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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. Window: A clear window follows your cursor
  3. Dimming: Everything outside the window becomes darker
  4. Reading: Only the content you’re looking at is fully visible
  5. Movement: The window follows your mouse 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

  1. Click the AssisT icon in the toolbar
  2. Open the Focus group
  3. Toggle Focus Mode ON
  4. Move your mouse: the clear window follows it
  5. Adjust Window Width, Window Height and Overlay Darkness to suit you

Press Alt+F to turn Focus Mode on or off at any time.

Starting Points

You areTry
Reading a long articleWidth 500-600px, height 100px, darkness 60%
Studying dense material line by lineWidth 700-800px, height 50-75px, darkness 70%
Working through a quiz question by questionWidth 400px, height 150px, darkness 70%

These are suggestions, not presets. Preferences vary, so change one slider at a time.

Combining with Other Features

Focus Mode + Reading Guide

Focus Mode and Reading Guide cannot run together. Turning one on turns the other off, and AssisT tells you with a short message. Choose the one that suits the task:

  • Focus Mode dims the whole page apart from a clear window around your pointer
  • Reading Guide draws a ruler line across the page

Focus Mode + TTS

Focus Mode can stay on while AssisT reads aloud. The two work independently: Focus Mode follows your pointer, and TTS highlights the word being spoken.

Troubleshooting

The Window Doesn’t Appear

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

I Can’t See Content I Need

  1. Lower Overlay Darkness
  2. Increase Window Width or Window Height
  3. Temporarily toggle off with Alt+F

Focus Mode Affects Pop-ups

  1. Pop-ups may appear dimmed if they are part of the page
  2. Some modal dialogs work fine, others may need Focus Mode off
  3. Toggle off temporarily for dialogs

The Window Is Too Small or Large

Change Window Width and Window Height in the Focus group of the popup.

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Alt+FTurn Focus Mode on or off

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 darkness
  2. Let students customise — Preferences vary significantly
  3. Use for timed activities — Reduces time pressure anxiety
  4. Combine with other tools — TTS works alongside it; Reading Guide is an alternative

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.”