Well, every modern note-taking app out there is trying way too hard. I just wanted a clean screen to dump my thoughts, but instead I’m getting hit with AI writing assistants I didn't ask for, sidebars that look like an aeroplane cockpit, and cloud-syncing pop-ups that ruin my entire workflow.
Because of this, I built Phokus — a completely blank, distraction-free markdown notepad utility that does exactly one thing: lets you write in peace.
"Just use Notepad, bro"
Shut up.
Here's why it's actually useful:
Zero Clutter: No accounts, no configurations, no menus (kinda). It’s literally just a blank canvas for typing.
The 'Distraktions' Counter: To gamify things, it tracks exactly how many times your focus slips or you click away. It also roasts you for getting distracted one too many times.
I'm keeping this bare-bones so it doesn't become like the bloatware I hate.
I'd love any feedback you guys have on the UI/UX, or any small features you think could actually help you stay in the zone without messing up the clean aesthetic. I've learnt so much while building this, and I'm about to learn much more.
Here's the link to the GitHub repo:
My biggest project yet... or maybe my first actual project
Well, Phokus is a small project I decided to start. The whole idea was to make a notepad that actively penalized the user for getting distracted. It slowly evolved from that to a text editor that not only roasts you for having the attention span of the average Gen Alpha kid, but one that also praises you for staying focused on the actual goal
Right now the notepad only blurs for a few seconds when the user changes tabs. Not very evil, huh?
The above line is from a few weeks ago. I've added more things, but the highlight of the new features so far is the achievements you unlock for determination (and ADHD) Try to catch all the references (if you can 😏)
