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
- Activation: Toggle on or press
Alt+F - Spotlight: A clear area follows your cursor or focus
- Dimming: Everything outside the spotlight becomes darker
- Reading: Only the content you’re looking at is fully visible
- Movement: Spotlight follows as you read
All Settings Explained
Dimming Controls
| Setting | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dim amount | 10% - 90% | 60% | How dark surrounding areas become |
| Dim color | Color picker | Black | Color of the dimmed overlay |
| Fade speed | Instant / Fast / Slow | Fast | How quickly dimming transitions |
Dim amount recommendations:
| Lighting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bright room | 40% - 50% |
| Normal lighting | 50% - 70% |
| Dim room | 70% - 90% |
| High distraction | 70% - 80% |
Spotlight Controls
| Setting | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotlight shape | Circle / Rectangle / Line | Rectangle | |
| Spotlight size | Small / Medium / Large / Custom | Medium | |
| Spotlight width | 200px - 800px | 400px | |
| Spotlight height | 100px - 400px | 200px |
Shape options:
| Shape | Best For |
|---|---|
| Circle | General browsing, images |
| Rectangle | Reading paragraphs, articles |
| Line | Single-line reading, code |
Follow Behavior
| Setting | Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follow mode | Cursor / Scroll / Manual | Cursor | |
| Follow speed | Smooth / Instant | Smooth | |
| Vertical lock | On/Off | Off | |
| Horizontal lock | On/Off | Off |
Follow modes:
| Mode | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cursor | Spotlight follows mouse | Active reading, navigation |
| Scroll | Spotlight stays center, page scrolls | Passive reading |
| Manual | Click to move spotlight | Presentation, specific focus |
Keyboard Controls (Active in Focus Mode)
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
↑ ↓ | Move spotlight up/down |
← → | Move spotlight left/right |
+ - | Increase/decrease spotlight size |
Escape | Exit Focus Mode |
Step-by-Step Setup
Basic Setup
- Click AssisT icon in toolbar
- Expand Reading Aids section
- Toggle Focus Mode ON
- Spotlight appears around cursor
Quick Toggle
Press Alt+F to toggle Focus Mode on/off instantly.
Optimized 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:
- Enable Focus Mode (Alt+F)
- Enable Reading Guide (Alt+G)
- Both work simultaneously
Focus Mode + TTS
- Focus Mode highlights reading area
- TTS highlights current word
- Both tracking systems complement each other
Focus Mode + Dark Mode
- Dark Mode darkens the base page
- Focus Mode dims surrounding content
- Creates very high focus environment
- May want lower dim amount (40-50%) to avoid too much darkness
Troubleshooting
Spotlight Doesn’t Appear
Solutions:
- Check Focus Mode is toggled on in popup
- Refresh the page
- Some pages with complex overlays may conflict
- Try pressing
Alt+Fto toggle
Spotlight Jumps Erratically
Solutions:
- Switch from Cursor to Scroll follow mode
- Enable vertical or horizontal lock
- Reduce follow speed to Smooth
- Check if mouse is causing unintended movements
Can’t See Content I Need
Solutions:
- Reduce dim amount
- Increase spotlight size
- Switch to Manual follow and position manually
- Temporarily toggle off with
Alt+F
Focus Mode Affects Pop-ups
Solutions:
- Pop-ups may appear dimmed if they’re part of the page
- Click within the pop-up to bring it into focus
- Some modal dialogs work fine, others may need Focus Mode off
- Toggle off temporarily for dialogs
Spotlight Is Too Small/Large
Solutions:
- Use
+and-keys to adjust size - Set custom dimensions in settings
- Try a different shape (Line for narrow, Circle for rounded)
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Alt+F | Toggle Focus Mode |
↑ ↓ ← → | Move spotlight (in Focus Mode) |
+ - | Resize spotlight (in Focus Mode) |
Escape | Exit Focus Mode |
For Educators & Parents
When to Use Focus Mode
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Reading assignments | Yes |
| Online tests | Yes (with approval) |
| Research | Yes |
| Interactive content | Maybe (depends on activity) |
| Video watching | Usually no (dims video) |
Student Support
- Introduce gradually — Start with low dimming
- Let students customize — Preferences vary significantly
- Use for timed activities — Reduces time pressure anxiety
- 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
Related Features
- Reading Aids — Focus Mode overview
- Reading Guide — Combine for maximum structure
- Visual Comfort — Dark Mode and overlays