WriteRoom Guide

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Getting Started ​

Use WriteRoom as a simple full-screen typing machine. Or use it as one of the fastest, most capable Markdown editors you can find. Either way, start with a new document and reach for the features you need.

Core Commands ​

To start writing:

  • Use File > New Markdown (Command-N) and start typing

To write in Markdown or plain text:

  • New documents are Markdown. Change this in WriteRoom > Settings > General.
  • Use Format > Make Plain Text or Make Markdown Text to switch formats

To enter full screen mode:

  • Use View > Enter Full Screen (Control-Command-F)

Use What You Need ​

WriteRoom has a lot of features. You don't need them to write well, and they stay out of the way until you ask for them.

Start with the commands above. When a document needs more, such as headings for chapters, a word count goal, or a Word file for an editor, find its page in the sidebar.

Drop What You Don't ​

Three defaults suit long, structured documents. If you mostly write shorter documents, you might change them in WriteRoom > Settings > General:

  • Sticky headings: turn off to stop pinning the current heading to the top of the window
  • Minimap scroller: turn off to use a regular scroll bar
  • New Document: choose Plain (.txt) to start new documents without Markdown

You can still turn sticky headings and the minimap back on for one window from the View menu, and make one document Markdown from the Format menu.

Thanks and enjoy!

DEC Terminal theme isn't for every document

WriteRoom uses the DEC Terminal theme by default. It draws letters with the dots of a real 1980s terminal. It looks wonderful (I think!) in English and other languages written with Latin letters, and less so in others. See Using Themes for modern typography.

See also ​