Zen Mode complete guide

Long-form writing needs distraction-free windows. Zen Mode strips out the UI and leaves a single centred column of text.

Enter Zen Mode

Common entries:

1. Keyboard shortcut (varies by version; common: Cmd/Ctrl Shift Z)
2. Command palette (Cmd/Ctrl K) → search "Zen Mode"
3. The editor's top bar may have a Zen icon

After entry:

• Text centred, narrow column
• File tree, AI Coach, activity bar all hidden
• Only the editor and what you type

Common adjustments

Inside Zen Mode you can usually adjust (varies by version):

• Column width — narrow / medium / wide (affects characters per line)
• Sentence focus — current sentence stays normal, others fade
• Typewriter mode — cursor stays fixed at vertical centre
• Floating reference / floating AI — pull up notes or the Coach without breaking Zen

Toggles live in a floating menu inside Zen or under Account → Preferences after exit.

Exit

Usually Esc, the Zen shortcut again, or the floating menu → "Exit Zen Mode".

Recommended Zen writing session

1. Set a 25 / 50 / 90 min timer
2. Mute OS notifications
3. Enter Zen
4. Turn on Typewriter mode (if available)
5. Write

Related

• Font / column / typography preferences
• Mobile immersive mode
• Focus / Sprint mode (script series)
• Editor layout overview