HOW TO Set up a Work focus >

1 Allow key alerts

Open the Notifications & Focus pane and set Notifications up first. Select apps like Messages which have the option to ‘Allow time-sensitive alerts’ and enable those you want to interrupt you when you’re focusing.

2 Set main options

Select the Focus you want to use, or add one using the ‘+’ tool, then click Options to allow time-sensitive alerts. Allowing calls is primarily for iPhones, but worth setting when you’re going to share the focus.

3 Add people & apps

Select the People item and add those you want to let interrupt your focus using the ‘+’ tool. Then select Apps and add any you wish in addition to those allowed time-sensitive alerts. FaceTime is a good candidate.

4 Set focus trigger

Focus offers three ways to trigger that focus automatically: by a time schedule, location (less useful for Macs), or when you’re using a specific app. Set the triggers you want using the ‘+’ tool for the lower list.

5 Share your focus

Share your focus in two ways: make it apply to all your Macs and devices, so they stay in sync with the control of distractions; you can also automatically inform those who try to interrupt you that you’re focusing.

6 Make it available

Once you’ve tested it out by turning it on in the Focus pane, make it easy to engage and control manually by adding it to the menu bar as well as in the Control Centre. Set that in the Dock & Menu Bar pane to finish.