Key Takeaways
- Focus mode is a handy feature in Microsoft Word that hides the ribbon and other elements from the interface, allowing you to write without distractions.
- To enable Focus mode, go to the “View” tab and click on “Focus.” You can also click the “Focus” button in the bottom-right corner. To exit it, press the Escape key.
- You can temporarily make the ribbon appear by moving the cursor to the top edge of Microsoft Word. Also, you can change the background of the white space on the sides of the pages.
The distractions caused by the ribbon, sidebar, and other elements in Microsoft Word’s default interface have always made writing long documents cumbersome for me. This changed when I began using Focus mode, a feature that eliminates this clutter and provides a clean, plain interface for writing.
What Is Focus Mode?
As the name suggests, Focus mode simplifies the workspace by concealing the ribbon and other interface elements in Microsoft Word, leaving only the document visible on the screen. It is a helpful feature tailored for writers, students, and professionals who create lengthy documents.
With fewer distractions and a clear, uncluttered view of the document, I find it much easier to concentrate on my writing.
Enable Focus Mode for Distraction-Free Writing
To enable Focus mode on Windows, open the document you wish to work on in Microsoft Word. Then, navigate to the “View” tab in the ribbon. Within the Immersive section, click on “Focus.” Alternatively, you can quickly enable Focus mode by clicking on the “Focus” button located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
On macOS, go to the “View” menu and click “Focus.” You can also activate Focus mode by clicking on the “Focus” button in the bottom-right corner of the window.
Access Ribbon Without Leaving Focus Mode
Microsoft Word lets you access the ribbon without having to exit Focus mode each time you need to adjust formatting or use other options. Simply move your mouse to the top edge of the screen to reveal the ribbon.
Once you’re finished using the commands, drag the cursor down from the top edge, and the ribbon will automatically disappear, returning you to distraction-free writing.
Change Background in the Focus Mode
While Focus mode hides unnecessary elements from view, there’s one bit of clutter that you can’t eliminate: the free space on the sides of pages. However, a workaround I’ve found helpful is to change the background of this space to Birch, creating the sensation of writing on a piece of paper resting on a wooden table.
To change the background in Focus mode, hover over the top edge of the screen to reveal the ribbon, then navigate to the “View” tab. Expand the “Background” menu and select “Birch.”
It’s worth noting that this background change is temporary; once you exit Focus mode, it reverts to the default page color you’ve selected.
Turn Off Focus Mode When Formatting Documents
While Focus Mode in Microsoft Word is great for improving concentration while writing, remember to turn it off when formatting your document. This ensures the ribbon stays visible, giving you continuous access to formatting options. This way, you won’t have to reveal the ribbon intermittently by hovering over the top edge of the screen.
To exit Focus mode, move your cursor to the top of the screen and click on the “Focus” option (on Windows) or “Exit” button (on macOS). Alternatively, you can press the Escape key.
Hopefully, you now clearly understand what the Focus mode does, how to enable it, and how to exit it when you’re finished writing. If you haven’t been using the Focus mode in Microsoft Word, I encourage you to try it and see how it boosts your productivity and helps you maintain concentration.
