What Is Break Message?

Break Message is a free browser-based tool at breakmessage.com that displays a "break message" on your screen so anyone passing by knows when you'll be back. You type a message and a return time, choose how it appears, and leave it running while you step away. It's aimed at people who work at a shared computer or in a visible workspace and want a lightweight way to signal their status without messaging apps or calendar invites.

What it does

The tool turns your screen into a simple status sign. According to the site, you can:

• Set a message — the text shown to anyone who looks at your screen.
• Set a return time — the time you expect to be back.
• Choose a mode — Window, Fullscreen, or Popup.
• Customize the look — background color, background image (none, a URL, or a local file), and size.

The return time is parsed by your browser, so what it accepts depends on your browser. In practice, the site notes that essentially any browser should handle 24-hour (military) time in your local time zone, or UTC if you append a "Z" after the time.

How to use it

1. Open breakmessage.com in your browser.
2. Enter your message (for example, "Back in 15 minutes").
3. Enter your return time using a format your browser accepts — 24-hour local time, or UTC with a trailing "Z".
4. Pick a mode: Window, Fullscreen, or Popup.
5. Optionally set colors, a background image (none, URL, or a dragged/selected file), and size.
6. Leave the page open when you step away.

To end the break: double-click, or press X.

Shortcuts:

• F — toggle full-screen mode
• X or double-click — end the break

Return time formats

The site gives these examples:

Because parsing is handled by the browser, exact accepted formats vary by brand. If one format doesn't work, try 24-hour local time or add a "Z" for UTC.

When it's useful

Break Message fits situations where a quick, visible signal is enough:

• You share a desk or computer with coworkers.
• You work in an open office or public-facing space.
• You want to step away without sending individual messages.
• You want a full-screen or popup notice that's hard to miss.

It's less suited to situations that need notifications, scheduling, or remote delivery — it's a display tool, not a messaging service.

Practical notes

• Keep the tab open. The message only shows while the page is running.
• Fullscreen mode makes the notice more visible; press F to toggle it.
• Background images can come from a URL or a local file you select or drag in.
• Ending the break is quick: X or a double-click.
• The tool is credited to Daniel Martin (2022–2024), and the site invites suggestions or complaints by email.

If you just need to tell people when you'll be back, Break Message covers that with minimal setup.