How to Turn Off Distraction Free WordPress (2024 Guide)

Introduction: How to Turn Off Distraction Free WordPress

How to Turn Off Distraction Free WordPress: Distraction-free WordPress is a new feature introduced in WordPress. It aims to create a minimalist writing experience by hiding extra menus, toolbars, and settings panels, leaving you with a blank canvas for uninterrupted focus. While this setup is ideal for some, others find the interface a bit too stripped down, especially if they rely on specific editing tools or prefer to have everything visible at once.

If you’re among those who miss seeing all the editing features front and center, or if you simply prefer the traditional WordPress layout, we’re here to help. This guide will show you exactly how to turn off Distraction Free Mode in WordPress, so you can regain full access to the editing features you’re used to. Whether you’re a WordPress beginner or an experienced content creator, let’s explore the steps to disable this feature and reclaim your preferred editing view.

What Is Distraction Free Mode in WordPress?

Distraction Free Mode, introduced in WordPress 6.2 (Dolphy), was built with one goal in mind: to minimize on-screen distractions and allow writers to focus solely on their content. Removing menus, sidebars, and toolbar options, simplifies the editing view, letting you concentrate on the words on the screen.

However, some writers and editors find this setup too limited. With essential tools hidden, it can interrupt the creative flow, especially when needing to adjust block settings or switch formats. This guide is for those who prefer the control and versatility of the standard editor.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Distraction Free Mode

Distraction-free Free Mode may not suit everyone. Here’s a look at the potential benefits of turning it off and why the standard editor might be a better choice for you:

Access All Editing Features Easily: 

Distraction-Free Mode hides various settings and block options, which can be inconvenient if you frequently use these tools to format, style, or structure your posts. For those who rely on specific functions, the full toolbar and sidebar offer immediate access to everything needed, making the editing process smoother and more efficient.

Maintain a Familiar Editing Environment: 

For long-time WordPress users, the shift to a minimalist, distraction-free view can feel unfamiliar and even unsettling. The traditional editor layout provides a sense of continuity, allowing seasoned users to navigate and edit posts without a learning curve. Turning off Distraction-Free Mode brings back the recognizable setup that many users are comfortable with, speeding up workflow.

​Efficiently Navigate Between Editing Tools: 

Certain tasks, like inserting new blocks, fine-tuning text styles, or configuring SEO, are streamlined in the full editor, where every tool is visible and accessible. Distraction-Free Mode can disrupt this flow, especially if you’re juggling multiple tasks. The full interface allows for quicker navigation, making it easier to switch between tools seamlessly as you work.

Seamlessly Incorporate Media and Visual Elements: 

In Distraction-Free Mode, adding media elements like images, videos, and custom graphics requires extra steps, as many options are hidden. With the full editor enabled, you can quickly access the media library and embed options, making it easier to seamlessly incorporate visuals into your content. This is especially beneficial for bloggers and marketers who rely on media-rich posts to engage readers.

How to Turn Off Distraction Free Mode in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re ready to get back to the traditional WordPress editor with all its features in sight, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Open the WordPress Editor

Start by logging into your WordPress dashboard and navigating to any post or page you want to edit. If Distraction Free Mode is already active, you’ll notice a stripped-down interface with few visible menus or toolbars. This sparse layout is designed for focused writing but can feel a bit limited if you need quick access to various tools.

Step 2: Access the Options Menu

Look to the upper right corner of the screen and find the three-dot menu icon (⋮). Clicking this icon opens a dropdown with several customization options. These options allow you to tailor the editor to your workflow, including settings for Distraction Free Mode, Fullscreen Mode, and more.

Step 3: Turn Off Distraction Free Mode

In the options menu, scroll down until you see Distraction Free listed among the other settings. Click on it to toggle the mode off. This will instantly bring back the full WordPress editor interface, restoring all toolbars, sidebars, and settings panels, so you can access your familiar editing tools with ease.

Step 4: Adjust Your Workspace (Optional)

After you’ve disabled Distraction Free Mode, consider activating Fullscreen Mode or Top Toolbar to fine-tune your workspace. Fullscreen Mode removes only the dashboard sidebar, letting you focus on your content without losing access to editing tools. The Top Toolbar places block controls in a single toolbar at the top of the editor, creating a cleaner layout. These adjustments can help you find the ideal balance between focus and functionality.

With this setup, you can enjoy a more familiar and flexible editing experience while tailoring the interface to best suit your writing and content creation needs.

Customizing Your WordPress Editing Experience After Turning Off Distraction Free Mode

Turning off Distraction Free Mode is just the beginning. WordPress has additional settings that let you refine the editing experience to match your workflow and boost productivity. Here are a few recommendations:

🎯 Keep a Clean Layout with Top Toolbar

Activating Top Toolbar consolidates all block controls into a single toolbar at the top of the editor. This setup creates a clean, organized look while still keeping important tools in easy reach. It’s perfect if you prefer a streamlined interface that maintains full functionality, helping you focus on your writing without clutter.

🎨 Use Fullscreen Mode for Minimal Distractions

While not as minimal as Distraction Free Mode, Fullscreen Mode removes the dashboard’s left sidebar, providing a balanced view that helps you focus on content creation. This option is ideal if you want a distraction-free environment that still displays the top toolbar and block settings, allowing for uninterrupted, efficient editing.

🛠️ Explore Additional Plugins for Enhanced Focus

If you need even more customization, consider plugins like Just Writing. These plugins let you decide which editor elements to display, giving you more flexibility than the built-in Distraction Free Mode. With these plugins, you can tailor the editor to your exact needs, creating a workspace that’s as focused or feature-rich as you like.

📝 Enable Word Count and Progress Tracking

For writers who need a sense of progress or goal-setting, enabling word count and progress tracking can help maintain focus. WordPress offers an option to show your current word count in the editor. Additionally, some plugins can add a progress bar that shows how close you are to hitting your target word count. This feature helps keep you motivated while staying on task, providing a clear indicator of your writing progress without unnecessary distractions.

Final Thoughts: Turn Off Distraction Free WordPress

WordPress’s Distraction Free Mode is one of many tools designed to enhance productivity for writers and editors. While it can be beneficial for focused writing, many users prefer the control and convenience of the full editor. Thankfully, WordPress’s flexibility allows you to adjust these settings to suit your own workflow.

Experiment with Distraction Free Mode, Fullscreen Mode, and various toolbar configurations to find the setup that works best for you. Keep in mind that the ideal writing setting is one that allows you to be at your most productive and comfortable.
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Turn Off Distraction Free WordPress FAQs

1. Will WordPress remember my setting for Distraction Free Mode? 

Yes, once you turn off Distraction Free Mode, WordPress generally remembers your preference for future sessions. However, if you experience any reset, you can always toggle it off again with a few clicks.

2. Is Distraction Free Mode the same as Fullscreen Mode? 

No, Fullscreen Mode only removes the WordPress dashboard sidebar, while Distraction Free Mode removes nearly all tools and options except the text editor. Fullscreen Mode is ideal if you want a balanced setup that still shows editing options.

3. Can I toggle Distraction Free Mode on and off while editing? 

Absolutely. Distraction Free Mode can be turned on or off anytime from the three-dot menu, allowing you to switch as needed depending on the task at hand.

4. Can I turn off Distraction-Free Mode for only one post or page?

No, Distraction-Free Mode is a global setting that applies to the entire WordPress editor. However, you can turn it on or off at any time during the editing process, depending on the post or page you’re working on. This setting is not tied to specific posts, so you’ll need to adjust it whenever you prefer.

5. Will turning off Distraction-Free Mode affect the appearance of my published post?

No, disabling Distraction-Free Mode does not impact the appearance of your published content. It only changes the way the editor looks while you’re working on a post. The front-end view (what visitors see) remains unchanged, regardless of whether Distraction-Free Mode is enabled or not.

6. Does Distraction-Free Mode Work in the Classic Editor?

Distraction-Free Mode is part of the Gutenberg (block) editor in WordPress 6.2 and newer. It doesn’t apply to the Classic Editor. If you’re using the Classic Editor, the interface remains the same, with the full toolbar and other settings visible at all times.

7. Can I use both Fullscreen Mode and Top Toolbar at the same time?

Yes, you can enable both Fullscreen Mode and Top Toolbar in the WordPress editor. Fullscreen Mode removes the left sidebar, while the Top Toolbar moves block controls to the top. Combining both features creates a clean, focused workspace that still gives you quick access to all essential tools, improving your editing workflow.