Last Updated on
April 23, 2023
Written by
Tech Assistant for blind Team
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to access and interact with their computer. While NVDA is already a powerful and customizable tool, there are some hidden settings that can enhance the user experience even further. In this article, we’ll explore five secret hidden settings of NVDA that you may not know about.
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Speech Dictionary
The Speech Dictionary is a powerful feature that allows you to customize how NVDA pronounces words and phrases. For example, if NVDA mispronounces a word, you can add it to the Speech Dictionary and specify how it should be pronounced. To access the Speech Dictionary, press NVDA key + N, then D.
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NVDA Profile Switcher
The NVDA Profile Switcher allows you to create and switch between different NVDA profiles. Each profile can have its own settings, including speech rate, voice, and braille display settings. To access the Profile Switcher, press NVDA key + Control + P.
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NVDA Object Navigation
NVDA Object Navigation is a powerful feature that allows you to navigate and interact with the elements on a web page or in an application. With Object Navigation, you can quickly jump between headings, links, buttons, and other elements. To activate Object Navigation, press NVDA key + Num Pad 8. You can then use the arrow keys to navigate through the elements.
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NVDA Screen Curtain
The NVDA Screen Curtain is a feature that allows you to hide the contents of your screen while still using your computer. This can be useful if you are working in a public place and don’t want others to see what you are doing. To activate the Screen Curtain, press NVDA key + Shift + S.
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NVDA Input Gestures
NVDA Input Gestures allow you to customize the keyboard shortcuts that are used to control NVDA. For example, you can change the shortcut for reading the current line or reading the entire document. To access the Input Gestures dialog, press NVDA key + N, then M.
In conclusion, NVDA is a powerful and customizable screen reader that offers many hidden settings and features. By exploring these settings, you can enhance your NVDA experience and make it more efficient and effective. Whether you want to customize the pronunciation of words, switch between different profiles, or use Object Navigation to quickly jump between elements on a web page, NVDA has many tools to help you.
