Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most
What is FlipMatic?
FlipMatic is a split-flap clock for Windows, Mac and Linux: the time on flipping cards, a ticker with the date, your phrases and the weather, a full board for longer messages, reminders, and themes that change its whole look.
Which computers does it run on?
Windows 10 and Windows 11 on Intel or AMD processors (Windows 11 on ARM runs it too), and macOS 11 or later on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. On Linux, 64-bit Intel or AMD computers with Ubuntu 22.04 or later, Debian 12 or later, or Fedora 40 or later.
Are the themes free?
Yes. Every theme in the FlipMatic store is free today. A theme you add while it is free stays yours.
Do I need an account?
Not for the app itself: the clock and its built-in themes work without one. To get themes from the store you need a free account on flipmatic.app. Themes you add to your library then install in FlipMatic by themselves, on every computer you connect.
Does it work without the internet?
Yes. The clock, the board, your phrases and reminders, the timer and every installed theme work offline. Only the weather and adding a new theme need a connection.
What does FlipMatic send over the internet?
Anonymous usage statistics, which features are used and any errors, with no personal data; you can turn them off with Share anonymous usage statistics on the Clock tab. Besides that, it checks once a day for a new version, downloads the themes you install, reads your library's theme names if you connected it, asks MET Norway for the weather if you turned it on, and uses the prank remote only while it is on. Everything is set out on the Privacy page.
Why does Windows or macOS warn me when I install it?
Both show a warning for apps they do not know yet. Download FlipMatic only from flipmatic.app, then follow the steps in Get started.
Can I get store themes on a Mac?
Yes. FlipMatic for Mac gets themes from the store the same way as on Windows: connect it to your library once.
Does FlipMatic have an alarm?
Not one that rings. At the time you set, a reminder shows your message on the board and plays a soft chime, even when Sound is off. The timer clicks three times at the end when Sound is on. See Phrases and reminders.
Can it show another time zone?
No. FlipMatic shows your computer's time, in its time zone.
Will it keep my screen on all night?
Yes, while it is on screen. Keep the screen awake in Settings, on the Screen tab, is on from the start on a computer; on iPhone and iPad, turn it on first. See Keep the screen awake.
Can it burn into my screen?
FlipMatic works to prevent it: it dims when nobody is using the clock, moves the picture very slowly, turns the whole clock over on the hour and dims a little at night. Leave Protect the screen on, especially on an OLED screen.
Can FlipMatic start when I turn on my computer?
Not by itself yet, but your system can do it. On Windows, press Win+R, type shell:startup, and copy the FlipMatic shortcut into the folder that opens. On a Mac, open System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions (on older macOS, Login Items) and add FlipMatic.
Which languages does it speak?
43, from English to Japanese, Arabic and Hindi. The board writes in your language too, with its own letters and date format.
How do I update FlipMatic?
FlipMatic tells you in Settings when a new version is available. Click Download, then install it over the old one. Your phrases, reminders, favorites, city, language, theme and installed themes stay. It never updates itself.
How do I uninstall it?
On Windows 11, open Settings › Apps › Installed apps (on Windows 10, Apps & features), find FlipMatic and choose Uninstall. It asks whether to remove your settings, phrases and installed themes too; choose No to keep them for next time. On a Mac, drag FlipMatic from Applications to the Trash.