FocusRuler Tutorials

Learn how to use FocusRuler effectively to improve your reading experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic setup to advanced features.

Getting Started
Basic setup and first use
Hotkeys & Controls
Master keyboard shortcuts
Customization
Personalize your experience
Quick Navigation
Getting Started
Basic Usage
Hotkeys
Customization

Getting Started

1. Installation
  1. Download FocusRuler from our website
  2. Click the downloaded file to run (Click-to-Run)
  3. FocusRuler will install and launch automatically
  4. Look for the ruler icon in your system tray
Click-to-Run: No traditional installer needed! FocusRuler uses modern deployment technology for instant setup.
2. First Launch
  1. FocusRuler starts minimized in system tray
  2. Look for the ruler icon near your clock
  3. Right-click the icon to open the menu
  4. Click "Show Ruler" to begin
Your 14-day free trial begins automatically!
Pro Tip: System Tray

FocusRuler runs quietly in your system tray. If you can't see the icon:

  • Click the "Show hidden icons" arrow (^) in your system tray
  • Look for the ruler icon
  • Right-click and select "Show Ruler" to get started

Basic Usage

Using the Ruler
Moving the Ruler:
  • Mouse: Click and drag to move up/down
  • Pointer lock: Click without dragging, or Ctrl+click, to move without holding the button
  • Multiple displays: Drag the pointer onto another display to transfer the ruler
Resizing the Ruler:
  • Mouse wheel: Scroll to change height
  • Opacity: Hold Ctrl while using the mouse wheel
  • Color: Hold Shift while using the mouse wheel
Screen Overlay
What it does:

Dims the entire screen except the ruler area, helping you focus on specific lines of text.

How to use:
  • Right-click the tray icon and choose "Show Screen Fade"
  • Or use hotkey: Ctrl+Alt+F11
  • Adjust fade opacity with Alt + mouse wheel while the fade is active
Start with low opacity and gradually increase for comfort.

Hotkeys Reference

Toggle Controls
Show/Hide Ruler Ctrl+Alt+F12
Toggle Screen Fade Ctrl+Alt+F11
Pointer Lock Ctrl+click
Move Between Displays Click + drag
Adjustment Controls
Ruler Height Mouse Wheel
Screen Fade Opacity Alt + Wheel
Change Colors Shift + Wheel
Ruler Opacity Ctrl + Wheel
Global Hotkeys: These work even when FocusRuler is not the active window, allowing you to control the ruler while reading in any application.

Customization Options

Colors & Themes

Choose from multiple color options for both ruler and overlay.

  • Blue (Default)
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Red
  • Black
Opacity Settings

Each color remembers its own opacity level for personalized comfort.

  • Individual color memory
  • 0-100% opacity range
  • Auto-saved preferences
  • Restored on restart
Saved Behavior

FocusRuler remembers your preferences between sessions.

  • Position and height are remembered
  • Always on top
  • Per-color opacity is remembered
  • Selected display is remembered

Advanced Tips & Tricks

Documents & PDFs
  • Use larger ruler height for better line coverage
  • Blue or green colors work well with white backgrounds
  • Medium opacity (30-50%) for best visibility
Web Browsing
  • Smaller ruler height for dense text
  • Higher opacity (60-80%) for complex layouts
  • Yellow works well on dark websites

Long Reading Sessions
  • Start with lower opacity and increase as needed
  • Take breaks every 30 minutes
  • Switch colors periodically to prevent habituation
Research & Note-taking
  • Use hotkeys to quickly hide/show ruler
  • Lower opacity when switching between apps
  • Practice hotkeys until they become automatic

FocusRuler saves settings per Windows user account, making it perfect for shared computers:

  • Individual Preferences: Each user's color and opacity preferences are saved separately
  • Student Discounts: Students can get 20% off with valid educational email
  • Personal License: The license key is for the purchaser's own installations and must not be shared
  • Classroom Setup: Each student login maintains their own optimal settings

Troubleshooting

Common Issues
Can't see the ruler?
  • Check system tray for FocusRuler icon
  • Right-click icon ? "Show Ruler"
  • Try hotkey: Ctrl+Alt+F12
Hotkeys not working?
  • Make sure FocusRuler is running in system tray
  • Check if another app is using the same hotkeys
  • Try restarting FocusRuler
Quick Fixes
Ruler appears but won't move?
  • Click directly on the ruler to activate it
  • Click without dragging, or Ctrl+click, to unlock pointer movement
  • Click and drag the ruler to reposition it
Settings not saving?
  • Close FocusRuler normally, then reopen it and try again
  • Check that your Windows profile can save application settings
  • Reinstall if issues persist

Video Tutorials

Getting Started

5-minute introduction to FocusRuler basics

Advanced Features

Master customization and hotkeys

Tips for Students

Optimize FocusRuler for studying

Need More Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help you get the most out of FocusRuler.

Contact Support
Download FocusRuler
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