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Focus mode transforms Fylepad into a minimal, distraction-free writing environment. When you need to concentrate on your words without any UI elements getting in the way, focus mode is your solution.

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What is focus mode?

Focus mode hides all non-essential UI elements to create a clean writing space:

Hidden elements

  • Tab bar (horizontal) or sidebar (vertical)
  • Toolbar and all formatting buttons
  • Status indicators (character/word count)
  • Block menu prompt text

Visible elements

  • Your note title (top-left corner)
  • Your content in the editor
  • Focus mode toggle button
  • Print button (when in focus mode)
Focus mode doesn’t disable any functionality—you can still type, format text using markdown or keyboard shortcuts, and use the / block menu. It simply hides the UI.

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Entering focus mode

There are three ways to activate focus mode:
Press Ctrl + R at any time to toggle focus mode on or off

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Using focus mode

Once in focus mode, you’ll notice immediate changes:
1

UI disappears

All toolbars, tabs, and buttons fade away with a smooth transition
2

Editor expands

Your content area expands to fill the screen, providing maximum space for writing
3

Title shows

Your note title appears in the top-left corner for context
4

Controls remain accessible

The focus mode toggle and print button stay visible in the top-right corner

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What you can still do

All text formatting works normally. Use markdown syntax or the / block menu to add:
  • Headings with #
  • Bold with **text**
  • Lists with - or 1.
  • Code blocks, tables, and diagrams via / menu
The print button appears in the top-right when in focus mode. Click it or press Ctrl + P to print your note.
While tab UI is hidden, keyboard shortcuts still work:
  • Alt + [number] to switch tabs
  • Ctrl + K to open the command palette
  • Ctrl + N to create a new tab
Be careful with tab shortcuts in focus mode! Since the tab bar is hidden, it’s easy to forget which tab you’re on. The title in the top-left helps track this.

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Exiting focus mode

Leaving focus mode is just as easy:
Press Ctrl + R again to toggle focus mode off
All your UI elements will smoothly fade back in, and you’ll return to the normal editing view.

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Focus mode behavior

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Tab layout considerations

When you enter focus mode with horizontal tabs:
  • The top tab bar disappears completely
  • Content moves up to use the full screen height
  • Exiting focus mode restores the tab bar

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Focus mode state

Focus mode state is not saved between sessions. When you reopen Fylepad, you’ll always start in normal mode, even if you closed the app while in focus mode.

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When to use focus mode

Focus mode is ideal for:

Long-form writing

Writing essays, articles, or stories where you need uninterrupted flow

Brainstorming

Capturing ideas quickly without UI distractions

Editing sessions

Reviewing and revising content with full focus on the text

Presentation mode

Displaying notes during meetings or presentations with minimal UI

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Tips for focus mode

Create a ritual: Make entering focus mode part of your writing ritual. The visual change can help signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
Combine with full screen: Put your browser or app in full-screen mode (F11 in most browsers) along with Fylepad’s focus mode for complete immersion.
Use before printing: Focus mode is automatically enabled when you print, giving you a clean preview of your content without UI elements.

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Accessibility

Focus mode maintains all keyboard accessibility:
  • All keyboard shortcuts continue to work
  • Screen readers can still access content
  • Navigation remains fully functional
  • The focus mode toggle is always visible and accessible

Remember the shortcut

Ctrl + R is your quick toggle—memorize it for instant access to distraction-free writing.

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