WriteRoom for Windows: Write without the distractions
DownloadSquad and 43 Folders are excited about WriteRoom, a no-frills text editor that's based on a very simple yet powerful concept.
When you run WriteRoom, it occupies the entire computer screen and shows just the text that you are typing (no toolbars, icons or scroll bars). Since every other program like the web browser or email client is hidden from you, the distractions of incoming e-mail, web, new RSS items and your thousand desktop icons are gone and you focus on writing.
WriteRoom software is only available on the Mac platform but Windows users need not be disappointed as what follows is a simple illustrated guide to build your own WriteRoom clone on Windows using Microsoft Word.
Let's begin now:
Step 1: Start Microsoft Office Word (any version will work)
Step 2: Choose Format Menu -> Background and Select the Black color (see screenshot)
Step 3: Choose Format Menu -> Font and select Bright Green in the Font Color. If you like to work with large font sizes, you can increase the size in this step.
Step 4: Choose Format Menu -> Paragraph and Set left and right intendation to 1" (this step is option)
Step 5: Click View -> File Screen. Start Typing. (see screenshot)
With the above hack, you get all the "non-distracting" features of WriteRoom plus all the advanced editing features of Microsoft Word.
If you are distracted by the Windows Task bar, just choose "Auto Hide the Task Bar" in Task bar and Start Menu properties.
When you run WriteRoom, it occupies the entire computer screen and shows just the text that you are typing (no toolbars, icons or scroll bars). Since every other program like the web browser or email client is hidden from you, the distractions of incoming e-mail, web, new RSS items and your thousand desktop icons are gone and you focus on writing.
WriteRoom software is only available on the Mac platform but Windows users need not be disappointed as what follows is a simple illustrated guide to build your own WriteRoom clone on Windows using Microsoft Word.
Let's begin now:
Step 1: Start Microsoft Office Word (any version will work)
Step 2: Choose Format Menu -> Background and Select the Black color (see screenshot)Step 3: Choose Format Menu -> Font and select Bright Green in the Font Color. If you like to work with large font sizes, you can increase the size in this step.
Step 4: Choose Format Menu -> Paragraph and Set left and right intendation to 1" (this step is option)
Step 5: Click View -> File Screen. Start Typing. (see screenshot)
With the above hack, you get all the "non-distracting" features of WriteRoom plus all the advanced editing features of Microsoft Word.If you are distracted by the Windows Task bar, just choose "Auto Hide the Task Bar" in Task bar and Start Menu properties.
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Reader Comments:
This type of hack also works - though the menu commands are a little different - in Open Office 2 Writer.
Great tip. But how can I hide "full screen" floating toolbar?
Thanks.
Thanks you just prevented me from downloading a completely unecessary piece of software.
Actually I feel a bit daft that I didn't think of it myself!
Unfortunately, this can't be done in Beta 2 version of Word 2007. You can get close, but there is still some crome.
There is also a very good Windows option to this program called the WestEdit text editor.
It can be found at http://home.online.no/~westerma/WestEdit/
There is also the good ol' WordPerfect blue screen / white text emulator in the display options in Word (but sadly not in Word 2007 beta2 - sigh)
Amit, It seems that you have missed the concept behind WriteRoom...
"With the above hack, you get all the "non-distracting" features of WriteRoom plus all the advanced editing features of Microsoft Word."
WriteRoom is meant as a text EDITOR not a word PROCESSOR. It was created so that people don't get bogged down in all those 'advanced editing features.' Not to say that your idea is a bad one but it ultimately defeats the purpose that WriteRoom was created.
Just my 2 cents...
to disable the toolbar in fullscreen mode
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/166194
put this in the vba editor, go to fullscreenmode, hit f10 and execute the macro
I work in a corporate environment and need to keep Word's formating fairly standard due to the documentation I create and publish. I came across Dark Room (featured on Lifehacker.com) and found it to be a great alternative to modifying Word back and forth.
http://they.misled.us/dark-room/
If modifying Word doesn't inconvenience you and you don't want to install new software, the above steps are a great way to get the WriteRoom affect.
isn't that screen shot from typing tutor...?!?!?!?!
Brian wrote:
>Amit, It seems that you have
>missed the concept behind
>WriteRoom...
I disagree. It acknowledges the appeal of a "no distractions" interface, but allows for more of a custom-fit using the extra features of Word. For example, my eyes ain't what they used to be, so hours of small fonts and single-spacing would kill me. In Word, I can replicate the simplified green-on-black interface, but double-spaced and with 16pt letters I can actually see.
Thanks for the tip, Amit. It ain't WordPerfect 5.1, but it'll do...
Hi, I have used WriteRoom before and enjoyed it to some extent. I also found this online today, which is a web based version of the same idea:
http://writer.bighugelabs.com/
Hope this is also interesting. I like your blog!
Chris O'Brien PhD
it also helps to view 200% and view Full screen, this will remove the sidebars and the top and bottom menus.
Of course, if you are using Office 2007 then don't bother with all the jiggery-pokery I and others have suggested, just use OneNote 2007, which is the best thing since sliced bread in my humble opinion!
What's the way for making this a template? I found most things but not how to change the background color for template. Any help will be appreciated :)
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