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Focus Mode Deep Dive

Configure screen masking, dimming, and distraction removal for focused reading.

Overview

Focus Mode creates a spotlight effect that dims everything except the content you’re actively reading. Reduces visual distractions and helps maintain concentration on dense or lengthy content.

Who benefits most: Users with ADHD, attention difficulties, visual processing challenges, or anyone working in distracting environments.

How Focus Mode Works

  1. Activation: Toggle on or press Alt+F
  2. Spotlight: A clear area follows your cursor or focus
  3. Dimming: Everything outside the spotlight becomes darker
  4. Reading: Only the content you’re looking at is fully visible
  5. Movement: Spotlight follows as you read

All Settings Explained

Focus Mode has three controls. They are in the Focus group of the popup, under Focus Mode.

SettingRangeDefaultDescription
Window Width150px - 800px400pxHow wide the clear reading window is
Window Height50px - 250px100pxHow tall it is. A short window suits a line or two at a time; a taller one suits a paragraph
Overlay Darkness10% - 100%70%How dark everything outside the window becomes

Choosing a darkness:

LightingTry
Bright room40% - 60%
Normal lighting60% - 80%
Dim room, or high distraction80% - 100%

The window follows your cursor. There is no separate shape, follow-mode or lock setting: the reading window is a rectangle that tracks the pointer, and the two size sliders are how you shape it.

Keyboard

KeyAction
Alt+FTurn Focus Mode on or off

Step-by-Step Setup

Basic Setup

  1. Click AssisT icon in toolbar
  2. Expand Reading Aids section
  3. Toggle Focus Mode ON
  4. Spotlight appears around cursor

Quick Toggle

Press Alt+F to toggle Focus Mode on/off instantly.

Optimised Setups

For reading articles:

  • Shape: Rectangle
  • Size: Large (600px wide)
  • Follow: Cursor
  • Dim: 60%

For studying dense material:

  • Shape: Line
  • Size: Custom (800px x 100px)
  • Follow: Cursor
  • Dim: 70%

For test-taking:

  • Shape: Rectangle
  • Size: Medium
  • Follow: Manual (click to move)
  • Dim: 50%

Common Use Cases

Reading Long Articles

Challenge: Eyes wander, lose place, get overwhelmed by page length.

Settings:

  • Rectangle spotlight, large
  • Medium dimming (50-60%)
  • Cursor follow
  • Smooth speed

How it helps: Only see what you’re reading. No awareness of how much is left. Reduces overwhelm and maintains pace.

Online Tests and Quizzes

Challenge: Distracting UI elements, anxiety from seeing all questions at once.

Settings:

  • Rectangle spotlight, medium
  • Higher dimming (70%)
  • Manual follow (click to move)
  • Vertical lock on

How it helps: Focus on one question at a time. Reduces test anxiety. Click to advance when ready.

Research and Note-Taking

Challenge: Need to read source while taking notes.

Settings:

  • Rectangle spotlight, medium
  • Moderate dimming (50%)
  • Cursor follow
  • Fast transitions

How it helps: Quickly move spotlight between source content and notes area. Maintains focus during context switches.

Video Calls with Screen Sharing

Challenge: Need to present specific content without distractions.

Settings:

  • Circle spotlight, large
  • Low dimming (30-40%)
  • Manual follow
  • Click to position

How it helps: Draw audience attention to specific areas. Hide irrelevant page content during presentations.

Combining with Other Features

Focus Mode + Reading Guide

  • Focus Mode dims the page
  • Reading Guide highlights the current line
  • Together: Maximum reading structure

How to combine:

  1. Enable Focus Mode (Alt+F)
  2. Enable Reading Guide (Alt+G)
  3. Both work simultaneously

Focus Mode + TTS

  • Focus Mode highlights reading area
  • TTS highlights current word
  • Both tracking systems complement each other

Troubleshooting

Spotlight Doesn’t Appear

Solutions:

  1. Check Focus Mode is toggled on in popup
  2. Refresh the page
  3. Some pages with complex overlays may conflict
  4. Try pressing Alt+F to toggle

Spotlight Jumps Erratically

Solutions:

  1. Switch from Cursor to Scroll follow mode
  2. Enable vertical or horizontal lock
  3. Reduce follow speed to Smooth
  4. Check if mouse is causing unintended movements

Can’t See Content I Need

Solutions:

  1. Reduce dim amount
  2. Increase spotlight size
  3. Switch to Manual follow and position manually
  4. Temporarily toggle off with Alt+F

Focus Mode Affects Pop-ups

Solutions:

  1. Pop-ups may appear dimmed if they’re part of the page
  2. Click within the pop-up to bring it into focus
  3. Some modal dialogs work fine, others may need Focus Mode off
  4. Toggle off temporarily for dialogs

Spotlight Is Too Small/Large

Solutions:

  1. Use + and - keys to adjust size
  2. Set custom dimensions in settings
  3. Try a different shape (Line for narrow, Circle for rounded)

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Alt+FToggle Focus Mode
↑ ↓ ← →Move spotlight (in Focus Mode)
+ -Resize spotlight (in Focus Mode)
EscapeExit Focus Mode

For Educators & Parents

When to Use Focus Mode

SituationRecommended
Reading assignmentsYes
Online testsYes (with approval)
ResearchYes
Interactive contentMaybe (depends on activity)
Video watchingUsually no (dims video)

Student Support

  1. Introduce gradually — Start with low dimming
  2. Let students customise — Preferences vary significantly
  3. Use for timed activities — Reduces time pressure anxiety
  4. Combine with other tools — Reading Guide, TTS

Accommodation Documentation

Focus Mode supports accommodations for:

  • Attention difficulties
  • Visual processing disorders
  • Test anxiety
  • Sensory sensitivities

Document as “reduced visual distraction tool” or “focus enhancement software.”

Classroom Tip

For whole-class instruction:

  • Teacher can use Focus Mode during screen share
  • Draws attention to specific content
  • Works as a presentation highlighting tool