Hey everyone! Let’s talk about productivity hacks. Today, I’m sharing how I transformed my vscode into a minimalist powerhouse—stripping away distractions, optimizing workflows, and embracing keyboard shortcuts so much that my mouse now collects dust (rsrsrs)
Why Minimalism Matters
Let’s face it: we spend hours staring at our editors. Why not make that time as pleasant and efficient as possible? My goal was simple: remove the noise. Status bar? Hidden. Tab clutter? Eliminated. The result? A Zen-like interface that feels like coding in a distraction-free zone.
Fonts: Where Readability Meets Personality
Fonts aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about reducing eye strain and staying in the flow. After testing dozens, here’s my top trio:
- MonoLisa (current obsession): Crisp, modern, and oddly satisfying.
- JetBrains Mono (old reliable): Balanced and battle-tested.
- DankMono (wildcard): For those who like a touch of flair.
Apc Customize UI++
Want to turn VSCode into a minimalist dream? Meet Apc Customize UI++. This extension is a game-changer. With it, you can:
✅ Hide UI elements
✅ Tweak margins and spacing
✅ Create a truly yours editor
Dark Mode FTW (Mostly)
Color themes set the mood. Here’s my lineup:
One Dark Pro
My ride-or-die theme. Smooth, easy on the eyes, and perfect for late-night sessions. I’ve tried alternatives, but nothing dethrones this one.GitHub Theme
For light mode lovers: clean and familiar. The dark version is decent, but One Dark Pro still wins my heart.
Shortcuts & Layouts
This is where the magic happens. My setup revolves around minimizing mouse dependency. Here’s how:
⌨️ Shortcut Philosophy
- Everything at your fingertips: Toggle terminal, navigate files, and Copilot with keystrokes.
- Proximity is key: I map shortcuts close to the home row to avoid finger gymnastics.
The 75% Keyboard Sweet Spot
After testing 60%, TKL, and full-size boards, I settled on a 75% layout. Why?
- It keeps
Home,End,Pg Up/Dnaccessible—critical for code navigation. - Compact but not cramped (my hands aren’t tiny, but stretching a finger works!).
Smaller layouts forced me into awkward combos (looking at you, 60% 😒). Your mileage may vary, but find what lets you code without friction.
Screenshots
Less Really Is More
This setup isn’t just about looks—it’s about flow. Fewer distractions mean deeper focus. Yes, adapting to shortcuts takes time, but the payoff is worth it.
Your turn! What’s your editor setup like? Any killer extensions or themes I should try? Let’s geek out in the comments! 👇
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