Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Visual Impairment Software (self.Blind)
submitted by ITdumbdesk
Hi guys,
I have a question and I was wondering if you guys can help. So, is there a software or app for Windows where you can highlight a section of a text file or actually any file whether it's on a website, pdf, or etc. and it only reads that? I just tried dolphin supernova and it did not work as planned and just kept reading when I just wanted to pause the text to speech and go back to the section if I need to re-listen to it. But it decides to read the whole entire 300 page Word doc.
I have a question and I was wondering if you guys can help. So, is there a software or app for Windows where you can highlight a section of a text file or actually any file whether it's on a website, pdf, or etc. and it only reads that? I just tried dolphin supernova and it did not work as planned and just kept reading when I just wanted to pause the text to speech and go back to the section if I need to re-listen to it. But it decides to read the whole entire 300 page Word doc.
lil-alfalfa-sprout 4 points 1y ago
Well, if you are sighted, the Google Read & Write Chrome extension might be what you're looking for. There are probably other Chome extensions like that out there. But if you are Blind/VI, it sounds like you might be looking for a screenreading software? The most popular one is called JAWS.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, I think they want a screen reader or screen reader function that will only read what they have selected. I have had to partials now ask me about this which I don’t think exist.
bowlofsoup8 1 points 1y ago
Though, if you (OP) are trying out a screen reader, you should try NVDA instead. It can do virtually everything JAWS can, but it’s free! NVDA is a very popular screen reader. You can set it to read what your mouse is hovering over.
applebutters7462947 2 points 1y ago
Does anyone happen to know if Jaws can do that, as well?
bowlofsoup8 1 points 1y ago
Yes, it has a different name of Mouse Echo. I found the setting under: Jaws > Utilities > Settings Center > Mouse Echo, checkbox Enable Mouse Echo. It has a delay, with a default of 0.4 seconds, so your cursor has to hover for that long for JAWS to read it. You can check Mouse Echo Instant to remove this delay. Below that, there are a couple more settings to customize it.
applebutters7462947 1 points 1y ago
Thank you, this is very helpful!
cuntasauruswithacane 2 points 1y ago
To add, NVDA is free and very easy to get used to (tab key, arrow keys). I doubt much formal training is needed for NVDA!
lil-alfalfa-sprout 2 points 1y ago
Also should note that you will need training or at least some good tutorials!
B_Bussen 3 points 1y ago
I am totally and also recommend nvda. It is free, but donations are more than welcome, so I donate a little when I update.
CloudyBeep 3 points 1y ago
Since you mentioned a Word doc, the Read Aloud feature in Microsoft Office 365 can do this, but obviously that isn't a solution for other applications.
ITdumbdesk [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Yeah, I'm trying to find a solution that allows for any type of software, apps. Thank you though.
bowlofsoup8 1 points 1y ago
Hey, I just found out you can do this with windows’ built-in magnifier. Even with no zoom level. You can turn it on in settings or with a keyboard shortcut, and then it has a button or keyboard shortcuts for reading where you click. And it puts a clear blue outline around what’s being read.
Edit: Just saw this was suggested below by MostlyBlindGamer.
Edit: Just saw this was suggested below by MostlyBlindGamer.
poochbrah 2 points 1y ago
I've been using a little program called clipspeak for years now. It can reads text that you copy. So highlight some text then copy it as soon as you copy it will start reading. Only downside is that it doesn't work with text that can't be copied for example text in images or pdf documents.
https://clipspeak.en.lo4d.com/windows
https://clipspeak.en.lo4d.com/windows
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
I believe the simplest option is using the Magnifier that's built into Windows. Win key + plus sign to bring it up or search for magnifier in the start menu.
Besides magnifying, which you can ignore by zooming all the way out, it had recently the feature you're looking for where you can have it read any piece of text you want.
Besides magnifying, which you can ignore by zooming all the way out, it had recently the feature you're looking for where you can have it read any piece of text you want.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
Pretty interesting thanks for this.
AutomaticChair9 2 points 1y ago
Try NaturalReader. There is an online version where you can copy and paste text or upload a document, a desktop version you can upload documents to, and a browser extension for Google Chrome that will read websites (or parts of them). All free unless you want premium voices. The app is also not free but exists if you are interested. https://www.naturalreaders.com/online/
vwlsmssng 2 points 1y ago
Have you contacted Dolphin support about this issue?
I think I've seen this issue recently but I can't remember the fix at the moment. I'll update if I find it. It used to work OK but it may have been a bug introduced with version 21. I think it helps to have "Read from here" selected as an option in the settings for Voice.
I think I've seen this issue recently but I can't remember the fix at the moment. I'll update if I find it. It used to work OK but it may have been a bug introduced with version 21. I think it helps to have "Read from here" selected as an option in the settings for Voice.
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