Everything but your text disappears: the Binder, the Inspector, the toolbar, even the app's own icon rail, leaving a narrow, centered column that's just you and the page. See writing distraction-free in Deckle for a full setup walkthrough.
Focus mode with every panel hidden
Focus mode control in the left menu
What You Can Do
- Hide every panel and toolbar except your text, in one click.
- Set your own width for that centered column, independent of your normal editor width.
- Dim everything but the paragraph or sentence you are writing.
- Combine it with typewriter scrolling to keep your cursor at a steady position on screen as you type.
- Exit back to your normal layout instantly, with the Binder and Inspector restored exactly as you left them.
How to Use Focus Mode
- Click the Focus Mode icon in the left icon rail (or, on macOS, use the app menu's Focus Mode item).
- Write. The Binder, Inspector, icon rail, and editor toolbar are all hidden, and your text column narrows and centers itself.
- Drag the edge of the column to widen or narrow it, or pick Focus mode width in Settings → Editor (45% to 100%).
- Press Esc or click the × in the corner to exit. Your Binder and Inspector return exactly as they were before you entered.
A Couple of Things Worth Knowing
💡 Focus Mode's width is a separate setting from your normal editor width. Widening or narrowing the column while in Focus Mode doesn't touch your everyday editor width setting, and vice versa. They're independently adjustable in Settings → Editor.
💡 Esc or the × leaves Focus Mode, and you choose which. Settings → Editor → Leave focus mode with offers "Esc or the × button" (the default), "The × button only" and "Esc only (hide the ×)". On a Mac, View ▸ Focus Mode always leaves as well. There is no shortcut to enter.
💡 Dimming is optional and starts off. Settings → Editor → Focus mode dimming is Off, Current paragraph or Current sentence, and fades the rest of the text only while Focus Mode is on. Keeping the cursor at a steady height as you type is a separate setting: typewriter scrolling.
FAQ
Does Focus Mode go fullscreen?
No, it stays within Deckle's normal window, just with every panel and toolbar hidden and the text column centered.
Can I use Focus Mode with a split editor open?
Yes, Focus Mode and split panes are independent. Entering Focus Mode hides the Binder, Inspector, and toolbar around whatever panes you already have open.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to exit Focus Mode?
Esc, by default, or click the × in the corner. Settings → Editor → Leave focus mode with can switch either one off.