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In the current WordPress block editor, open the three-dot More options menu in the upper-right corner and turn off Distraction free. If the WordPress admin interface is also hidden, turn off Fullscreen mode separately. In the classic editor, clear Enable full-height editor and distraction-free functionality under Screen Options.
First, identify which WordPress editor you’re using
The controls differ between the current block editor and the legacy classic editor. If your editing screen is made of blocks, use the block-editor steps below. If it has the older single text editor, use the classic-editor procedure.
| Editor | Where to change the setting | Control | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block editor | Three-dot More options menu, upper right | Distraction free; Fullscreen mode is separate | Ctrl+Shift+ on Windows; Shift+Command+ on Mac toggles Distraction free |
| Classic editor | Screen Options, near the top right | Clear Enable full-height editor and distraction-free functionality | Alt+Shift+G is the documented shortcut to enable classic Distraction Free Writing; use Exit fullscreen to leave it |
Turn off Distraction free in the block editor
- Open the post or page in the WordPress block editor.
- If the toolbar is hidden, move the pointer to the top of the editor; WordPress says the toolbar reappears when the pointer reaches that area.
- Select the three vertical dots to open More options.
- Under View or Appearance, clear Distraction free. The exact section label may depend on the interface version.
Distraction free hides writing-interface elements, including toolbars, open sidebars, block inserters and the block toolbar. The controls are hidden while you write, not deleted; turning the option off restores the usual interface. See WordPress’s Distraction Free mode documentation.
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If the whole WordPress interface is missing, turn off Fullscreen mode
Distraction free and Fullscreen mode are separate options. Distraction free hides writing controls; Fullscreen mode hides the administration interface around the editor. If the admin bar and surrounding WordPress controls are missing, open More options and clear Fullscreen mode as well. WordPress documents the two modes separately in its block editor guide.
Use the Distraction free keyboard shortcut
In the block editor, press Ctrl+Shift+ on Windows or Shift+Command+ on Mac to toggle Distraction free. Press the same shortcut again to turn it off. The shortcuts are documented in WordPress’s Distraction Free mode guide.
Disable the full-height editor in the classic editor
- Open the post’s Edit Post screen.
- Expand Screen Options near the top right.
- Clear Enable full-height editor and distraction-free functionality.
- Close Screen Options and check that the normal editor controls and surrounding interface are visible again.
This checkbox and procedure are documented in WordPress’s Administration Screens guide. The classic editor’s separate Distraction Free Writing control can also be exited with Exit fullscreen; WordPress lists Alt+Shift+G as its enable shortcut in the keyboard shortcuts guide.
What to check if the setting seems to return
- Check the browser or device. WordPress stores the block editor’s Distraction Free choice in browser local storage, so it is browser-specific. You may need to change it again in another browser or on another device; see the official mode guide.
- Check the editor type. If you cannot find the old Screen Options checkbox, you may be using the block editor or a newer WordPress interface. Look for Distraction free and Fullscreen mode in More options.
- Match the setting to what is hidden. Missing writing controls point to Distraction free; a missing administration interface points to Fullscreen mode. You can turn off both if both symptoms apply.
- Identify the version and editing context if the menu is absent. The documented controls do not establish one behavior for every theme, plugin, WordPress release or Site Editor context. Confirm which editor and WordPress version you have before considering CSS or a plugin.
What changing this setting affects
These options change the editing interface, not the post’s content or how the published page is laid out. WordPress describes Distraction free as a visual option that hides parts of the editor interface to create a focused writing experience; the hidden controls can be restored from the menu.
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