Comparing Composition Mode to the Full Screen Function

In Mac OS X Lion, Apple introduced a full screen function that not only maximizes the window, but hides the menu bar and dock (similar to what happens when you press F11 in Windows). To avoid confusion, the good people at Scrivener renamed the former Full Screen mode to Composition mode in the Mac version. On Windows, it’s still known as Full Screen mode, so when you see Composition mode in this chapter, I’m also referring to Scrivener for Windows Full Screen mode.

Whichever operating system you’re using may have its own version of full screen, but Composition mode is more than merely an expanded window. Here’s what you get from Composition mode:

check.png A simple view of the Editor with no visible menus, status bars, Binder, Inspector, docks, or taskbars (except when you want them).

check.png A customizable background that can be transparent or solid (solid black, by default) to block out the windows behind the screen.

check.png Typewriter scrolling (whatever line you’re editing is always at the center of the screen).

check.png Quick access to Composition mode settings, ...

Get Scrivener For Dummies now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.