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Typewriter Mode (also called Typewriter Scrolling) keeps your cursor vertically centered on the screen as you type. Instead of the cursor moving down the page, the page scrolls up—like a traditional typewriter.

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Enable Typewriter Mode

Menu:
  1. Go to View → Typewriter Scrolling
  2. Check the box to enable
  3. Uncheck to disable
The checkmark shows whether Typewriter Mode is ON or OFF.
There’s no dedicated keyboard shortcut for Typewriter Mode by default. Enable it once via the menu, and your preference is saved.

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How It Works

Normal scrolling:
  • Cursor starts at top of screen
  • Moves down as you type
  • Reaches bottom, then page scrolls up
  • Your eyes track the moving cursor
Typewriter scrolling:
  • Cursor stays centered vertically
  • Page scrolls up as you type
  • Your eyes stay in one place
  • Like a traditional typewriter

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Benefits

Reduced eye strain:
  • Eyes don’t track a moving cursor
  • Fixed focal point reduces fatigue
  • Especially helpful for long writing sessions
Better posture:
  • Monitor stays at eye level
  • No looking up and down
  • More ergonomic for extended use
Improved focus:
  • Cursor always in the same spot
  • Less visual distraction
  • Easier to maintain flow state
Nostalgic feel:
  • Mimics traditional typewriter behavior
  • Appeals to writers who miss mechanical keyboards
  • Creates a unique writing ritual
Typewriter Mode works best when combined with Focus Mode (hide Project Panel) and a comfortable zoom level.

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When to Use Typewriter Mode

Long writing sessions:
  • Reduces eye and neck strain
  • Maintains consistent eye position
  • Better for marathon writing days
First drafts:
  • Keeps you in the flow
  • Less visual distraction
  • Easier to just write without overthinking
If you prefer consistency:
  • Cursor always in the same spot
  • Predictable writing environment
  • No adjusting to cursor position

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When to Disable Typewriter Mode

Editing:
  • Need to see surrounding context
  • Jumping between scenes
  • Reviewing full pages at once
Navigation:
  • Finding specific scenes
  • Scrolling through script quickly
  • Comparing different sections
Smaller screens:
  • Limited vertical space
  • Centered cursor may hide too much above/below
  • Standard scrolling may be more practical

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Combine with Other Features

Ultimate Writing Setup: Typewriter Mode + Focus Mode + Sepia Theme 
1. View → Typewriter Scrolling (enable)
2. Press Cmd+Shift+D (hide drawer)
3. File → Settings → Sepia theme
Result: Focused, centered, easy-on-eyes writing environment. Fullscreen Typewriter: Typewriter Mode + Fullscreen 
1. View → Typewriter Scrolling (enable)
2. Press Fn+F (fullscreen)
Result: Just you, your script, and a centered cursor. No distractions.

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Common Questions

Yes, but it’s less useful. When you click to a different line, the page re-centers. This can be jarring when jumping around for edits. Most users disable it for editing and enable it for drafting.
Yes! You can still scroll with your mouse or trackpad. The page scrolls normally. Typewriter Mode only affects automatic scrolling as you type.
Typewriter Mode re-centers the cursor whenever you move it. This is expected behavior. If it’s distracting, consider disabling Typewriter Mode for editing.
No. Typewriter Mode only changes how the page scrolls. Your script content, formatting, and saved file are unaffected.
No. Typewriter Mode is a visual preference with no impact on performance.

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Next Steps

Focus Mode

Hide UI for distraction-free writing

Zoom Controls

Adjust zoom for comfortable viewing

Themes

Choose a theme that’s easy on your eyes

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn all Inkwell shortcuts