There’s a writing mode in WordPress that I find helpful:

“Distraction Free Writing”

In this mode the sidebars fade so that only the writing field is visible. If you use the full-screen function within your browser as well, the combination leaves you with a minimal toolbar and a screen of white space.

No distractions.

WordPress sidebars are where you find your publishing options. They let you customize and present your work. How would you like to format your post? When would you like to publish? Would you like to set a featured image?

These options are nice when your post is ready to present, but the people at WordPress knew that when it comes to writing itself, you need a minimal toolbar and you. Everything else is a distraction.

Sidebars are everywhere in life. We collect them because it feels like they’re there to help us customize ourselves and our image. But while it’s true that these presenting options are great, it’s the difficult, creative, clarifying work that happens a little at a time that makes a life at all.

There are times we need to let the sidebars fade, to sit down with a few tools and some white space and do real work.

Distraction free.