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Large text and keep-awake in Cook Mode

Cook Mode automatically adjusts the visual experience so you can use Forktastic while actually cooking — across the counter, with wet hands, and without the screen turning off mid-step.

Larger text

When you start Cook Mode, the text scaling changes:

  • Instruction text renders at approximately 1.6× the normal app size.
  • Step numbers render even larger (“Step 3 of 7” in a big header).
  • Ingredient checklist uses larger font and bigger touch targets.

The size is fixed in Cook Mode regardless of your OS-level dynamic type setting. This is intentional — Forktastic wants the size to be predictably readable across kitchens, not following your phone’s reading-app preferences.

If the text is still too small (or too big)

In Options → Cook Mode settings:

  • Cook Mode text size: Smaller / Default / Larger / Largest
  • Step number visibility: On (default) / Subtle / Hidden

These settings apply to every recipe in Cook Mode, every time you start it.

Keep-awake

The screen sleep timer is suspended while Cook Mode is active. Your device behaves as if it were set to “Never auto-lock”, but only inside Forktastic — switching apps or exiting Cook Mode returns to your normal auto-lock behavior.

On iOS this is implemented via the system’s idle timer API; on Android, via wake lock. You can confirm this works by leaving the device idle for several minutes — the screen stays on.

What if the screen dims anyway?

Keep-awake controls the lock screen, not screen brightness. Many devices have a separate “auto-dim” that lowers brightness after a few minutes of no interaction — that’s a battery-saving feature controlled by the OS.

If you want the screen at full brightness throughout cooking:

  • Disable auto-brightness in OS settings, or
  • Plug the device into power (most devices skip auto-dim when charging)

Forktastic doesn’t override system brightness — that would be invasive and drain battery.

Battery use

Cook Mode keeps the screen on, which is the biggest single battery draw on a phone. For a 60-minute Cook Mode session, expect ~20–30% battery drain on a typical device, more if voice control is active.

For longer cooks (slow-braised meats, bread proofing), keep the device plugged in.

Cook Mode display options

Other display tweaks in Options → Cook Mode settings:

  • Theme — Cook Mode uses your global theme by default. You can override to always-dark in Cook Mode (easier in dim kitchen light) or always-light (better in bright daylight).
  • Show photos in steps — if a recipe has per-step photos, show them inline or hide them for a text-only experience.
  • Show timer ring — visual progress ring for active timers, on or off.

Accessibility integration

Cook Mode respects iOS / Android accessibility features:

  • Voice Over / TalkBack reads steps correctly with proper heading hierarchy.
  • Dynamic Type has no effect inside Cook Mode (we override; see above), but Cook Mode’s “Largest” text size is still significantly larger than maxed-out Dynamic Type.
  • Reduced motion reduces step-transition animation.
  • High contrast uses higher-contrast color values for instructions.