countdown. You can also add the timer to a slide and trigger it with a click.
While ProPresenter's timer works, it has several limitations that many churches find frustrating:
No phone control
You must control the timer from the ProPresenter computer. If you're on stage or in the back row, you can't adjust timing remotely.
Timer is tied to the presentation computer
The timer only works when ProPresenter is running. If you need a timer for a different screen or setup, you're out of luck.
Limited display options
The timer overlay has limited customization. You can't easily change colors, add messages, or create multi-screen setups.
No color-coded warnings
ProPresenter's timer doesn't change color as time runs out. You have to watch the numbers to know when you're running low.
Castimer is a free, browser-based countdown timer that solves all of ProPresenter's timer limitations. It works alongside ProPresenter on a separate screen, giving you the best of both worlds.
Start, pause, and adjust the timer from your phone. Perfect for speakers on stage or tech volunteers in the back row.
Display the timer on a projector, TV, or second monitor. It doesn't need to be connected to the ProPresenter computer.
The timer turns yellow at 5 minutes, red at 2 minutes, and blinks when time is up. No more watching the numbers.
Send custom messages like "Wrap up" or "5 more minutes" directly to the timer display.
Many churches run Castimer on a separate screen alongside ProPresenter. Here's how:
| Feature | ProPresenter Timer | Castimer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Included with ProPresenter ($99-399) | Free |
| Phone Control | ||
| Works on Separate Screen | ||
| Color-Coded Warnings | ||
| Messages to Screen | ||
| Setup Time | Requires ProPresenter | 60 seconds |
Yes. Many churches use Castimer on a separate screen for timing while using ProPresenter for presentations. This gives you phone control and color-coded warnings without affecting your ProPresenter setup.
Yes. You can run both on the same computer, but most churches prefer to use Castimer on a separate device (laptop, tablet) connected to a different screen. This keeps your ProPresenter computer focused on presentations.
Yes. Castimer is controlled from your phone via QR code. You can start, pause, and adjust the timer from anywhere in the room, even while ProPresenter is running on a different computer.
Yes, completely free. No signup required, no watermark, no limits. Use it as much as you want, on as many screens as you need.
See why thousands of churches use Castimer alongside ProPresenter. No signup required, no credit card, no commitment.