Distraction Free Writing in WordPress: How to Use It (2026)

Want to write without menus, sidebars and notifications pulling at your attention? WordPress first added full-screen distraction free writing back in version 3.2, and I loved it. In 2026 the block editor has an even better Distraction Free mode, plus Spotlight and Fullscreen views, while the Classic Editor still has its own focus mode. Here is how to use distraction free writing in WordPress.

Quick answer: In the block editor, click the three-dot Options menu at the top right and turn on Distraction free, or press Ctrl + Shift + Alt + \ (Cmd + Shift + Option + \ on Mac). Toolbars and sidebars fade away until you move the mouse. In the Classic Editor, click the Distraction-free writing mode button (four arrows) on the editor toolbar.

Distraction free mode in the block editor

1. Open a post or page in the editor.
2. Click the Options (three dots) menu at the top right.
3. Under View, select Distraction free.
4. Write. The top toolbar, block toolbar and sidebars hide; move the mouse to the top to bring them back briefly.
5. Turn it off from the same menu or with the keyboard shortcut.

Other focus settings in the block editor

• Fullscreen mode: hides the WordPress admin menu and admin bar. It is on by default in most sites.
• Spotlight mode: fades every block except the one you are editing, so you focus on one paragraph at a time.
• Top toolbar: moves block controls to the top so they do not pop up over your text.
• Preferences > Appearance: turn off extras you do not use.

Distraction free writing in the Classic Editor

If you use the Classic Editor plugin, click the full-screen Distraction-free writing mode button in the Visual or Text toolbar. Menus and boxes fade out while you type and return when you move the mouse. Tip: make sure “Enable full-height editor and distraction-free functionality” is ticked under Screen Options.

Keyboard shortcuts that keep you writing

• Shift + Alt + 1 to 6: turn a paragraph into a heading (in the Classic editor; type ## in the block editor).
• / (slash): insert any block without leaving the keyboard.
• Ctrl + K: add a link.
• Ctrl + S: save draft.
• Shift + Alt + H: show all keyboard shortcuts.

More tips for focused writing

• Write the first draft in one sitting, then edit and add images later.
• Turn off notifications and block social media for a few hours.
• Use a timer, such as 25 minutes of writing then a 5-minute break.
• Improve your writing with these online writing resources.

Want to try new editor features before everyone else? See how to test WordPress beta and nightly builds on a test site.

FAQ

Where is distraction free mode in WordPress?

In the block editor’s Options (three dots) menu, under View.

Why can’t I see distraction free mode?

Update WordPress. It was added to the block editor in 2023 (WordPress 6.2). Very old versions only have Fullscreen and Spotlight.

Does distraction free mode save my settings?

Yes. WordPress remembers your view preferences per user.

How do you stay focused while writing? Tell us in the comments.