Status-based reading and authoring assistance

Status-based reading and authoring assistance is provided. A status-based reading and authoring assistance feature can automatically determine a status of a user and automatically adapt reading and authoring tools provided for display based on the determined status. The status-based reading and authoring assistance feature provides the right reading and authoring tools at the right time, according to the current use of the application. During a user session with respect to a productivity application that includes status-based reading and authoring assistance, signals (e.g., user actions and context information) associated with a file can be received. A status regarding the use of the file can be determined using at least the signals. The status can comprise a reading status or an authoring status (or even a sub status). Reading and authoring tools provided for a display of the productivity application can be adapted based on the status during the user session.