How do I set up Zen Mode to increase font size in Kitty terminal?

Enable the kitty plugin in config, set 'font' to a value like '+4', and ensure Kitty options allow remote control via socket. This requires editing both Zen Mode's Lua config and Kitty's configuration file for it to work.

Zen Mode vs using the :only command in Neovim: what's the difference?

Zen Mode opens a buffer in a floating window without altering other splits, preserving your layout, while :only closes all other windows, which can disrupt your workspace. Zen Mode is better for temporary focus without losing context.

Can I use Zen Mode with multiple buffers open at the same time?

Zen Mode isolates the current buffer in a floating window, but you can't view multiple buffers simultaneously within it. However, you can toggle it on and off quickly to switch between focused and normal views.

How to keep the number column visible in Zen Mode?

In the configuration, set 'options.number' to true in the window section. By default, it's commented out, so you need to uncomment and adjust it to maintain the number column while in Zen Mode.

Does Zen Mode support iTerm2 or other unsupported terminals?

No, Zen Mode only has built-in integrations for Kitty, Alacritty, Wezterm, and Neovide. For iTerm2 or others, you'd need to write custom Lua callbacks or use external scripts to achieve similar effects.

How to automatically start Zen Mode when opening markdown files?

Use Neovim autocommands in your init.lua to call require('zen-mode').toggle() on BufEnter for markdown files. This leverages Zen Mode's Lua API for programmatic control based on file type.

Open-Awesome

zen-mode.nvim

Apache-2.0Luav1.4.1

A Neovim plugin that creates a distraction-free full-screen floating window for focused coding.

GitHub

2.1k stars76 forks0 contributors

What is zen-mode.nvim?

Zen Mode is a Neovim plugin that creates a distraction‑free coding environment by opening the current buffer in a full‑screen floating window. It helps developers focus by hiding UI elements like the status line and integrating with terminal emulators to adjust font sizes, all while preserving existing window layouts.

Target Audience

Neovim users (version 0.5 or newer) who want a minimalist, focused interface for writing code without leaving their editor.

Value Proposition

Unlike basic full‑screen modes, Zen Mode uses Neovim's floating windows to isolate your buffer without disrupting splits or layouts, offers deep customization via Lua callbacks, and integrates with popular terminals and plugins for a seamless experience.

Overview

🧘 Distraction-free coding for Neovim

Use Cases

Best For

Writing long‑form code or documentation without distractions
Pair programming or screen sharing with a clean, focused view
Neovim users who want a VS Code‑like Zen Mode experience
Integrating with terminal emulators like Kitty, Alacritty, or Wezterm
Using alongside plugins like Telescope or LSP hover windows
Customizing UI visibility (e.g., hiding status line, number column) during focus sessions

Not Ideal For

Neovim users on versions older than 0.5 or builds prior to May 15, 2021, as it requires the z-index feature for floating windows.
Developers who need to maintain visibility of multiple split windows or buffers simultaneously during focused work sessions.
Teams using terminal emulators not explicitly supported (e.g., iTerm2, GNOME Terminal) where font scaling integrations are unavailable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Non-Destructive Layout

Preserves existing window splits and layouts, allowing users to toggle Zen Mode without disrupting their workspace, as highlighted in the README's non-destructive philosophy.

Deep Customization

Offers Lua callbacks (on_open, on_close) and configurable UI options to hide elements like status line, number column, and fold column, providing tailored distraction-free environments.

Seamless Plugin Integration

Works correctly with other floating windows like LSP hover and Telescope, and can disable plugins such as gitsigns or adjust terminal font sizes for a cohesive experience.

Automatic Closure

Automatically closes the Zen window when a new non-floating window is opened, ensuring it doesn't interfere with workflow interruptions like opening files or plugins.

Cons

Complex Terminal Setup

Integrations with terminals like Wezterm and tmux require manual configuration, such as adding custom Lua functions and enabling passthrough options, which can be cumbersome and error-prone.

Limited Neovim Compatibility

Only supports Neovim builds newer than May 15, 2021, excluding users on older versions or stable distributions that lack the required z-index feature.

UI Element Trade-offs

Hiding UI elements like the status line by default might break workflows that rely on real-time information, and the backdrop shading could be visually jarring if not customized properly.

Open Source Alternative To

zen-mode.nvim is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Visual Studio Code Zen Mode

A distraction-free mode in Visual Studio Code that hides all UI elements except the editor, allowing you to focus entirely on your code.

Frequently Asked Questions

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