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Technical writing advice for screenreaders: what symbol to use for "sub-menus"? (self.Blind)
submitted by int16wis8
Hi all - I am doing some technical writing and have a question for screenreader users.
Most programs have a top "menu bar" with menus like File, Edit, Window, Help, etc.
Example: I want to tell someone to go under File, then the sub-menu Export, then sub-menu Export As, then sub-menu Print Layout, then sub-option PDF.
I would normally write this using the greater than sign >. Like this:
"To export your file, navigate to the top menu bar, then go under File > Export > Export As > Print Layout and click PDF."
Does the "greater than" sign work well with screenreaders? Is there a more clear option to use?
Most programs have a top "menu bar" with menus like File, Edit, Window, Help, etc.
Example: I want to tell someone to go under File, then the sub-menu Export, then sub-menu Export As, then sub-menu Print Layout, then sub-option PDF.
I would normally write this using the greater than sign >. Like this:
"To export your file, navigate to the top menu bar, then go under File > Export > Export As > Print Layout and click PDF."
Does the "greater than" sign work well with screenreaders? Is there a more clear option to use?
Marconius 3 points 1y ago
Yes, the > symbol is fine as a progression demonstration like this. I use that syntax myself when I'm writing up a bug or giving the same kinds of menu or progression instructions.
r_1235 1 points 1y ago
\> works. I have followed countless tutorials with similar wording. And I use NVDA screen reader.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Does not differ from blind and sighted.
[deleted] -1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
retrolental_morose 1 points 1y ago
Use >. It's up to the screen reader user to adjust, not the author in this case.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
No it does not!! Now let’s not spread misinformation!! OK???
CloudyBeep 1 points 1y ago
If a screen reader user chooses to suppress information like the announcement of > symbols, other people should not need to work around that—you're making a choice to not hear certain information.
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