> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/monkeytypegame/monkeytype/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Test Modes
> Understanding all test modes available in Monkeytype
Monkeytype offers several test modes to suit different practice styles and goals. Each mode challenges you in unique ways to improve your typing speed and accuracy.
## Available Test Modes
### Time Mode
Type as many words as you can within a fixed time limit.
**Available Durations:**
* 15 seconds
* 30 seconds
* 60 seconds
* 120 seconds
* Custom duration
**How it works:**
* Test starts when you begin typing
* Timer counts down from your selected duration
* Test ends automatically when time expires
* New words are continuously generated until time runs out
**Best for:** Quick practice sessions, competing on leaderboards, and tracking consistent performance over standard intervals.
Tests under 15 seconds are not saved to your account.
### Words Mode
Type a specific number of words as quickly and accurately as possible.
**Available Word Counts:**
* 10 words
* 25 words
* 50 words
* 100 words
* Custom word count
**How it works:**
* Test starts when you begin typing
* Fixed word list is generated at the start
* Test ends when all words are typed
* Your time is recorded based on completion speed
**Best for:** Sprint practice, testing your peak performance, and improving burst speed.
Tests with fewer than 10 words are not saved to your account.
### Quote Mode
Type real quotes from books, movies, songs, and other sources.
**Quote Lengths:**
* Short (0): Less than 100 characters
* Medium (1): 100-300 characters
* Long (2): 300-600 characters
* Thicc (3): Over 600 characters
* All: Random selection from any length
**How it works:**
* A random quote is selected based on your chosen length(s)
* Type the quote exactly as shown, including punctuation
* You can rate quotes after completion
* Favorite quotes can be saved for later practice
**Special Features:**
* Quotes are in their original language
* Punctuation and numbers are always included
* Can search for quotes by ID
* Repeat quotes option available in settings
**Best for:** Practicing with real-world text, improving punctuation handling, and enjoying varied content.
### Zen Mode
A freestyle mode with no word list - just keep typing.
**How it works:**
* Start typing anything you want
* No predefined words or time limit
* Test continues until you manually stop it
* Stats are calculated when you finish
* Empty word elements are generated as you type
**Special Characteristics:**
* Minimum 15 seconds required for results to save
* Pace caret is disabled in this mode
* Quick restart confirmation is always required
* AFK detection adjusted for continuous typing
**Best for:** Warming up, casual practice, transcribing text, or practicing without pressure.
### Custom Mode
Create your own test with custom text.
**Custom Text Options:**
* **Text input**: Paste or type your own content
* **Limit modes**:
* Word limit: Type a specific number of words
* Time limit: Type for a set duration
* Section limit: Divide text into sections (separated by pipes `|`)
* **Delimiter options**:
* Space-separated words (default)
* Pipe-delimited sections: `word1|word2|word3`
**How it works:**
* Enter your custom text in the settings
* Choose your limit mode and value
* Text can include punctuation and numbers
* Long custom texts save progress automatically
* Resume where you left off in long texts
**Special Features:**
* Named custom texts for easy reuse
* Progress tracking for long texts
* Section-based practice with pipe delimiter
**Best for:** Practicing specific vocabulary, transcription training, learning code syntax, or studying foreign languages.
Custom tests require at least 10 words or 15 seconds to be saved.
## Test Configuration
### Common Options (All Modes)
Adds punctuation marks to words (periods, commas, quotes, etc.).
* Disabled in quote and zen modes
* Increases difficulty and realism
* Tests your shift key usage
Mixes numbers into the word list.
* Disabled in quote and zen modes
* Tests number row proficiency
* Useful for programming practice
Select from hundreds of languages and word lists.
* Default: English
* Includes programming languages (JavaScript, Python, etc.)
* Special lists: English 1k, 10k, 25k, etc.
## Invalid Tests
Tests will not be saved if they:
* Are too short (under 15 seconds or 10 words)
* Detect AFK (away from keyboard)
* Are repeated tests (using the same wordset)
* Have unusual WPM values (over 350 WPM for most modes)
* Have accuracy outside valid ranges
## Tips for Each Mode
* Maintain consistency throughout
* Don't slow down near the end
* 60s tests are best for leaderboards
* Great for testing peak performance
* 10-word tests measure burst speed
* 50+ word tests measure endurance
* Practice real-world typing
* Rate quotes to improve the database
* Use favorite quotes for benchmark tests
* Save frequently used texts with names
* Use pipe delimiter for structured practice
* Great for certification test prep
## Mode-Specific Source Code References
The test modes are implemented in:
* Mode logic: `frontend/src/ts/test/test-logic.ts:387-392`
* Word generation: `frontend/src/ts/test/words-generator.ts`
* Configuration: `frontend/src/ts/config-metadata.ts:148-180`