Meeting Timer for Google Slides: Open-Source Countdown Overlay
A browser extension providing dynamic, fair time management for Google Slides presentations.
1Dynamic Time Tracking Tool
The Meeting Timer for Google Slides is a free, open-source Chrome extension designed to manage agenda timing. It displays a countdown overlay directly on slides, helping facilitators track multiple speakers or topics. The tool ensures that meetings stay on schedule by providing a visible, non-intrusive timer for all participants to see.
2Fair Time Distribution Mechanism
The extension uses a dynamic calculation method to distribute remaining time across sections. If a speaker finishes early, the saved time is redistributed to subsequent presenters. This approach prioritizes shared time awareness rather than guaranteeing equal total airtime, allowing for flexible adjustments based on the actual pace of the meeting presentation.
3Non-Intrusive User Experience
Designed to be presenter-friendly, the overlay never takes focus or interrupts slide navigation. It features a calm countdown without ticking seconds to avoid distraction. After five seconds of inactivity, the card shrinks into a compact strip, ensuring that the presentation content remains the primary focus for the audience during the meeting.
4Seamless Integration and Setup
Users configure the timer by marking the first slide of each speaker or topic. The extension saves settings locally in the browser, requiring no external accounts or subscriptions. Because it relies on the wall clock, the timer remains accurate even if background tabs are throttled, preventing any drift during long sessions.
5Privacy and Data Security
The project prioritizes user privacy by operating entirely without servers, remote code, or analytics. All slide titles and configuration settings are stored exclusively in the local browser storage. This architecture ensures that sensitive meeting data never leaves the user's device, adhering to strict security practices for professional and internal communications.
6Technical Implementation Details
The extension utilizes a Shadow DOM to prevent page styles from interfering with the overlay. It interacts with Google Slides by parsing the HTML structure of the presentation, as no official API is required for this functionality. The code is built using Node.js, with no external npm dependencies, ensuring a lightweight footprint.
7Slide Detection Logic
To track progress, the extension uses slide IDs, navbar positions, and accessibility labels. It scans the presentation to identify transitions between speakers. Since Google Slides runs slideshows in separate frames, the content script is designed to match all docs.google.com paths to ensure the timer functions correctly within the fullscreen presentation mode.
8Testing and Quality Assurance
The repository includes comprehensive unit tests covering time splitting logic, slide title extraction, and manifest validation. Developers can run automated tests using Node's built-in runner. Additionally, the project uses headless Chrome to render store assets, ensuring that screenshots and promotional materials accurately reflect the current design of the timer overlay.
9Publishing to Chrome Store
Publishing the extension requires a one-time registration fee on the Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard. Developers must provide a privacy policy and adhere to manifest versioning requirements. The process involves uploading a zip file containing the manifest and scripts, followed by a review period typically lasting a few days before public availability.
10Independent Project Status
Meeting Timer for Google Slides is an independent, MIT-licensed project and is not affiliated with Google. It serves as a practical solution for teams needing structured agenda management without complex software. Users are encouraged to use the provided templates to streamline their setup process for recurring weekly updates or committee meetings.