Without the distraction of extraneous apps, windows and annoying notifications you'll be able to work more productively and with less interruption than you could otherwise. Whether you're weak-willed or just a consummate multi-tasker in need of a little productivity boost, we've rounded up some great tools that'll let you write, work, and even browse the Web while keeping distractions to a minimum.

The distraction-free tool movement started with word processors, and it's not hard to see why: writing is a focused task that takes a lot of mental energy, and it's easy to let your attention drift to the other windows and apps open on your PC. Demand for a distraction-free writing tool is high, which means you've got a number of tools to choose from. I've taken the liberty of compiling a few of my favorites below, but you might also want to take a deep dive into the settings of your favorite word processor to see if it offers an option to shut out extraneous notifications and toolbars. Many modern writing apps include a distraction-free full-screen mode as an optional feature, a simple setting that saves you time and ensures you can keep using your editor of choice.

If that's not an option, Windows users should take a look at for a clean, simple writing tool that's also free. Writemonkey is great for getting work done, but I also use when working on a Windows PC. It's mostly a matter of personal preference; both apps have their strengths, but I find Q10's timer feature invaluable when trying to write on a strict deadline or when using the .

Mac users also have a number of distraction-free writing apps to choose from. The granddaddy of distraction free writing tools is a handy app called that creates a full screen word-processor that hides all menus until you need them later. While WriteRoom has updated over the years with a lot of exciting features (there's an iOS version now that syncs well with the desktop app) it's also $9.99 in a field where almost all of the competitors are free.