I almost always have multiple applications running on my Mac. Sometimes I find the visual clutter of multiple apps distracting, even on my iMac’s large 24” monitor. In the past, I’ve downloaded special word processors (such as Scrivener) that feature full screen/screen shading settings to hide other apps, so I could better focus on writing.
I’ve recently started using Freeverse’s free application called Think to limit my attention to one application (any application) at any time. Think hides all but one application at a time behind a solid black wall. This means other apps will be active and available for use, but you’ll only see one at a time.
You can temporarily bring a “guest” application above the backdrop by clicking on its icon in the Dock. Clicking into the backdrop will refocus you on the illuminated application, returning the guest to exile.
Freeverses’s website says: “Let’s limit our attention to one application—any application—at any time. Let’s make it easy to change focus when we have to. Let’s allow ourselves to bring other apps up quickly if we need them, but put them out of sight again just as quickly.”
Think uses Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later and is free. Download it by clicking here.