- VoiceOver is the first screen reader to provide plug-and-play support for refreshable braille displays. Plug in or sync one of over 100 compatible displays, and the VoiceOver description is.
- SumatraPDF is an open source and lightweight PDF reader software that you can install and use on your Windows computer. Licensed under GPLv3 license, SumatraPDF supports formats other than PDF as.
- Screen Reader Software Options
- Jaws Screen Reader For Mac
- Best Free Screen Reader Software
- Free Screen Reader Software For Mac
- Free Screen Reader Software Download
- Free Screen Reader
This article is for people with visual impairments who use a screen reader program with the Office products and is part of the Office Accessibility content set. For more general help, see Office Support home.
Use Skype for Business with your keyboard and Narrator, the built-in Windows screen reader, to make and receive audio calls. Skype for Business automatically detects your devices, such as a headset, microphone, and speakers. Before you make a call, make sure that you have an audio device connected to your computer. It’s also a good idea to check that your audio device is working properly, to make sure you’re all set.
Notes:
New Office 365 features are released gradually to Office 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
For keyboard shortcuts, go to Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business.
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in Windows screen reader, Narrator. To learn more about using Narrator, go to Complete guide to Narrator.
This topic assumes you are using this app with a PC. Some navigation and gestures might be different for a Windows phone or tablet.
Best Mac OS X Screen Reader: Apple VoiceOver Also available on iOS, VoiceOver is Apple’s free screen-reading solution made for Mac OS X, and it’s probably one of the best on this list. In addition to having very deep, OS-level integration, VoiceOver also has features like braille support and functions tailored specifically to Mac hardware.
In this topic
Keep audio volume constant when using Narrator
When Narrator is on, it by default reduces the volume of other audio sources. This causes the audio volume in Skype for Business calls and meetings to be difficult to hear.
Press the Windows logo key. You hear: 'Start Window. Search box editing.' In the search box, type “narrator'. The search results list opens.
In the search results list, press the Down arrow key until you hear “Change Narrator settings,” and press Enter. You hear: “Settings window, On, Narrator toggle switch.”
In the Narrator settings, press Tab until you hear: “On, Lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is running, toggle switch.”
Press Spacebar. You hear: “Off, Lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is running.”
Make an audio call
To move to the Contacts tab, press Ctrl+1. You hear: 'Search input, editing, find someone or a room.' Type the name of the contact you want to call. You hear: 'Search results, pane updated.' Press the Down arrow key to move to and through the search results list until you hear the correct contact name.
To see more options for this contact, press Enter. An options menu opens.
In the options menu, press Tab until you hear “Call <contact name>,” and then press Spacebar.
When you hear “Skype Call,” press Enter. The Skype for Business window opens and you hear a ringing sound.
After the call connects:
To mute or unmute your microphone, press Windows logo key+F4 or Tab until you hear “Microphone button,” and press Enter.
To put the call on hold, press Ctrl+Shift+H. You hear: 'This call is on hold.' To resume the call, press Ctrl+Shift+H or Tab until you hear 'Resume Call button,” and press Enter.
To transfer the call, press Ctrl+Shift+T. This opens the contact picker during a peer-to-peer call.
Note: Transferring calls feature is not available with the basic Skype for Business standalone plan or with all Office 365 subscriptions.
To display the dial pad, press Ctrl+Shift+D.
To select more call controls (Devices or Speaker volume), press Tab until you hear “Call Controls button,” and press Enter. Press Tab to move to an option, and press Enter.
To add video to the call, press Ctrl+Shift+Enter, or Tab until you hear “Video button,” and press Enter.
To add instant messaging to the call, press Tab until you hear “Off, IM pane button,” and press Enter.
To invite other contacts to join the call, press Alt+V or Tab until you hear “Invite More People button,” and press Enter. A new window opens with the focus on the edit field. Type in a name or use the Down arrow key to select a name on the list. Press Tab until you hear 'OK button' and then press Enter.
To end the call, press Tab until you hear “Hang up,” and press Enter or press Alt+Q (works only in peer-to-peer calls, not in conference calls).
Answer an audio call
When a contact calls you, the Skype for Business notification window opens and you hear a ringing sound, and “Alert: Incoming Skype for Business Call from <caller name>. Press Windows+Shift+O to accept, Windows+Esc to decline.”
To answer the call, press Windows+Shift+O.
If you don’t want to accept the call, press Windows+Esc. This dismisses the call and sends it to voice mail, if available.
See also
Use Skype for Business for Mac with your keyboard and VoiceOver, the built-in Mac OS screen reader, to make and receive audio calls. Skype for Business for Mac automatically detects your devices, such as a headset, microphone, and speakers. Before you make a call, make sure that you have an audio device connected to your computer. It’s also a good idea to check that your audio device is working properly, to make sure you’re all set.
Notes:
New Office 365 features are released gradually to Office 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
For keyboard shortcuts, go to Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business.
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in macOS screen reader, VoiceOver. To learn more about using VoiceOver, go to VoiceOver Getting Started Guide.
In this topic
Make an audio call
Start Skype for Business for Mac and sign in if necessary. The Skype for Business window opens in Contacts view. To go to the Search for Contacts box, press the Tab key repeatedly.
In the Search for Contacts box, type a name, IM address, or phone number. As you type, search results are listed.
Press the Tab key to select the contact list. Press the Up or Down arrow key until you hear the name of the person you want to call.
Press the Tab key repeatedly until you hear “Call, button.”
To open the Skype for Business Call menu, press Spacebar. You hear: 'Menu, <the number of items>.'
Press the Down arrow key to select Skype Call, and press Control+Option+Spacebar to make the call.
To end the call, press the Tab key repeatedly until you hear “Hang up button.” Press Control+Option+Spacebar to select.
Answer an audio call
When someone is calling you, you hear: “Incoming call.” Press Control+Option+Right arrow key repeatedly until you hear “Answer.” To select the button, press Control+Option+Spacebar.
Mute your microphone
To mute your microphone, while in a call that you made or received, press Control+Option+Right arrow key repeatedly until you hear “Mute.” To select the button, press Control+Option+Spacebar.
See also
Use Skype for Business with VoiceOver, the built-in iOS screen reader, to make and receive audio calls.
Notes:
New Office 365 features are released gradually to Office 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in iOS screen reader, VoiceOver. To learn more about using VoiceOver, visit Apple accessibility.
This topic assumes that you are using an iPhone. Some navigation and gestures might be different for an iPad.
In this topic
Make an audio call
Open Skype for Business and sign in if necessary. Your start screen appears, containing the search box for contacts in your company directory, upcoming appointments, and recent conversations.
Tip: If you did not sign out of Skype for Business the last time you used it, the app opens without prompting you to sign in. For sign-in help, refer to Basic tasks using a screen reader with Skype for Business.
To go to the Contacts view, swipe right or left until you hear 'Contacts button,' and then double-tap the screen. The Contacts view opens listing your contacts and contact lists (for example, Favorites).
Note: If you want to call someone who's not in your Contacts list, you can search for them in the start screen using the Search for contacts search box. To learn how to look for a contact, refer to Search for a contact and open their contact card. To learn how to add someone to your Contacts list, refer to Use a screen reader to add people to your contacts in Skype for Business .
To browse the lists in the Contacts view, swipe right or left until you hear the name of the list containing the contact you want to call. VoiceOver announces the list names as you move. To open a list, double-tap the screen.
To browse the contacts within a list, swipe right or left until you hear the contact you want to call. VoiceOver announces the contact names and their status as you move. When on the contact you want to call, double-tap the screen to open the conversation screen.
Swipe right until you hear 'Call.' Double-tap the screen to make the call. The focus moves to the call screen.
To end the call, in the call screen, swipe right until you hear 'Hang up button,' and then double-tap the screen. The focus moves to the conversation screen and you hear: 'Call ended.'
Answer an audio call
When a contact calls you, a notification opens on your screen, and you hear the caller’s name.
To answer the call, double-tap the screen.
To decline the call, swipe left until you hear 'Decline button,' and then double-tap the screen.
Note: If your phone is locked when someone calls you, press the Sleep/Wake button to ignore the call.
Mute your microphone
To mute your microphone, while in a call that you made or received, swipe right or left until you hear “Call unmuted button,” and then double-tap the screen.
See also
Screen Reader Software Options
Use Skype for Business for Android with TalkBack, the built-in Android screen reader, to make and receive audio calls.
Notes:
New Office 365 features are released gradually to Office 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in Android screen reader, TalkBack. To learn more about using TalkBack, go to Android accessibility.
This topic assumes you are using this app with an Android phone. Some navigation and gestures might be different for an Android tablet.
In this topic
Make a call
Open Skype for Business for Android and sign in if necessary. Your start screen appears, containing the search box for contacts in your company directory, upcoming appointments, and recent conversations.
Tip: If you did not sign out of Skype for Business the last time you used it, the app opens without prompting you to sign in. For sign-in help, refer to Basic tasks using a screen reader with Skype for Business.
To go to the Contacts view, swipe right or left until you hear 'View contacts and contact management screen,' and then double-tap the screen. The Contacts view opens listing your contacts and contact lists (for example, Favorites).
Note: If you want to call someone who's not in your Contacts list, you can search for them in the start screen using the Search in the company directory search box. To learn how to look for a contact, and add someone to your Contacts list, refer to Use a screen reader to add people to your contacts in Skype for Business.
To browse the lists in the Contacts view, swipe right or left until you hear the name of the list containing the contact you want to call. TalkBack announces the list names as you move. If a list is closed, you hear 'Button collapsed,' and the list name. To open a list, double-tap the screen.
To browse the contacts within a list, swipe right or left until you hear the contact you want to call. TalkBack announces the contact names and their status as you move. When on the contact you want to call, double-tap the screen to open their contact card.
Swipe right until you hear: 'Audio call button.' Double-tap the screen to make the call. The focus moves to the call screen.
To end the call, in the call screen, swipe right until you hear 'End call button,' and then double-tap the screen. The focus moves to the conversation screen and you hear: 'Call ended.' To move back to the start screen, swipe left until you hear 'Go back,' and then double-tap the screen.
Answer an audio call
When a contact calls you, a notification opens on your screen in Skype for Business, and you hear: 'Incoming audio call.' Swipe right, and you hear “Incoming call from,” and the caller’s name.
You can either answer or decline the call:
To answer the call, swipe right repeatedly to move the focus to the Accept audio call button and double-tap the screen. Your call connects.
To end the call, swipe right to move the focus to the End call button and double-tap the screen. You hear: “Call ended.”
To decline the call, swipe right repeatedly to move the focus to the Ignore button and double-tap the screen. The name of the caller is added to your Recent list on the main screen of Skype for Business.
Select options on a call
When your call connects, the Skype for Business for Android call screen contains the following controls, from top to bottom and left to right:
At the top of the screen are the Back button, the person(s) on the call, duration of the call, and the Chat button.
Back button takes you to the previous screen. When the focus is on the button, you hear: “Go back.”
Chat button opens the chat window for instant messaging. When the focus is on the button, you hear: “Chat button.”
On the upper row, there are the Video, Mute, and Audio buttons.
Video button activates video on the call so your recipient can see you. When the focus is on the button, you hear: “Not checked, preview video is off, switch.”
Mute button turns your microphone on or off. You can still hear the other party, but they can’t hear you. When your microphone is muted, you hear: “Checked, audio is muted, switch.” When your microphone is not muted (the default setting), you hear: “Not checked, audio is unmuted, switch.”
Audio button turns the speaker on or off. When it’s on, you hear “Checked, speaker, switch.” When it’s off, you hear: “Not checked, speaker, switch.”
On the middle row, there are the Add, Dialpad, and More buttons.
Add button lets you invite others to join the call. When the focus is on the button, you hear: “Add participants, button.” In the screen that opens you can search for people and move through a list of recent contacts.
Dialpad button opens the number pad that you can use to interact with an automated phone system, to enter a code, or to make a menu selection, for example. You hear: “View dialpad and voicemail button.” (If you don’t have this option, your organization might not offer voicemail for your Skype for Business for Android calls.) To return to your call screen, swipe left repeatedly to move the focus to the Close button in the top-left corner of the screen. When on the button, you hear: “Double-tap to activate.” Double-tap the screen.
More button opens a menu containing Transfer Call and Hold options. When the focus is on the More button, you hear: “More options, button.” You can transfer the call to another person or number. Putting a call on hold suspends the call without ending it. Parties cannot hear each other while the call is on hold.
At the bottom center of the screen, is the End call button.
Tip: Hold your phone in portrait orientation to access all of these controls. There are less controls available if you hold the device in landscape.
To activate any of these controls, swipe right or left to move the focus to the desired item and double-tap the screen.
See also
Technical Support for customers with disabilities
Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.
If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.
Interested in creating video tutorials to teach others how to use software? Or perhaps you need to communicate a computer problem you’re experiencing. Screen recording software is one of the most effective ways of presenting this information.
Fortunately, you’ll find an excellent selection for macOS at your disposal. Whether you need something simple and free or the advanced features of a paid solution, we’ve rounded up the best screen recorders for Mac to help you decide.
1. ScreenFlow
The first aspect you’ll notice about ScreenFlow is the price tag. Is it justified?
That depends on how many of the extensive features you’ll actually use. Calling ScreenFlow a screen recorder is like referring to Mount Everest as a sandcastle.
Not only can you record from multiple monitors, but you can choose to record from your webcam and connected iOS device simultaneously. Combine that with the ability to record audio, and you have the perfect setup for creating video tutorialsHow to Make a Screencast Tutorial for YouTubeHow to Make a Screencast Tutorial for YouTubeOne of the most popular types of YouTube video is the screencast. Here's how to easily make your own.Read More.
Recorded media from all sources then saves to a single timeline where you can turn the raw footage into a professional-grade video quickly and easily. Annotations, callouts, and video motions are at your fingertips in an easy-to-use interface.
One particularly interesting feature is the touch callouts, which can demonstrate screen touches and gestures if you’re recording the screen on an iOS device.
ScreenFlow also has a variety of exporting options depending on where you’d like to view your finished video. You’ll find presets from lossless ProRes codecs to ones specifically for the Apple TV.
If you’re considering making many screen recordings that involve multiple sources, and you’d like to add some embellishments in post-production, ScreenFlow might be what you’re looking for.
Download:ScreenFlow (Free trial)
Download:ScreenFlow ($129)
2. Snagit
Perhaps having a fully fledged video editor is overkill for your use case. Maybe you’re looking to create mostly disposable videos quickly without needing many of the post-production enhancements that come with ScreenFlow. Snagit combines some of the best screen recording features in a simple interface.
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It allows simultaneous recording from screens and webcams, but you can’t overlay the videos, and you will need to toggle between which one is recorded. Snagit also allows you to record audio; you can view your past recordings and tag them for finding them quickly in the future.
Snagit features a powerful image editor with a vast library of assets to annotate your images on the fly. One handy feature is the ability to export a video as a GIF with a single click from the preview screen.
Snagit is perfect if your focus is getting good-enough screen recordings that will probably have a short shelf life.
Download:Snagit (Free trial)
Download:Snagit ($50)
3. Camtasia
Camtasia has been around since 2002, which makes it a screen recording veteran. Like Snagit, it’s developed by Techsmith.
While Snagit focuses on quickly recording and exporting, Camtasia is a beefier screen recorder with a fully featured video editor.
Camtasia’s interface may seem busy, but it becomes comfortable quickly. The first time you start Camtasia, it loads a sample project with a handy video tutorial. This extends to Camtasia’s numerous other video tutorials on its website to help you start churning out professional screen recordings as quickly as possible.
The app offers screen recordings from multiple sources, and records audio from both a mic or the system. You can also send recordings from your mobile device directly, but admittedly, this mobile device integration isn’t as smooth as ScreenFlow’s.
Camtasia’s trump card is in the plethora of assets that are available to enhance your videos. It includes beautifully designed annotations, callouts, transitions, and visual effects.
Since these are all drag-and-drop, you can apply and customize them in a matter of seconds. Camtasia also makes quick work of adding clicks, keystrokes, spotlights, and zooms so viewers can easily follow along with the instructor.
Like ScreenFlow, this app does come with a significant cost. But if you’re after a polished interface and looking to create videos that are stick around for some time, it might be worth the investment.
Download:Camtasia (Free trial)
Download:Camtasia ($249)
If you’re in the market for an app to capture scrolling screenshots on your mobile deviceThe 7 Best Apps for Scrolling Screenshots on Android and iOSThe 7 Best Apps for Scrolling Screenshots on Android and iOSNeed to capture scrolling screenshots on your iPhone or Android device? Here are 7 apps to make long screenshots easily.Read More too, take a peek at this list:
4. Movavi Screen Capture Studio
Movavi’s Screen Capture Studio is one of the highest-rated screen recorders. It has all the ingredients of a fantastic screen recorder, with the full range of editing tools to suit both casual and professional users.
Movavi sits in the sweet spot between price and functionality. It combines a broad set of tools with an easy-to-use interface, and has the benefit of being both a quick capture tool and full-featured editor.
Once you’re done capturing, you can make some quick edits before either saving or sharing directly to YouTube. If you need more advanced edits, you can open your capture in the video editor.
This editor is your typical timeline with an excellent set of editing tools, including a chroma key (used if you have a green screen). There’s also a good selection of filters, transitions, and titles. And the editor even offers two modes, one of which is an easy mode for creating a quick montage. Movavi also has a store containing a catalog of effects and transitions depending on the video you’re producing.
Movavi really shines when it comes to the exporting options available. You’re able to tweak the resolution, frames per second (FPS), and choose a specific format. You can also choose from a wide range of presets like exporting for specific mobile devices or 4K TVs. Movavi also allows you to upload directly to your YouTube channelEverything You Need To Know About Uploading Videos To YouTubeEverything You Need To Know About Uploading Videos To YouTubeCurrently, there are three ways to upload videos to YouTube. Here's an in-depth look at how to use your computer, phone, or games console.Read More from within the editor.
Download:Movavi Screen Capture Studio (Free trial)
Download:Movavi Screen Capture Studio ($60)
5. QuickTime
If you use case doesn’t involve complex editing, annotations, and filters, Apple has a screen recorder baked into macOSHow to Screen Record on a MacHow to Screen Record on a MacWondering how to screen record on Mac? We've got you covered with several methods to record video of what's on your screen.Read More. QuickTime is a reliable video player, but it’s also a quick and easy screen recorder that you don’t have to pay for.
Just open QuickTime Player, then go to File > New Screen Recording. You’ll see a popup screen capture menu where you can choose the area of the screen you want to capture. Select the dropdown icon next to the record button to select a microphone for adding audio.
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QuickTime features some essential editing tools like rotation, splitting, and trimming. You can also add clips to the end of a sequence if you’d like to combine your screen capture with something that you’re referencing. You will, however, need a video converter if you’re looking to export in anything other than MOV format.
QuickTime is perfect if you need to record your screen in a pinch and you don’t require any annotations, filters, or effects. It’s also one of the best video converter apps for macOSThe 7 Best Video Converter Apps for macOSThe 7 Best Video Converter Apps for macOSNeed a Mac video converter app? Here are the best options for easily converting any kind of video on macOS.Read More. Pair QuickTime with a free Mac video editorThe 8 Best Free Video Editors for MacThe 8 Best Free Video Editors for MacNeed to edit video on a budget? These free Mac video editors let you perform essential video editing tasks at no cost.Read More if you need more options.
Which Mac Screen Recorder Is Best?
Ultimately, choosing any piece of software is driven by both your requirements and budget. If you’re looking to record your iPhone or iPad along with your Mac screen frequently, ScreenFlow makes an excellent choice.
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Snagit offers a good set of essential tools and makes it easy to share with other apps. The other paid options do come with a slight learning curve, but offer flexibility when making changes. They also have a good selection of assets to add that professional touch to your videos.
Aside from QuickTime, each of the screen recording apps mentioned above have trial versions. Make sure to test out the software before spending the money. And for more Mac tips, check out where screenshots and videos go on a MacWhere Do Screenshots and Photos Go on a Mac?Where Do Screenshots and Photos Go on a Mac?Where do screenshots go on Mac? Here's how to take, find, and manage macOS screenshots and video recordings.Read More, along with helpful ways to stay organized with built-in apps like Apple Notes7 Ways to Organize Apple Notes for Smarter Productivity7 Ways to Organize Apple Notes for Smarter ProductivityLove Apple Notes but struggle to keep everything organized? Here's some advice on ways to keep your Apple Notes straight.Read More.
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Explore more about: Record Video, Screen Capture, Screencast.
Free Screen Reader
QuickTime can do screen recordings and it's free and comes with your Mac.
iShowU HD is another robust app capable of recording your screen