What is Zen Mode?
Zen Mode provides a distraction-free writing environment by hiding all inactive tab groups and maximizing the active workspace. When enabled, only the currently active tab group remains visible, allowing you to focus entirely on your current work without visual clutter from other open tabs.
How it works
When Zen Mode is active:
- Inactive tab groups are hidden - Only the active tab group remains visible
- Active split is maximized - The workspace containing your active tab uses the full available width
- Focus is locked - The plugin automatically focuses on your active tab
- Optional tab hiding - Hide inactive horizontal tabs for a cleaner interface via Settings → Vertical Tabs → Hide inactive tabs in Zen Mode
How to enable
- Click the focus icon (
) in the Vertical Tabs’s toolbar - Use the command palette - Search for “Toggle zen mode”
- Keyboard shortcut - Assign a custom hotkey in Obsidian settings
Exiting Zen Mode
To return to normal view, click the focus icon again in the navigation header or use the “Toggle zen mode” command. Your previous tab visibility settings will be restored automatically.
Use cases
Zen Mode is particularly useful for:
- Focused writing sessions - Eliminate distractions from other open notes
- Deep work - Maintain concentration on a single task
- Presentations - Clean interface when sharing your screen
- Large workspaces - Reduce visual complexity when working with many open tabs