Using grids and numbered overlays
Transcript:
In Voice access, you can place numbers or grids on your screen to allow you to interact with greater precision. You might also come across digital applications that don't yet comply with accessibility laws. Overlay features can help in some circumstances where this is the case. If you're a designer or developer, you can use these commands to test your application as you build it.
Show numbers
You can use the command “show numbers” or “show numbers everywhere” to display numbered overlays across your screen. This will place small numbered labels over every clickable element. This includes buttons, links, images, menu items, and so on.
Show numbers in the current application
If you want to focus the numbers on just the current application window, you can use the command "show numbers here". This reduces the visual clutter by only showing numbers for the active window.
Show numbers in a specific application
You can also show numbers for specific application by saying "show numbers", followed by the name of the application. For example, you could use the command "show numbers on Word" or "show numbers on Excel". There's also a special command for the taskbar. Use the command "show numbers on taskbar" to display numbers just over the taskbar items. To remove all the numbers, you can use the command "hide numbers", "cancel" or "press escape".
Show grid
Voice access also provides a grid overlay system. You can use the command "show grid" or "show grid everywhere" to display a numbered grid across your entire screen. You'll see your screen divided into a grid with numbers in each section.
To interact with any area, you need to say the number off the grid section. This will zoom into that area and show you a finer grid, allowing you to be increasingly precise about where you want to point your mouse.
Show grid in the current window
If you want the grid only in the current window, you can use the command "show grid here".
Hide grid
To remove the grid, you can use the command "hide grid" or "cancel".
Using multiple grid commands at once
Once you are experienced with using the mouse grid, you can drill down multiple levels at once. For example, you could say "mouse grid 3,7,2,5,1". This will drill you down five levels of the grid in one command. That's quite advanced and comes with practice. I've included in this video, so you know it's an option that you can use later on, when you become more familiar with the commands.
Using the grid to drag and drop files
There are also special commands for dragging and dropping operations using overlays. If you need to drag an item first, show the numbers on the grid. Use the overlay to place your cursor over the item you want to drag, and then “mark”. Next, navigate to where you want to drop the item using the grid overlay. Use the command drag.
Practice the commands
Practice these commands until you become familiar and comfortable with them. Try browsing the web with numbered overlays to open different links. Use grid overlays to position your cursor in a precise location on your screen. Use the "mark" command to select a file in File Explorer.
In the next lesson we'll look at commands to help you control your mouse and keyboard.