How to Minimize Distractions in VS Code

how-to-minimize-distractions-in-vs-code

Today I found some ways to minimize distractions in VS Code.

Use Zen Mode

  • Activate Zen Mode with Cmd+K Z.
    • Or from the Command Palette → “View: Toggle Zen Mode”.
  • Press Cmd+K Z again to exit Zen Mode.

Hide UI Elements

  • Hide the sidebar (Cmd+B).

  • Hide the panel (Cmd+J).

  • Hide the status bar (Cmd+Shift+P → “View: Toggle Status Bar Visibility”).

  • Hide the breadcrumbs via Cmd+Shift+P → “View: Toggle Breadcrumbs”.

    • Alternatively, you can add this line to settings.json:

      "breadcrumbs.enabled": false
  • Hide the minimap via Cmd+Shift+P → “View: Toggle Minimap”.

    • Alternatively, you can add this line to settings.json:

      "editor.minimap.enabled": false
  • Hide the scroll bar:

    "editor.scrollbar.horizontal": "hidden",
    "editor.scrollbar.vertical": "hidden"
  • Hide the overview ruler:

    "editor.hideCursorInOverviewRuler": true
Thanks for reading! If you found this page useful, consider buying me a coffee .
© 2025 Hua-Ming Huang licensed under CC BY 4.0