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Focus Mode hides the Project Panel (drawer) on the left side, giving you maximum screen space for your script.

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Enable Focus Mode

Keyboard shortcut (fastest):
  • Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+D to toggle the drawer on/off
Menu:
  1. Go to View → Show Drawer
  2. Uncheck to hide (Focus Mode ON)
  3. Check to show (Focus Mode OFF)
The Project Panel slides away, leaving only your script and the status bar visible.
Combine Focus Mode with Typewriter Mode and Fullscreen (Fn+F or View → Toggle Fullscreen) for the ultimate distraction-free writing experience.

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What Gets Hidden

When Focus Mode is ON, the following are hidden:
  • Navigation panel (scenes, sections, notes tree)
  • Script Info panel (title page metadata)
  • Project panel (logline, scratchpad)
  • Characters panel (character list and stats)

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What Stays Visible

Focus Mode only hides the left Project Panel. You still see:
  • Your script (main editor)
  • Status bar (bottom: page count, save status)
  • Quill AI (if open on the right)
  • Menu bar (File, Edit, View, etc.)
  • Title bar (window controls)

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When to Use Focus Mode

Writing first drafts:
  • No distractions
  • Full focus on the words
  • Maximum screen real estate
Editing dialogue:
  • See more lines at once
  • Easier to track rhythm and pacing
  • Fewer UI elements pulling attention
On smaller screens:
  • Laptops with limited screen space
  • More room for your script
  • Less cramped interface
Deep work sessions:
  • Eliminate visual clutter
  • Reduce cognitive load
  • Enter flow state faster

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Quick Toggle Workflow

During planning:
  1. Project Panel ON → Review navigation, characters, logline
  2. Make notes in scratchpad
  3. Plan next scenes
During writing:
  1. Press Cmd+Shift+D → Focus Mode ON
  2. Write without distractions
  3. Press Cmd+Shift+D → Project Panel returns when you need it
Your Focus Mode preference is saved. If you close Inkwell with the drawer hidden, it stays hidden when you reopen.

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Combine with Other Modes

Ultimate Focus: Focus Mode + Typewriter Mode + Fullscreen 
1. Press Cmd+Shift+D (hide drawer)
2. Enable Typewriter Mode (View → Typewriter Scrolling)
3. Press Fn+F (fullscreen)
Result: Just you and your script. Focused Editing: Focus Mode + Zoom to Fit 
1. Press Cmd+Shift+D (hide drawer)  
2. Press Cmd+9 (zoom to fit)
Result: Perfect view of a full page. AI-Assisted Focus: Focus Mode + Quill AI 
1. Press Cmd+Shift+D (hide Project Panel)
2. Press Cmd+L (show Quill AI on right)
Result: Script on left, AI on right, no navigation clutter.

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Common Questions

Press Cmd+Shift+D to temporarily show the Project Panel, navigate where you need to go, then press Cmd+Shift+D again to hide it.
No. Focus Mode is all-or-nothing for the left drawer. However, you can select different tabs (Navigation, Script Info, Project, Characters) before hiding it.
No. Focus Mode only hides the left Project Panel. Quill AI (right side) remains accessible with Cmd+L.
No. Your cursor stays exactly where it was. Focus Mode only changes visibility, not your script or cursor position.
Not currently. You must manually toggle with Cmd+Shift+D or the View menu. However, your preference is remembered across sessions.

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Next Steps

Typewriter Mode

Keep your cursor centered while typing

Zoom Controls

Adjust zoom for comfortable reading

Themes

Choose a theme that reduces eye strain

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn all Inkwell shortcuts