---
name: Monocle
subtitle: A focus tool that points instead of nags
date: 2026-04-11
category: interface
tags: [macos, focus, productivity, accessibility]
description: "A pointer-driven spotlight overlay that dims everything except where you're looking — quietly useful."
link: https://www.heyiam.dk/monocle
---

import spotlight from '../../assets/reviews/monocle/spotlight.mp4';

<video src={spotlight} autoplay loop muted playsinline />

*A soft circle of brightness follows the cursor; the rest of the screen dims.*

> A pointer-driven spotlight overlay: the screen dims everywhere except a soft circle around your cursor. Dim level, radius, and edge softness are tunable; a hotkey toggles the effect.

Most "focus" apps work by removing things — blocking sites, hiding the dock, locking apps. Monocle works by quietly biasing your eye toward where you're already looking. Distractions remain on screen but require small intentional effort to look at, and most of the time you don't.

Also useful for screen recording and presentations: the audience's eye follows the cursor automatically because there's nowhere else to go. macOS only, one-time purchase.
