If you use JAWS with Microsoft Windows, Leasey is here to make your computer feel more friendly, more productive and more under your control.
Leasey brings together a large collection of tools designed to help with the things many of us do every day: writing documents, reading information, managing notes, finding files, listening to radio and podcasts, keeping appointments, storing contacts, checking spelling, using social media, asking ChatGPT questions, and much more.
But Leasey is not just a collection of features. It is intended to make computing less of a struggle and more of a pleasure. It gives you practical, keyboard-friendly ways of doing things which might otherwise take longer, feel awkward, or be difficult to remember.
You might use Leasey Word to open a PDF and read it in a more manageable form. You might use Leasey File Manager to copy, move or organise files without battling with difficult selection commands. You might use Leasey Notes to keep research, recipes, support notes or personal reminders in one place. You might use Leasey Media Centre to enjoy radio, podcasts and audio files. You might use Leasey Diary to keep track of appointments and tasks. You might use Leasey Cuts to open the folders, documents and web pages you use every day, quickly and easily.
Some people will use Leasey for work. Some will use it for study. Some will use it for hobbies, entertainment, keeping organised, or staying in touch. However you choose to use it, the aim is the same: to help you get things done with greater confidence and less effort.
Leasey has been designed with JAWS users firmly in mind. Many Leasey applications include clear labels, a predictable Tab order, spoken confirmation messages, Where Am I help, and access to the searchable Leasey Command Centre. You do not have to remember every command before you can begin. Leasey gives you ways to explore, learn and return to features when you need them.
Leasey 11.5 is an especially important release. The product is now simply called Leasey. In older versions of the documentation, there were references to two separate products. That split has now ended. The older menu-driven interface with human speech is no longer included. In its place, Leasey 11.5 provides a modern set of applications and tools, including the Leasey Start Menu, Leasey Main Menu, Leasey Word, Leasey File Manager, Leasey Notes, Leasey Diary, Leasey Media Centre, Leasey Cuts and many more.
If you are new to Leasey, please do not feel that you have to learn everything at once. Leasey is a large product, and it is perfectly fine to begin with just one or two features. You might start with the Leasey Key, the help system, Leasey Word, Leasey Select, Leasey Texts or Leasey Cuts. Then, as your confidence grows, you can explore the applications which matter most to you.
This documentation is deliberately detailed. It has been written for blind people, JAWS users, trainers, support staff, and anyone who prefers clear step-by-step guidance. You can read it from beginning to end, or you can go straight to the section covering the feature you want to use.
Above all, Leasey is about choice. You can use a few favourite features every day, or you can gradually discover the full collection over time. There is no single correct way to use it. The best way is the way which helps you feel comfortable, capable and in control.
We hope Leasey 11.5 becomes a helpful companion in your daily computing: something which saves time, reduces frustration, opens up new possibilities, and perhaps even makes using your computer that little bit more enjoyable.
Technical Support.
We very much hope that working with Leasey is a trouble-free experience. However, should you require technical support in the day to day usage of Leasey, this can be obtained by sending an Email message to support@leaseycentral.com. Please give as much information about the problem as you can. The more information we have, the faster the response time will be. You can also contact us by telephone.
Telephone (in the UK) 02921-051325.
Telephone (in the United States of America) 239-256-7779. Support is given between 9 AM to 5 PM UK time, excluding weekends and public holidays.
In the event that we need to remote onto your computer to resolve a problem, we use a system called Remote Incident Manager. This is accessed by pressing the Grave Accent key, (referred to as the Leasey Key), followed by the Backspace key.
If Remote Incident Manager is not installed, it will be downloaded to your computer. When the download is complete, a Dialog Box will be available, asking if you would like to install the program. Press Enter to continue.
When the install begins, it is likely to take a minute or two to complete but it will prompt you when the process has concluded.
When the software has been installed, from this point forward you can press the Grave Accent key followed by Backspace. A web-page-like environment will be available with an Edit Field which should be focused. The title of this page is: Remote Incident Manager: Receive Remote Help. Focus is immediately in the Edit Field. Some text is below this which is as follows: Please enter the keyword you received from the person helping you.
When prompted by the technician on the phone, type in the key word which you will mutually agree between you, then press Enter.
This program can also be downloaded and installed by activating this link:
You may also like to subscribe to our Leasey Email list. This is a good way to get support from the Leasey developers and other users of the product. You can also suggest ideas for future improvement.
To join the Leasey Email list, send a blank Email message to Leasey+subscribe@groups.io.
Document Conventions.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this documentation is extremely detailed. However, the following points are worth bearing in mind.
1. Very frequently, we refer to pressing the Down Arrow key to move through a list. You can press the Up Arrow key to move back through items.
2. We frequently state that you can press the Tab key to move through options, such as within a Dialog Box. Pressing Shift+Tab will allow you to move back through options if you need to.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key: The Grave Accent key, to the immediate left of number 1 on the main qwerty keyboard.
Leasey Key then Backspace: Opens Remote Incident Manager for receiving remote support.
Enter: Continues through the Remote Incident Manager installer or submits the agreed support keyword when requested.
Down Arrow: Moves forward through items in many lists.
Up Arrow: Moves backward through items in many lists.
Tab: Moves forward through controls in many Dialog Boxes.
Shift+Tab: Moves backward through controls in many Dialog Boxes.
In this Chapter we will walk you through the process of installing and activating Leasey.
We suggest that you follow this section of the User Guide carefully and systematically. Missing a step (or not carrying it out correctly) could mean that Leasey will be unable to function.
Before You Begin.
JAWS for Windows and Computer Considerations.
In order for Leasey to function, the JAWS for Windows screen-reader from Vispero should be purchased, installed and successfully activated.
Here are some important things to think about prior to (and during) the installation of JAWS.
Leasey will function on any computer capable of running the JAWS software successfully, although in terms of computer specification, faster is always better. If you live in the United Kingdom or Ireland, Hartgen Consultancy can sell to you a desktop or laptop computer with JAWS and Leasey preinstalled.
Leasey will function using JAWS version 2022 or later. The build of JAWS being used is not important. However, we highly recommend JAWS version 2026 for best performance.
Leasey will work well using Windows10 and Windows11.
We suggest you download JAWS from Vispero and install it onto the computer which will host Leasey.
Note that if you have an earlier release of JAWS installed on your computer, during the installation you may well be asked if you wish to migrate your settings from an earlier JAWS version. This is not recommended. This is handled via the Leasey installation.
To repeat, when JAWS has been installed, it should be successfully activated in accordance with the documentation provided with your JAWS software. If you are in any doubt as to whether JAWS is activated, please contact your JAWS or Leasey distributor.
When JAWS is installed for the first time, (and the computer re-started following the installation), the JAWS "Startup Wizard" will appear. This contains commonly used options you can customise for your specific requirements. It is quite acceptable to make changes in the "Startup Wizard" at this stage if you wish.
When JAWS is installed, try navigating through menus and Dialog Boxes etc and listen to whether JAWS is speaking the information as you would expect. Are you receiving responsive feedback as you move through Windows components? If you type text into a Microsoft Notepad or Microsoft Word document, is JAWS able to read it back using the Up or Down Arrow keys? (Using Microsoft Notepad is a very good test.) If the answer is "Yes", there is every possibility that Leasey should function optimally.
Installing Leasey.
Under most circumstances, it is not necessary to remove any JAWS script files you may have previously installed. However, before installing Leasey, we advise that you check with us to determine whether or not there are likely to be any conflicts. This also applies if you have made extensive customisations, such as reassigning keystrokes.
If you have installed JAWS and have not made any modifications, there should be no difficulty and you can proceed immediately.
Please read the next paragraph extremely carefully as people do make mistakes here.
Prior to installing Leasey, you should be logged onto the Windows account belonging to the person who will use the product. That account should have Administrator Rights during the installation process. If this is not possible, the location of the installation of the JAWS scripts can be changed as you proceed with installing Leasey. We will point out where this is done within this section of the User Guide.
If you are upgrading from a previous version of Leasey, you do not need to uninstall the previous version before proceeding.
If you have downloaded Leasey from the internet, please locate the file entitled Leasey.zip and press Enter to open the zipped archive. Inside the zipped archive, you will find an executable file. Select the file and press Enter to begin the installation.
If you are already using Leasey, (and you wish to install it into the same JAWS version as before), you can achieve the same effect by activating Leasey's Help system (Leasey Key then "H"), and, from the main help category, select the item, "Download, and Install, the Leasey product". When the installer is downloaded, it will ask if you would like to run it. The default Button is "Yes" so press the Space Bar to proceed.
Installing Leasey is extremely straightforward. Simply run the installer program, the majority of prompts for which will be announced by your JAWS screen-reading software automatically. Please note that the Leasey program is quite large, so it can take a while for the installer to be unpacked and to begin.
In most cases, pressing Enter to activate the “Next” Button on each screen should be sufficient. Following the opening screen, you will be asked to accept the Licence Agreement. Press the Tab key to reach a group of Radio Buttons, any one of which can be selected by pressing the Up or Down Arrow keys. You should select the Radio Button so as to accept the Licence Agreement, then press Enter to proceed. If you wish, you can read the Licence Agreement by pressing the Tab key so as to reach its Edit Field, and then work through it in the usual manner for reading text.
On the next screen, the Leasey installer detects the versions of JAWS which are installed onto the machine and presents you with a series of Radio Buttons, inviting you to choose which release you would like to install Leasey into. Press the Down Arrow key to select the version of JAWS you wish to use,, then press Enter. Leasey can be installed into JAWS versions 2022 through to 2026. If no other versions of JAWS are found on the machine this screen is not displayed.
If you wish to install Leasey into another JAWS version at a later date, this can easily be achieved by running the installer a second time and choosing a different version of JAWS from the list.
If you are installing Leasey into JAWS 2026, (and if prior versions of JAWS are detected), you will next be asked if you would like to import your existing settings from JAWS 2024 or 2025. There are three options in the Combo Box: Do not import, import from JAWS 2024 or import from JAWS 2025. If you do choose to import from JAWS 2024 or 2025, this includes any JAWS configuration files, voice profiles and notification rules you may have available in the older JAWS version. If no other versions of JAWS are found on the machine this screen is not displayed.
Prior to copying the necessary files to the computer, you will be asked to confirm the location of the installation of JAWS script files. If JAWS is being used by a person with an alternative Windows account to the one shown, you should correct this in the Edit Field before proceeding, changing the text so it points to the Leasey user's account instead. The majority of users will not have to be at all concerned with this screen and can just press Enter to continue with the Leasey installation. For I T Administrators in a corporate environment however, (who may be logged onto the computer using a different account to that of the user), this will be particularly important.
Finally, prior to the installation proceeding, the installer will make a copy of your existing JAWS settings. These are located at c:\LeaseyData\JAWS XXX Backup, where XXX is the JAWS version number. The reason a folder is created with the JAWS version number is that if you decide to install Leasey into multiple JAWS versions, your original settings from that release can be reinstated if necessary. The installation will then immediately proceed. A Dialog Box is displayed as follows:
After you press Enter on the Install Button, Leasey will back up your existing JAWS scripts and install the required files. This may take several minutes. During this time, JAWS could become unresponsive, however progress messages are given using synthetic speech. Please be patient during the file copying process.
When the installer has completed creating the additional folders required for Leasey, and copying files to them, you will be prompted to restart the computer and you should comply with this request. This is critical! At that point, if you have chosen to import settings from a previous JAWS version, they should now be active together with the most current version of Leasey.
Activating Leasey.
When the computer is restarted, (and if you are using Leasey), you will hear a message spoken to indicate that Leasey is active, followed by a build number. If you do not hear this, then Leasey has not been installed correctly. We have a number of questions from people with vision who like to know that Leasey is installed. The trick is: Please Listen! Leasey is a product for the visually impaired. Therefore, we should be listening to what is happening and not looking. So please listen out for the Leasey information when JAWS starts.
When the Windows operating system is fully loaded, please wait for approximately one minute. After this time, Leasey will check the Hartgen Consultancy server to determine whether or not an activation key for the product is available for you. This is based on your JAWS for Windows serial number.
If an activation key is not found, you will be asked if you have a manual activation key. This consists of a series of letters and numbers. It can be sent to you by Email. If you have a manual activation key, press the Enter key on the "Yes" Button which is the default option. Type or paste the activation key into the Edit Field and press Enter.
If you do not have an activation key, you will need to select the "No" Button. You will hear messages periodically given, stating that Leasey is running in "Demonstration Mode". "Demonstration Mode" is designed for people who wish to try some aspects of Leasey for a limited period. You can only use Leasey for up to 15 Demonstration Sessions.
What is a Demonstration Session? Good question. A Demonstration Session lasts a period of two hours. When the two hours have elapsed, the number of Demonstration Sessions is incremented by one. Moreover, if you restart JAWS, the number of Demonstration Sessions is also incremented by one. What this means in practice is that you can gain a maximum of 30 hours trial of Leasey which ought to be more than sufficient for anyone to decide whether the program is suitable or not. Please note that some modern Leasey features, such as Leasey Media Centre, Leasey Social and Leasey File Manager, can only be used when the product is fully activated.
When you reach the 14th Demonstration Session, you will be advised of this.
In addition, a message will be spoken every 10 minutes, stating that Leasey is running in "Demonstration Mode".
When you have exceeded the 15 Demonstration Session limit, a message is spoken every 10 seconds. We strongly advise at that point you either uninstall Leasey or purchase an activation file. Leasey can be uninstalled from the Windows Control Panel.
If an activation key is automatically detected, your copy of Leasey will be registered.
After a short pause, JAWS will be closed and then restarted. All being well, you should hear the words, “JAWS for Windows is ready, Leasey is Active”.
If you have purchased Leasey, and you find that the product is operating in "Demonstration Mode", please contact your Leasey distributor immediately!
Please note: You can install Leasey onto multiple machines provided the same JAWS serial number is being used. In other words, JAWS must be activated with the same serial number on each of the computers to host Leasey.
Updating Leasey.
Leasey is updated on a very regular basis. We strongly suggest that you check for updates regularly to ensure you have the latest release and that you are benefiting from the many enhancements and features to come!
To update the product, press the Grave Accent key, release it, then press the letter H. This takes you into Leasey's help system. Check for updates is the first item on this menu. Press Enter on this item. Leasey is updated very frequently. It is suggested that you check for updates on a regular basis. Try to fit it into your usual computing routine, perhaps once a week. Even if you have just installed Leasey for the first time, it is recommended that you check for updates. It is possible that an update may have been released which is not part of the full installer. Press the Leasey Key then H then Enter and you should be all set.
If an update is found, you will be advised of this and it will be downloaded automatically. You will need to press enter or Space Bar on the Install Button which is in focus. The update will then be installed. JAWS will be restarted following the installation.
There is a way in which you can be automatically advised if a Leasey update is available.
Step 1. Press the Grave Accent key, release it, then press the letter "H". This takes you into Leasey's help system.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow until you reach "Toggle Whether Leasey update notifications are spoken when JAWS is started".
Step 3. Press Enter.
You will hear that the feature is enabled or disabled. If it is disabled now, work through the above procedure so as to enable it. This setting will be remembered even if you restart the computer.
Each time JAWS restarts, after approximately one minute Leasey will check for updates. If an update is available, the Leasey logo sound will play quietly in the background and you will be advised how to check for updates. These instructions have already been provided above.
Sometimes, updates are not detected or they will not download to the computer. Should this happen, you can always download the latest full installer of Leasey from our company website. Any Leasey customisations will not be affected if you download the program and install over the top of the existing version. This is by far the safest way of ensuring Leasey is fully up-to-date.
Uninstalling Leasey.
Please read these instructions carefully and carry them out in this order. If you are in any doubt at all, please send us a support request.
Uninstalling Leasey can be achieved using the Windows Uninstall routine through Add/Remove Programs. The uninstaller will do a number of things:
It will ask if you would like to remove Leasey from all detected JAWS versions. Activate the Yes Button to do this. If you select No, we will work through JAWS versions one by one and ask if you would like to remove Leasey from the individual JAWS version.
Whichever method you have selected, if a backup exists of the original JAWS scripts, it will be reinstated. Therefore, you can return the copy of JAWS back to how it was prior to Leasey being installed. Having uninstalled Leasey via the method described above, your copy of JAWS should be returned to the point where it was prior to Leasey being installed. However, because Leasey writes its user data elsewhere, there are some other points to bare in mind if you wish for a clean uninstall.
Step 1. If you have previously installed and used Leasey Games, you will need to remove those from the Windows Add/Remove utility at this stage. An entry exists entitled Leasey Games. You should do this now before proceeding to step 2 below.
Step 2. A folder exists at this location: c:\LeaseyData. If you are certain that you do not wish to install Leasey again, you should remove this folder. However, if you are only removing Leasey on a temporary basis, you should not remove the c:\LeaseyData folder as you may wish to have all settings in place at a later time. You should think carefully before removing this folder.
Step 3. If you have synchronised your data for Leasey modern apps to a cloud storage location, such as Dropbox, you will find a LeaseyData folder in that location. If you are certain that you do not wish to install Leasey again, you should remove this folder. However, if you are only removing Leasey on a temporary basis, you should not remove the LeaseyData folder as you may wish to have all settings in place at a later time. You should think carefully before removing this folder.
Step 4. The older Leasey Games installer required the c:\LeaseyData folder to be in place prior to uninstalling the games. The new version available with Leasey 11.5 is much more forgiving in this respect. However, if you installed the games before using Leasey 11.5, it is fairly critical that you carry out the steps in the order described above.
Returning To the Previous Leasey Version.
If you have installed Leasey 11.5, and you find that you prefer the older version, you can restore it.
Step 1. On the Leasey Download page, you will find the Leasey Restore Tool.
Step 2. Download the Leasey Restore Tool and run it.
Step 3. Using this tool will restore Leasey back to the previous version 11.0 assuming the backup can be found.
Step 4. At the end of the restoration process you will be invited to restart the computer and you should do this.
Keystroke Summary.
Enter: Opens the Leasey.zip archive, activates installer Buttons, accepts the focused installer option, or confirms update and activation prompts where described.
Leasey Key then H: Opens Leasey Help, including the options to download and install Leasey, check for updates, and toggle update notifications.
Tab: Moves forward through controls in the installer, including Radio Buttons, Edit Fields and Buttons.
Shift+Tab: Moves backward through installer controls where needed.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow: Move through Radio Buttons or menu options, including choosing the JAWS version and locating update notification settings.
Space Bar: Activates a focused Button or installer control where described.
Y: Confirms Yes when the installer or updater asks a Yes or No question.
If you are not an experienced JAWS user, there are some keystrokes you may like to get familiar with right away so we will list them here.
At any time, pressing Control+Windows+Shift+Up or Down arrow keys will increase or decrease the computer's system volume. This is ideal especially if you have purchased a new laptop computer and have no idea how to change the volume settings. So, hold down Control, the Windows Key, and the Shift Keys and, while doing so, press Up or Down Arrow. You will hear the volume changing and JAWS will announce the percentage reached. Use similar keystrokes to increase or decrease the volume by smaller increments, Control+Windows+Shift+Left or Right Arrow.
If you wish to mute or unmute speech, press JAWS Key+Space then Alt+S. On a desktop computer keyboard, the JAWS Key is the Insert key. On a laptop keyboard, it is the caps lock key. This is a toggle action. When speech is muted, you will hear a "clunk" sound to indicate this.
Pressing the Insert Key with figure 2 on the main QWERTY keyboard will cycle through the JAWS "Typing Echo" modes. Unlike JAWS default behaviour, the setting is permanently stored. These options are:
"Characters", (meaning that every character is spoken as you type),.
"Words, (characters are not echoed as you type, but when you press the Space Bar, the word which has just been typed will be spoken),.
"Characters and Words", (each character is echoed as you type and, when you press the Space Bar, the word previously typed is also spoken),.
"Characters without special keys such as Enter or Escape", echoes all characters except special keystrokes used for the general operation of Windows,.
"None", (nothing is spoken when you type text, or when the Space Bar is pressed.
Pressing Alt+Control+Windows+Page Up will increase the JAWS speech rate. Pressing Alt+Control+Windows+Page Down will decrease the JAWS speech rate. Both settings are permanently stored.
Keystroke Summary.
Control+Windows+Shift+Up Arrow or Control+Windows+Shift+Down Arrow: Increase or decrease the computer's system volume.
Control+Windows+Shift+Left Arrow or Control+Windows+Shift+Right Arrow: Increase or decrease the system volume by a smaller amount.
JAWS Key+Space then Alt+S: Mute or unmute JAWS speech.
Insert+2: Cycle through JAWS Typing Echo modes.
Alt+Control+Windows+Page Up: Increase the rate of JAWS speech.
Alt+Control+Windows+Page Down: Decrease the rate of JAWS speech.
Computing Application and Operating System Adjustments.
In order for Leasey to work correctly, there are a few adjustments which may be required to the Windows operating system and associated applications. Should you have any difficulty making the adjustments below, please contact Hartgen Consultancy or your Leasey distributor before proceeding. If necessary, we can perform what we call a "Leasey Health Check" on your computer. This means that we will connect to the machine and ensure it is configured to perform optimally with your assistive technologies. This should take about 15 minutes. It is important to book in your "Leasey Health check" within a few days of needing it.
It is more than possible that you will not be using any of the below applications, in which case, no special configuration is required.
Windows or File Explorer Adjustments - Critical!.
Windows or File Explorer must be set so as to display the full path of a folder within the application Title Bar. If you intend to use Leasey File Manager, this section is not required.
Within Windows10:
Step 1. Launch any folder within File Explorer.
Step 2. Press Alt+V to activate the “View” section of the Ribbon.
Step 3. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you reach the entry entitled “Options – Change settings for opening items, file and folder views and search”. Press Enter to activate this option.
Step 4. The highlighted item is now “Change folder and search options”. Press Enter to move into this Dialog Box.
Step 5. Press Shift+Tab once to reach a series of Tabbed Pages.
Step 6. Press Right Arrow to reach the “View” Tab.
Step 7. Press the Tab key three times so as to focus upon a Tree View of options.
Step 8. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find “Display the full path in the title bar”. Press the Space Bar to select this option if it is not already selected. When it is enabled, JAWS speaks the word “On”.
Step 9. Continue to press Down Arrow until the option “Hide Extensions for Known File Types” is selected. If JAWS reports this as being “On”, press the Space Bar to disable it. JAWS will say the word “Off”.
Step 10. Press Shift+Tab repeatedly until you locate the Button "Apply to All Folders". Press the Space Bar on the Button.
Step 11. If a Dialog Box appears asking if you would like the view to be applied to all folders, press the letter “Y” to activate the “Yes” Button.
Step 12. Press Shift+Tab repeatedly to reach the “OK” Button and press the Space Bar to activate it.
Within Windows11:
Step 1. Launch any folder within File Explorer.
Step 2. Press the “Alt” key to focus upon the menu bar.
Step 3. Press the “Right Arrow” key until you reach the Button labelled “More” and press “Enter” to activate it.
Step 4. Press the “Down Arrow” key to reach “Options” and press “Enter” to activate the item.
Step 5. Press “Shift+Tab” once to reach a series of Tabbed Pages.
Step 6. Press “Right Arrow” to reach the “View” Tab.
Step 7. Press the “Tab” key three times so as to focus upon a Tree View of options.
Step 8. Press the “Down Arrow” key repeatedly so as to select “Display the full path in the title bar”. Press the “Space Bar” to select this option if it is not already selected. When it is enabled, JAWS speaks the word “On”.
Step 9. Continue to press “Down Arrow” until the option “Hide Extensions for Known File Types” is selected. If JAWS reports this as being “On”, press the “Space Bar” to disable it. JAWS will say the word “Off”.
Step 10. Press “Alt+L” to activate the option to apply the view to all folders.
Step 11. If a Dialog Box appears asking if you would like the view to be applied to all folders, press the letter “Y” to activate the “Yes” Button.
Step 12. Press “Shift+Tab” repeatedly to reach the “OK” Button and press the “Space Bar” to activate it.
Foobar2000.
If you wish to use Foobar2000 for the playback of audio CD’s, audio files (such as those created in MP3 format) and playlists, you will need to make an adjustment within the Foobar2000 application. If you are using Windows10, there is a slightly different way of associating audio files with your chosen player. Please see below.
Step 1. From the Windows Desktop, select Foobar2000 and press Enter to launch it.
Step 2. Press Alt+L, then C” to launch the option “Library”, “Configure”.
Step 3. Focus will be within a Tree View of options. Press Down Arrow until you reach “Shell Integration”.
Step 4. Press Tab once to reach the hyperlink entitled “Manage file type associations”. Press Enter to select.
Step 5. A new window will appear comprising a list of audio file types supported. We recommend that you press Tab until you reach the option “Select All”. Press the Space Bar to check this box if it is not already checked.
Step 6. Press Tab twice to reach the “save” Button, then press Enter.
Winamp.
If you wish to use Winamp for the playback of audio CD’s, audio files (such as those created in MP3 format) and playlists, you will need to make an adjustment within the Winamp application.
Step 1. From the Windows Desktop, select Winamp and press Enter to launch it.
Step 2. Press Control+P for "Preferences", and from the Tree View of options displayed, press the letter "F" to reach "File Types".
Step 3. Press the Tab key repeatedly until the "Associated File Types All" Button is focused and press the Space Bar to activate it.
Step 4. Press Tab repeatedly until the "OK" Button is focused and press the Space Bar to save the settings.
Associating Audio Files with a Player Using Windows10.
Rather than working through the above steps to configure your audio player of choice using Windows10, you can use this alternative procedure if you find it easier. There are various different ways of being able to achieve our objective, and what follows is just one way of doing it. If you are having difficulty, please contact us for assistance.
Step 1. Go to the Windows settings with Windows+I.
Step 2. Type Default Music Player and press Enter.
Step 3. Now Tab once and press Enter on the item in the list, "Default Music Player".
Step 4. Press Space Bar on the Button associated with your media player. By default this is "Groove Music".
Step 5. Press Tab repeatedly to find VLC and press Space Bar.
That's all. Now any file type associated with audio at least should be associated with your media player.
Associating Audio Files with a Player Using Windows11.
Unfortunately using Windows11, the procedure for setting your default media player is made more difficult.
Step 1. Go to the Windows settings with Windows+I.
Step 2. Into the resulting Edit Field, type "Default Apps".
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Press the Tab key once and choose the first option, "Default Apps".
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. The easiest way of achieving the objective is to type a file extension into the focused Edit Field, such as.mp3.
Step 7. Press the Tab key and you should find that the file extension has been detected. JAWS will announce the file type, followed by the player associated with the file format.
Step 8. If you wish to change this to your preferred media player, press Enter.
Step 9. Press Tab to reach a List Box of audio players detected. Your desired player should be in the list. Use the Down Arrow key to select the preferred player, then press Enter.
VLC Media Player.
There is a small requirement if VLC Media Player is to be used for audio playback.
You need to ensure that the Status Bar in VLC is visible for Leasey to work. This can be enabled from the "View" menu. The shortcut for the "View" menu is Alt+I, not "V" as that is for "Video". Use the Up and Down Arrow keys until JAWS says "Status Bar". If it does not say "Checked", press Enter to check it. If the Status Bar is not visible, JAWS should announce this as you launch the player.
Microsoft Word.
With Microsoft Word open:
Step 1. Press Alt+F, then T, to move into the application's options.
Step 2. You are focused on the "General" Tabbed Page. If this is not in view, press the Up or Down Arrow keys to reach it.
Step 3. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you reach the Check Box "Open e-mail attachments and other uneditable files in reading view". If the Check Box is checked, which it is by default, press the Space Bar to uncheck it.
Step 4. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the Check Box "Show the Start screen when this application starts". Press the Space Bar to uncheck this option. If you do not find this option within your release of Microsoft Word, please do not be concerned.
Step 5. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the list of categories again, however this time, select "Proofing".
Step 6. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you reach the option "Check Spelling As you Type". Press the Space Bar to check this option.
Step 7. Press Alt+A to activate the "Auto-Correct Options" Button.
Step 8. Press Control+Tab twice to reach the "AutoFormat As You Type" Tab.
Step 9. Press Tab repeatedly to reach the "Automatic bulleted lists" Check Box and uncheck it by pressing the Space Bar.
Step 10. Press Tab repeatedly to reach the "Automatic numbered lists" Check Box and uncheck it by pressing the Space Bar.
Step 11. Press Enter to save the options in this Dialog Box.
Step 12. Press Shift+Tab repeatedly until you reach the list of categories again, however this time, select "Save".
Step 13. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the option "Don't Show the Backstage When Opening or Saving Files". Press the Space Bar to check this option. If you do not find this option within your release of Microsoft Word, please do not be concerned.
Step 14. Press Enter to save.
Microsoft Outlook.
With Microsoft Outlook open and focus within the Email Inbox:
Step 1. Press Alt+V, then P, then N to open the "Reading Pane".
Step 2. Press Down Arrow until the option entitled "Off" is selected. Press Enter to disable it.
The Leasey Games Module.
Leasey contains many games which can be played either alone, online with other people, or against the computer. In order to take advantage of these, you will need to download the Leasey Games Module.
There are several ways in which the Leasey Games Module can be downloaded and installed. By far the easiest is to press the Grave Accent key, (which we call the Leasey Key), followed by the letter G. If the Leasey Games Module is not installed, you will be advised of this and asked if you would like to install it. Press the letter Y to confirm that you would like to do this.
The JAWS script files for the games will then be retrieved from the internet. This will take a few seconds.
When the download is complete, you will then be prompted to download the games. Press Enter which is the default option to download the file.
The download process will then commence. It will take a few minutes so please be patient.
When complete, a Dialog Box will appear, asking if you would like to run the installer. Activate the "Yes" Button and the installer will begin.
No further interaction is required on your part. The installer should only take a few seconds and will give you an indication as to its progress by periodic reading of percentage values.
When the installation has been completed, focus will be placed in the Leasey Games menu. Press Escape to exit for the time being.
Keystroke Summary.
Alt+V: Opens the View section of the Ribbon in Windows 10 File Explorer, or begins the Reading Pane sequence in Outlook when followed by P then N.
Alt: Focuses the menu bar in Windows 11 File Explorer.
Right Arrow: Moves to the next tab or menu item, including the View tab or More Button where described.
Down Arrow: Moves through lists, tree views and menus.
Up Arrow: Moves backward through lists or tree views.
Tab: Moves forward through controls in Dialog Boxes.
Shift+Tab: Moves backward through controls in Dialog Boxes.
Enter: Activates the focused option, confirms a choice, or saves a dialog where described.
Space Bar: Checks or unchecks the focused option, or activates a focused Button.
Alt+L: Applies the folder view to all folders in Windows 11, or opens the Library menu in Foobar2000 when followed by C.
Control+P: Opens Preferences in Winamp.
Windows+I: Opens Windows Settings.
Alt+I: Opens the View menu in VLC Media Player.
Alt+F then T: Opens Microsoft Word Options.
Alt+A: Opens AutoCorrect Options in Microsoft Word.
Control+Tab: Moves through tabs in the Microsoft Word AutoCorrect dialog.
Alt+V then P then N: Opens the Reading Pane menu in Microsoft Outlook.
Leasey Key then G: Opens or downloads the Leasey Games Module.
Y: Confirms Yes when asked whether to install the Leasey Games Module.
Escape: Exits the Leasey Games menu after installation.
This section gives you some useful tips for getting started. In particular, we describe how to use our Help system. In this way, you can gain the most from Leasey fairly quickly.
The Leasey Key.
We will now introduce you to the Leasey Key which makes it possible for you to access most of Leasey's many functions. The Leasey Key is assigned to the Grave Accent key, situated to the immediate left of figure 1 on the main qwerty keyboard, usually above the Tab key. When you press this key, you will hear the word, “Leasey”. Release the key, and then press another key to carry out a special Leasey function. All the Leasey Keystrokes are given throughout this document in their relevant sections.
Note that if while composing documents you wish to insert a grave accent character, press the Leasey Key twice quickly.
Leasey Help and Settings.
Leasey users will particularly welcome the Leasey Help and Settings system. It allows you to learn the many keystrokes available for accessing Leasey's functions directly. It also provides access to a number of settings for adjusting various options within Leasey.
Using the Help and Settings System.
In order to move into Help and Settings, press the Leasey Key then H. There are a number of useful options in the list of choices.
Check For Updates.
The first item on the menu is Check for Updates which allows you to manually check for the latest Leasey Updates to ensure your Leasey product is current. Leasey is updated very frequently. It is suggested that you check for updates on a regular basis. Try to fit it into your usual computing routine, perhaps once a week. Even if you have just installed Leasey for the first time, it is recommended that you check for updates. It is possible that an update may have been released which is not part of the full installer. Press the Leasey Key then H then Enter and you should be all set.
Leasey Quick Steps.
Imagine this…
You are in the middle of something on your PC. You know Leasey can help, but you cannot quite remember how. Do you open a manual? Scroll through hundreds of pages? Try to guess the steps?
Not anymore.
Welcome to the future of learning Leasey: Leasey Quick Steps.
Leasey Quick Steps is a feature that transforms how people learn and use Leasey. Instead of digging through documentation, you simply:
It is like having a built-in expert guiding you exactly when you need help.
One of the smartest things about Leasey Quick Steps is that it only knows about Leasey information. That is all. It is not searching the internet for answers. It is not pulling in unrelated information from websites. It stays firmly focused on the Leasey product and its features. That brings two major advantages.
Exceptional accuracy: because Quick Steps is focused entirely on Leasey, the chances of the correct answer being returned are exceptionally high.
Impressive speed: because no internet searches are required, results can be returned quickly, helping you stay productive and keep moving.
In other words, Leasey Quick Steps is not trying to be everything for everyone. It is designed to do one job brilliantly: help you use Leasey with confidence.
Leasey Quick Steps is based on AI technology, giving users fast, intelligent guidance in a natural and accessible way. But what makes it even more exciting is this: at Hartgen Consultancy, we are able to tweak and improve the feature without there being any need for a Leasey update. That means:
Responses can be refined over time.
New features can be supported quickly.
Leasey Quick Steps should automatically know about the latest additions to the product.
So as Leasey grows, Quick Steps grows with it.
Real Examples in Action.
Everyday Tasks Made Simple.
Question:
How do I attach a file to a message in WhatsApp?
Answer you might receive:
Step 1. Ensure the relevant chat is open.
Step 2. Locate the file you wish to attach using File Explorer.
Step 3. Copy the file to the Windows Clipboard with Control+C.
Step 4. Focus back on the WhatsApp message and paste it with Control+V.
Step 5. Press Enter to send.
Clear. Direct. No unnecessary searching.
Even More Obscure Questions Answered.
Question:
In the Leasey game My Country Place, how do I plant a crop on my farm?
Answer you might receive:
Make sure the in-game date is between the beginning of September and the beginning of November. You can check the date at any time by pressing the letter Y.
Step 1. Press F1 from anywhere on the farm to bring up the Management Main Menu.
Step 2. Focus on “Plant Crops” and press Enter.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the alphabetical list of crops, which will display their planting costs and which type of field they require.
Step 4. Select the crop you want to plant and press Enter.
You will then be asked where you would like to plant it. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to choose from your available fields and press Enter.
Remember: some crops, such as fruits and greenhouses, can only be planted on large fields. You may only plant one field of any type of crop on your farm.
Using Leasey Quick Steps.
Leasey Quick Steps is the second item in the Help menu, activated by pressing the Leasey Key then H. You can press Enter to launch the item if you wish. Alternatively, you can always reach it quickly by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Q.
When prompted, type your question or topic and press Enter. Leasey Quick Steps accepts natural language, so just type your question as you would when having a conversation with someone. Alternatively, you can type a broad topic such as WhatsApp or Leasey Cuts. Then press Enter.
After a short pause, the results will be displayed using the JAWS Results Viewer. You can read the text with the Arrow keys. The window can stay open for reference as you complete the task involved. It can be closed at any time by pressing the Escape key.
What If You Don't Know Where to Start?.
Leasey contains so many features you may not know where to begin. If this is the case, your question may look something like this:
"I do a lot of word processing and I am interested in features which may help me work with text. What would you suggest?"
Leasey Quick Steps should provide a good summary of some of the topics available. You can then ask supplementary questions if you wish relating to the subject. For example, if Leasey Clips was suggested, your next question might be: "How do I use Leasey Clips?"
Why This Changes Everything.
Leasey has always been packed with features, but with so much power available, it is not always easy to remember how everything works. Leasey Quick Steps changes that completely. Instead of stopping what you are doing to consult lengthy documentation, you can simply ask for help and receive the answer immediately.
No more searching through hundreds of pages.
No more losing your flow while looking things up.
No more uncertainty about the next step.
Just fast, practical guidance that helps you get on with the task in hand.
Whether you are brand new to Leasey or already an experienced user, this feature will help you unlock more of what the product can do, with less effort and more confidence. Ask the question. Get the steps. Keep moving.
Additional Help and Settings Utilities Items 3 to 5.
The third option is entitled "Ask Leasey About Keystrokes." An Edit Field will be presented to you. You can type a single word if you wish, such as Leasey Cuts, and you will receive a response back with everything related to Leasey Cuts. Alternatively, you can ask a question, such as "How do I read the most recent messages in WhatsApp?" The AI technology used for this search should return a suitable (and accurate) response.
Another option in the list relates to Leasey Keystrokes displayed in full. Press Enter on this item to display a web page containing all the keystrokes Leasey has to offer. There are well over a thousand different keystrokes! Each category is denoted by a levelled heading. Press the letter H if neceessary to move through each category in turn.
The next item to mention is Leasey documentation in full. This takes you into a web page environment with links to all of the help topics including this one. However, at the top of the page is a Search Edit Field. Locate this and type a search term relating to a help topic you wish to find, such as, "Leasey Cuts". Topics containing the term will be returned. Each one is denoted by a Link. Press Enter on the Link so as to move into the help topic.
Leasey Quizical Game.
Item 6 on the Leasey Help menu is the Leasey Quizical game.
This game turns product knowledge into a fun challenge. It is not just there for entertainment. It is also a practical learning aid that helps you build a stronger understanding of Leasey’s many features and functions.
How it works.
Leasey Quizical presents you with 10 multiple-choice questions, each shown on its own screen for clarity and ease of use. Answers are selected using Radio Buttons, making the game simple and accessible to complete in a web browser.
You are invited to work through the questions one at a time, thinking carefully about Leasey commands, features and functionality. Some questions may confirm what you already know. Others may reveal helpful features you have not yet fully explored.
Why it matters.
Leasey has a rich set of tools, and even experienced users can sometimes overlook useful functions. The quiz is designed to help you:
reinforce your knowledge of Leasey features.
discover areas where you may want more practice.
improve your confidence when using the product.
learn in a format that feels engaging and enjoyable.
This makes the game ideal both for newer users who are still becoming familiar with Leasey and for long-time users who want to put their knowledge to the test.
Learn from every game.
One of the strongest features of Leasey Quizical is what happens at the end.
When the quiz is complete, you receive:
your final score.
a review of the answers you gave.
the opportunity to see where you went wrong.
This means the game does more than test knowledge. It helps improve it. By showing you which answers were right and wrong, the game becomes a valuable self-teaching tool. You can quickly spot the areas where your understanding is strong and where it could be sharpened.
Using Leasey Quizical.
First, press the Leasey Key then H to access Leasey Help. Press Down Arrow until you reach the option "How Well Do You Know Leasey? Play Leasey Quizical", then press Enter.
After pressing Enter on the item mentioned above, you are presented with the introductory screen. Read the text and then press Enter or Space on the "Start the Quiz" Button. There will be a short pause while the unique set of questions is prepared. Although the game is hosted in your web browser, there is nothing difficult about completing the questions. The game is completely accessible with JAWS.
You can read the text with the Down Arrow key, or if you wish, press letter F to move to each form field in turn. As you press letter F, JAWS will first read the question and then each option. A good example would be:
What can you do in the ChatGPT Tools menu in Leasey?
Reformat your hard drive.
Change system volume.
Spellcheck text, summarise, use dictionary, simplify text, and more.
Play audio files.
The correct answer, of course, is "Spellcheck text, summarise, use dictionary, simplify text, and more". Press the Space Bar on the third Radio Button. Then press Enter or Space on the Submit Answer Button. You will then be advised of your progress, for example that you are on question 2 of 10. Proceed until all 10 questions have been answered.
At the end of the game, you will be advised of your score together with the correct answers. Leasey will also indicate where you went wrong so you can improve your skill level. For example:
What can you do in the ChatGPT Tools menu in Leasey?
Your answer: Spellcheck text, summarise, use dictionary, simplify text, and more.
Correct answer: Spellcheck text, summarise, use dictionary, simplify text, and more.
Explanation: The Tools menu lets you perform a variety of text-related tasks like spellchecking, summarising, using a dictionary, and simplifying text.
Correct.
Each question and answer is denoted by a levelled heading.
Finally, at the end of the game, there is a "Play Again" link. Pressing Enter will allow you to do so. Alternatively, press Alt+F4 to exit the game.
Additional Help and Settings Utilities.
In addition to the options listed above, the Help and Settings dialog contains several additional items, some of which will be mentioned here.
What's New in Leasey will display a document stating the Leasey build number and the latest changes and innovations.
Get Remote Support will launch the Remote Incident Manager client. This is fully described in an earlier section of this User Guide. However, in summary, when prompted type in a key word for the support incident and press Enter.
Download Leasey Games Module will download the many games you can play with Leasey to your computer. Please refer to the later Chapter of this document concerning playing Leasey Games. The "Setup" Chapter also contains further comment on this.
"Leasey Central" will browse to a special website dedicated to Leasey. It contains audio items, access to a mailing list, and links to software programs you may like to use alongside the product.
"Toggle Whether Typing Echo is Temporary or Permanent" affects what happens when you press Insert+2 or Caps Lock+2 if using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout. If disabled, JAWS reverts to its default setting relating to typing echo, such as whether words are echoed when Space Bar is pressed. In that event it will be temporary, so when you move to a different application other than the one which originally had focus prior to invoking the setting, it will not be in effect. Our very strong preference however is for the Leasey default, which is permanently enabled. When you switch applications, that setting will remain in effect.
Toggle Whether Volume Can be Reduced to Less Than 10 percent" affects what happens when you reduce the volume level of your computer. By default, JAWS will only allow you to reduce the volume level down to 10 percent. If this option is enabled, the volume can be reduced down to 1 percent.
Toggle Whether the Battery Status is Given When You Connect or Disconnect the AC Power is self-explanatory. If enabled, when you disconnect or connect the AC power cable to and from your laptop, an announcement will be given as to whether this is connected or disconnected.
Toggle whether an announcement as to the window visual state is given when you press JAWS Key+T to read the window title. If this is enabled, and you press this keystroke, you will hear the window title followed by the window state, such as, Maximised.
The Help and Settings list contains four options each preceded by a number. They relate to customising Leasey to work with specific features, such as for time conversion, store searching, setting the time zone for Leasey Sports and Games and when working with days and dates.
The Custom Help feature is described later in this User Guide. It allows you to create notes to remember how to work with different computing environments or applications. It is also ideal for anyone training people how to work with JAWS and/or Leasey, since notes can be made to be accessed anywhere or within specific programs.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key: Press Grave Accent, to the immediate left of number 1 on the main qwerty keyboard.
Leasey Key pressed twice quickly: Inserts a grave accent character when you are writing text.
Leasey Help: Leasey Key then H.
Leasey Key then Control+L: Opens Leasey Quick Steps.
Control+C: Copies selected text or a selected file to the Windows Clipboard.
Control+V: Pastes Clipboard content into the focused edit area.
F1: Opens the Management Main Menu in Leasey Farm.
Enter: Activates a focused option, submits a question, or starts a selected quiz or help item where described.
Space Bar: Selects a Radio Button or activates a focused Button where described.
Down Arrow and Up Arrow: Move through lists, quiz text and menu options.
F: Moves to form fields in the Leasey Quizical game.
Alt+F4: Exits the Leasey Quizical game.
Insert+2: Changes JAWS Typing Echo.
Caps Lock+2: Changes JAWS Typing Echo when using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
JAWS Key+T: Reads the window title, optionally including the window visual state if the Leasey setting is enabled.
This brief section of the documentation will discuss the Leasey Sounds Scheme.
Why are Sounds Used?.
There are a number of events which occur that are specific to Leasey. These are events such as when a web page has completed loading and is ready for use, when you begin and end the selecting of text, to denote the use of Leasey Points and Leasey Clips, to name but a few items. The use of all of these tools will be discussed in later sections of this document. But in essence, switching to the Leasey Sound Scheme will ensure you can work faster, particularly with tools such as Leasey Clips. The sound earcons are quicker to hear and interpret rather than a long block of speech being spoken.
By default Leasey events are announced through speech by the software, but there are two other options available to you. You can elect to have Sounds alone played, have Leasey only announce events, or have both. Sounds with speech is a very good way to learn what the various Sounds mean. The setting for Leasey Sounds can be found and manipulated by pressing the Leasey Key followed by letter "O". Each time you press this keystroke, you will rotate between the three available options: Sounds Off, Sounds On and Sounds with Speech.
There is one exception to this rule and that is within the application Leasey Social. Sounds are managed independently for this program. How you enable and disable them is fully described in the Leasey Social chapter of this documentation.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then O: Changes the Leasey sound scheme.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
If you are at all familiar with even the basic principles of using a Windows computer, you will know that pressing the Windows key by itself brings into view the Windows Start Menu. This is just one of the ways in which a program can be launched. Another method is the Windows Desktop, activated with Windows+D or Windows+M.
However, the Windows Start Menu has been revised over time and can become unpredictable. On an occasional basis, we have observed situations where JAWS does not read the content of the Start Menu at all! The useful tools referred to in this chapter describe ways in which Leasey helps you overcome these potential difficulties. They ensure you can locate programs in a predictable way together with being able to remove programs or add new ones.
The Leasey Start Menu and Leasey Main Menu are designed to reduce the amount of searching you need to do when you want to start work.
If you are new to computers, the Windows Start Menu can feel crowded and inconsistent. If you are an experienced user, it can still be slower than it needs to be when you know exactly what you want. Leasey gives you two different approaches:
The Leasey Start Menu is the larger list. It helps you find applications, files and portable programs, and it gives you tools for cleaning and organising the list.
The Leasey Main Menu is the shorter list. It is intended for the programs, web sites and files you use every day.
Think of the Start Menu as the catalogue and the Main Menu as your personal front desk.
The Leasey Start Menu.
The Leasey Start Menu is available with the Leasey Key then Windows+S.
The Leasey Start Menu is intended to make it easier to find and launch applications, especially when using JAWS. It displays a list of applications found in the Windows Start Menu. This includes regular desktop programs and Microsoft Store style apps where Windows makes them available. You can filter the list, launch an item, remove items you do not want to see, add your own files or portable programs, rename items, rearrange the order of the list, add selected items to the Leasey Main Menu, create desktop shortcuts, and add selected items to the Windows Startup group. We will describe the purpose of the Leasey Main Menu later in this chapter.
The main window is easy to navigate.
It contains:
Applications list.
Filter edit box.
Launch Button.
Remove Button.
Rename Button.
Add File Button.
Add to Leasey Main Menu Button.
Create Desktop Shortcut Button.
Add to Startup Group Button.
Uninstall Programs Button.
Startup Programs Button.
Move Up Button.
Move Down Button.
Restore Removed Button.
Close Button.
You can move through these controls by pressing the Tab key. If all of that seems a little daunting, do not be concerned. Everything will be explained as we move through this chapter.
Moving Around the Main Window.
Press Tab to move through the controls.
Useful shortcut keys include:
Control+F moves to the Filter edit box.
Alt+A moves to the Applications list.
Alt+L or Enter activates Launch.
Alt+R activates Remove.
Alt+N or F2 activates Rename.
Alt+I activates Add File.
Control+M activates Add to Leasey Main Menu.
Control+D activates Create Desktop Shortcut, or Remove Desktop Shortcut if the matching shortcut is already on the desktop. This is helpful for creating desktop shortcuts to Microsoft Store apps and indeed Leasey modern apps, such as Leasey Word.
Control+G activates Add to Startup Group.
Control+Shift+L toggles whether the Start Menu closes after launching an item.
Alt+P activates Uninstall Programs.
Alt+S activates Startup Programs.
Alt+U activates Move Up.
Alt+D activates Move Down.
Alt+E activates Restore Removed.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Control+Shift+I reports Where Am I.
Control+Shift+C opens Leasey Command Centre.
Alt+C or Escape activates Close.
The most important controls are the Filter edit box and the Applications list.
Using the Applications List.
When the Leasey Start Menu launches, focus is in the applications list. First letter navigation is possible in this list together with typing successive characters, such as, word.
When focus is in the Applications list:
Up and Down Arrow moves through the list.
Enter launches the selected item.
Delete removes the selected item from this custom menu.
F2 renames the selected item.
Escape closes the app.
You can also type letters while focused in the list. For example, typing W should move to an entry beginning with W. Typing WO quickly should move to an entry beginning with WO, such as Word.
Filtering Applications.
When the app opens, focus is placed in the Applications list. Press Control+F if you want to move straight to the Filter edit box. In the Filter edit box, start typing part of an application name. The Applications list is narrowed as you type. For example, typing word should find entries containing word. As you type, JAWS should announce the first matching item and the number of matches. For example, if Word is the only match, you should hear something like, Word, 1 match.
From the Filter edit box:
Down Arrow moves to the first item in the Applications list.
Up Arrow moves to the last item in the Applications list.
Enter launches the currently selected application.
Launching Applications.
To launch an application:
Step 1. Move to the item in the Applications list.
Step 2. For example, if Microsoft Word is installed on your computer, use first letter navigation or press Down Arrow until JAWS says, "Word". You might do the same for Notepad, Outlook, Microsoft Edge or any other program you use often.
Step 3. Press Enter to launch the application. Alternatively, Tab to reach the Launch Button and press Enter or Space.
The app asks Windows to launch the item maximised. Some applications may honour this request better than others, but the intention is that the launched app should be easy to find and use immediately.
Removing Items.
If there is an item you do not want on the Leasey Start Menu:
Step 1. Move to it in the Applications list.
Step 2. Press Delete.
Step 3. Confirm the removal. Type Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the focused control.
You can also use the Remove Button. Removing an item does not uninstall the application from Windows. It only hides it from the Leasey Start Menu. JAWS should announce that the item has been removed.
Selecting Several Items for Removal.
You can select several items temporarily and then remove them from the Leasey Start Menu together. This does not uninstall the applications from Windows.
Step 1. Move to an application in the Applications list.
Step 2. Press comma to select it for removal.
Step 3. Press comma again if you want to unselect it.
Step 4. Continue moving through the list and pressing comma on each application you want to select.
Step 5. Press forward slash to hear the applications currently selected.
Step 6. Press full-stop or period to clear the temporary selection without removing anything. You should be asked to confirm before the selection is cleared.
Step 7. Press Alt+R, the Delete key or activate the Remove Button to remove the selected applications from the Leasey Start Menu.
If you arrow back to an application which is already selected, JAWS should read the application name in the usual way and JAWS should simply say, selected.
While applications are selected for removal, Launch, Rename, Move Up, Move Down, and Add to Leasey Main Menu are unavailable. This is deliberate so you do not accidentally launch or change the wrong item while cleaning the menu.
Restoring Removed Items.
To bring back all removed Windows Start Menu items:
Step 1. Press Tab to reach Restore Removed.
Step 2. Press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Confirm the restore.
JAWS should announce that removed applications have been restored.
Adding a File or Portable Program.
You can add a file, shortcut or portable program if you know where it is located.
To add an item:
Step 1. Press Tab to reach Add File, or press Alt+I.
Step 2. Choose the file in the standard Windows file dialog.
Step 3. Type the name you want to appear in the Leasey Start Menu.
Step 4. Confirm the name.
The new item should appear in the Applications list.
Examples of things you might add include:
A portable program EXE file.
A batch file.
A command file.
A shortcut.
A document you open frequently.
Adding an Item to the Leasey Main Menu.
The Leasey Start Menu may contain hundreds of items. The Leasey Main Menu is intended to be a much shorter menu with only the items you use most often. While it is true that you can remove as many applications as required from the Leasey Start Menu, the reality is that this can take some time and you are likely to install new programs and apps which will appear there. The Leasey Main Menu described later is designed so you only add the items which are special to you that you may use every day. It is also very helpful if you are working with someone who is new to computing and may be quite daunted with the hundreds of applications provided by the Start Menu.
To add an item to the Leasey Main Menu:
Step 1. Find the item in the Leasey Start Menu.
Step 2. Move to it in the Applications list.
Step 3. Press Control+M, or press Tab to reach Add to Leasey Main Menu and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should confirm that the item has been added. If the item already exists on the Leasey Main Menu, JAWS should tell you this rather than adding a duplicate.
Creating a Desktop Shortcut.
Some people prefer to have a small number of important items on the Windows Desktop. This may also be useful for Microsoft Store apps or Leasey modern apps where it can otherwise be difficult to create a normal desktop shortcut. A good example might be that you would like a shortcut to Leasey Word on the desktop.
To create a desktop shortcut:
Step 1. Find the item in the Leasey Start Menu.
Step 2. Move to it in the Applications list.
Step 3. Press Control+D, or press Tab to reach Create Desktop Shortcut and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should confirm that the desktop shortcut has been created.
If the matching shortcut is already on the desktop, the Button changes to Remove Desktop Shortcut. In that case, pressing Control+D or activating the Button removes the shortcut which Leasey created.
Creating or removing a desktop shortcut does not install or uninstall anything. It only changes the shortcut on the Windows Desktop.
Adding an Item to the Windows Startup Group.
You may have a program which you want to start automatically when Windows starts. For example, a diary, a communications program, or a specialist tool you use every day.
To add an item to the Startup group:
Step 1. Find the item in the Leasey Start Menu.
Step 2. Move to it in the Applications list.
Step 3. Press Control+G, or press Tab to reach Add to Startup Group and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should confirm that the item has been added to Startup.
This creates a normal Windows Startup shortcut for the current user. It does not change the original application.
If you later want to review or disable startup items, open Startup Programs from the Leasey Start Menu.
Renaming Items.
To rename an item:
Step 1. Move to it in the Applications list.
Step 2. Press F2.
Step 3. Type the new name and press Enter.
Step 4. Confirm the name is correct by pressing Enter.
You can also use the Rename Button. Renaming changes only the name shown in Leasey Start Menu. It does not rename the real Windows shortcut or application. JAWS should announce the old and new names after the rename is saved.
Rearranging Items.
You can change the order of items in the Applications list.
Step 1. Move to the item you want to reposition.
Step 2. Use the Move Up or Move Down Buttons.
The shortcut keys for these Buttons are:
Alt+U for Move Up.
Alt+D for Move Down.
JAWS should announce where the item has moved. For example:
Moved WhatsApp below Word.
Move Up and Move Down should refer to visible applications in the current Leasey Start Menu list, not applications you have already removed from the menu.
Uninstall Programs.
The Leasey Start Menu includes an Uninstall Programs Button. This opens a separate tool for reviewing and uninstalling applications.
Removing an item from the Leasey Start Menu only hides it from this menu. Uninstall Programs is the tool to use when you really want to remove software from the computer.
The Uninstall Programs window contains:
Filter edit box.
Installed apps list.
Show advanced and protected items Check Box.
Details Button.
Explain Button.
Uninstall Button.
Programs and Features Button.
Windows App Settings Button.
Refresh Button.
Close Button.
The list includes many traditional desktop programs and Microsoft Store style apps where Windows makes them available. Some Windows components and technical app packages are hidden by default so the first list mainly contains apps people are likely to recognise. These hidden items may include Windows support packages, Microsoft Store infrastructure, framework packages used by other apps, or components Windows reports as not removable. Select Show advanced and protected items if you want to include those additional entries.
Type in the Filter edit box to narrow the list. Press Control+F to move to the Filter edit box. Press Enter on an app to hear details. Use the Details Button if you want to review information such as publisher, version, install date, size and location. Details opens in a read-only Edit Field so you can read it line by line.
Use the Explain Button if you want a short plain-language description of the selected app. This uses the Leasey OpenAI API key if it is already in place. Please refer to the later chapters of this documentation concerned with ChatGPT.
A description might be:
WhatsApp is a messaging app that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media with others. It is commonly used for personal and group communication. Since it is not a system or security component, it is generally safe to remove if you do not use it. However, if you communicate with friends or family through WhatsApp, you should keep it installed.
The Delete key deliberately does not uninstall an app.
To uninstall, move to the app and activate the Uninstall Button. You should be asked twice before the uninstaller is started. We are asking you twice to be absolutely certain.
Leasey will never uninstall a program by itself. It will use the uninstaller as designed by the developer.
Some third party uninstallers may still open their own windows, and those windows may vary in accessibility. The purpose of Uninstall Programs is to give you an accessible starting point and a clear list of what Windows reports as installed.
Programs and Features opens the older Windows uninstall area if you prefer to use it.
Windows App Settings opens the modern Windows apps settings page if you prefer to use it.
Startup Programs.
The Leasey Start Menu includes a Startup Programs Button. This opens a separate tool for reviewing programs which Windows starts automatically.
Startup Programs is not the same as Uninstall Programs.
Uninstall Programs removes software from the computer.
Startup Programs only controls whether some programs start automatically when Windows starts.
This does not list or change Windows services. That is deliberate because disabling services can be risky.
The Startup Programs window contains:
Startup apps list.
Details Button.
Explain Button.
Disable or Enable Button.
Refresh Button.
Close Button.
You can move through these controls by pressing the Tab key.
The list includes normal Startup folder entries and common Windows registry Run entries. JAWS startup components are excluded because JAWS should be allowed to start with Windows.
A typical list entry might say:
Adobe Acrobat Synchronizer, Disabled, Current user registry This identifies the name of the item, where it is managed, and the current state.
Use the Details Button if you want to review the item name, status, source, publisher, command and path.
Use the Explain Button if you want a short plain-language description of the selected startup item. This uses the Leasey OpenAI API key if it is already in place. Please refer to the later chapters of this documentation concerned with ChatGPT.
It is very important that you understand what is being disabled prior to doing so. Please under no circumstances disable an entry unless you are completely confident that it is not going to impact upon your computer's performance.
A description might be:
The "Adobe Acrobat Synchronizer" is a program from Adobe that helps sync files and settings across devices using Adobe Acrobat. It is currently disabled, meaning it does not start automatically when your computer boots up.
It is generally safe to keep this item disabled unless you frequently use Adobe Acrobat and need the syncing feature. If you rely on accessing your documents from multiple devices, you may want to enable it. Otherwise, you can leave it disabled to improve startup speed.
Use Disable if you do not want the selected item to start automatically with Windows. Use Enable to restore an item which this tool has disabled.
Disabling is designed to be reversible.
Registry startup entries are backed up locally before they are removed from the Windows Run entry.
Startup folder shortcuts are renamed rather than deleted.
Some startup entries may require administrator rights to change.
If Windows reports that an item cannot be disabled because administrator permission is required, Startup Programs can offer to restart itself as administrator. If you choose No, the item is left unchanged.
Leasey Main Menu, available by pressing the Print Screen key or the Leasey Key followed by Windows+M.
The Leasey Main Menu is a shorter menu for the applications and tools you use most often. It is separate from the larger Leasey Start Menu. The Start Menu is useful for finding things. The Main Menu is intended for fast daily launching.
The Leasey Main Menu starts with a small selection of commonly used items where they are available on the computer. Examples may include Word, Outlook Classic, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Edge, File Explorer, Remote Incident Manager, and Leasey applications such as Leasey Connect, Leasey Cuts, Leasey Database Manager, Leasey Diary, Leasey File Manager, Leasey Media Centre, Leasey Notes, Leasey Social, and Leasey Word.
It may also include Shut down the computer and Restart the computer. If you choose Shut down the computer or Restart the computer, you should be asked to confirm before the action takes place.
You can add more items to the Leasey Main Menu in three ways:
Use Add to Leasey Main Menu from the Leasey Start Menu. or Use Add File from the Leasey Main Menu if you know where the file or portable program is located. or Use Add URL from the Leasey Main Menu if you know the web address.
The Leasey Main Menu window contains:
Applications list.
Launch Button.
Remove Button.
Rename Button.
Add File Button.
Add URL Button.
Reinstate All Main Menu shortcuts provided by Leasey Button.
Restore all settings to defaults Button.
Move Up Button.
Move Down Button.
Close Button.
You can move through the Buttons by pressing the Tab key.
Using the Leasey Main Menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow to move through the Applications list. Press Enter to launch the selected item. Press Delete to remove the selected item from the Leasey Main Menu. Press F2 to rename the selected item. Press Alt+I to add a file or portable program. Press Control+U to add a URL. Press Alt+Y to reinstate all Main Menu shortcuts provided by Leasey without removing existing items. Press Alt+T to restore all settings to defaults. This erases the current Main Menu customisations and returns the list to the installed defaults. Press Alt+U to move an item up. Press Alt+D to move an item down. Press Control+Shift+S to sort the list alphabetically. Press Control+Comma to open Options. Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. Press Control+Shift+C to open Leasey Command Centre. Press Escape to close the menu.
Removing an item from the Leasey Main Menu does not uninstall the application from Windows. It only removes that entry from the Leasey Main Menu.
Reinstate All Main Menu shortcuts provided by Leasey asks for confirmation and then adds any missing Leasey-provided shortcuts. It does not remove your own custom entries.
Restore all settings to defaults asks for confirmation and then erases the current Main Menu customisations. It replaces the list with the installed default shortcuts.
Here is an example of how to add a URL to the Leasey main Menu.
Step 1. Open up the Leasey Main Menu.
Step 2. Press the Tab key to reach the Button entitled "Add URL".
Step 3. Press Insert+F1 or Caps Lock+F1. An Edit Field is displayed containing content such as: "Add URL adds a web address to Leasey Main Menu. Press Enter or Space to enter the name and URL. Press Escape to close this window".
So we now know we have the right Button.
Step 4. Press Escape to return to the Leasey main Menu screen.
Step 5. Press Space Bar on the Button.
Step 6. When prompted, into the first Edit Field, type a name used to identify the web site on the Leasey Main menu.
Step 7. Press Tab and type or paste the URL pointing to the web site.
Step 8. Press Enter and JAWS confirms that the name and site have been added.
Step 9. You now have a choice. The new entry has been added to the bottom of the menu. You can press Alt+U repeatedly until it is in the desired position. JAWS will announce where the item has been moved to, such as, "Moved Hartgen above Leasey Social".
Step 10. Alternatively, Press Control+Shift+S. This sorts the menu into alphabetical order. JAWS confirms this. Either approach is completely acceptable. Some people will prefer the menu to be sorted alphabetically. Some will prefer the items in a specific order, perhaps the items most frequently being placed at the top of the list.
Making the Leasey Main Menu Open When Windows Starts.
This may be helpful for beginners who need a familiar starting point every time the computer starts.
Step 1. Open the Leasey Main Menu with Print Screen or the Leasey Key followed by Windows+M.
Step 2. Press Control+Comma to open Options.
Step 3. Find the Check Box to launch the Leasey Main Menu at startup.
Step 4. Check it and save the Options.
From that point, the user can begin from the Leasey Main Menu rather than first having to remember where to go.
Main Menu Options.
Press Control+Comma from the Leasey Main Menu to open Options.
Options contains two important settings.
The first is Start automatically with Windows. If this Check Box is selected, Leasey Main Menu will be added to the current user's Windows Startup group. This can be useful for a beginner who benefits from always starting with the same simple menu. If you later clear the Check Box, Leasey removes that Startup shortcut.
The second is Data location. This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Control+Comma opens the Options dialog.
Leasey Start Menu.
Leasey Key followed by Windows+S opens the Leasey Start Menu.
Tab moves forward through the controls.
Shift+Tab moves backward through the controls.
Control+F moves to the Filter Edit Field.
Alt+A moves to the Applications list.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Applications list.
Typing letters in the Applications list performs first-letter or type ahead navigation.
Enter or Num Pad Enter launches the selected application.
Alt+L activates Launch.
Delete removes the focused item, or removes the temporary selection if items have been selected for removal.
Alt+R activates Remove.
F2 or Alt+N renames the selected item.
Comma selects or unselects the focused item for temporary removal.
Forward Slash reports the items temporarily selected for removal.
Full-stop or Period clears the temporary removal selection after confirmation.
Alt+I or Control+I activates Add File.
Control+M activates Add to Leasey Main Menu.
Control+D creates or removes the matching desktop shortcut.
Control+G adds the selected item to the Windows Startup group.
Control+Shift+L toggles whether the Start Menu closes after launching an item.
Alt+P opens Uninstall Programs.
Alt+S opens Startup Programs.
Alt+U moves the selected item up.
Alt+D moves the selected item down.
Alt+E or Control+E restores removed Start Menu items.
Control+R refreshes the list.
Alt+C or Escape closes the Leasey Start Menu.
Uninstall Programs.
Control+F moves to the Filter Edit Field.
Type in the Filter Edit Field to narrow the installed apps list.
Down Arrow moves from the Filter Edit Field to the first match.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Installed apps list.
Enter or Num Pad Enter opens Details for the selected app.
Delete deliberately does not uninstall. It reminds you to use the Uninstall Button.
Control+R refreshes the installed apps list.
Escape closes Uninstall Programs.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Startup Programs.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Startup apps list.
Enter or Num Pad Enter opens Details for the selected startup item.
Alt+T activates Details.
Alt+X activates Explain.
Alt+D disables the selected enabled startup item.
Alt+E enables the selected disabled startup item.
Control+R refreshes the startup apps list.
Escape closes Startup Programs.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Leasey Main Menu.
Print Screen opens the Leasey Main Menu.
The Leasey Key followed by Windows+M also opens the Leasey Main Menu.
Tab moves forward through the controls.
Shift+Tab moves backward through the controls.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Applications list.
Typing letters in the Applications list performs first-letter or typeahead navigation.
Enter or Num Pad Enter launches the selected item.
Delete removes the selected entry from Leasey Main Menu.
F2 renames the selected entry.
Alt+I or Control+I activates Add File.
Control+U activates Add URL.
Alt+Y reinstates all Main Menu shortcuts provided by Leasey without removing existing custom entries.
Alt+T restores all settings to defaults after confirmation.
Alt+U moves the selected item up.
Alt+D moves the selected item down.
Control+Shift+S sorts the Main Menu alphabetically.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application.
When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout.
An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field.
Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands.
If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list.
You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key.
The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Word is an accessible word processor and document reading tool.
Its purpose is to provide a reliable writing and document searching environment with strong JAWS feedback, predictable keyboard use, bookmarks, spell checking, backups, and accessible rendering of common document formats.
To expand on this further, you can write documents in Leasey Word. You can search for text, bookmark passages, select text and carry out many operations that could be accomplished with a basic word processing application.
However, as can be seen below, it also gives you the ability to be able to open documents in many different file formats. Where possible, the text is presented in an accessible way. Those rendered documents which have been converted can be edited and saved.
In summary, this is not a traditional book reader. When opening and interpreting documents, Leasey Word will render the text in a format where it can be edited if necessary.
Leasey Word includes basic formatting support while preserving strong speech and Braille feedback.
This is a word processor which accomplishes many tasks with a high consideration to both speech and Braille-based output. It is meant to be fast and efficient.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey Word.
Leasey Word is useful when you want a writing or reading environment which has been designed around JAWS from the beginning.
Many people use large word processors very successfully, but they can be more complicated than necessary for everyday writing, reading, searching, checking or extracting text. Leasey Word is intended to give you a dependable place to work with documents without being distracted by features you do not need at that moment.
It is especially useful for:
Writing short or medium length documents.
Opening a document so you can search, copy or inspect its text.
Reading and working with many common document and text-based file types in a consistent environment, including PDF, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, EPUB, Markdown, HTML, plain text, log files, configuration files, JSON, PHP, JAWS keymap files, JAWS configuration files, cue sheets and Braille files.
Working with bookmarks.
Using spell check and quick navigation.
Using ChatGPT tools to rewrite, summarise, simplify or review text.
What you will notice very quickly is that this is a word processor which does not present you with a bewildering array of options which either you may not use or you do not know what to do with. All the features you can enjoy using with Leasey Word have logical shortcut keys which are quite easy to remember. You should be able to load up Leasey Word very quickly, with or without a document, and be able to use it right away with the minimum of effort. And for a program designed to write documents, that is exactly what you want. You should not have to think too much just to get something written down. Those options that we do have can be found in the Options Dialog Box, activated with Control+Comma.
We will divide this chapter into two parts. First, the essential tasks; those which you may need every day. For most users, the tasks described in part 1 may well be all you want to do: opening and saving files, spell checking, finding text, and bookmarking passages of text to return to later.
Part 2 will be the more advanced tasks including working with PDF files, navigating structured documents, using ChatGPT and other enhanced utilities.
This entire Leasey User Guide has been written using Leasey Word.
So, let's get started!
Part 1: The Basics.
Starting Leasey Word.
Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+W. You should find it launches quickly.
Leasey Word opens with a blank document.
The main editing area is a Rich Edit Field.
This gives Leasey Word better word navigation around punctuation, as well as basic formatting support.
The window title contains the current document name.
If the document has unsaved changes, an asterisk is shown after the document name.
For example:
test.txt * - Leasey Word
This means Insert+T (or Caps Lock+T) in JAWS should tell you which document is active and whether it is modified.
Main Window.
The main window contains the document text Edit Field.
Use this field to type, read, edit and search document text.
Leasey Word can have more than one document open.
There are no visible document tabs for normal use, because repeated tab announcements can be distracting with JAWS.
Instead, use Control+F6 to move to the next open document.
You can also press Control+Tab. Use Control+Shift+F6 to move to the previous open document.
You can also press Control+Shift+Tab. When you switch documents, focus moves to the active document text.
The window title identifies the active document which JAWS will announce automatically.
The status bar shows the current line number, column number, word count and whether the document is saved or modified. This is rarely used because, as we will discover, there are better ways of obtaining that information.
If the current document contains real page markers, such as an extracted PDF, it also shows the current page.
The Menu Bar allows you to access each and every option within the application.
Press the Alt key by itself to access the menu bar, followed by all four arrow keys to explore the menu structure. Many people are very used to this approach.
Closing Documents.
Press Control+F4 to close the current document.
You can also press Control+W.
If the document has unsaved changes, Leasey Word asks whether you want to save it.
Yes is the default Button. You can press letter Y for Yes, N for No, or just press Enter to save the changes. Press Alt+F4 to exit Leasey Word.
Leasey Word checks each open document for unsaved changes.
When you have answered any save prompts, all open documents are closed.
Unlike many other text editors, Leasey Word does not automatically reopen the previous set of documents on the next launch. This is a distinct advantage as it means that when you launch the application next time, you will not overwrite any existing text in a document which may have inadvertently been opened.
Creating a New Document.
Press Control+N.
A new blank document is opened.
JAWS should announce:
New document
Creating a New Document from the Clipboard.
Press Control+Shift+N.
If the Windows clipboard contains text, Leasey Word opens a new unsaved document containing that text.
JAWS should announce:
New document from clipboard
This is useful if you have copied text from a web page, email, chat message or another document.
Step 1. Select and copy the text in the original application.
Step 2. Open Leasey Word by pressing the Leasey Key then Windows+W.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+N.
Leasey Word opens a new unsaved document containing the clipboard text.
Step 4. Read, edit, save, summarise or search the text as required.
This is a fast way of turning copied text into something you can work with properly.
Opening a Document.
To open a document.
Step 1. Press Control+O.
Step 2. This is a standard Open dialog box common to many Windows computing applications. Type a file name including full path if necessary. You can also browse to a file if you prefer to do that. Press Enter when the file is located.
Leasey Word can open:
EPUB books.
HTML documents, including HTM, HTML and XHTML.
Markdown documents, including MD, Markdown, MDX, MDown, MDWN, MKD, MKDN, MKDown and RONN.
Microsoft Word documents, DOC, DOCX and DOCM.
PDF documents.
PowerPoint presentations, PPTX and PPTM.
RTF documents.
Plain text, log, cue sheet, INI, JAWS configuration, JAWS keymap, JSON and PHP files.
XML documents.
Editable text-based documents are opened as editable text in the document Edit Field. This includes HTML, which is opened as source code so that it can be edited directly.
Other document types are rendered as plain text where possible, making them easier to read, search, copy and save in an accessible way.
For editable text-based formats such as plain text, log, cue sheet, INI, JAWS configuration, JAWS keymap, JSON, PHP, Markdown and HTML files, Control+S can save back to the same file.
For formats such as PDF, EPUB, Word, PowerPoint and RTF, Control+S opens Save As so that the original source document is not overwritten by extracted text.
When Save As opens for an extracted format such as PDF, Leasey Word suggests a text filename rather than the original PDF filename.
Saving a Document.
Press Control+S.
If the document already has a writable file name, it is saved.
If it is a new document, or if the source format should not be overwritten, Save As is opened.
When an existing writable document is saved, JAWS should announce:
Saved followed by the file name.
Saving As.
Press Control+Shift+S.
The Save dialog supports:
Text document.
Markdown.
HTML.
Word document.
All files.
If you have chosen a default save format in Options, Save As will normally open with that format already selected for new documents. You will find this in the first tabbed page entitled "Opening and Saving".
For example, if you usually want to compose documents as Microsoft Word documents, set the default save format to Word document. Then, when you press Control+S in a new document, the Save dialog will be ready to save as DOCX unless the document already has another suitable file type.
Saving as a Word Document.
To save the current document as a Microsoft Word document, use Save As and choose:
Word document
The file extension is DOCX.
This is useful if you have written a document in Leasey Word and want to send it to someone who expects to receive a Microsoft Word file.
Leasey Word attempts to preserve:
Line breaks.
Bold.
Italic.
Text alignment.
Underline.
Font face.
Point size.
This means that if you have selected text and applied bold, italic, underline, alignment such as centring, a font name or a point size, those settings should be included in the saved Word document where possible.
This is not intended to replace every advanced formatting feature in Microsoft Word. It is intended to give Leasey Word users a practical way of producing a basic Word document without leaving the accessible writing environment.
To save a document as DOCX:
Step 1. Write or open the document in Leasey Word.
Step 2. Apply any basic formatting you require, such as bold, italic, underline, font face or point size.
Step 3. Press Control+S or Control+Shift+S.
Step 4. Type the file name. You can include the full path if that is your preference. This is a standard Windows Save dialog box common to many computing applications.
Step 5. Press Tab to reach the Combo Box of file formats.
Step 6. Press Down Arrow to reach Word document.
Step 7. Tab to the Save Button and press Enter or Space.
If you open the file again, and formatting has been applied, you should be able to still verify it is in place.
Using the Simplified Open and Save Dialogs.
Leasey Word normally uses the standard Windows Open and Save dialogs.
If you prefer a simpler browsing experience:
Step 1. Open Options with Control+Comma.
Step 2. You are focused upon the Opening and Saving Tabbed Page described later in this chapter.
Step 3. Press the Tab key until you reach the Check Box entitled "Use simplified Open and Save dialogs".
Step 4. Press the Space Bar to check this box.
Step 5. Press Enter to save the changes.
When this option is checked, Control+O, Control+S and Control+Shift+S use Leasey Word's simplified dialogs.
The simplified Open and Save dialogs contain:
Path Edit Field.
Folder list.
Save as Type Combo Box if you are in the Save Dialog Box.
Open or Save Button.
Cancel Button.
To use the simplified Open dialog:
Step 1. Press Control+O.
Step 2. Type or paste a full path into the Path Edit Field if you know it.
Step 3. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the Folder list.
Step 4. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through folders and files.
Step 5. Press Enter on a folder to open it.
Step 6. Press Enter on a file to open that file.
Press Backspace to move back one folder.
When you press Backspace, focus returns to the folder you just entered.
If you are at the root of a drive, such as C:\, pressing Backspace moves to the list of drives.
Press Enter on a drive to open it.
You can also type the first few letters of a folder or file name.
To use the simplified Save dialog:
Step 1. Press Control+S or Control+Shift+S.
Step 2. Type or paste a full path into the Path Edit Field if you know it. If you type just a document name, it will be saved using the preferred file format and folder location stored in Options. We will discuss this later in the chapter. If that is what you want to do, you can press Enter now and the document is saved.
Step 3. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the Save as Type Combo Box.
Step 4. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select a file format. This is particularly important in the case of saving to the .docx Microsoft word format. Leasey Word needs to carry out additional work to save into this file format. Changing the file extension alone is not enough.
Step 5. If you wish to browse to an alternative folder, press Tab to reach the Folder list.
Step 6. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through folders.
Step 7. Press Enter on a folder to open it.
Press Backspace to move back one folder.
When you press Backspace, focus returns to the folder you just entered.
If you are at the root of a drive, such as C:\, pressing Backspace moves to the list of drives.
Press Enter on a drive to open it.
You can also type the first few letters of a folder name.
Step 8. To save the file, when you are inside the required folder, press Tab once to reach the Save Button.
Step 9. Press enter or Space.
Printing a Document.
In order to print a document, press Control+P.
Leasey Word opens the standard Windows Print dialog.
Choose the printer and any other options, then press Enter or Space on the Print Button. Leasey Word prints the current document text.
Recent Files.
To open a recently accessed file:
Step 1. Open the File menu with Alt+F. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find Recent Files, then press Enter. You can shortcut this slightly by pressing Alt+F then R.
Step 2. A list of recent files is shown.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow to choose a file and press Enter.
Leasey Word keeps the last 10 recent files by default.
To change this, open Options with Control+Comma and change the Number of recent files setting.
The value can be set from 5 to 50.
If there are no recent files, JAWS should announce:
No recent files
Finding Text.
To find text in a document:
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. Type the text to find and press Enter.
Step 3. If the text is found, Leasey Word selects it in the document Edit Field and speaks the line containing the match.
For example:
Found on line 12: roast beef.
If the text is not found, JAWS should announce:
Text not found
Step 4. To search backwards using the same Find dialog, press Control+Shift+F.
The Find dialog also keeps a history of the 10most recently used searches. This is persistent across documents. So if you had searched for a text string in one document, you can easily carry it out in another.
When the Find dialog opens, focus is in the Find text Edit Field.
This means you can immediately type a new search.
If you want to use a previous search:
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. Press Shift+Tab to move to Find history.
Step 3. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to review recent search strings.
Step 4. Press Enter on the search string you want.
Leasey Word closes the dialog and searches for that text.
Finding Next and Previous.
Press F3 to find the next occurrence.
Press Shift+F3 to find the previous occurrence.
The matching text is selected and JAWS speaks the line containing the match.
Replacing Text.
To replace a text string with an alternative:
Step 1. Press Control+H.
Step 2. Type the text to find.
Step 3. Press Tab to the Replace with field and type the replacement text.
Step 4. Press Enter.
JAWS should announce:
Replaced followed by the number of occurrences.
For example:
Replaced 3 occurrences
If the text is not found, JAWS should announce:
Text not found
Deleting Words.
Press Control+Delete to delete the next word.
Press Control+Backspace to delete the previous word.
After the word is deleted, JAWS announces the newly focused word.
If there is no word to announce, you should hear the word "Blank".
blank
The deletion is placed into the normal edit control undo history.
Press Control+Z to undo it.
JAWS itself should report the undo action, so Leasey Word does not add an extra Undo message.
Changing Case.
It is possible that you wish to change the text capitalisation, perhaps to upper or lower case.
Step 1. Select text if you only want to change part of the document.
If no text is selected, the whole document is changed.
Step 2. Press Control+Alt+U for upper case.
Press Control+Alt+L for lower case.
Press Control+Alt+T for title case. Title case means the first character of each word is capitalised.
JAWS should announce what happened.
For example:
Upper case applied to selection.
Lower case applied to document.
Title case applied to document.
Basic Formatting.
Leasey Word includes basic formatting commands.
Select text if you want to format part of the document.
If no text is selected, the formatting applies to text typed from the cursor position.
Press Control+B to toggle bold.
JAWS should announce:
Bold on
or:
Bold off.
Press Control+I to toggle italic.
JAWS should announce:
Italic on
or:
Italic off.
Press Control+U to toggle underline.
JAWS should announce:
Underline on
or:
Underline off
You can always check the formatting by pressing JAWS Key+F.
Press Control+D to open the Font dialog.
You can move through the Font dialog by pressing the Tab key.
The Font dialog contains:
Font Edit Combo Box.
Point size Edit Spinbox.
Style Combo Box.
Underline Check Box.
OK Button.
Set as Default Button.
Cancel Button.
Use the Font field to choose or type a font name. You can use first letter navigation or press Down Arrow.
Use Point size to choose a size between 6 and 96. To change the font, type a value directly or use Up or Down Arrow keys.
Use Style to choose Regular, Bold, Italic or Bold Italic. Press the Down Arrow key.
Use Underline to include or remove underlining. Press the Space Bar.
If you Tab to OK and press Enter or Space, the formatting is applied to the selected text or to text typed from the cursor position.
JAWS should announce:
Font applied
If you activate the Set as Default Button, the chosen font settings are used for new documents.
JAWS should announce:
Default font saved
Paragraph Alignment.
Select text if you want to align part of the document.
If no text is selected, the alignment applies to text typed from the cursor position.
Press Control+L to align left.
Press Control+E to centre.
Press Control+R to align right.
Press Control+J to justify.
JAWS should announce:
Left aligned.
Centred.
Right aligned.
Justified.
Preserving Formatting For Plain Text Files.
When you change formatting or text alignment in the document, you are able to verify the change by placing the cursor on any of the words and pressing JAWS Key+F. JAWS speaks and Brailles the formatting information.
If you are saving the file in Microsoft Word format, those settings are preserved. This means that when you open the document subsequently, and you use JAWS to verify the formatting information, you should find everything as it was before.
However, that is not the case with a plain text document. When you save a document as plain text, that is exactly what it is; plain text without formatting. If you have changed the font size or style, this is no longer reflected.
If you want the formatting to be preserved, you need to do this:
Step 1. Press Control+Comma for the Options Dialog Box.
Step 2. You are now in the Opening and Saving tabbed page. Press the Tab key until you reach the Check Box entitled "Create Leasey formatted file for plain text formatting".
Step 3. Press the Space Bar to check this box.
Step 4. Press Enter to save.
What is the effect of what we have just done?
If you make formatting changes after this point, they are stored in a special file which lives elsewhere in the Leasey Word program. Whenever you open the plain text document thereafter, it will check to see if there is a corresponding Leasey Formatted file containing the formatting information. If there is, it will apply the formatting again to your text file. You do not need to do anything special; it happens in the background. But it is important you understand what is happening because additional small files are being created on your computer.
In summary, preserving formatting for plain text files is only necessary if you do not wish to save a document in Microsoft Word .docx format. Even then, it is only critical if you are certain you wish to preserve formatting. If you are just working with plain text files on your computer, and you have no intention of working with formatting, this Check Box should remain unchecked.
It is worth noting that if the text file has been edited in another program, Leasey Word opens it as plain text rather than applying formatting to the wrong text.
If for whatever reason you wish to remove the Leasey Formatted files, we discuss this later when working through the Options Dialog Box. Removing the format files does not remove the original text files on the computer. It just means that formatting will no longer be preserved for those documents.
Spell Checking.
To spell check a document, press F7.
If text is selected, Leasey Word checks only the selected text.
If no text is selected, Leasey Word checks the whole document from the beginning.
Leasey Word uses the LeaseySpell spelling component.
If the LeaseySpell settings do not specify a language, Leasey Word detects the Windows regional setting.
For example, United States English uses US spelling, while United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India use UK spelling.
The Spell Check dialog contains:
Suggestions list.
Replacement Edit Field.
Change Button.
Change All Button.
Ignore Button.
Ignore All Button.
Add Button.
Finish Button.
Cancel Button.
The main spell checking keystrokes are:
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or Alt+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the sentence containing the current misspelled word.
Alt+A activates Change All.
Alt+G activates Ignore All.
Alt+D activates Add.
Alt+F activates Finish.
When a misspelled word is found, JAWS should announce:
Misspelled word followed by the word and its letters.
For example:
Misspelled word receive, r e c e i v e.
Move through suggestions with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
When a suggestion is selected, JAWS speaks the letters of that suggestion after a short delay.
When the Spell Check dialog first moves to a misspelled word, JAWS also spells the first suggestion automatically.
Press Enter or Alt+C on a suggestion to change the current word to that suggestion.
Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore the current spelling issue.
Press Control+R to read the sentence containing the current misspelled word.
Press Alt+A for Change All.
Press Alt+G for Ignore All.
Press Alt+D to add the word to the Exceptions Dictionary.
Press Alt+F to finish spell checking.
These are keystrokes standard to many spell checking tools.
If you wish to type your own corrected spelling, press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field and edit the text. Then press Enter or Alt+C to change the current word to the text in the Replacement Edit Field.
Press Escape to cancel spell checking.
When Escape is pressed, focus returns to the document.
Words ignored with Ignore All stay ignored while the document remains open.
Ordinal numbers such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 13th are not treated as spelling errors.
Contractions such as don't, wouldn't and shouldn't are treated as whole words.
If no spelling errors are found, a standard message is displayed saying no spelling errors were found.
Using Change.
Use Change when the current word is wrong in this one place and you want to replace only this occurrence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is announced, move through the Suggestions list with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
Step 2. When you hear the correct suggestion, press Enter.
Leasey Word replaces the current word and moves to the next spelling issue.
Step 3. If none of the suggestions are correct, press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 4. Type the correct spelling.
Step 5. Press Enter, or Tab to Change and press Enter or Space.
Using Change All.
Use Change All when the same incorrect word appears several times in the text and should always be corrected in the same way.
For example, if you have repeatedly typed accomodation instead of accommodation, Change All can save time.
Step 1. When the misspelled word is shown, choose the correct suggestion or type the correction in the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 2. Press Alt+A, or Tab to Change All and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Leasey Word changes this occurrence and automatically changes later matching occurrences during the same spell check.
Using Ignore and Ignore All.
Use Ignore when the current word is acceptable in this one place, but you do not want to add it to the dictionary.
Use Ignore All when the same word appears several times and should be accepted throughout this spell check only.
For example, a project code, a temporary abbreviation, or a made-up name in a story may not need to be stored permanently.
Step 1. When the word is reported, listen to the word and its spelling.
Step 2. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore this occurrence.
Step 3. If the word should be ignored for the rest of this spell check, press Alt+G instead.
Adding a Word to the Dictionary.
Use Add when the word is correct and you expect to use it again.
Names of people, towns, products and companies are often reported as spelling mistakes even when they are correct.
Step 1. Press F7 to invoke Spell Check if it is not already active.
Step 2. When the word is reported, listen carefully as JAWS speaks and spells it.
Step 3. If the word is correct, press Alt+D, or Tab to the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
The word is added to your personal dictionary. Leasey Word should not report it as an error in future.
Hearing the Sentence Again.
Sometimes a word may be spelled correctly in one context but not another. It can help to hear the sentence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is shown, press Control+R.
Step 2. JAWS reads the current sentence without moving focus away from the current control.
This helps you decide whether to change the word, ignore it, or type your own replacement.
Listing Misspelled Words.
Press Control+Shift+E to open the Misspelled Words dialog.
If text is selected, Leasey Word lists possible spelling errors in the selected text.
If no text is selected, Leasey Word lists possible spelling errors in the whole document.
The Misspelled Words dialog contains a single list of words.
Each entry gives the word and the line on which it was found.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+E.
Step 2. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to review the list of possible spelling errors.
Step 3. Press Enter on a word.
Leasey Word closes the dialog and moves to that word in the document.
This is useful when you want an overview of the likely spelling errors before deciding whether to run the full Spell Check command with F7.
Live Spelling Alerts.
Press Control+Shift+M to turn Live Spelling Alerts on or off.
This is a typing assistant.
It does not replace the full Spell Check command available by pressing F7, nor moving to each new misspelling in turn as discussed elsewhere in this document.
When Live Spelling Alerts are on, Leasey Word checks each completed word as you type.
If the word appears to be misspelled, Leasey Word plays a buzzer sound.
No speech is used for the misspelling alert while typing.
This keeps the typing experience fast and avoids interrupting the text being written.
JAWS should announce:
Live spelling alerts on
or:
Live spelling alerts off
Live Spelling Alerts are remembered for the next time Leasey Word starts.
The feature skips ordinal numbers such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 13th, and treats contractions such as don't, wouldn't and shouldn't as whole words.
It also tries to avoid checking web addresses, email addresses, Markdown code, and obvious HTML or source-code lines.
Moving by Spelling Error.
The following commands can be used from the document Edit Field without turning on Quick Navigation Mode discussed later:
Alt+Semicolon moves to the next spelling error.
Alt+Apostrophe moves to the previous spelling error.
Alt+Shift+Semicolon moves to the first spelling error.
Alt+Shift+Apostrophe moves to the last spelling error.
When a spelling error is found, Leasey Word selects it and JAWS announces:
Misspelled word followed by the word and its letters.
Adding and Removing Words from the Dictionary.
Sometimes a word is flagged as misspelled even though it is correct. This may happen with names, product names, technical terms or specialised vocabulary.
To add the focused word or selected word to the personal spelling dictionary, press Control+M.
JAWS should announce:
Word added
To remove the focused word or selected word from the personal spelling dictionary, press Control+Shift+D.
JAWS should announce:
Word removed
This can be useful if you added a word by mistake.
Word Count.
Press Control+Shift+W.
Leasey Word opens a Word Count dialog containing the number of words, characters, paragraphs and lines.
The information is in a read-only Edit Field so it can be reviewed with the Arrow keys.
JAWS should also announce the number of words, characters and paragraphs in the current document.
For example:
Document has 245 words, 1320 characters, 6 paragraphs
After the usual word count information, there is a blank line followed by document position information.
This can help you work out how far through a long document you are.
The position information contains:
Page X of Y, if the document has page markers.
Percentage through the document.
Paragraph X of Y.
Line X of Y.
If the document does not have page markers, the page line says Page information is not available.
Bookmarks.
To set a bookmark:
Step 1. Move to the position in the document you want to mark.
Step 2. Press Control+K.
Step 3. Type a bookmark name and press Enter.
JAWS should announce:
Bookmark followed by the bookmark name, then set.
For example:
Bookmark Chapter 3 set
Leasey Word stores the bookmark position, the line number, and nearby text around the bookmark.
This helps the bookmark follow the intended text if other text is inserted above it later.
When locating a bookmark, Leasey Word first searches for the exact line where the bookmark was set.
If that line cannot be found, it falls back to the saved line number.
Moving to a Bookmark.
To move to a bookmark:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+G.
Step 2. The Bookmarks dialog opens.
Move through the bookmarks with Down Arrow.
You can also press the first letter of a bookmark name to move quickly through the list.
Step 3. Press Enter to move to the selected bookmark.
JAWS should announce:
Bookmark followed by the bookmark name.
If the original position no longer contains the expected text, Leasey Word searches for the stored nearby text.
If it finds that text, it moves to the new position and updates the bookmark.
If the text cannot be found, Leasey Word falls back to the saved line number and announces that the position is approximate.
Deleting a Bookmark.
To delete a bookmark:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+G.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to select the bookmark or type its initial letter.
Step 3. Press Delete.
JAWS should announce:
Bookmark followed by the bookmark name, then deleted.
Temporary Bookmark.
A temporary bookmark is useful when you are writing or editing in one part of a document but need to quickly check something elsewhere.
A good example would be as follows. You are reading a User Guide and it advises you to refer to another page for clarification information on a specific point. You can set a temporary bookmark before navigating to the referenced page. You can then move back to the original position later.
The temporary bookmark is not shown in the Bookmarks dialog and it is not intended to be a permanent marker.
Each open document has its own temporary bookmark.
To set a temporary bookmark:
Step 1. Move to the position you want to return to.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+K.
JAWS should announce:
Temporary bookmark set
You can now move elsewhere in the document, search for text, check another section, or read supporting material.
To return to the temporary bookmark:
Press Alt+Shift+K.
JAWS should announce:
Temporary bookmark
If the exact text has moved, Leasey Word tries to find the nearby stored text.
If it can only find an approximate position, JAWS should announce:
Temporary bookmark, approximate position
Leasey Document Notes.
Leasey Document Notes are notes attached to positions in a document.
They are useful when you want to leave yourself an editing reminder, a question, or a detailed point to check later.
This section gives you the basic keystrokes.
A fuller explanation and example appears in Part 2.
To add a Leasey Document Note:
Step 1. Move to the position in the document where the note should be attached.
The current line must contain text. Leasey Document Notes cannot be attached to blank lines.
Step 2. Press F4.
Step 3. Type a short name for the note.
Step 4. Tab to the Note edit field and type the note itself.
Step 5. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should announce:
Leasey Document Note added
Leasey Word stores the note text, the position, the line number, and nearby text.
This helps the note follow the intended text if other text is inserted above it later.
When locating a note, Leasey Word first searches for the exact line where the note was added.
If that line cannot be found, it falls back to the saved line number.
To review Leasey Document Notes:
Step 1. Press F5.
Step 2. The Leasey Document Notes dialog opens.
Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the note names.
Step 3. Press Enter to move to the selected note in the document.
JAWS should announce:
Leasey Document Note, followed by the first part of the note.
If the original position no longer contains the expected text, Leasey Word searches for the stored nearby text.
If it finds that text, it moves to the new position and updates the note.
If the text cannot be found, Leasey Word falls back to the saved line number and announces that the position is approximate.
To delete a Leasey Document Note:
Step 1. Press F5.
Step 2. Select the note.
Step 3. Press Delete.
Step 4. Confirm that you want to delete the note.
JAWS should announce:
Leasey Document Note deleted
When moving through a document line by line, Leasey Word announces the name of the Leasey Document Note if the current line contains one.
This is spoken using the JAWS Message Voice so it is easier to distinguish the note name from the text of the line itself.
This tells you that the current line contains a note without automatically opening the full note, so ordinary reading is not interrupted.
To review the note at the current position, press F6.
The note opens in a read-only Edit Field so you can move through it with the Arrow keys, Control+Home and Control+End.
When Quick Navigation Mode is on, press N to move to the next Leasey Document Note.
Press Shift+N to move to the previous Leasey Document Note.
If there are no more notes in that direction, JAWS says:
No more notes available
If there are no prior notes, JAWS says:
No prior notes available
Leasey Points.
Leasey Word has full support for setting and locating Leasey Points rather than using the Bookmarks management tools described above. Leasey Points are described fully later in this documentation.
As usual, press the Leasey Key then Control+1 through to Control+0 to set Leasey Points 1 through to 10.
Press the Leasey Key then 1 through to 0 to locate Leasey Points 1 through to 10.
Concluding Notes on Bookmarks.
Using the Bookmarks specific to Leasey Word is preferred over Leasey Points since you can give them meaningful names. You will then not forget the text associated with each bookmark.
Speaking the Document Path.
If you have two documents open with the same file name, it can be difficult to know which one you are editing.
Press Control+Shift+P to hear the full path of the current document.
If the document has not yet been saved, JAWS should announce that the document has not been saved.
Leasey Select.
Leasey Select is available in this application. Leasey Select is described later in this documentation.
Press the Leasey Key then Comma to mark the start point of a selection and the Leasey Key followed by full-stop or period to mark the end point.
Word Wrap.
It can be useful to enable or disable word wrap quickly.
When enabled, long lines wrap within the document window. When disabled, long lines continue horizontally.
Turning word wrap off can be useful when editing HTML, source code, log files or other documents where the exact line structure matters.
You can press Control+Alt+W from the document window to turn word wrap on or off quickly. This is a global setting which affects all documents displayed in Leasey Word.
Document Backups.
Leasey Word keeps backups for individual saved documents.
When a saved document is saved again, Leasey Word backs up the previous saved version before overwriting it.
To restore a document backup:
Step 1. Open the document.
Step 2. Open the File menu by pressing Alt+F.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you reach Restore Document Backup and press Enter. You can shortcut this slightly by pressing Alt+F then B.
Step 4. A list of backups for the current document is displayed by date and time.
Move through the list with Down Arrow.
Step 5. Press Enter to restore the selected backup.
Step 6. Leasey Word asks you to confirm the restore.
Type Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the focused control.
Before restoring the selected backup, Leasey Word backs up the current editor text.
If the restore succeeds, JAWS should announce:
Document backup restored
The restored text is marked as modified.
Press Control+S to save it.
Part 2: The Advanced Features.
Quick Navigation Mode.
Press Insert+Z to turn Quick Navigation Mode on or off.
You can also press JAWS Key+Z.
This is a deliberate toggle.
Escape does not turn Quick Navigation off, because Escape is too easy to press by accident.
When Quick Navigation is on, ordinary typing keys in the document Edit Field become navigation keys.
Keys which are not assigned to Quick Navigation commands are ignored, so ordinary characters are not inserted accidentally.
Press Insert+Z or JAWS Key+Z again before typing normal text.
You can also treat this as a read-only way to review the document. If you want to review the text without fear of corrupting it, enable Quick Navigation keys.
When Leasey Word regains focus after moving away to another window, it reports that Quick Navigation is on.
If Quick Navigation is off, Leasey Word does not speak an extra message when focus returns.
The following keys are available while Quick Navigation is on:
P moves to the next paragraph.
Shift+P moves to the previous paragraph.
S moves to the next sentence.
Shift+S moves to the previous sentence.
Space moves to the next page marker if the document has page markers.
Backspace moves to the previous page marker if the document has page markers.
H moves to the next heading.
Shift+H moves to the previous heading.
1 through to 6 move to the next heading at that level.
Shift+1 through to Shift+6 move to the previous heading at that level.
B moves to the next bookmark.
Shift+B moves to the previous bookmark.
T moves to the next Markdown table.
Shift+T moves to the previous Markdown table.
M moves to the next misspelling.
Shift+M moves to the previous misspelling.
When a paragraph is found, Leasey Word speaks the destination text.
When a sentence is found, Leasey Word speaks the destination sentence.
When a heading is found, Leasey Word announces the heading level and heading text.
When a bookmark is found, Leasey Word announces the bookmark name.
When a Markdown table is found, Leasey Word announces the word Table followed by the first few column names.
When a misspelling is found, Leasey Word selects it and announces the misspelled word and its letters.
If you are on a selected misspelling and want spelling choices, press the Context Menu key or Shift+F10 while Quick Navigation is still on.
The spelling menu contains suggestions, Ignore, Ignore All and Add to Dictionary.
JAWS reads each spelling suggestion as you move through the menu, and Leasey Word speaks the letters of that suggestion after a short delay.
Items such as Ignore, Ignore All and Add to Dictionary are not spelled.
Moving Through a Structured Document.
If a document contains headings, bookmarks, tables or misspellings, Quick Navigation can help you move through it efficiently.
Step 1. Press Insert+Z or Caps Lock+Z to turn Quick Navigation on.
Step 2. Press H to move to the next heading, or Shift+H to move to the previous heading.
Step 3. Press P to move by paragraph.
Step 4. Press M to move to the next misspelling.
Step 5. Press the Quick Navigation toggle again before typing ordinary text.
This makes Leasey Word particularly useful when reviewing longer documents.
Note that you do not have to save the document using a specific format in order to be able to move by heading or other elements, and nor should you. This is just text we are working with. So even if the document is plain text and contains Markdown or HTML code, you can still move by element type.
Sorting Lines.
You can sort lines alphabetically, by whole number, or by date.
This can be useful if you have a list of names, topics, links, commands, short notes, numbered items, invoice entries, track numbers or dated entries and want them in order.
Press Control+Shift+O.
Leasey Word opens the Sort Lines dialog.
The Sort Lines dialog contains:
Sort by Combo Box.
Sort order Radio Button.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
In the Sort by Combo Box, choose:
Alphabetical.
Whole number.
or:
Date
Choose:
A to Z
or:
Z to A
If you choose Whole number or Date in the Sort by Combo Box, the Sort order Radio Button changes to:
Ascending
or:
Descending
When sorting by whole number, Leasey Word uses the first whole number found on each line.
Lines without a whole number are placed after the numbered lines.
When sorting by date, Leasey Word recognises common date styles such as 2026-05-07, 7/5/2026, 12/31/2026, 7 May 2026, and May 7 2026.
For numeric dates, Leasey Word tries to infer whether the list is using day/month/year or month/day/year when the numbers make that clear.
Lines without a recognised date are placed after the dated lines.
If text is selected, Leasey Word sorts the complete lines of the selection.
If no text is selected, Leasey Word sorts the whole document.
For example, suppose you have typed a short list of names, one per line, and you want them in alphabetical order.
Step 1. Type each name on its own line.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+O.
Step 3. Choose A to Z.
Step 4. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should announce:
Lines sorted A to Z in document.
Here is another example.
Suppose you have a list of numbered items and want them in numerical order.
Step 1. Type or open the list.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+O.
Step 3. In the Sort by Combo Box, choose Whole number.
Step 4. Choose Ascending or Descending.
Step 5. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should announce something like:
Lines sorted by number ascending in document
Leasey Document Notes.
Leasey Document Notes allow you to attach your own notes to specific locations in a document.
They are more substantial than simple position markers.
You can store a short reminder, or you can store several paragraphs of text if that is what the task requires.
As you will discover later in this documentation, Leasey has a feature called Leasey Notes.
Those are very short messages you can apply to a location within most applications.
Leasey Document Notes go much further because the note belongs to the document and can contain detailed information.
A good example would be reading a product user guide.
You may find a passage containing detailed steps for performing a task, but you want to add your own accessible explanation, warning, or reminder.
Rather than changing the original document text, you can attach a Leasey Document Note to that line.
Later, when you return to that part of the guide, Leasey Word announces the note name so you know additional information is available.
Another example would be editing a long piece of documentation.
You may want to mark a paragraph with a note such as:
Check this against the installer screen.
Or:
Ask whether this should mention the portable version.
To create a Leasey Document Note:
Step 1. Move to the line of text where the note should be attached.
The line must contain text. Leasey Document Notes cannot be attached to blank lines.
Step 2. Press F4.
Step 3. In the Name Edit Field, type a short name which will identify the note later.
For example:
Installer warning
Step 4. Press Tab to move to the Note Edit Field.
Step 5. Type the note itself.
This can be one sentence or several paragraphs. You can press Enter to create new paragraphs.
Step 6. Press Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
JAWS should announce:
Leasey Document Note added
When you move line by line through the document, Leasey Word announces the name of the note when you land on the line to which it is attached.
This announcement is made using the JAWS Message Voice.
That helps you distinguish between the document text and the note name.
It does not automatically read the full note.
This is deliberate because the note could be several paragraphs long.
To review the full note at the current position:
Step 1. Move to the line containing the Leasey Document Note.
Step 2. Press F6.
The note opens in a read-only Edit Field.
Use the Arrow keys, Control+Home and Control+End to review it at your own pace.
Press Escape when finished.
To review all Leasey Document Notes in the current document:
Step 1. Press F5.
Step 2. The Leasey Document Notes dialog opens.
Step 3. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the note names.
Step 4. Press Enter on the note you want.
Leasey Word moves to the note position in the document.
If the original line has moved because text was inserted above it, Leasey Word tries to find the exact stored line and moves there.
If the exact line cannot be found, it moves to the closest approximate position it can identify and tells you that the exact note position could not be found.
When Quick Navigation Mode is on, press N to move to the next Leasey Document Note.
Press Shift+N to move to the previous Leasey Document Note.
If there are no more notes in a forward direction, JAWS says:
No more notes available
If there are no prior notes, JAWS says:
No prior notes available
To delete a Leasey Document Note:
Step 1. Press F5.
Step 2. Select the note.
Step 3. Press Delete.
Step 4. Confirm that you want to delete the note.
JAWS should announce:
Leasey Document Note deleted.
Leasey Document Notes are especially useful when you are reading, researching or editing.
They let you add your own private explanation without disturbing the document text itself.
PDF documents.
Working with PDF documents is one of the most troublesome areas of computing a blind person can face. It is often challenging because the document author has not always written the content with accessibility in mind. Even if this has been done, navigating them can be a tricky business.
Leasey Word gives you three possible ways to work with PDF documents.
First, when you open a PDF, Leasey Word tries to present it in the best reading order it can using local extraction.
Leasey Word chooses the cleaner of two local PDF text extraction methods for each page.
This can improve documents where one extraction method produces one word per line, missing first letters, or confused columns.
Leasey Word also tries to reflow short artificial line breaks into smoother paragraphs and remove spaces before punctuation.
Common PDF ligatures such as fi, fl, ff, ffi and ffl are normalised where the PDF exposes them as special characters.
Large documents are opened in the background so Leasey Word can continue to give progress messages while the document is being prepared.
Second, if the locally extracted PDF is readable but still awkward, open the Tools menu with Alt+T and choose Enhanced PDF detection.
This sends the PDF to an enhanced PDF text detection service and opens the result as a new unsaved document.
You will first be asked if you would like to submit the PDF for analysis. Press Enter on the Yes Button to confirm or type letter Y.
This service can be useful for invoices, purchase orders, forms, and other PDFs where layout makes the local reading order difficult.
Very large PDF files may be rejected by the enhanced PDF service because the upload payload is too large.
JAWS should announce:
Enhanced PDF detection started
While it is working, JAWS should announce progress messages although this is generally unnecessary as the process is very fast.
When the process finishes, JAWS should announce:
Enhanced PDF detection complete
If the process fails, JAWS should announce:
Enhanced PDF detection failed
Third, if the PDF still cannot be understood, or if it contains scanned image text, use Improve Reading Order with ChatGPT from the Tools menu, activated wwith Alt+T.
You will first be asked if you would like to submit the PDF for analysis. Press Enter on the Yes Button to confirm or type the letter Y.
The regular ChatGPT page limit still applies.
As a simple guide, use ChatGPT analysis for PDFs of about 40 pages or less.
This uses the Leasey OpenAI API key if it is already in place. Please refer to the later chapters of this documentation concerned with ChatGPT.
If the PDF contains embedded bookmarks, Leasey Word adds those entries to the normal Bookmarks Manager for that document.
Open Bookmarks with Control+Shift+G to move through them.
In the Bookmarks dialog, first-letter navigation can be used to move quickly through a long list of bookmarks.
If a PDF is password protected, Leasey Word asks for the password.
The password is used only to open the document and is not saved.
When a PDF is sent to ChatGPT, Leasey Word checks the real PDF page count first.
If the PDF is too large to send in one piece, JAWS reports the page count and the document is not sent.
If successfully processed, JAWS should announce:
Opened followed by the file name.
Opening a PDF and Finding a Section.
Suppose someone sends you a PDF and you need to find a section about cancellation terms.
Step 1. Open Leasey Word.
Step 2. Press Control+O.
Step 3. Choose the PDF file and press Enter.
Step 4. Leasey Word renders the text where possible into the document Edit Field.
Step 5. Press Control+F and search for a word such as cancellation.
Step 6. Press Enter to confirm.
Step 7. If the word is found, read the surrounding text using the normal JAWS reading keys. JAWS will have announced the context already.
The advantage is that you do not need to fight with the original PDF viewer if all you want is the text in a form you can search and copy.
Step 8. If you find that the content displayed is unsatisfactory, try one of the other utilities on the Tools menu, activated wwith Alt+T. We recommend starting with Enhanced PDF Detection because in very many cases this should produce the result you want. If that fails, try Improve Reading Order with ChatGPT.
PDF and Complex Older Word Documents.
As stated previously, Leasey Word first tries to extract readable text locally.
For many PDF documents, this works well.
Some PDF documents are poorly structured.
Others are scanned images and contain no readable text.
If no readable text is found in a PDF, Leasey Word says so and asks whether you want to send the PDF to ChatGPT to try to render it as accessible plain text.
This is intended primarily for scanned-image PDFs.
Older DOC documents can also be inaccessible, particularly if the text is contained in text boxes which JAWS is unable to interpret.
If Leasey Word cannot read an older DOC file locally, it offers to send the document to ChatGPT to try to render it as accessible plain text.
Very large scanned PDFs are not sent.
As a simple guide, use this for scanned PDFs of about 40 pages or less.
If ChatGPT succeeds, the rendered text is opened as a new unsaved document in the Leasey Word editor.
The rendered text opens as a new unsaved document with a suggested file name.
Pressing Control+S on that ChatGPT result opens Save As, so the original PDF, DOC or other source document is not overwritten.
JAWS should announce:
Sending document to ChatGPT
When the process finishes, JAWS should announce:
ChatGPT document analysis complete
If the process fails, JAWS should announce:
ChatGPT document analysis failed
Improving Reading Order with ChatGPT.
To improve the reading order:
Step 1. Open a document.
Step 2. Open the Tools menu wwith Alt+T and choose Improve Reading Order with ChatGPT.
ChatGPT Text Tools.
ChatGPT Text Tools can help you work with text in Leasey Word. You can use them to ask questions, correct spelling and grammar, rewrite text, summarise information, expand rough notes, create action lists, produce FAQs, write a short social media post, prepare a summary email, and more.
Some tools only give you information. They do not change your document.
Some tools suggest or apply replacement text. These can change the selected text, or the whole document if nothing is selected.
The important thing to remember is this.
If you select text before opening ChatGPT Text Tools, Leasey Word works only with the selected text.
If you do not select text, Leasey Word works with the whole document.
To open ChatGPT Text Tools:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+T.
You can also press the Chat Key then T. The Chat Key is the Leasey Key with Control pressed together. So press the Chat Key, release it, and then type the letter T.
Because ChatGPT Text Tools are built into Leasey Word, Control+Shift+T is usually the quickest command to use.
Step 2. The ChatGPT Text Tools dialog opens.
The dialog contains:
Tools list.
Text Edit Field.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
Step 3. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow in the Tools list to choose the tool you want.
Step 4. If text was selected before opening the dialog, the Text Edit Field contains the selected text.
If no text was selected, the Text Edit Field contains the whole document.
You can press Tab to move to the Text Edit Field and review or edit the text before sending it to ChatGPT.
Press Shift+Tab to return to the Tools list.
Step 5. When you have chosen the tool, press Enter.
What each tool is for.
Ask a question about the text.
Use this when you want ChatGPT to explain something, answer a question, or help you understand part of a document.
For example, you might select a paragraph from a letter and ask:
What do I need to do next?
You might select a paragraph from a manual and ask:
What does this instruction mean?
You might select a paragraph from a contract and ask:
Does this mention a cancellation period?
Leasey Word asks you to type your question.
The answer is displayed in a read-only Edit Field.
This tool does not change the document.
Spell check the text.
Use this when you want ChatGPT to correct spelling mistakes and obvious capitalisation problems.
For example, if you have typed a short article quickly and you know there may be spelling mistakes, use this tool.
If text is selected, only the selected text is checked.
If no text is selected, the whole document is checked.
By default, the corrected version replaces the selected text or the whole document.
Dictionary.
Use this when you want to know what a word means.
If no text is selected, Leasey Word uses the word at or just after the cursor.
If text is selected, Leasey Word uses the selected word or phrase.
The definition is shown in a read-only Edit Field.
The result includes clear definitions and examples of how the word can be used.
This tool does not change the document.
Thesaurus.
Use this when you want alternative words.
For example, if you have used the word good several times, the Thesaurus may suggest alternatives such as useful, helpful, positive or effective, depending on the context.
If no text is selected, Leasey Word uses the word at or just after the cursor.
If text is selected, Leasey Word uses the selected word or phrase.
ChatGPT returns a list of alternatives.
Move through the list with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
Press Enter on the alternative you want.
The chosen word or phrase replaces the original word or phrase.
Summarise the main points.
Use this when you have a longer piece of text and want a shorter version.
For example, you could use it on:
A long email.
A meeting note.
A document copied from a web page.
A set of instructions.
A report.
The summary replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Rewrite the text in a formal tone.
Use this when the text needs to sound more professional.
For example, you might use it for:
A formal email.
A complaint.
A letter to an organisation.
A business announcement.
A customer support response.
The rewritten version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Expand rough notes into a finished document.
Use this when you have typed rough ideas but need them turned into proper sentences and paragraphs.
For example, you might type:
Meeting Friday.
Discuss new training.
Need volunteers.
Ask people to email by Monday.
ChatGPT could turn those notes into a finished announcement or email.
This is useful for:
Letters.
Articles.
Reports.
Emails.
Complaints.
Meeting notes.
Announcements.
The finished version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Simplify the language to make it more user-friendly.
Use this when text is too complicated, too long, or too heavy.
For example, you might use it on:
A technical explanation.
A customer notice.
A help topic.
A web page.
A letter which sounds too formal.
The aim is to make the text easier and more pleasant to read.
The simplified version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Check grammar, punctuation and style.
Use this when the text is mostly correct but you want it cleaned up.
This tool checks grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and style.
For example, it may improve commas, sentence endings, repeated words or awkward phrasing.
This is useful before sending an email, publishing a document, or saving a final version.
The corrected version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Extract the key points.
Use this when you want the important information pulled out of a longer piece of text.
For example, you could use it on a long email and get a short list of the main points.
This is useful for:
Instructions.
Reports.
Letters.
Meeting notes.
Product information.
Long messages.
The key points replace the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Rewrite the text in plain language for accessibility purposes.
Use this when the document needs to be especially clear and easy to understand.
This is different from simply making the text shorter. The aim is to make the meaning easier to follow.
This is useful for:
Help documentation.
Instructions.
Customer information.
Training material.
Information for beginners.
Information for people who may not know the subject.
The plain language version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Rewrite the text in a more friendly and encouraging tone.
Use this when the text is correct but sounds too cold, abrupt or flat.
For example, you might use it on:
A welcome message.
A support email.
An introduction.
A training note.
A message to a customer.
The friendly version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Break down the content into simple step-by-step instructions.
Use this when a paragraph explains a process but you want it turned into clear steps.
For example, a paragraph explaining how to register for a service could be turned into:
Step 1. Open the web site.
Step 2. Choose Create Account.
Step 3. Type your email address.
This is useful for instructions, training material and help documentation.
The step-by-step version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Generate frequently asked questions.
Use this when you want to turn information into questions and answers.
For example, if you have written a help topic about a feature, ChatGPT can create likely questions users may ask about it.
This is useful for:
Product help.
Training notes.
Web pages.
Support documents.
Information pages.
The FAQs replace the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Rewrite the text with an audience of beginners in mind.
Use this when the reader may be new to the subject.
For example, if a paragraph assumes the reader already understands technical terms, this tool can make the explanation more suitable for a beginner.
This is useful for:
Introductory guides.
Training documents.
First-time user instructions.
Help topics.
The beginner version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Convert the text into a summary email.
Use this when you have notes, a report, meeting information or a long message and want to turn it into an email summary.
For example, you might paste notes from a meeting and ask ChatGPT to create a short email explaining what was discussed.
The summary email replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Extract action items.
Use this when you want to know what needs to be done.
For example, from a meeting note, ChatGPT might extract:
Contact Sarah about the invoice.
Send the updated document by Friday.
Check whether the customer has replied.
Book the next meeting.
This is useful for meeting notes, emails, project information and long messages.
The to-do list replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Paraphrase the text.
Use this when you want the same meaning expressed in a different way.
This can be useful if a sentence sounds awkward, repetitive or too close to another source.
The meaning should remain the same.
The paraphrased version replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Rewrite the text as a short social media post.
Use this when you want to turn longer text into a very short post.
The post will be no more than 280 characters.
This is useful for short announcements, reminders, promotional messages or social updates.
The social media post replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Summarise the text as a meeting summary.
Use this when the text contains meeting notes, minutes, or a discussion.
The result may include what was discussed, decisions made and possible next steps.
This is useful when your notes are rough and you want a cleaner meeting summary.
The meeting summary replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Review the text and provide constructive feedback.
Use this when you do not want ChatGPT to rewrite the text, but you do want comments about it.
For example, ChatGPT might tell you:
The introduction is clear.
The second paragraph is too long.
The tone may be too formal.
The instructions need an example.
The ending could be stronger.
The feedback is shown in a read-only Edit Field.
This tool does not change the document.
Rewrite the text as a speech draft.
Use this when you want written material turned into something suitable to be spoken aloud.
This is useful for:
Presentations.
Radio scripts.
Training sessions.
Short talks.
Announcements.
The speech draft replaces the selected text or the whole document, unless you have enabled Preview full ChatGPT result before applying under Options, described below.
Which tools do not change the document?.
The following tools do not change the document:
Ask a question about the text.
Dictionary.
Review the text and provide constructive feedback.
These tools display their results in a read-only Edit Field.
Which tool changes only one word or phrase?.
The Thesaurus can change one word or phrase.
It shows a list of alternatives.
When you press Enter on one of the alternatives, that alternative replaces the original word or phrase.
Which tools can replace text?.
Most of the tools can replace text.
If text is selected, the selected text is replaced.
If no text is selected, the whole document is replaced.
These replacement tools include:
Spell check.
Summarise the main points.
Rewrite in a formal tone.
Expand rough notes into a finished document.
Simplify the language.
Check grammar, punctuation and style.
Extract the key points.
Rewrite in plain language for accessibility purposes.
Rewrite in a friendly and encouraging tone.
Break down the content into simple step-by-step instructions.
Generate frequently asked questions.
Rewrite for beginners.
Convert into a summary email.
Extract action items.
Paraphrase.
Rewrite as a short social media post.
Summarise as a meeting summary.
Rewrite as a speech draft.
Leasey Word creates a document backup before applying replacement text.
You can also press Control+Z to undo the change.
Please refer to the later section of this chapter to see how automatic replacement of text is controlled.
Choosing the right tool.
Use Ask a question about the text when you want an answer, not a rewrite.
Example:
You have selected a paragraph from a letter and want to know what it is asking you to do.
Use Dictionary when you want to understand a word.
Example:
You are reading a document and do not know what a word means.
Use Thesaurus when you want a different word.
Example:
You have used the word important too many times and want another suitable word.
Use Summarise when the text is too long and you want the main idea.
Example:
You have copied a long email into Leasey Word and want the main points.
Use Formal rewrite when the text needs to sound professional.
Example:
You have written a complaint or business email.
Use Expand rough notes when you have ideas but not a finished document.
Example:
You have typed bullet points for an announcement and want a complete message.
Use Simplify when the text is too complicated.
Example:
You have a technical paragraph and want it to be easier to read.
Use Grammar, punctuation and style check when the text is finished but needs polishing.
Example:
You have written an email and want to check it before sending.
Use Extract key points when you want the important items as a list.
Example:
You have a long document and want the main facts.
Use Plain language for accessibility when the text needs to be especially clear.
Example:
You are writing instructions for a wide range of users.
Use Friendly rewrite when the text sounds too cold.
Example:
You are writing a welcome message or support response.
Use Step-by-step instructions when the text describes a process.
Example:
You have a paragraph explaining how to do something and want it turned into steps.
Use FAQs when you want likely questions and answers.
Example:
You have written a help topic and want a short FAQ section.
Use Beginner rewrite when the reader may not understand the subject yet.
Example:
You are writing a first-time guide.
Use Summary email when you want notes turned into an email.
Example:
You have meeting notes and want to send someone a short summary.
Use Action items when you want a to-do list.
Example:
You have meeting notes and want to know what needs to be done.
Use Paraphrase when you want the same meaning in different words.
Example:
A sentence is awkward but the meaning is correct.
Use Social media post when you want a very short announcement.
Example:
You want a brief post for Mastodon, X or another service.
Use Meeting summary when the text contains meeting notes.
Example:
You have rough notes from a meeting and want a cleaner summary.
Use Constructive feedback when you want advice but do not want the document changed.
Example:
You want to know whether your article is clear and whether anything is missing.
Use Speech draft when the text will be spoken aloud.
Example:
You are preparing a short talk, presentation or radio script.
Size safeguards.
The same size safeguard applies to selected text and whole documents.
If the text is too large to send to ChatGPT in one request, Leasey Word displays a clear message and does not send it.
As a simple guide, use ChatGPT Text Tools with documents or selections of about 40 pages or less.
What the Options check boxes change.
There are two Options check boxes which affect ChatGPT replacement tools.
Open Options with Control+Comma.
The two check boxes are:
Review individual ChatGPT changes before applying.
Preview full ChatGPT result before applying.
They sound similar, but they do different jobs.
Review individual ChatGPT changes before applying.
This option is useful when you want to inspect individual changes.
For example, if you ask ChatGPT to check spelling or grammar, you may want to see that it has changed:
Goood
to:
Good
The Review ChatGPT Changes dialog tries to identify words or phrases which ChatGPT appears to have changed.
You can accept or reject individual changes before applying the result.
This is particularly useful when the text contains:
Names of people.
Product names.
Place names.
Unusual spellings.
Technical terms.
Words which ChatGPT may misunderstand.
For example, suppose your document contains the name:
Neil
ChatGPT may suggest:
Neal
If Neal is correct, accept the change.
If the spelling should be Niall, Tab to the Replacement Edit Field, change the replacement to Niall, then accept it.
The Review ChatGPT Changes dialog contains:
Changes List Box.
Context Edit Field.
Original Edit Field.
Replacement Edit Field.
Accept Button.
Reject Button.
Apply Button.
Cancel Button.
When the dialog opens, focus is in the Changes List Box.
Each item describes one proposed change.
Press Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the list.
The Context Edit Field is read-only. It shows the original sentence and the replacement sentence.
The Original Edit Field is read-only. It shows the original text for the selected change.
The Replacement Edit Field can be edited. It shows the text ChatGPT proposes to use.
To accept or reject individual changes:
Step 1. Move to a change in the Changes List Box.
Step 2. If you want to check the sentence, press Tab to move to the Context Edit Field and review it with the Arrow keys.
Step 3. Press Tab to move to the Original Edit Field if you want to review the exact original text.
Step 4. Press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 5. If the replacement is correct, leave it as it is. If it is wrong, edit the replacement text.
Step 6. Press Tab to move to Accept or Reject.
Step 7. Press Enter or Space.
If you accept a change, it is marked as accepted.
If you reject a change, it is marked as rejected.
When you have finished, Tab to Apply and press Enter or Space.
Leasey Word applies the accepted changes and keeps your original text for rejected changes.
If you want to accept all changes without reviewing them one by one, press Enter while focused in the Changes List Box.
Press Escape or activate Cancel to leave the document unchanged.
Preview full ChatGPT result before applying.
This option is useful when you want to see the whole ChatGPT result before it changes your document.
For example, suppose you choose:
Summarise the main points concisely in plain UK English.
If Preview full ChatGPT result before applying is checked, Leasey Word shows the summary before placing it in the document.
You can then decide what to do.
Press Escape if you do not want to use the result.
Or review and edit the replacement text.
Then Tab to Accept and press Enter or Space if you want to apply it.
This is useful for tools such as:
Summary.
Formal rewrite.
Friendly rewrite.
Plain language rewrite.
Step-by-step instructions.
Summary email.
Social media post.
Speech draft.
The easiest way to think about the two options.
Review individual ChatGPT changes before applying lets you inspect individual changes.
Preview full ChatGPT result before applying lets you inspect the whole result.
You can use either option, both options, or neither option.
If you are unsure, leave both options checked until you are comfortable with how ChatGPT Text Tools behave.
Recovering Bookmarks After Moving a Document.
If you moved a document to a different folder, Leasey Word may treat it as a different document because bookmarks are stored against the document path.
To recover those bookmarks:
Step 1. Open the moved document in Leasey Word.
Step 2. Open the File menu with Alt+F and choose Recover Bookmarks from Previous Location by pressing the Down Arrow key until the item is reached, then press Enter.
Step 3. The dialog shows the current document path.
In the Previous folder Edit Field, type or browse to the folder where the document used to be stored.
An Edit Field is available into which you can type the path. Pressing Tab allows you to reach a Browse Button to browse to the folder using standard Windows techniques.
Step 4. Press Enter when the folder is located.
Leasey Word combines that previous folder with the current file name and transfers any bookmarks, Leasey Points, saved cursor position, recent file entry and document backups to the current document location.
JAWS should announce:
Bookmarks recovered
Document Composition Indentation.
It is possible to increase or decrease paragraph text by a specific amount.
Indentation is useful when you want part of a document to stand out from the surrounding text.
For example, you might indent a quotation, a set of instructions, a note within a larger document, or a paragraph which belongs under a heading.
It can also be helpful when writing structured material where some paragraphs are subordinate to others.
This is document formatting, not spaces or tabs typed into the document.
Each indentation level moves the paragraph approximately half an inch to the right.
Press Control+Alt+Right Arrow to increase indentation.
Press Control+Alt+Left Arrow to decrease indentation.
The command applies to selected text if text is selected.
Otherwise, it applies to the current line.
JAWS should announce:
Indent level followed by the level number.
For example:
Indent level 2
In Options, activated with Control+Comma, there is a checkbox entitled Speak document composition indentation level when moving by line.
When this is checked, Leasey Word announces the document composition indentation level when you move to a line with a different indentation level.
Code Indentation.
If you are writing code, HTML, JSON, JAWS scripts, PHP, configuration files, or similar text, indentation is usually made with actual spaces or tab characters.
This is different from document composition indentation.
In Options, there is a checkbox entitled Speak code indentation when moving by line.
When this is checked, Leasey Word announces the actual leading spaces and tabs at the start of a line as you move with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
For example, JAWS may announce:
No code indentation
Or:
4 spaces
Or:
1 tab, 2 spaces
This can help you check whether code lines are aligned correctly.
Inserting a LeaseyNote into a Document.
If you are a heavy user of Leasey Notes, you may wish to bring one of them into your document.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+L.
Step 2. A list of Leasey Notes is shown.
Step 3. Press the Down Arrow key to choose a note.
Step 4. Press Enter to insert the selected note text into the current document at the cursor position.
If text is selected in the document, the selected text is replaced.
JAWS should announce:
Inserted LeaseyNote followed by the note title.
Page Movement.
For documents which contain real page markers, such as locally extracted PDF files, Leasey Word can report the current page.
Press Page Up or Page Down.
Leasey Word moves to the previous or next page marker.
JAWS should announce:
Page followed by the page number.
For example:
Page 4
If the document does not contain real page markers, Page Up and Page Down perform normal Edit Field movement.
Go To Page.
To move to a specific page if the document contains page markers:
Step 1. Press Control+G.
Step 2. Type the page number and press Enter.
Step 3. Leasey Word moves to that page if the current document contains page markers.
This is most useful for PDF documents which have been extracted into page order.
JAWS should announce:
Page followed by the page number.
Sending Text to LeaseySocial.
If you use LeaseySocial, Leasey Word can send the current document or selected text directly to the LeaseySocial compose window.
This is useful if you draft social media posts in Leasey Word because you can use the word processor features first, then move the finished text into LeaseySocial without copying and pasting manually.
To send text to LeaseySocial:
Step 1. Write or open the text you want to post.
Step 2. If you only want to send part of the document, select that text.
If no text is selected, Leasey Word sends the whole document.
Step 3. Press Control+Alt+S.
LeaseySocial opens.
If more than one account is available, LeaseySocial asks which account you want to use.
Step 4. Choose the account if asked with the Up and Down Arrow keys. Then press Enter.
Step 5. The normal LeaseySocial New Post dialog opens with the text already inserted.
Step 6. Review or edit the post as usual.
Step 7. Send the post from LeaseySocial when you are ready by pressing Enter.
Leasey Word does not post automatically.
It only prepares the text and opens LeaseySocial so you remain in control of the final post.
The Context Menu.
This is a menu of actions which are relevant to the text or word you are focused upon.
The Context Menu is especially useful if you do not remember the shortcut for a command.
It is also useful because it confirms what actions are available in the current situation.
To open the Context Menu:
Step 1. Move to the document Edit Field.
Step 2. Press the Applications Key. On many keyboards, this key is near the right Control key.
Step 3. If your keyboard does not have an Applications Key, press Shift+F10.
Step 4. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the menu.
Step 5. Press Enter on the command you want.
In normal editing, the Context Menu is the standard Edit Field menu provided by Windows.
It may contain commands such as:
Undo.
Cut.
Copy.
Paste.
Delete.
Select All.
For example, suppose you want to copy a paragraph but cannot remember the copy shortcut.
Step 1. Select the paragraph.
Step 2. Press the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you hear Copy.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. The selected text is copied to the Windows Clipboard.
The Context Menu is also useful with Quick Navigation spelling errors.
If Quick Navigation Mode is on and you have moved to a misspelled word with M or Shift+M, press the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Leasey Word opens a spelling menu containing suggestions for the misspelled word.
It also contains:
Ignore.
Ignore All.
Add to Dictionary.
For example, suppose Quick Navigation finds a misspelled word and you want to choose a correction.
Step 1. Press Insert+Z to turn Quick Navigation Mode on.
Step 2. Press M to move to the next misspelling.
Step 3. Press the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Step 4. Move through the suggestions with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
Step 5. Press Enter on the suggestion you want.
Leasey Word changes the word and announces what it changed the word to.
The Context Menu is not intended to replace shortcut keys.
Instead, it gives you a convenient way to discover and use commands while you are learning the application.
Document and Writing Tools.
Leasey Word can be used as a general word processor, but it can also help you write documents which are intended for web pages, documentation systems, blog posts, podcast show notes, help files and other structured text.
This is where Document and Writing Tools become useful.
These tools help you create HTML and Markdown without needing to remember every character of the syntax. This matters because both HTML and Markdown are precise. A missing bracket, slash, quotation mark or blank line can mean that a heading is not recognised, a list does not form correctly, a link does not work, or a table is not rendered as expected.
If you are working in Leasey Word, this is now the preferred way of creating HTML and Markdown components. The separate HTML Assistant and Markdown chapters remain useful because those tools can still be used in other text editing environments. However, when your document is already open in Leasey Word, Document and Writing Tools give you a more integrated approach.
You can use the tools in two ways.
You can place the cursor where the new component should be inserted, then let Leasey Word ask for the information it needs.
You can also select text which already exists, then use the tool to wrap that selected text in the appropriate HTML or Markdown. With the exception of creating tables, this is by far the preferred method as you have maximum control.
For example, you can select a line of text and turn it into a heading, select several lines and turn them into a list, or select text and turn it into a link.
Opening Document and Writing Tools.
Step 1. Open or create a document in Leasey Word.
Step 2. Move to the place where the HTML or Markdown should be inserted.
Step 3. If you want the command to work on existing text, select that text first.
Step 4. Press Control+Shift+H.
You can also press Alt+Control+Windows+H.
The Document and Writing Tools dialog opens.
The dialog contains:
Format Combo Box.
Component List.
Insert Button.
Cancel Button.
The Format Combo Box contains:
HTML.
Markdown.
Choose HTML if you are writing HTML source code or a document which will be published directly as a web page.
Choose Markdown if you are writing a Markdown document, or if you want to create structured plain text which can later be converted to HTML or Word.
After choosing the format, Tab to the Component List. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose the component you want, then press Enter.
Leasey Word remembers the last format and component you used.
For example, if you last inserted an HTML Link, the next time the dialog opens HTML is selected and Link is highlighted in the Component List.
Focus still starts on the Format Combo Box so the dialog is predictable and matches the normal Tab order.
Leasey Word asks any further questions if responses are needed. For example, a link asks for a web address. An image asks for the image source and alternative text. A table asks for column headings and row information.
When the information has been entered, Leasey Word inserts the appropriate HTML or Markdown at the cursor position, or wraps the selected text where appropriate.
JAWS should announce the format and component inserted.
For example:
HTML Link inserted
or:
Markdown Heading 2 inserted
You can press Insert+F1 in the dialog if you need additional guidance.
Why HTML and Markdown Matter.
HTML is the language used to structure web pages. It allows you to identify headings, paragraphs, links, images, lists, tables and other parts of a page.
A well-structured HTML page is not only better visually. It is usually easier for a screen-reader user to navigate because headings, links, lists and tables can be identified properly.
Markdown is a lighter form of markup. It is written as plain text and is widely used for documentation, notes, web publishing, show notes, technical instructions and many other kinds of writing.
Markdown is often easier to read while you are writing. For example, a Markdown heading may begin with one or more number or hash signs. A Markdown link can be written as visible text followed by a web address in brackets. A Markdown table can be created with plain text rows and separator lines.
The advantage is that Markdown stays readable as text. The disadvantage is that the syntax still needs to be accurate if you want a good result when it is converted to HTML or Word.
Leasey Word helps with both approaches.
HTML Components.
When the Format Combo Box is set to HTML, the Component List can include items such as:
Heading 1 through to Heading 6.
Paragraph.
Line break.
Link.
Email link.
Numbered list.
Bulleted list.
Block quote.
Table.
Image.
Horizontal rule.
Full HTML document.
Build Table of Contents.
Leasey Word creates the correct HTML markup for you.
HTML Headings.
HTML headings are used to organise a page into sections.
Heading 1 is normally used for the main title of the page. Heading 2 is used for major sections. Heading 3 and below are used for sub-sections.
Step 1. Move to the place where the heading should be inserted, or select the existing heading text.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose the heading level you want.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. If Leasey Word asks for the heading text, type it and press Enter.
If text was selected first, Leasey Word should use the selected text as the heading text.
HTML Paragraphs and Line Breaks.
A paragraph is a block of text. In HTML, paragraphs should be marked properly so browsers and screen readers can identify them as separate units.
Step 1. Move to the place where the paragraph should be inserted, or select existing paragraph text.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Paragraph.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. Type the paragraph text if requested. Press Enter to create line breaks.
Step 7. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
HTML Links.
A link consists of two parts: the destination and the visible text.
The visible text is what the reader hears or sees, such as:
Visit Hartgen Consultancy
Step 1. Type or select the visible link text.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Link.
Step 5. When asked for the web address, type or paste it and press Enter.
Step 6. If asked for the visible link text, type it and press Enter.
Leasey Word creates the HTML link.
If the web address is long, it is often easier to copy it to the Windows Clipboard before opening Document and Writing Tools. You can then paste it into the web address field with Control+V.
HTML Email Links.
An email link opens a new email message addressed to the email address you specify.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 2. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 3. Press Tab and choose Email Link.
Step 4. Type the email address, such as support@hartgenconsultancy.com, and press Enter.
Step 5. Type the visible link text, such as Email technical support, and press Enter.
Leasey Word inserts the email link.
HTML Lists.
HTML supports numbered lists and bulleted lists.
Use a numbered list when the order matters. Step-by-step instructions are a good example.
Use a bulleted list when the order does not matter. A list of features or choices is a good example.
To create a new HTML list while writing:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 2. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 3. Press Tab and choose Numbered List or Bulleted List.
Step 4. Type each item to be included in the list on a separate line. For example:
John.
Mary.
Jane.
Step 5. When you want to end the list, press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
To convert existing lines into a list:
Step 1. Select the lines for the list.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Numbered List or Bulleted List.
Step 5. Press Enter.
HTML Tables.
A table presents information in rows and columns.
Tables should be used for genuine tabular information, not merely to position text visually.
Before creating a table, think about the column headings. For example, if you are creating a table of people and scores, the columns might be:
First Name.
Last Name.
Score.
To create an HTML table:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 2. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 3. Press Tab and choose Table.
Step 4. Press enter.
Step 5. Type the table caption and press Enter.
The caption is important because it summarises the purpose of the table for screen-reader users.
Step 6. Type the column headers separated by commas, such as:
First Name,Last Name,Score
Step 7. When all the columns are added, press Enter.
Step 8. Now type the information for the rows. Each cell will be separated by a comma, such as:
Jane,Jones,200
Step 9. When you are ready to enter the information for the next row, press enter.
Step 10. Type the next row as before, with each cell being separated by a comma, like this:
Bary,Johnson,150
Step 11. Repeat the process until all the rows have been added.
Step 12. When the table is complete, press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
HTML Block Quotes.
A block quote is used for quoted material or text which should be set apart from the surrounding paragraph.
Step 1. Select the quoted text if it has already been written.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Block Quote from the list.
Step 5. Press enter.
Step 6. Type the text if you had not selected it previously. Then Tab to Insert and press Enter or Space
HTML Images.
An image on a web page should include alternative text. Alternative text is the short description a screen-reader user receives when encountering the image.
When creating an HTML image, Leasey Word may ask for:
The image source or path.
The alternative text.
The width.
The height.
The image source might be a file path or a location on your web site, such as:
/images/logo.jpg
The alternative text should describe the image in a useful way. For example:
Hartgen Consultancy logo
If the image is important to the page, make the alternative text meaningful. If the image is decorative, consider whether it should be included at all.
You should ask a sighted person to check the final visual result of a web page containing images.
Full HTML Document.
The Full HTML Document option is useful when you are starting a new standalone web page.
It can insert the basic structure needed for an HTML page, including the page title and body area.
This option is usually not needed if you are writing inside a blogging system, content management system or form field where the surrounding page structure already exists.
To create a full HTML document:
Step 1. Open a new document or move to the place where the HTML document structure should be inserted.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Full HTML Document.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. Type the document title and press Enter.
Step 7. Type the body text and press Enter.
Leasey Word inserts the basic HTML document structure.
HTML Table of Contents.
For a long web page, a table of contents can help readers move quickly to the section they need.
In HTML, this is usually done by creating links near the top of the page and matching anchor points or IDs near the headings lower down the page.
Leasey Word can help create those links and targets.
Leasey Word will scan the HTML headings and build the table of contents for you.
Step 1. Create your HTML document with heading tags.
Step 2. Move to the place where the table of contents should be inserted.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 4. Choose HTML in the Format Combo Box.
Step 5. Press Tab and choose Build Table of Contents.
Step 6. Press Enter.
Leasey Word scans the heading tags, such as Heading 1 through to Heading 6, creates a linked table of contents, and adds IDs where necessary.
JAWS should announce:
HTML table of contents inserted followed by the number of items.
Markdown Components.
When the Format Combo Box is set to Markdown, the Component List can include items such as:
Heading 1 through to Heading 6.
Bold.
Italic.
Bold and italic.
Inline code.
Code block.
Link.
Email link.
Numbered list.
Bulleted list.
Block quote.
Image.
Table.
Footnote.
Horizontal rule.
Markdown is plain text. This means you can read the formatting characters with JAWS and Braille.
For example, a Markdown heading is marked with number signs. A Markdown link contains the visible text and the web address. A Markdown table uses text characters to show rows and columns.
Markdown Headings.
Step 1. Move to the place where the heading should be inserted, or select the existing heading text.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose the heading level you want.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. If text had not been previously selected, type it and press Enter.
After a Markdown heading, press Enter twice to create the next ordinary paragraph.
When in Quick Navigation Mode:
Pressing H and Shift+H will move forward and back by heading.
Pressing numbers 1 through to 6, or Shift+1 through to Shift+6, will move forward and back by the chosen heading level.
Markdown Bold, Italic and Code.
Bold and italic are useful for emphasis.
Inline code is useful when referring to a command, filename, variable name or short piece of code within a sentence.
A code block is useful for a longer command, script fragment or example where exact text matters.
Step 1. Select the text if it has already been written.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Bold, Italic, Bold and Italic, Inline Code or Code Block.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. Type or confirm the text if asked to do so.
Step 7. Press Enter.
Leasey Word inserts the required Markdown characters.
Markdown Links.
A Markdown link consists of visible link text and the destination address.
Step 1. Type the visible link text, such as Hartgen Consultancy.
Step 2. Select that text.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 4. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 5. Press Tab and choose Link and press Enter.
Step 6. Type or paste the web address and press Enter.
Leasey Word changes the selected text into a Markdown link.
Markdown Email Links.
A Markdown email link is similar to a web link, but the destination is an email address.
Step 1. Type or select the visible link text, such as Email technical support.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Email Link.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. Type the email address, such as support@hartgenconsultancy.com, and press Enter.
Leasey Word changes the selected text into a Markdown email link.
Markdown Lists.
Markdown supports numbered and bulleted lists.
Use numbered lists for procedures. Use bulleted lists for choices, features or examples.
To create a Markdown list as you write:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 2. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 3. Press Tab and choose Numbered List or Bulleted List.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. Type each list item on a separate line.
Step 6. Press Tab to reach OK and press Enter or Space.
To convert existing text into a Markdown list:
Step 1. Write each item on its own line.
Step 2. Select the lines.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 4. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 5. Press Tab and choose Numbered List or Bulleted List.
Step 6. Press Enter.
Leasey Word applies the Markdown list structure to the selected lines.
Markdown Tables.
Markdown tables are useful when you want a simple table that remains readable as plain text.
Before creating the table, decide how many columns you need and what the column headings should be.
For example:
First Name.
Last Name.
Total.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 2. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 3. Press Tab and choose Table.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. Type the column headers separated by commas, such as:
First Name,Last Name,Score
Step 6. When all the columns are added, press Enter.
Step 7. Now type the information for the rows. Each cell will be separated by a comma, such as:
Jane,Jones,200
Step 8. When you are ready to enter the information for the next row, press enter.
Step 9. Type the next row as before, with each cell being separated by a comma, like this:
Bary,Johnson,150
Step 10. Repeat the process until all the rows have been added.
11. When the table is complete, press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
When reviewing a Markdown document in Quick Navigation Mode, T moves to the next Markdown table and Shift+T moves to the previous Markdown table.
Markdown Images.
A Markdown image contains alternative text and an image source.
The alternative text is important because it describes the image for a screen-reader user.
Step 1. Type or select the alternative text for the image.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Image.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. Type or paste the image source or URL and press Enter.
Leasey Word inserts the Markdown image reference.
Markdown Footnotes.
Footnotes allow you to place additional explanation at the end of a document while keeping the main text easier to read.
For example, you may want to add a reference, a side note or an explanation without interrupting the main sentence.
Step 1. Move to the point in the text where the footnote reference should appear.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Footnote.
Step 5. A footnote number is offered. You can change it or leave it at the suggestion which is available.
Step 6. Press Enter and type the text for the footnote.
Step 7. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Markdown Horizontal Rule.
A horizontal rule can be used to separate one part of a document from another.
Step 1. Move to the place where the horizontal rule should be inserted.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+H.
Step 3. Choose Markdown in the Format Combo Box.
Step 4. Press Tab and choose Horizontal Rule.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Leasey Word inserts the Markdown horizontal rule.
Previewing as HTML.
When you are writing HTML or Markdown, source text alone does not always tell you how the finished document will behave.
Preview as HTML lets you open a rendered version in your default browser.
This is useful for checking:
Heading structure.
Links.
Lists.
Tables.
Paragraph breaks.
Block quotes.
Images.
The table of contents.
To preview the current document:
Step 1. Ensure the document you wish to preview is open.
Step 2. Open the File menu with Alt+F.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you reach Preview as HTML.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Leasey Word creates a temporary HTML preview and opens it in the default browser.
If the current document is Markdown, Leasey Word uses the Markdown preview so that Markdown headings, links, lists and tables are rendered properly.
JAWS should announce:
HTML preview opened
Previewing does not replace careful checking of the source. It gives you another way to understand the structure of the finished document.
Exporting Markdown as HTML.
If you have written a Markdown document, you may want to create an HTML version for a web page or online resource.
Step 1. Ensure the Markdown document is open.
Step 2. Open the File menu with Alt+F.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you reach Export Markdown as HTML.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. Using standard Windows file browsing techniques, choose the save location.
Step 6. Press Enter to save.
JAWS should announce:
Markdown HTML exported
You can then open the HTML file in a browser and review the result.
Exporting Markdown as Word.
You may also want to create a Microsoft Word document from Markdown.
This is useful if you have written the document efficiently as plain text but need to distribute it as a Word file, edit it in Word, or send it to someone who does not work with Markdown.
Step 1. Ensure the Markdown document is open.
Step 2. Open the File menu with Alt+F.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you reach Export Markdown as Word.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. Using standard Windows file browsing techniques, choose the save location.
Step 6. Press Enter to save.
JAWS should announce:
Markdown Word document exported
A Suggested Workflow.
If you are creating a web page or structured document in Leasey Word, a sensible workflow is:
Step 1. Write the main text first.
Step 2. Use Document and Writing Tools to mark headings, links, lists, tables and other components.
Step 3. Save the document in the appropriate format, such as HTML or Markdown.
Step 4. Use Preview as HTML to check the rendered structure.
Step 5. Return to Leasey Word and correct anything which does not appear as expected.
Step 6. Preview again if necessary.
Step 7. Export the document if you need a separate HTML or Word version.
This approach gives you the accessibility and editing power of Leasey Word while still producing structured documents which can be used elsewhere.
Braille Files.
Leasey Word can open and export Braille files.
The supported Braille file extensions are:
BRF.
BRL.
This feature uses the Liblouis Braille translator which is installed with JAWS.
Leasey Word does not ship its own separate Braille translator.
Opening a Braille File.
When you open a BRF or BRL file, Leasey Word asks how the file should be opened.
The choices are:
Print text.
Braille cells.
Print text is the default choice.
If you choose Print text, Leasey Word attempts to back-translate the Braille file into ordinary text.
This means you can use normal Leasey Word commands such as Find, Find Next, copy, word count, bookmarks and other text navigation commands.
This is especially useful if you have a Braille file and want to search for a word or phrase inside it.
To open a Braille file as print text:
Step 1. Press Control+O.
Step 2. Choose the BRF or BRL file and press Enter.
Step 3. When the Open Braille File dialog appears, leave Print text selected.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Leasey Word opens the file as ordinary text where possible.
There is an important point to understand.
A Braille file is already laid out for Braille reading. When it is back-translated into print text, the original print paragraph layout may not be recoverable.
For that reason, the text may not contain the same line breaks or paragraph breaks as the original print document.
However, it should be searchable.
Opening as Braille Cells.
If you choose Braille cells, Leasey Word preserves the Braille-cell representation of the file.
This is useful if you want to read the file on a Braille display in a form closer to the original Braille layout.
To open a Braille file as Braille cells:
Step 1. Press Control+O.
Step 2. Choose the BRF or BRL file and press Enter.
Step 3. In the Open Braille File dialog, press Down Arrow to choose Braille cells.
Step 4. Press Enter.
In Braille cells mode, normal text Find is not expected to work in the same way.
This is because the document is being shown as Braille cells rather than ordinary print letters.
As a general rule:
Choose Print text if you want to search, copy or work with the words as text.
Choose Braille cells if you want to review the Braille layout itself.
Exporting a Document as Braille.
Leasey Word can export the current document to a Braille file.
This is useful if you have written or edited a document and want to move it to a Braille notetaker or another device which can read BRF files.
To export a document as Braille:
Step 1. Open or write the document in Leasey Word.
Step 2. Open the File menu with Alt+F.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you reach Export as Braille.
Step 4. Press Enter.
The Export as Braille dialog appears.
The dialog contains:
Braille code Combo Box.
Output format Combo Box.
Line length Spin Box.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
The Braille code choices are:
UEB contracted.
UEB uncontracted.
US English contracted.
US English uncontracted.
UK English contracted.
UK English uncontracted.
The output format choices are:
BRF Braille ASCII.
Unicode Braille cells.
BRF Braille ASCII is usually the best choice if the file is to be used on a Braille notetaker.
The Line length control determines how many Braille cells are placed on each line.
The default is 40.
Step 5. Choose the Braille code you want.
Step 6. Press Tab to choose the output format.
Step 7. Press Tab to set the line length if required.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach OK and press Enter or Space.
Step 9. Choose the folder and file name using the standard Windows Save dialog.
Step 10. Press Enter to save.
JAWS should announce:
Exported Braille file followed by the file name.
Example: Sending a Document to a Braille Notetaker.
Suppose you have written a meeting agenda in Leasey Word and want to read it on a Braille notetaker.
Step 1. Write the agenda in Leasey Word.
Step 2. Open the File menu and choose Export as Braille.
Step 3. Choose the Braille code you prefer, for example UK English contracted.
Step 4. Choose BRF Braille ASCII.
Step 5. Leave the line length at 40 unless your device requires something different.
Step 6. Save the file.
Step 7. Copy the BRF file to the Braille notetaker.
The notetaker should then be able to open the BRF file as a Braille document.
Options.
Open Options with Control+Comma.
Options is divided into tabbed pages so related settings are grouped together.
To move quickly to an Options tab:
Press Control+Shift+1 for Opening and Saving.
Press Control+Shift+2 for Speaking and Display.
Press Control+Shift+3 for ChatGPT.
Press Control+Shift+4 for Data and File Explorer.
Opening and Saving Tab.
The Opening and Saving tab contains settings which affect how documents are opened, saved and presented in file dialogs.
Restore last cursor position when opening documents Check Box. When this is checked, Leasey Word returns to the last known cursor position when opening a document you have used before.
This is useful when reading or editing long documents because you do not need to manually find your previous place.
Number of recent files Edit Spinbox.
This controls how many files are kept in the Recent Files list.
The value can be between 5 and 50.
Use this if you frequently return to documents you have recently edited.
Default document save folder Edit Field and Browse Button. This is the folder Leasey Word suggests when saving a new or unsaved document.
You can type a path or use the Browse Button to choose a folder.
If quotation marks are included, Leasey Word removes them.
If the folder does not exist, Leasey Word tries to create it when Options is saved.
If a document already has a file location, Save As starts in that document's own folder.
Default save format Combo Box. This controls the file type Leasey Word suggests when saving a new composed document.
The choices are:
Text document.
Markdown.
HTML.
Word document.
Text document is the default.
If you choose Word document, new documents will normally be offered as DOCX files when Save As opens.
This setting does not force every document to become that format.
If you open an existing editable file, such as HTML or Markdown, Leasey Word continues to save it in its existing format.
If you open a PDF or another rendered document, Leasey Word still protects the original file and opens Save As.
Suggest first line as file name Check Box. When this is checked, Leasey Word uses the first non-empty line of a new document as the suggested file name when Save As opens.
For example, if the first line is:
Meeting Notes for Friday
The Save dialog will suggest:
Meeting Notes for Friday
Leasey Word removes characters which cannot be used in Windows file names.
This option is useful if you usually begin a document with a title.
Use simplified Open and Save dialogs Check Box. This option is not checked by default.
When unchecked, Leasey Word uses the standard Windows Open and Save dialogs.
When checked, Control+O and Control+Shift+S use simpler Leasey dialogs.
The simplified dialogs contain a Path Edit Field, Folder list, Open or Save Button, and Cancel Button. In the Folder list, use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through folders and files.
Press Enter on a folder to open it.
Press Enter on a file to choose it.
Press Backspace to move back one folder.
When you press Backspace, focus returns to the folder you just came out of.
If you are at the root of a drive, such as C:\, pressing Backspace moves to the list of drives.
Press Enter on a drive to open it.
You can type the first few letters of a folder or file name to move to it.
You can also type or paste a full path into the Path Edit Field and press Enter.
Speaking and Display Tab.
The Speaking and Display tab contains settings which affect what Leasey Word shows or announces while you move through a document.
Speak document composition indentation level when moving by line Check Box. When this is checked, Leasey Word announces paragraph formatting indentation changes while you move with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
This relates to document composition indentation, such as increasing or decreasing paragraph indentation for ordinary writing.
Speak code indentation when moving by line Check Box. When this is checked, Leasey Word announces actual leading spaces and tabs at the start of a line while you move with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
This is useful when editing code, scripts, configuration files, HTML, PHP or other structured text where indentation is part of the content.
Word wrap Check Box. This option is checked by default.
When checked, long lines wrap within the document window.
When unchecked, long lines continue horizontally.
Turning word wrap off can be useful when editing HTML, source code, log files or other documents where the exact line structure matters.
You can also press Control+Alt+W from the document window to turn word wrap on or off quickly.
Plain Text View Check Box. When this is checked, Leasey Word uses a simpler edit control for the document text.
This can help some Braille displays, but formatting features are not available in this view.
Leave this unchecked unless you really need the simpler view.
Announce Leasey Document Notes when moving by line Check Box.
This option is checked by default.
When checked, Leasey Word announces the name of a Leasey Document Note when Up Arrow or Down Arrow lands on a line containing one.
The announcement is made using the JAWS Message Voice so it can be distinguished from the line text.
If this option is unchecked, Leasey Word does not announce note names during line-by-line navigation.
You can still use F5 to open the Leasey Document Notes list, F6 to review the note at the current position, and Quick Navigation N or Shift+N to move by notes.
ChatGPT Tab.
The ChatGPT tab contains settings which affect how ChatGPT Text Tools place results into your document.
Review individual ChatGPT changes before applying Check Box. This option is checked by default.
When checked, Leasey Word displays the Review ChatGPT Changes dialog before ChatGPT Text Tools replace text in the document.
This gives you a chance to inspect each proposed change.
You can accept or reject individual changes and then apply the result.
If this option is unchecked, Leasey Word applies ChatGPT replacement results immediately, as it did in earlier versions.
Preview full ChatGPT result before applying Check Box. This option is not checked by default.
When checked, Leasey Word does not immediately replace text when a ChatGPT Text Tool returns replacement text.
Instead, it opens the ChatGPT Replacement Preview dialog.
The dialog contains an editable field called Replacement text.
You can read the result, make any small changes you want, then Tab to Accept and press Enter or Space.
If you press Escape, the document is not changed.
This option is useful if you want to inspect the whole ChatGPT result before it is placed into the document.
Data and File Explorer Tab.
The Data and File Explorer tab contains settings and commands which affect where Leasey Word stores its own data and how it integrates with Windows File Explorer.
Leasey Word data location Edit Field and Browse Button. This controls where Leasey Word stores its settings, document recovery information, bookmarks and other application data.
This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Restore to Location Default Button. This restores the Leasey Word data location to the standard Leasey location.
Use this only if you deliberately changed the data location and want to return to the default.
Register File Explorer entries Button. When activated, this registers Leasey Word with Windows so supported documents can be opened from File Explorer using Leasey Word.
This adds Leasey Word to Windows Open With choices and adds an Open with Leasey Word entry for supported document types.
JAWS should announce:
File Explorer entries registered
Delete formatted files Button. This deletes saved Leasey formatted files from the Formatted Files folder. It does not delete your documents. Use this if you no longer need Leasey Word to restore formatting for plain text files, or if you want to clear the stored formatting information.
Leasey Word asks before deleting the files.
JAWS should announce:
Deleted followed by the number of formatted files.
Supported Formats and Known Limitations.
Leasey Word can currently open and render the following formats as plain text:
EPUB.
HTML, HTM and XHTML.
Markdown formats.
DOC, DOCX and DOCM.
PDF.
PPTX and PPTM.
RTF.
TXT and LOG.
CUE, INI, JCF, JKM, JSON and PHP.
XML.
RTF support is basic.
If Microsoft Word is available, Leasey Word asks Word to read the RTF document.
Otherwise it uses a simple fallback which may not preserve all formatting.
Older binary PowerPoint files, PPT, are not yet supported.
Keystroke Summary.
General Document Commands.
Leasey Key followed by Windows+W starts Leasey Word.
Control+N creates a new blank document.
Control+Shift+N creates a new document from the Windows clipboard.
Control+O opens a document.
Control+S saves the current document.
Control+Shift+S opens Save As.
Control+P opens the Print dialog.
Control+Alt+W turns word wrap on or off.
Control+F4 closes the current document.
Control+W also closes the current document.
Alt+F4 exits Leasey Word.
Control+F6 moves to the next open document.
Control+Tab also moves to the next open document.
Control+Shift+F6 moves to the previous open document.
Control+Shift+Tab also moves to the previous open document.
Editing Commands.
Control+Z performs Undo.
Control+Y performs Redo.
Control+X cuts selected text.
Control+C copies selected text.
Control+V pastes text.
Control+A selects all text.
Control+Delete deletes the next word.
Control+Backspace deletes the previous word.
The Leasey Key followed by Comma marks the start point for Leasey Select.
The Leasey Key followed by full-stop or period marks the end point for Leasey Select.
Find and Replace.
Control+F finds text.
Control+Shift+F searches backwards.
F3 finds the next occurrence.
Shift+F3 finds the previous occurrence.
Control+H opens Find and Replace.
Case and Formatting.
Control+Alt+U changes selected text, or the whole document, to upper case.
Control+Alt+L changes selected text, or the whole document, to lower case.
Control+Alt+T changes selected text, or the whole document, to title case.
Control+Shift+O opens Sort Lines.
Control+Shift+H opens Document Writing Tools.
Control+B toggles bold.
Control+I toggles italic.
Control+U toggles underline.
Control+D opens the Font dialog.
Control+L aligns left.
Control+E centres the current line or selection.
Control+R aligns right.
Control+J justifies the current line or selection.
Control+Alt+Right Arrow increases indentation.
Control+Alt+Left Arrow decreases indentation.
Spelling.
F7 opens Spell Check.
Tab moves to the next control in the Spell Check dialog.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control in the Spell Check dialog.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or Alt+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the sentence in the Spell Check dialog.
Alt+A activates Change All.
Alt+G activates Ignore All.
Alt+D activates Add.
Alt+F activates Finish.
Escape cancels spell checking.
Control+Shift+E opens the Misspelled Words dialog.
Control+Shift+M turns Live Spelling Alerts on or off.
Control+M adds the focused word or selected word to the personal dictionary.
Control+Shift+D removes the focused word or selected word from the personal dictionary.
Alt+Semicolon moves to the next spelling error.
Alt+Apostrophe moves to the previous spelling error.
Alt+Shift+Semicolon moves to the first spelling error.
Alt+Shift+Apostrophe moves to the last spelling error.
Bookmarks, Points and Position.
Control+K sets a Leasey Word bookmark.
Control+Shift+G opens the Bookmarks dialog.
Control+Shift+K sets a temporary bookmark.
Alt+Shift+K moves to the temporary bookmark.
F4 adds a Leasey Document Note at the current position.
F5 opens the Leasey Document Notes dialog.
F6 opens the Leasey Document Note at the current position in a read-only Edit Field, if one is available.
Control+G opens Go To Page.
Page Down moves to the next page marker where page markers exist.
Page Up moves to the previous page marker where page markers exist.
Control+Shift+W opens Word Count.
Control+Shift+I performs Where Am I.
Control+Shift+P speaks the full path of the current document.
The Leasey Key followed by Control+1 through to Control+0 sets Leasey Points 1 through to 10.
The Leasey Key followed by 1 through to 0 moves to Leasey Points 1 through to 10.
Quick Navigation Mode.
Insert+Z turns Quick Navigation Mode on or off.
Caps Lock+Z does the same if using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
When Quick Navigation Mode is on:
P moves to the next paragraph.
Shift+P moves to the previous paragraph.
S moves to the next sentence.
Shift+S moves to the previous sentence.
Space moves to the next page marker if available.
Backspace moves to the previous page marker if available.
H moves to the next heading.
Shift+H moves to the previous heading.
1 through to 6 move to the next heading at that level.
Shift+1 through to Shift+6 move to the previous heading at that level.
B moves to the next bookmark.
Shift+B moves to the previous bookmark.
N moves to the next Leasey Document Note.
Shift+N moves to the previous Leasey Document Note.
T moves to the next Markdown table.
Shift+T moves to the previous Markdown table.
M moves to the next misspelling.
Shift+M moves to the previous misspelling.
Context Menu or Shift+F10 opens spelling suggestions when a misspelling is selected.
Tools and Application Features.
Control+Shift+C opens Leasey Command Centre.
Control+Shift+T opens ChatGPT Text Tools.
Control+Shift+L inserts a Leasey Note into the current document.
Control+Alt+S sends the selected text, or the whole document if nothing is selected, to Leasey Social.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 does the same if using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Menu-Based Commands Without Direct Keystrokes.
The following commands are available from the menu bar and from Leasey Command Centre where appropriate:
It is essential when working with text to be able to select (or highlight) it. This invariably involves placing the cursor at the start of where you would like the text to be selected and then holding down a number of Keys including the Shift Key. For example, pressing Shift+Down Arrow repeatedly will select successive lines of text. However, if large blocks of text need to be selected, this can cause problems both when holding down the Keys, or in terms of the provision of accurate oral feedback of text which has been selected. Selecting text is necessary for format manipulation, cutting or copying it to the Windows Clipboard or manipulating it in some other way.
Leasey provides a very easy method for selecting text and reviewing the start point of a potential selection. The concept is that you will navigate to the start of the text which is to be selected and mark it with a Keystroke. Next, using any means of text navigation at your disposal (such as the Arrow Keys), move to where you would like the end of the selection to be. This could be many pages if necessary or maybe just a few words. When the potential end point of the selection is reached this is similarly marked with a Keystroke and the text between the two marked points is selected. Text selection using this method is available within Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook (incoming and outgoing messages), the JAWS virtual Viewer, documents within Adobe Reader, Mozilla Thunderbird, QRead, many text edit environments such as Notepad and Wordpad, together with browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Brave.
Using Leasey Select.
In order to use Leasey to select text, please work through the following two examples:
Example 1.
Step 1. Launch the Microsoft Word or Leasey Word application and ensure you are located within a blank document.
Step 2. Type the phrase:
This is a test
Step 3. Press the Home Key to move to the start of the line you have just typed.
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key then the Comma Key. JAWS will say 'Begin Selection'.
Step 5. Press the End Key to move to the end of the line you have typed. Note that no text has been selected at this point. If you have vision, you will also notice that there is no visual indication that the text has been selected.
Step 6. Press the Leasey Key then the Full-Stop or Period Key. JAWS announces 'End Selection'.
Step 7. If you want to confirm what has been selected, press the JAWS Key together with Shift+Down Arrow. JAWS should say something like, 'selection is this is a test'.
Please note that the Leasey selection facility can be used within Microsoft Word or Leasey Word even if the JAWS 'Quick Navigation Keys' have been enabled by pressing Insert+Z. There is no need to exit this mode prior to using a selection command.
Example 2.
Step 1. Launch Microsoft Edge and browse to the following web site:
www.google.co.uk or www.google.com if you prefer.
Step 2. Once the page has loaded, press Control+Home to reach the top of it.
Step 3. Press the letter B repeatedly if necessary to reach the Button on the page entitled 'Google Search Button'.
Step 4. Press the Home Key to move to the start of the line.
Step 5. Press the Leasey Key then Comma. As before, the start point of the selection is marked.
Step 6. Press Control+End to move to the end of the web page. JAWS announces the text which is displayed.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key then Forward Slash. This is the Leasey function entitled 'Speak Beginning and End'. It causes JAWS to read the text where the starting point of the selection was marked and the line containing the current cursor position. This is a good way of checking the likely start and end points before you select a large passage.
Step 8. Press the Leasey Key then Full-stop or Period. JAWS confirms that the end point of the selection has been made.
Step 9. Finally, press the JAWS Key with Shift+Down Arrow if you want JAWS to announce all of the selected text.
Moving Back to the Selection Start Point.
Lets add a further dimension to the selection procedure.
Let us assume that you have marked the start point of a selection, and have then moved the cursor elsewhere. If you wish to return to the start point of the potential selection, you can press the Leasey Key then Control+Comma.
You can also use this keystroke when you have completed the selection. For example, if you select from page 2 of a document through to page 7, and copied the text to the Clipboard, you then may wish to move back to the start point of the selection on page 2. This can be done by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Comma.
Please note that this does not function within Email messages.
What is Leasey Quick Select?
There is nothing at all wrong with using the above methods for selecting text, and indeed many people have done that for years. However, there is an alternative method if you wish to use it, and that is by missing out the final step of ending the selection. In summary, you mark the start point of the potential selection, move the cursor to the end point, but do not mark it with the end selection keystroke. Instead, just go ahead and carry out the action you require, such as Control+C for copy.
Example 3.
Step 1. Launch the Microsoft Word or Leasey Word application and ensure you are located within a blank document.
Step 2. Type the phrase:
This is a test
Step 3. Press the Home Key to move to the start of the line you have just typed.
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key then the Comma Key. JAWS will say 'Begin Selection'.
Step 5. Press the End Key to move to the end of the line you have typed. Note that no text has been selected at this point.
Step 6. Press Control+C to copy the text to the Windows Clipboard.
Note that when you press a keystroke such as Control+C to copy text to the clipboard, there may be a slight pause between the time you press the keystroke and JAWS confirming that the text has been copied.
The following keystrokes are likely to function well using this method:
Control+X.
Control+C.
Control+V.
Delete.
And in Microsoft Word or Leasey Word:
Control+B.
Control+I.
Control+U.
Control+L.
Control+R.
Control+J.
Control+E.
If you had text already on the clipboard as a further example, and you want to select text so as to paste the content of the clipboard over the top of it, mark the start point of the selection in the usual way. Move the cursor to the end point and press Control+V.
Note that if you begin marking a potential selection, and for whatever reason you do not wish the keystrokes such as Control+C to automatically select the text and copy it when pressed, just press the Escape key. JAWS will confirm that the quick selection process is cancelled. The start marker is still in the place where you set it, so you can go ahead and continue using the old selection method if desired.
Speaking the Contents of the Windows Clipboard.
One of the primary reasons why you would want to select text is to cut or copy it to the Windows Clipboard. The Windows Clipboard is of course a temporary storage area which can be used for holding text which is cut or copied to it for pasting into an alternative location, such as another document or Email message.
When the text has been copied to the Clipboard, you can press the Leasey Key followed by the letter X from within any application. The contents of the Clipboard will be announced. If there is no text on the Clipboard, you will be advised of this.
Why would you want to use this keystroke when JAWS already has a mechanism for displaying the contents of the Windows Clipboard as text?
If you want to check whether the desired text is on the Clipboard, this is a much faster way of doing so. It is quite possible that you do not want to hear all of the text which is stored there, but it could be helpful to listen to the start of it prior to pressing the Control Key to silence speech, such as the first two or three words. There are occasions where the text you think is selected has not correctly been copied to the Clipboard and this is a very quick way of verifying it.
If you were to use the JAWS feature to display the contents of the Clipboard, (JAWS Key+Space then C), it can take several seconds for you to gain access to it. This can be three seconds or more which can add up over the course of a day if you are checking the Clipboard frequently.
To clear the contents of the Clipboard at any time press the Leasey Key then Z.
It is worth noting that you can use another keystroke in relation to selecting text and the Clipboard. This is Leasey Key Shift+Full-Stop or Period. This will end a selection and append the text to the Clipboard. So, mark the start of it with the Leasey Key then Comma, move to the end point, and then this time, mark the end point with the Leasey Key then Shift+Full-Stop or Period. The text is selected and it is immediately appended to the Clipboard, separated from the text which already exists there with a blank line.
Appending Text to the Clipboard.
Leasey contains a feature called Leasey Clips, allowing you to copy multiple text segments and paste them into a text edit area in any order of your choosing. However, Leasey also contains the ability to automatically append text to the Windows clipboard for those people who would like to use it in this way. This means that you can copy or cut text segments from multiple sources and paste them into a document or text edit area.
JAWS already contains the ability to press a keystroke to append selected text to the clipboard. The Leasey feature relating to achieving this however has a number of advantages:
Pressing Control+X will cut text to the clipboard and it is appended to the previous segment if appropriate.
Leasey allows you to separate each copied text segment with either a line break, a space character or a paragraph break.
In addition, it is possible to insert any characters between the copied segments. A good example of this would be three asterisk characters. When the text is pasted into a document, it will be much easier for you to locate each segment.
Leasey is much clearer in terms of its use of language when text is being copied to the clipboard. You will be in no doubt as to whether your copied text segment is the first or a subsequent item on the clipboard.
Finally, an option is available to clear the clipboard when pasting has taken place.
Each of the above advantages will now be discussed.
Enabling and Disabling Clipboard Append.
Enabling and disabling the append clipboard feature can be done by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+C. The setting is retained even if JAWS is restarted.
When the setting is disabled, pressing Control+C or Control+X performs its regular Windows function by copying or cutting text to the clipboard whilst overwriting it. JAWS announces "Replace Mode".
Enabling the feature appends text to the clipboard when text is selected and you press Control+C or Control+X. When you enable this option, JAWS says "Append Mode".
If you copy an item and it is the first text segment on the clipboard, JAWS says "Copied". If it is a subsequent segment, JAWS says "Appended".
Changing the Clipboard Divider.
You can change the divider between segments you copy to the clipboard by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Z. This has three options.
Line break. Each copied segment will begin on a new line. This is the default setting.
Space character. This separates each copied segment with a space character. This could be useful if you are copying multiple Email addresses for example and each one needs to have a space in between.
Paragraph break. This is a useful divider. One blank line separates each copied segment.
Characters to Separate Clipboard Segments.
This feature is activated by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+X. An Edit Field appears requesting that you type the clipboard separator, such as three asterisk characters. Type the characters and press Enter. The characters are saved for later use, even if JAWS is restarted.
Note that this feature works in conjunction with the previous option relating to the divider. For example, if you had pressed the Leasey Key then Control+Z so as to set the divider to a paragraph break, and three asterisk characters are used to further separate copied segments, the text will be presented in this format:
segment 1, blank line, star star star, blank line, segment 2, blank line, star star star, blank line, segment 3.
Note that if you decide you no longer require a string of text to separate each appended text segment, press the Leasey Key then Control+X. The previous separator is displayed in the Edit Field. Press the Backspace key to erase it, then press Enter.
Clear Clipboard On Pasting.
This setting is enabled or disabled by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+V. When enabled, and text is pasted into a text edit area, the clipboard is automatically cleared. JAWS says "Pasted, Clipboard Cleared".
Special Note: It is likely that you will be switching on and off the feature to append text to the clipboard. This is why it is placed on an easy-to-use keystroke: Leasey Key then Control+C. If the option to clear the clipboard on pasting is enabled, enabling the append mode will automatically clear the clipboard in order that you can start again. JAWS advises you of this so you are in no doubt as to what has happened. While this is an advantage, there is also value in disabling this feature.
Let us assume that you have copied some segments to the clipboard and you paste them into a document. If the feature is disabled, you still have your text segments available. If necessary, you could paste them elsewhere if you wish. This feature is designed to be flexible so as to suit your way of working.
Clearing and Speaking the Clipboard.
If the option to clear the clipboard on pasting is disabled, you can always clear it yourself by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Z. This feature has been in the product since it was released.
To speak the contents of the clipboard, press the Leasey Key then X.
Additional Notes.
If you append text segments to the clipboard, then disable the special append feature with the Leasey Key then Control+C, then copy text to the clipboard, the newly copied text will replace the appended segments. This is because disabling the feature ensures that Control+C causes the clipboard to adopt its usual practice of overwriting data. This also applies to cutting text with Control+X.
If the append feature is enabled, and you copy an element to it such as a folder in File Explorer, the clipboard is overwritten because that is default Windows functionality. The Leasey append feature only works with text.
Finally, it is important that we mention this. If you enable the Leasey append feature, then disable it and copy text to the clipboard so it replaces the existing text, Leasey will not warn you that the clipboard is about to be overwritten. This feature has been specifically designed for those who wish to improve their productivity. There are many JAWS users who do not wish for intervening Dialog Boxes warning them about something they already know. The expectation is that you are fully aware how the feature works before using it in everyday situations. You may like to practice using this feature prior to using it as part of your daily workflow. As is the case with all features native to JAWS, the regular functionality to append text to the clipboard is not disturbed in any way.
Keystroke summary.
Begin Selection, Leasey Key then Comma.
End Selection, Leasey Key then Full-Stop or Period.
End selection and copy text to Clipboard, Leasey Key then Shift with Comma.
End selection and append text to Clipboard, Leasey Key then Shift with Full-Stop or Period.
Speak Beginning and End of Potential Selection, Leasey Key then Forwardh Slash.
Move Back to the Start of Selection, Leasey Key then Control+Comma.
Speak Contents of Clipboard, Leasey Key then X.
Clear Contents of Clipboard, Leasey Key then Z.
Enable or disable automatic clipboard append mode, Leasey Key then Control+C.
Change the settings of the clipboard append separator, for example if a line break separates clipboard segments, Leasey Key then Control+Z.
Change if the clipboard is cleared when pasting text, Leasey Key then Control+V.
Place a string of characters such as asterisks between clipboard segments, Leasey Key then Control+X.
Delete from the cursor position to the beginning of the line, Leasey Key then Control+Delete.
Delete the entire line, Leasey Key then Windows+Delete.
Delete from the cursor position to the end of the line, Leasey Key then Alt+Delete.
A Leasey Text allows you to reproduce a block of text with the minimum of Keystrokes. You will find yourself typing far less text than you used to do before!
A Leasey Text could consist of a short sentence; however it could be a novel or at least a number of paragraphs. If paragraphs are created including blank lines to divide them, they are preserved as part of the Leasey Text.
For example, one of the most common uses for a Leasey Text would be to reproduce text which would terminate a letter or email message, such as a signature. Your Leasey Text may consist of the words 'Yours sincerely', followed by five blank lines, then your name. Recalling a Leasey Text can be achieved by bringing it into a list for easy selection and pasting into a text editable area.
But people use Leasey Texts in a variety of different ways, to reproduce telephone numbers, addresses, product serial numbers, shopping lists and so much more.
Creating Leasey Texts.
To create a Leasey Text, you first must ensure that the text you wish to be reproduced in the future is located on the windows Clipboard. This gives extraordinary power and flexibility to the concept of Leasey Texts. For example, you may receive an email message or a document from a friend or work colleague containing a useful web site and you would like to store this as a Leasey Text so as to pass onto other people during the course of composing an email message.
You have already learned how to select text with the Leasey selection feature in readiness for copying it to the Windows Clipboard. However, the following would be a basic example you may care to use:
Step 1. Open the Microsoft Word or Leasey Word application, ensure that a blank document is in focus and type the words 'Yours sincerely'.
Step 2. Press the Enter Key 5 times on the keyboard so as to create a large blank space between the words 'Yours sincerely' and your name, which you will type in the next step.
Step 3. Type your name and, if appropriate, press the Enter Key again and type your job title.
Step 4. When you are satisfied with the composition of the text, press Control+A on the keyboard to select all of the text including the blank lines.
Step 5. Press Control+C to copy the selected text to the Windows Clipboard. JAWS says 'copied selection to Clipboard' or similar.
Step 6. Press the Leasey Key then the letter X. This speaks all text copied to the Windows Clipboard. You should hear the text you previously typed spoken back to you.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key then the letter T to store a new Leasey Text. An Edit Field appears and JAWS will invite you to type a name for the Leasey Text. Think about the Leasey Text title carefully. When you retrieve a Leasey Text, one option is to choose it from a vertical list of previously stored items. So you will want a title which can be easily reached using first letter navigation from the list of available Leasey Texts.
Step 8. Type the name you wish to assign to the Leasey Text and press the Enter Key. JAWS will confirm that the Leasey Text has been saved. It will also advise you that you can press the Leasey Key, followed by Windows Key together with Semicolon to create an abbreviation. Please refer to the later section of this documentation concerning the creation of abbreviations.
Recalling a Leasey Text from a List.
Reproducing the content of any Leasey Text is very easy to do. Simply move into an editable environment, such as a Microsoft Word or Leasey Word document, Internet Form Field or Email message. When you are ready to insert the Leasey Text into the editable area, press the Leasey Key followed by the letter L. Leasey will bring into view a list of all the Leasey Texts previously stored. Use the Down Arrow Key to locate the Leasey Text you wish to reproduce within your text, (or first letter navigation if you prefer), then press Enter. It is as easy as that! After a short pause, JAWS will confirm that the Leasey Text contents have been reproduced. The cursor is placed at the end of the text.
Editing a Leasey Text.
A Leasey Text which is suitable for you today may not be useful tomorrow. However, there may be just one part of the Leasey Text you wish to change. This is very easy as you can bring into view a list of Leasey Texts to edit.
Press the Leasey Key followed by the letter E. Again, this Keystroke causes Leasey to bring into view a list of Leasey Texts stored on the computer. However, this time, when you press the Enter Key on any one of them, you will be taken into a text file containing the words which appear in the Leasey Text. You can edit the text as you wish and then press Control+S to save the file and then Alt+F4 to close down the Notepad program displaying the Leasey Text. The newly edited text is now immediately available when you insert the Leasey Text into an editable area.
There can be situations where you may wish to review a Leasey Text rather than edit it. This can be done using the JAWS Virtual Viewer.
Press the Leasey Key then V. Again, a list of all your Leasey Texts will appear. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find the Leasey Text you wish to view, then press Enter. The text will then be displayed within the Virtual Viewer. Press Escape to close the Leasey Text and return to the application in which you were previously working.
If you wish to return to the reading of the Leasey Text in the virtual Viewer, press the Leasey Key then Alt+V. You will find that the Leasey Text is displayed again for you to read, and Leasey has usefully remembered your place. This method of recalling a Leasey Text is ideal for reading a set of instructions. You can always close it by pressing Escape, carry out a task on your computer, and then return to it and continue reading.
"Renaming a Leasey Text.
You may decide at a later date that you would like to rename one of your Leasey Texts. This can be done in the "Renaming and Moving Centre", activated with the Leasey Key then Control+R.
Activating this keystroke presents you with a List Box. Each item in the list relates to a Leasey component you can name or move from one place to another. Go ahead and press Down Arrow, or the letter "T", to reach the item labelled "Texts". Then press Enter.
You are now presented with a list of Leasey Texts which you can rename. Select one of them with the Up or Down Arrow keys, or by typing the first few letters of its name, then press Enter.
Finally, when prompted, type the new name for the Leasey Text and press Enter. You will hear the old name followed by the new one.
Deleting a Leasey Text.
A Leasey Text can be deleted as follows:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then the letter L to bring into view a list of all Leasey Texts previously stored on the computer.
Step 2. Press the Down Arrow Key or use first letter navigation until you reach the Leasey Text you would like to delete.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key followed by the Delete Key. The Leasey Text will be deleted and this will be confirmed.
Creating an Abbreviation.
If you find that you are reproducing a Leasey Text on a regular basis, you may like to consider assigning it to an abbreviation. This means that you do not need to select the Leasey Text from the list, but rather, you will type a series of characters instead, followed by a Leasey Keystroke. This will make the process of recreating the text passage extremely quick and easy. If you forget the text characters which make up the abbreviation, we have that covered as well. Please work through the following steps which will give you all the information you need.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key, followed by Windows Key together with Semicolon.
Step 2. A list of all the Leasey Texts previously stored will be presented to you. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys in order to move through the list.
Step 3. When you reach the name of a Leasey Text to which you wish to assign an abbreviation, press Enter.
Step 4. Type the new abbreviation. For example, if you are attaching an abbreviation to a signature, you might like to type the characters, sig.
Step 5. When the abbreviation has been typed, press Enter. JAWS confirms that the abbreviation has been stored and it is spelled out character by character.
To reproduce an Abbreviation:
Step 1. Focus within a text edit area, such as a Microsoft Word or Leasey Word document or Email message.
Step 2. Type the abbreviation, but do not press the Space Bar.
Step 3. Press the Windows Key together with the Apostrophe (or single quote) key. Please do not preceed this keystroke with the Leasey Key.
If an Abbreviation is found which matches the series of characters you typed, the full text will be reproduced.
To review a list of all the Abbreviations created, press Control+Windows+semicolon. Please do not preceed this keystroke with the Leasey Key. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list. You will hear the name of the Leasey Text followed by the Abbreviation, such as "Signature equals sig". Note that prior to reading the list of Abbreviations, you will be advised that pressing Enter on any of them will delete it, so please be careful!
As previously indicated, pressing Enter on any item in this list will delete the Abbreviation, but not the Leasey Text itself. Therefore, if you inadvertently delete one of your Abbreviations, you can simply work through the steps above to restore it at a later time.
Two final notes. If you delete a Leasey Text (as described above), any Abbreviation you may have assigned to it previously will also be removed.
Secondly, notice how the keystrokes pertaining to all aspects of managing Abbreviations are available when your fingers are close to the Home Row of keys on the keyboard. This is especially important for the keystroke which reproduces an Abbreviation, Windows Key+Apostrophe. The whole point about the reproduction of an Abbreviation is that it should be fast!
Renaming an Abbreviation.
You may decide at a later date that you would like to redefine one of your Leasey Abbreviations. This can be done in the "Renaming and Moving Centre", activated with the Leasey Key then Control+R.
Activating this keystroke presents you with a List Box. Each item in the list relates to a Leasey component you can name or move from one place to another. Go ahead and press Down Arrow, or the letter "T", to reach the item labelled "Abbreviations". Then press Enter.
You are now presented with a list of Leasey Abbreviations which you can rename. Select one of them with the Up or Down Arrow keys, or by typing the first few letters of its name, then press Enter.
Finally, when prompted, type the new series of characters representing the Leasey Abbreviation, and press Enter. You will hear the new Leasey Abbreviation spelled out character by character.
Assigning a Primary Leasey Text To a Shortcut Key.
There is an alternative method of reproducing a Leasey Text quickly. This is restricted to just one Leasey Text: perhaps a passage of text you wish to reproduce above all others.
Press Alt+Windows+F7. A list of all the Leasey Texts appears. Press Down Arrow until you reach the one to which you wish to assign a shortcut key, then press Enter.
From this point forward, any time you wish to reproduce the Leasey Text in the future, focus in an edit area as usual and press Alt+Windows+F6.
To reassign a different Leasey Text to the Alt+Windows+F6 keystroke, just press Alt+Windows+F7 so as to select an alternative block of text.
Keystroke Summary.
Store Leasey Text, Leasey Key then T.
List of Leasey Texts, Leasey Key then L. Press Enter to Paste.
List of Leasey Texts to be Read in the Virtual Viewer, Leasey Key then V. Press Escape to Close Virtual viewer.
Return to the Leasey Text Being Read in the Virtual Viewer, Leasey Key then Alt+V.
List of Leasey Texts to be Edited, Leasey Key then E. Press Control+S to Save.
Delete Leasey Text, Leasey Key then Delete.
Store an Abbreviation, Leasey Key then Windows+Semicolon.
Reproduce an Abbreviation, Windows+Apostrophe.
Delete or review Abbreviations, Control+Windows+Semicolon.
Rename a Text or Abbreviation, Leasey Key then Control+R.
Leasey Clips are very much like Leasey Texts except that they are more convenient to use for a quick text transfer as they do not require you to name them. Leasey Clips are for grabbing segments of text you just want to use on a temporary basis for pasting perhaps into an email message or another document.
For example, if you regularly write reports and you wish to always reproduce the same text time after time, use a Leasey Text to store it, give it a name so you can easily recall it in the future, and save it. It will always be there for you.
If, on the other hand, you are reading a web page on which you can see comparisons of five hotels you and a friend may wish to visit, use Leasey Clips to copy the five segments of text and paste them into an email to them in any order you like. Leasey Clips would be used because you are unlikely to want that information in the future.
Up to twelve Leasey Clips are available to you and the keystrokes for creating, pasting, reviewing or amending them are accessed using the function keys on the computer keyboard. The Function Keys are of course located on the top row of the keyboard. These keys are either pressed by themselves or in conjunction with other keyboard modifier keys: The Control, Shift or Windows Keys.
F1 is associated with Leasey Clip 1 and F12 is associated with Leasey Clip 12. That would make sense wouldn't it?
In a moment, we will work through an example of how to use Leasey Clips. However in summary, pressing the Leasey Key followed by F1 through to F12 by themselves will copy text to a Leasey Clip. Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+F1 through to Control+F12 will speak the Leasey Clip. Pressing Shift+F1 through to Shift+F12 will paste the Leasey Clip. Finally pressing the Leasey Key then Windows+F1 through to Windows+F12 will amend a Leasey Clip.
All text to be copied to a Leasey Clip should ideally be selected first. If no text is selected, an Edit Field may be displayed into which you can type or paste any text you like. Please keep reading to learn more about the Leasey Clips Edit Field.
In our example, we will focus upon using Leasey Clip 1.
Step 1. Launch the Microsoft Word or Leasey Word program.
Step 2. Type this line of text:
I am very much enjoying using Leasey.
Step 3. Press the Home Key to move to the beginning of the line of text you have just typed. Because it is only a single line of text, we can simply press Shift+End to select it.
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key followed by F1. An Edit Field will appear containing the text of the line you selected. If you wish to edit it, please go ahead and do so now, then press enter.
This text is now stored as Leasey Clip 1 and you will hear the words 'Leasey Clip 1 copied'.
Step 5. Unselect the text by pressing Right Arrow.
Step 6. Press Enter twice to create a blank line between the text you have typed and that which you are about to paste into the document from Leasey Clip 1.
Step 7. To verify the text which is associated with Leasey Clip 1, press the Leasey Key followed by Control+F1. You will hear 'Leasey Clip 1', then a short pause, then the text copied to it, which is in this example 'I am very much enjoying using Leasey'.
Step 8. Press the Leasey Key followed by Shift+F1 to paste the contents of Leasey Clip 1 into your document. You will hear the words 'Leasey Clip 1 pasted'.
If you review the text in your document, you will observe that there are now two instances of the sentence. Leasey is capable of pasting Leasey Clips with extremely long strings of text associated with them into documents very quickly.
Step 9. Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+F1. A Dialog Box will appear asking if you would like to delete Leasey Clip 1. Select the 'Yes' Button by pressing the letter 'Y', or by pressing Tab until it is reached, followed by the Space Bar. You will be advised that Leasey Clip 1 has been cleared. It is not necessary to delete Leasey Clips before you use them again. What makes them convenient and easy to use is that they can just be overwritten at any point, but the functionality for deleting the contents from a Leasey Clip is available should you wish to use it.
If you press Alt+Control+Windows+Semicolon repeatedly, this will change whether or not an Edit Field is brought into view when you attempt to copy text to a Leasey Clip. If you enable this option, an Edit Field will appear containing the text you are about to copy. This is useful in order that you can review it, or even change it, prior to pressing Enter so as to store the text as a Leasey Clip.
If this option is enabled, and you have not selected text ready for copying, Leasey will display in the Edit Field the text which had previously been stored, if it exists.
To improve productivity however, you may wish to disable this feature. There is a strong possibility that, if you select text ready for copying, you know you have done so and you do not need to review it. In this circumstance, you can quickly copy the text and move onto the next job you have to do, such as copying text to other Leasey Clips.
There is another advantage of using Leasey Clips in conjunction with this second mode of operation, where the Edit Field is not displayed.
If text has not been selected prior to attempting to copy to a Leasey Clip, the data on the Windows Clipboard will be used instead. If no text exists on the Clipboard, and you have not selected any text, you are advised of this.
Amending Leasey Clips.
As yet, we have not discussed how you can delete or remove a Leasey Clip. In short, you don't need to. Simply overwriting it will cause the newly copied content to be the new Leasey Clip. However, it is possible to delete the content of Leasey Clips by using the Amend keystrokes, Leasey Key then Windows+F1 through to Windows+F12.
When you press one of these keystrokes, you will be presented with a list of three choices: Protect Leasey Clip, Unprotect Leasey Clip and Delete Leasey Clip.
Delete Leasey Clip, the final option, is self-explanatory.
If you were to press Enter on the option for protecting a Leasey Clip, this means that whenever you attempt to copy new content to the Leasey Clip, Leasey will prevent you from doing that. For example:
Be sure you have some text copied to Leasey Clip 1.
Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+F1.
From the menu which is revealed, choose the first option so as to protect the Leasey Clip. Press Enter to activate it.
Now go ahead and select some new content and try to copy it to Leasey Clip 1 by pressing the Leasey Key then F1. You will find that the Leasey Clip cannot be overwritten.
In the future, should you wish to unprotect the Leasey Clip, again press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+F1. This time, choose the second option which is Unprotect Leasey Clip. Press Enter to unprotect it and, once again, you are able to place new content onto it.
You now know everything there is to know about Leasey Clips. Easy wasn't it? Have fun with them! It is surprising how useful they can be.
Keystroke Summary.
Copy Text to Leasey Clip 1 through to 12, Leasey Key then F1 Through to F12.
Speak Leasey Clip 1 Through to 12, Leasey Key then Control+F1 Through to Control+F12.
Paste Leasey Clip 1 Through to 12, Leasey Key then Shift+F1 Through to Shift+F12.
Delete, protect or unprotect Leasey Clip 1 Through to 12, Leasey Key then Windows+F1 Through to Windows+F12.
Change whether an Edit Field is brought into view when text is being copied to a Leasey Clip, Alt+Control+Windows+Semicolon.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Cuts allows you to store quick access entries, called Leasey Cuts, for:
Files,.
Folders,.
Web pages.
The purpose is to make frequently used places and resources easy to find again without having to remember where they are stored, search through File Explorer, or locate a web page manually.
For example, you might create Leasey Cuts for:
A folder containing work documents.
A music folder.
A frequently used spreadsheet.
An executable file to launch a portable program.
A web page you visit every day.
A podcast dashboard.
A support page.
A download page.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey Cuts.
Leasey Cuts is useful when you know there are files, folders or web pages you return to repeatedly.
Without Leasey Cuts, you may need to remember where something is stored, open File Explorer, move through folders, search for the item, or find a web page again in a browser. Leasey Cuts lets you give that item a friendly name and return to it quickly.
It is also useful because the item can be a file, a folder or a web page. You do not need to remember three different methods for three different kinds of resource.
This feature has been part of Leasey since version 1. However, in version 11.5, it has been re-designed to become a standard Windows application. Therefore, there are two methods of accessing Leasey Cuts: one is what we might call the traditional method that Leasey users will have worked with in the past. This keeps the workflow extremely straightforward. The other is the enhanced method where you work with the full Windows application. This is particularly useful for advanced JAWS users and will be welcomed by trainers of assistive technology. Leasey users who have used the more straightforward older method may like to graduate to the enhanced one. If you intend to use this method of access, you should certainly read the section of this chapter entitled "Concluding Remarks".
Leasey Cuts: Traditional Method.
Before we detail how to work with this method of access, there is a tiny bit of setting up to do.
Step 1. Launch Leasey Cuts by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+L. The Leasey Cuts window opens. If you have previously stored Leaseycuts in an older version, these should now be imported.
Step 2. Press Control+Comma for Options.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach the option "Close Leasey Cuts after launching an item". This is a Check Box. Press the Space Bar to check it.
Step 4. Press enter to save. JAWS confirms the options have been saved.
Storing a Leasey Cut.
Leasey Cuts Pointing to Files and Folders.
Before you can assign a Leasey Cut to a file or folder, you need to learn about one of the most essential tools on your computer, File Explorer.
What is File Explorer?.
Each computer contains a number of “drives”. These are the main storage areas which house your computer's files and folders. Each drive has a letter associated with it. You can store material in, and retrieve items from, a computer drive or any folders you create on the chosen drive.
Typically, the drive which has a letter of “C” associated with it contains important data necessary for your computer to run. However, it is possible to store folders located on this lettered drive into which you may decide to place documents or other files.
Another way of looking at this would be to envisage that each lettered drive is like a filing cabinet. You may use at least one of the filing cabinets into which to place folders. In a folder, you could place some documents, audio files or any other content.
The vehicle for the creation and examination of your folders is called “File Explorer”. Leasey does have an alternative application to File Explorer. This is called Leasey File Manager and will be described later in this documentation. We feel it is far more responsive and predictable for JAWS users. But for now, we will continue with File Explorer.
If you are already familiar with the concept of creating (and browsing through) folders on your computer you do not need to work through this exercise and you can skip to the next section.
To create a folder on drive “C” of your computer entitled “Letters” please follow these steps.
Step 1. Press the Windows Key+E to enter File Explorer.
Step 2. You may need to press the letter T to reach the item "This PC". When you find it, press Enter.
Step 3. You should now be focused upon a vertical list of drives, with each one being denoted by a specific letter. Press the Up or Down Arrow keys to locate a drive. We are looking for drive "C".
Step 4. When the chosen drive has been located, press Enter to move into it.
Step 5. Now Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to explore all the folders currently present on drive "C". There will be quite a number of them. You can also use first letter navigation to locate something more quickly. For example, on drive "C", if you press the letter "L" repeatedly, you will locate a folder called "LeaseyData". This is where a good deal of Leasey functionality lives. You do not need to be concerned with the content of this folder, but it will help you to understand the concept.
Step 6. When a folder is located that you wish to examine, press Enter to move into it. You may then see a number of further folders or files. You will know the difference because, when you find a file, the name will be announced followed by what is known as a file extension. A good example would be "My First Document.txt", indicating that the title is "My First Document" and the extension for it is ".txt", meaning a text file. There are many such extensions which go way beyond the scope of this document.
Step 7. To return to the previous folder, press the Backspace key or Alt+Left Arrow. Focus will return to the folder list and the one you just entered will be selected.
Step 8. To create a folder, press Alt+2 or Control+Shift+N. Into the Edit Field provided, type a name for the folder, such as "Letters" and press Enter.
Creating a Leasey Cut Pointing to a File or Folder.
Now we know a little about File Explorer, we can describe the process of creating a Leasey Cut pointing to a file or folder. Any file can be accessed through a Leasey Cut, such as a Microsoft Word document, Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or a simple text file created in Leasey Word. So if you always have a shopping list you need to refer to, or maybe a form you need to complete at work, storing a Leasey Cut pointing to it is quick and easy.
Similarly, if you wish to attach a Leasey Cut pointing to a folder, such as that containing frequently used documents, this too is easily achieved. Once created, Leasey Cuts provide a highly efficient way of locating these items.
To store a Leasey Cut pointing to a file or folder:
Step 1. Using File Explorer, locate the item to which you wish to attach the Leasey Cut. In summary, please find the file or folder, but do not open it.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+S. A Dialog Box will appear requesting that you type the name of the Leasey Cut. In time, this title will be reflected in a convenient List Box from which you will access your Leasey Cuts and so the object of this exercise is to ensure that a short name is given. You can either type a name into the Edit Field or accept the default text which is displayed, since Leasey has usefully captured the title of the file or folder. But in summary, this text is highlighted so you can type a new name immediately over the top of the old one. Tip: When you have typed the new name, press Insert+Up Arrow to have it spoken back to you. If it is not what you intended, you can always edit the text at this stage.
Step 3. Press Enter and the Leasey Cut is saved. If you wanted to press Tab to examine the full path concerning what Leasey has captured, prior to pressing Enter press Tab repeatedly to reach the "Target" Edit Field and examine the contents.
Creating a Leasey Cut Pointing to a Webpage.
Now we will create a Leasey Cut pointing to a webpage. Please follow these steps:
Step 1. Using your web browser, browse to the webpage to which you wish to attach the Leasey Cut.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+S. A Dialog Box will appear requesting that you type the name of the Leasey Cut. In time, this title will be reflected in a convenient List Box from which you will access your Leasey Cuts and so the object of this exercise is to ensure that a short name is given. You can either type a name into the Edit Field or accept the default text which is displayed, since Leasey has usefully captured the title of the file or folder. But in summary, this text is highlighted so you can type a new name immediately over the top of the old one. Tip: When you have typed the new name, press Insert+Up Arrow to have it spoken back to you. If it is not what you intended, you can always edit the text at this stage.
Step 3. Press Enter and the Leasey Cut is saved. If you wanted to press Tab to examine the URL of the web page which Leasey has captured, prior to pressing Enter press Tab repeatedly to reach the "Target" Edit Field and examine the contents.
Using Leasey Cuts.
There are two distinct ways in which Leasey Cuts can be used. They can either be used to launch an item or to type the path of a folder.
Launching a Leasey Cut.
In order to launch the folder, file or web page from any application using the Leasey Cut please follow these steps:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key followed by Control+L for List of Leasey Cuts pointing to files or folders, or alternatively, the Leasey Key followed by Control+Semicolon to access a list of Leasey Cuts pointing to web pages.
Step 2. A List Box appears containing all the Leasey Cuts you have previously assigned. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the List Box or, if you know the name of the item you wish to view, press its first letter. You will note that, if accessing the list of Leasey Cuts pointing to files or folders, alongside each item in the List Box is a description of what the Leasey Cut points to. This can be a document or folder.
Step 3. When the desired item has been located, press Enter to launch it. You will hear the announcement “Opening” and after a short pause the required item will be launched. When within a Leasey Cut in any of the two lists mentioned above, when focused on an item you can press Control+C to copy the path or web page URL to the Windows Clipboard.
Entering a Leasey Cut Folder Path.
There will be situations where you wish Leasey to type the path of a folder to which a Leasey Cut is pointing. We will provide two examples of where you may use such an approach:
Example 1: Microsoft Word “Save As” Dialog Box.
Step 1. Create a document in Microsoft Word.
Step 2. Press Control+S to enter the Microsoft Word “Save As” Dialog Box.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key then Control+P (for “Path”).
Step 4. A List Box of your Leasey Cuts will appear. Locate the correct Leasey Cut which will have the word “Folder” next to it. This is where the document will be saved.
Step 5. Press Enter. The required path is inserted into the Microsoft Word “Save As” Dialog Box followed by a further “Backslash” character.
Step 6. Type the file name and press Enter. The file is now saved in the correct folder.
Example 2: Browsing to a Folder within Microsoft Outlook.
Step 1. Create a new message in Microsoft Outlook.
Step 2. Move to the “Attach File” Dialog Box. For example this should be achieved by pressing Alt+N, then A, then F.
Step 3. When focused within the “File Name” Edit Field, press the Leasey Key then Control+P (for “Path”). A List Box of your Leasey Cuts will appear. Locate the correct Leasey Cut which will have the word “Folder” next to it. This is the title of the folder you will be browsing for a file to attach to your message.
Step 4. Press Enter. The required path is inserted into the Edit Field.
Step 5. Press Enter again and then Shift+Tab twice in order to start browsing the list of files within the folder you have selected.
Step 6. When you locate the file you wish to attach to the message, press Enter to do so.
Leasey Cuts: Enhanced Method.
Starting Leasey Cuts.
The usual Leasey command for showing file and folder Leasey Cuts is:
Leasey Key then Control+L
This opens Leasey Cuts with the Show Combo Box already set to Files and folders.
There is also a command for showing only web page Leasey Cuts:
Leasey Key then Control+Semicolon
When this latter command is used, Leasey Cuts opens with the Show Combo Box described below already set to Web pages.
The Main Window.
The main window contains:
Show Combo Box.
Category Combo Box.
Filter edit box.
Leasey Cuts list.
A row of action Buttons.
You can press the Tab key to move through the controls.
The Leasey Cuts list is the most important control. When the window opens, focus is placed in the list so you can immediately arrow through the available items. This should give it a great deal of familiarity to existing Leasey users. So you press either the Leasey Key then Control+L for files and folders or the Leasey Key then Control+Semicolon for web pages, and focus will be in the list immediately.
Each item in the list is spoken by JAWS. If the current view includes files and folders, the item type is also included.
For example:
Decades Monday, Folder.
Another Town Another Train, File.
Hartgen Consultancy, Web page.
This is useful because a file, folder and web page can sometimes have similar names.
Creating a New Leasey Cut.
To create a new Leasey Cut:
Step 1. Launch the Leasey Cuts window by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+L.
Step 2. When the main Leasey Cuts window appears, press Control+N
Step 3. The New Leasey Cut dialog opens.
The controls appear in this order:
Name.
Type Radio Buttons.
Category.
Target.
Browse for File.
Browse for Folder.
OK.
Cancel.
Step 4. Press Tab to move through the controls.
The type Radio Buttons are:
File.
Folder.
Web page.
Step 5. If you are creating a file or folder Leasey Cut, you can use the Browse Buttons. Alternatively, you can type or paste a full path of the item in the Target Edit Field. If you are creating a web page Leasey Cut, type or paste the web address into the Target field.
The Name is what appears in the Leasey Cuts list. The Target is the actual file path, folder path, or web address which will be opened.
However you have chosen to enter the target, you do not need to Tab through the remaining controls in the dialog if you do not wish to do so. Simply press Enter when focused on the field. This makes adding Leasey Cuts very quick and efficient.
Suppose you have a folder called Work Documents and you open it every day.
Step 1. Open Leasey Cuts with the Leasey Key followed by Control+L.
Step 2. Press Control+N to add a file or folder Leasey Cut.
Step 3. In the title Edit Field, type a clear name such as, "Work Documents".
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the "Target" Edit Field.
Step 5. If possible, type the full path of the folder, such as, c:\work documents.
Step 6. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the Button entitled "Browse Folder" and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. Browse to the folder Work Documents and press Enter.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach the "Select Folder" Button and press Enter or space.
Step 9. Press Tab to reach "OK" and press Enter.
Now we will assume that you have a file on the computer you regularly need to access, such as an Excel workbook.
Step 1. Open Leasey Cuts with the Leasey Key followed by Control+L.
Step 2. Press Control+N to add a file or folder Leasey Cut.
Step 3. In the title Edit Field, type a clear name such as, "Expense Sheet".
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the "Target" Edit Field.
Step 5. If possible, type the full path of the file, such as, c:\work documents\Expense Sheet.xlsx.
Step 6. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the Button entitled "Browse File" and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. Browse to the file located inside the Work Documents folder and press Enter.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach "OK" and press Enter.
Finally, we will create a Leasey Cut pointing to a web page.
Step 1. Open Leasey Cuts with the Leasey Key followed by Control+Semicolon.
Step 2. Press Control+N to add a web page Leasey Cut.
Step 3. In the title Edit Field, type a clear name such as, "Hartgen Consultancy".
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the "Target" Edit Field.
Step 5. Type the full URL of the web page or you can paste it if you have copied it from the Address Bar of your browser.
Step 6. Press Enter to save.
Opening a Leasey Cut.
To open a Leasey Cut:
Step 1. Move to the item in the Leasey Cuts list.
Step 2. Press Enter.
If the item is a web page, it opens in your default web browser. If the item is a file, Windows opens it using the usual program for that file type. If the item is a folder, Leasey Cuts opens the folder using the method chosen in Options.
Folder Opening Options.
Folders can be opened in one of two ways:
File Explorer.
Leasey File Manager.
You can choose the method in Options.
If you choose File Explorer, folders open in the normal Windows way. If you choose Leasey File Manager, folders open in Leasey File Manager instead.
This is helpful if you prefer Leasey File Manager for browsing folders because it is designed around the way Leasey users work with files.
Step 1. To open Options press Control+Comma
Step 2. The first control is a group of Radio Buttons. They are entitled "Use File Explorer" and "Use File Manager".
Step 3. Select the application you prefer with the Down Arrow key and then press Enter to save.
Closing Leasey Cuts After Opening An Item.
Some people may like the Leasey Cuts window to remain open after launching an item. This makes it easy to return to the list and open something else.
Other people prefer the older Leasey Cuts style, where there was no application window left behind.
Whether Leasey Cuts is opened manually or from a Leasey command, such as Leasey Key then Control+L or Leasey Key then Control+Semicolon, the following option controls whether the window closes after launching an item.
For this reason, Options includes:
Close Leasey Cuts after launching an item
If this is checked, Leasey Cuts waits briefly after opening the selected item and then closes itself. The short delay is intentional. It gives the browser, file, or folder time to appear before Leasey Cuts closes, which can reduce unnecessary focus chatter from JAWS.
Step 1. Press Control+Comma to open the Options dialog.
Step 2: Press Tab to focus upon the item "Close Leasey Cuts after launching an item".
Step 3. This is a Check Box. Press the Space Bar to check or uncheck it as appropriate and then press Enter to save.
The Show Combo Box.
The Show Combo Box controls what kind of items are displayed.
The choices are:
Files and folders.
Web pages.
You can switch the Show setting quickly from anywhere in the main window:
Alt+1 for Files and folders.
Alt+2 for Web pages.
If Files and folders is selected, only file and folder Leasey Cuts are shown. If Web pages is selected, only web page Leasey Cuts are shown.
Leasey Cuts remembers the last Show choice you used. It does not remember the last category or the last item, so the list starts in a predictable place while still returning to the kind of Leasey Cuts you were working with.
When you move through the choices in the Show Combo Box, focus stays there. The list changes, but focus does not jump away unexpectedly.
You can press Tab or Alt+L to move to the Leasey Cuts list when you are ready.
The Category Combo Box.
Leasey Cuts can now be divided into categories. This is one of the main changes from the older system. Later, we will explain how to create a new category.
You do not have to use categories. If you prefer one straight list, you can continue to work that way.
The Category Combo Box lets you choose which category you want to access.
The choices include:
All categories.
Uncategorised.
Any categories you have created.
All categories shows everything in the current Show view.
Uncategorised shows items which are not currently assigned to a category.
Choosing a specific category shows only items in that category.
To move focus directly to the Category Combo Box press Alt+C.
Filtering.
The Filter edit box lets you narrow the current list.
To move to the Filter edit box:
Press Control+F
Type part of the name, target, or category.
For example:
tax music youtube Monday
As you type, Leasey Cuts tells you how many matches there are and reads the first matching item.
For example:
2 matches. Retro Hits, Web page
Press Enter in the Filter edit box to move focus to the first result in the Leasey Cuts list.
The filter works within the current Show and Category selections. For example, if Show is set to Web pages, the filter searches the visible web page Leasey Cuts.
Searching Everywhere.
Sometimes you may not know which category an item is in.
To search across all Leasey Cuts:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+F
Step 2. Type the text you want to find and press Enter.
Step 3. A list of matching items is displayed. Move through the results with Up and Down Arrow.
Step 4. Press Enter on the item you want.
The item is launched immediately.
This is different from the normal Filter edit box. Control+F filters the current list. Control+Shift+F searches everywhere.
Editing a Leasey Cut.
To edit an existing Leasey Cut:
Step 1. Move to it in the Leasey Cuts list.
Step 2. Press Tab to move to the Edit Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Byy pressing the Tab key to move through the controls, you can change:
Name.
Type.
Category.
Target.
Step 4. Change any aspect of the Leasey Cut you wish.
Step 5. Tab to the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Renaming a Leasey Cut.
To rename an item quickly:
Step 1. Move to it in the Leasey Cuts list.
Step 2. Press fucntion key F2.
Step 3. Type the new name and press Enter.
Deleting a Leasey Cut.
To delete a Leasey Cut:
Step 1. Move to the Leasey Cut in the list.
Step 2. Press the Delete key.
You can also activate the Delete Button.
Step 3. A confirmation message is displayed. The Yes Button has focus by default so you can press Enter or alternatively press the letter Y.
This makes deletion efficient, but still ensures that an item is not removed without confirmation.
Creating a New Category.
To create a new category:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+N
Step 2. Type the category name and press Enter.
Step 3. The category then becomes available in the Category Combo Box and in the Move to Category dialog described next.
Moving Items Into Categories.
To move a Leasey Cut into a category:
Step 1. Move to the item in the Leasey Cuts list.
Step 2. Press Control+M
Step 3. The Move to Category dialog opens. Choose the category with the Down Arrow key and press Enter.
If you choose Top level, the item is removed from any category and becomes uncategorised.
Categories are useful if your Leasey Cuts list becomes long.
It is worth mentioning that when you create a new Leasey Cut, you can assign it to a category right away. For example:
Step 1. From the main Leasey Cuts window, press Control+N.
Step 2. Give the Leasey Cut a name.
Step 3. Press Tab and complete the required fields as directed in an earlier section of this documentation.
Step 4. In time, you will reach the Category Combo Box. This displays the list of categories.
Step 5. Press Down Arrow to choose a category.
Step 6. Complete any other details required by the Leasey Cut.
Step 7. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
Finding Leasey Cuts in a Category.
To a large extent we have already discussed how to locate items inside categories, but let us work through it in another way.
Step 1. Press either the Leasey Key then Control+L to launch file and folder Leasey Cuts or the Leasey Key then Control+Semicolon to view web page cuts.
Step 2. Press Alt+C to reach the Category Combo Box.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow to reach the desired category.
Step 4. Press Alt+L to set focus to the list of all items in the category.
Managing Categories.
You can manage categories in one central dialog. This is useful if you want to rename a category, remove one you no longer use, or tidy a long list of category names.
Step 1. From the main Leasey Cuts window, press Control+Shift+M.
Step 2. The Manage Categories dialog opens. Focus is placed in the Categories list.
Step 3. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the categories.
Step 4. To rename the selected category, press F2. Type the new name and press Enter.
Step 5. To delete the selected category, press Delete. You will be asked to confirm. Deleting a category does not delete the Leasey Cuts inside it. Items in that category become uncategorised.
Step 6. To add a category, press Tab until you reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space. Type the category name and press Enter.
Step 7. When you are finished, press Tab to reach Done and press Enter or Space.
Moving Items Up and Down.
The order of items in the list can be changed manually.
To move an item up:
Press Alt+U
To move an item down:
Press Alt+D
JAWS announces what happened.
For example:
Moving Decades Monday above J-Say
This is useful if you want your most important items near the top of a category or list.
Move Up and Move Down work within the current visible list. For example, if Show is set to Web pages, moving an item changes its position among the visible web page Leasey Cuts and does not speak about hidden file or folder Leasey Cuts.
If automatic alphabetical sorting is enabled in Options, Move Up and Move Down are unavailable because the visible list is controlled by the alphabetical sort.
Sorting Alphabetically.
To sort the current list alphabetically:
Press Control+Shift+S
Only the current visible list is sorted.
For example, if you are viewing one category, sorting affects the items in that category view.
To always have items sorted alphabetically automatically:
Step 1. Press Control+Comma to move into Options.
Step 2. Press the Tab key until you reach Sort Leasey Cuts alphabetically automatically.
Step 3. This is a Check Box. Press the Space Bar to check or uncheck it.
Step 4. Press Enter to save.
Copying The Target.
Sometimes you may want the actual file path, folder path, or web address rather than opening it.
You can assign up to 10 frequently used Leasey Cuts as presets.
To assign a preset:
Step 1. Move to the Leasey Cut in the list.
Step 2. Press Alt+P.
Step 3. Use the Down Arrow key to choose the preset number. As you press Down Arrow, you will hear Preset number. You will also hear if an item has been assigned or the term "Empty".
Step 4. Find the desired preset number and press Enter.
Step 5. If the item was previously empty, the preset will be assigned to the Leasey Cut which previously had focus.
Step 6. If however the preset had been previously assigned to an alternative Leasey Cut, a Dialog Box will be displayed. It states the name of the item assigned to the preset and asks if you would like to change it to the new target. Press Enter to activate the Yes Button or type letter Y.
Step 7. If you change your mind and wish to use an alternative preset instead, type the letter N for no and then choose a different numbered preset.
To launch a preset:
Press Control+1 through to Control+9 for presets 1 through to 9. Press Control+0 for preset 10.
To delete a preset:
Step 1. From anywhere in the Leasey Cuts application, press Alt+P.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow until you wish to reach the preset number. You will hear the number of the preset together with the item it has been assigned to.
Step 3. Press the Delete key. This does not delete a folder or file from your computer, nor does it delete the Leasey Cut itself. It only removes the preset.
Step 4. A Dialog Box will be displayed asking if you wish to delete the preset? Press Enter on the Yes Button which is in focus or type the letter Y.
Step 5. If you change your mind and you do not wish to unassign the preset, type the letter N for No.
The Context Menu.
The Leasey Cuts list has a Context Menu. This is a menu of actions which are relevant to the selected Leasey Cut.
The Context Menu is especially useful if you do not remember the shortcut for a command. It is also useful because it confirms what actions are available for the item you are focused upon.
To open the Context Menu:
Step 1. Move to a Leasey Cut in the main Leasey Cuts list.
Step 2. Press the Applications Key. On many keyboards, this key is near the right Control key.
Step 3. If your keyboard does not have an Applications Key, press Shift+F10.
Step 4. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the menu.
Step 5. Press Enter on the command you want.
The Context Menu contains commands such as:
Open.
Open Location.
New.
Rename.
Edit.
Delete.
Copy Target.
Presets.
Move to Category.
New Category.
Manage Categories.
Search All.
Move Up.
Move Down.
Sort Current List Alphabetically.
Options.
For example, suppose you are on a Leasey Cut and you cannot remember how to copy its file path or web address.
Step 1. Move to the Leasey Cut in the list.
Step 2. Press the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you hear Copy Target.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. The path or web address is copied to the Windows Clipboard.
Here is another example. Suppose you want to rename a Leasey Cut but cannot remember the F2 keystroke.
Step 1. Move to the Leasey Cut in the list.
Step 2. Press the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you hear Rename.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. Type the new name and press Enter.
The Context Menu is not intended to replace the shortcut keys. Instead, it gives you a convenient way to discover and use commands while you are learning the application.
Options.
The vast majority of options have been discussed earlier in this chapter.
To open Options:
Press Control+Comma
Options contains:
Folder launch method.
Close Leasey Cuts after launching an item.
Sort Leasey Cuts alphabetically automatically.
Data location.
Import from Previous Leasey Cuts.
Press the Tab key to move through the Dialog Box.
If Sort Leasey Cuts alphabetically automatically is checked, each visible list is shown alphabetically. This affects what you see in the current Show and Category view, but it does not permanently rearrange the saved Leasey Cuts. While this option is checked, moving items up or down in a list is unavailable.
Importing Previous Leasey Cuts.
Now we will discuss Importing From Previous Leasey Cuts. The first time the new Leasey Cuts runs, it automatically tries to import items from the previous Leasey Cuts system. Leasey Cuts keeps a note that the first automatic import has been attempted. It will not keep importing the same items every time the program starts. If you need to try the import again, from the Options dialog press Tab until you reach the Button entitled "Import from Previous Leasey Cuts". Press Enter.
The manual import avoids creating duplicate items where possible.
Data Location Fields.
Finally, we reach the Data Location fields. These will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Concluding Remarks.
For users of the advanced method of working with Leasey Cuts, there is a very useful and important part of the application we need to explore. It was briefly explained earlier but it is so important it is worth reiterating.
If you want to create, explorer and manage your Leasey Cuts from one central location, the only keystroke worth remembering is the Leasey Key then Control+L. That will bring into view the Leasey Cuts window. Everything we have discussed can be achieved from there. Indeed, the author of this document prefers to use Leasey Cuts in this way. It is even possible that you have assigned the Leasey Cuts application to a desktop shortcut which you can launch independently. If that is the case you will certainly appreciate this point.
You can press Alt+1 to display file and folder Leasey Cuts or Alt+2 to select web page cuts only. Just because you pressed the Leasey Key then Control+L initially certainly does not mean you have to stay in that view.
Similarly, as previously described, when you create a new Leasey Cutwith Control+N, you can specify whether it is pointing to a file, folder or web page and optionally assign it to a category.
In summary, if you feel comfortable working with the main Leasey Cuts window, you have ultimate flexibility. You do not need to be confined to the strict older method of working with Leasey Cuts. Just press Tab and Shift+Tab to move through the controls. You have everything you need there to launch (and manage) your Leasey Cuts. For advanced users it is the very best way of working with this tool.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Traditional Leasey Cuts Commands.
Leasey Key then Control+L opens file and folder Leasey Cuts.
Leasey Key then Control+Semicolon opens web page Leasey Cuts.
Leasey Key then Control+S stores a Leasey Cut for the focused file, folder or web page.
Leasey Key then Control+P types the path of a stored folder Leasey Cut into the current Edit Field.
Main Leasey Cuts Window.
Enter opens the selected Leasey Cut.
Control+N creates a new Leasey Cut.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Control+F moves to the Filter Edit Field.
Control+Shift+F searches across all Leasey Cuts.
Control+C copies the target path or web address for the selected Leasey Cut.
Control+O opens the containing folder for a file Leasey Cut.
Control+M moves the selected Leasey Cut to a category.
Control+Shift+M opens Manage Categories.
Control+Shift+N creates a new category.
Control+Shift+S sorts the current visible list alphabetically.
Alt+1 shows file and folder Leasey Cuts.
Alt+2 shows web page Leasey Cuts.
Alt+C moves to the Category Combo Box.
Alt+L moves to the Leasey Cuts list.
Alt+P opens Presets for the selected Leasey Cut.
Alt+U moves the selected Leasey Cut up within the current visible list.
Alt+D moves the selected Leasey Cut down within the current visible list.
F2 renames the selected Leasey Cut.
Delete deletes the selected Leasey Cut after confirmation.
Backspace, when focus is in the Leasey Cuts list, returns to the Filter Edit Field.
Filter Edit Field.
Type text to narrow the current list.
Enter moves to the first matching result in the Leasey Cuts list.
Down Arrow moves to the first matching result in the Leasey Cuts list.
Up Arrow moves to the last matching result in the Leasey Cuts list.
Search Everywhere.
Control+Shift+F opens Search Everywhere.
Enter in the Search text field performs the search.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Search Results list.
Enter or Numpad Enter opens the selected search result.
Escape closes the search dialog or results dialog.
New or Edit Leasey Cut Dialog.
Enter in the Name or Target field saves the Leasey Cut if the details are valid.
Tab moves through Name, Type, Category, Target, Browse File, Browse Folder, OK and Cancel.
Arrow keys move between the File, Folder and Web page Radio Buttons.
Enter or Space on Browse File opens the file browser.
Enter or Space on Browse Folder opens the folder browser.
Escape cancels the dialog.
Categories.
Control+Shift+N creates a new category.
Control+M opens Move to Category for the selected Leasey Cut.
Control+Shift+M opens Manage Categories.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the category list in Manage Categories.
F2 renames the selected category in Manage Categories.
Delete deletes the selected category in Manage Categories after confirmation.
Enter or Space on Done closes Manage Categories.
Presets.
Alt+P opens the Presets dialog for the selected Leasey Cut.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through preset positions.
Enter assigns or changes the selected preset position.
Delete removes the selected preset after confirmation.
Control+1 through to Control+9 opens presets 1 through to 9.
Control+0 opens preset 10.
Escape closes the Presets dialog.
Options.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Tab moves through the available settings.
Space changes checkboxes and Radio Buttons.
Enter saves the Options dialog when the OK Button is the default action.
Escape cancels the Options dialog.
Leasey Command Centre.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre.
Type in the Command Edit Field to filter the list of commands.
Tab moves to the Matching commands list.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through matching commands.
Enter or Numpad Enter runs the selected command.
Escape closes Leasey Command Centre.
Context Menus.
Applications Key or Shift+F10 opens the context menu for the selected Leasey Cut when available.
The Leasey Points facility is an extremely powerful tool which will dramatically assist you while working with your documents and when navigating web pages on the Internet. Leasey Points allow you to locate passages of text upon demand.
You might think of Leasey Points as bookmarks. Think of it like setting a bookmark either in a Microsoft Word or Leasey Word document or on a web page. For example, if you wanted to set a bookmark in a Microsoft Word or Leasey Word document, the expectation is that you would want to return to that position at a later time. That is what Leasey Points can do for you.
Leasey Points can be created within Microsoft Word or Leasey Word, Microsoft Edge, Brave or Google Chrome. Up to 10 Leasey Points can be set for each file, website or webpage. There is also the facility to set a global set of Leasey Points which can be used within any document or web page.
Using Leasey Points in Microsoft Word or Leasey Word.
Leasey Points can be used while reading Microsoft Word or Leasey Word documents (such as books, journals or reports) where the text is unlikely to be changed, and also when you are constantly interacting with a document you are working on. After all, Microsoft Word or Leasey Word is a word processor isn't it? Of course you are going to change the text in a document! Leasey Points have great value in either circumstance. Leasey Points can be used within Microsoft Word or Leasey Word even if the JAWS 'Quick Navigation Keys' have been enabled by pressing the JAWS Key and Z. There is no need to exit this mode prior to setting or retrieving a Leasey Point.
You can set Leasey Points by first pressing the Leasey Key followed by Control+1 through to Control+0 to represent the 10 Leasey Points which can potentially be set. So pressing the Leasey Key followed by Control+1 will set Leasey Point 1 and pressing the Leasey Key followed by Control+0 will set Leasey Point 10.
Step 1. Please open a blank Microsoft Word or Leasey Word document and type two short paragraphs. For example, you might start the first paragraph with the words "I am very much enjoying using Leasey!"
Step 2. Press Control+Home To make sure you are at the top of your document.
Step 3. Press Control+Right Arrow until the word, "Much", is spoken.
Step 4. Set a Leasey Point by pressing the Leasey Key and then Control+1. You will hear a low musical tone to indicate the Leasey Point has been set. The greater the Leasey Point number, the higher the tone. Leasey Points are designed to be quick and easy to use. There is no need to delete an existing Leasey Point before setting a new one of the same number in an alternative location. So, if you've already set Leasey Point 1 elsewhere in this document, it will be overwritten automatically.
Step 5. Ensure that you are still located on the first word of your first paragraph and type the following: 'I'll add a new paragraph to my document. As a result, the line of text that I set to a Leasey Point will be in a different location.'
Step 6. Now press the Enter Key twice to place a blank line between this new paragraph and the existing ones.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key and then press the number 1 by itself. Again, you will hear the sound indicating Leasey Point 1 and although the line of text you originally set the Leasey Point to is not in the same location as before, focus will move to the Leasey Point and speak the line. Not only that, but observe that the cursor is placed at the start of the word, "Much", which was the original location of the cursor prior to setting the Leasey Point.
If you do not wish Leasey to speak the line when a Leasey Point is found, press the Leasey Key followed by dash (to the immediate right of zero on the desktop keyboard). Pressing this key combination repeatedly rotates between character, word, line, sentence, paragraph and SayAll. So, if you select line, the line of text will be announced. If you selected SayAll, JAWS will begin reading from the cursor position of the Leasey Point, either until the end of the document is reached or until you press the Control key. This setting is retained even if the computer is restarted.
When you return to this document in the future, JAWS will announce that Leasey Points are available.
To bring into view a list of Leasey Points for the document, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Control+P. The list shows the text pertaining to each Leasey Point, with each one being preceded by a number. The number denotes the Leasey Point assigned to the text in the list item and is designed so you can get to learn which Leasey Point is associated with each part of text. Use the Down Arrow key to move to the part of the text you wish to locate and then press Enter.
Leasey Points Using Brave, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
Now we will look at using Leasey Points on the Internet.
Please note: while examples of Leasey Point creation and usage are given in relation to individual web sites, it is more than possible that the content of the web sites concerned will have changed following publication of this User Guide. The examples given therefore are just that: mere examples of hypothetical situations which will need to be adapted according to the individual web sites being used.
If you do not wish Leasey to speak the line when a Leasey Point is found, press the Leasey Key followed by dash (to the immediate right of zero on the desktop keyboard). Pressing this key combination repeatedly rotates between character, word, line, sentence, paragraph, SayAll and Activate Link. So, if you select line, the line of text will be announced. If you selected SayAll, JAWS will begin reading from the cursor position of the Leasey Point, either until the end of the document is reached or until you press the Control key. This setting is retained even if the computer is restarted.
If the Activate Link option is selected, and if a Leasey Point is attached to a link, the link will be automatically activated. This saves you time if you wish to associate a Leasey Point to a link pointing to a web page. Activating the Leasey Point in the future will cause JAWS to move to that link and activate it, thus taking you to the selected page the link points to. A powerful feature!
In the event that the Activate Link option has been set, and you associate a Leasey Point to text which does not form part of a link, the current line is announced instead.
Step 1. Please launch your web browser and browse to www.google.com or www.google.co.uk if you prefer.
Step 2. Carry out a search for 'Strawberry Picking'. Press Enter to begin the search.
Step 3. On the new page which is loaded, please press the letter 'H' repeatedly until JAWS says, 'Web Results'. Our intention is to set a Leasey Point on this page so we can always locate the term 'Web Results', since in the future, this will take us quite near to where the results begin.
Step 4. Press Alt+Windows+Control+Dash repeatedly until JAWS says "Domain Mode". There are three types of Leasey Points you can create on web pages, those specific to a domain (which relates to the entire web site), for an individual page) or what we call default. We will come to Default Mode in a later section. In this example, we do need the Leasey Point set to a specific domain. If we do not put this in place, Leasey will not be able to locate the chosen phrase when you carry out a subsequent search on Google, as the address of the page is different each time. This setting remains in place even when you restart the computer and is in most cases the one you require.
Step 5. Press the Leasey Key then Control+1. An Edit Field will appear displaying the text captured by the Leasey Point. This can be changed if necessary so as to become more generic or if the text captured from the web page is slightly inaccurate. If you are satisfied with the text which has been captured, press Enter.
Step 6. A sound will play and JAWS will announce that Leasey Point 1 has been set.
Step 7. Now carry out another Google search, but this time, please search for 'Delicious fruits'. Press Enter to begin the search.
Step 8. When the new page has been loaded containing the search results, you will notice that, in addition to announcing the number of Headings and Links on the page, JAWS also speaks the term 'Leasey Points', indicating that at least one Leasey Point is available. Press the Leasey Key followed by figure 1. Focus is moved to the position of the Leasey Point and the sound plays to indicate that Leasey Point 1 has been located.
To bring into view a list of Leasey Points for the page, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Control+P. The list shows the text pertaining to each Leasey Point, with each one being preceded by a number. The number denotes the Leasey Point assigned to the text in the list item and is designed so you can get to learn which Leasey Point is associated with each part of text. Use the Down Arrow key to move to the part of the text you wish to locate and then press Enter.
There is an important note. If you have created Leasey Points using earlier releases of this product, we suggest that you use Domain Mode. If this is not done, the previous positions will not be located. Unless there is a specific reason not to do so, you should always try to use Domain Mode.
Using Default Leasey Points.
This feature works in exactly the same way in which you have previously learned to set and locate Leasey Points, with one important difference. The default Leasey Points will always look for specific text in any document or web page.
Let us assume that you always want to look for the phrase, "Chapter 3", whichever document you happen to be within. This is a good case for using default Leasey Points. So lets learn how to use them with that term, "Chapter 3", in mind.
Step 1. First, we need to switch to default Leasey Point mode. We do this by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Dash.
Step 2. Now open the first document containing the term, "Chapter 3", and set a Leasey Point by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Control+1.
Step 3. Now open the second document containing the phrase, "Chapter 3".
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key followed by 1. You should find the cursor is placed on the line containing the term, "Chapter 3".
Deleting a Leasey Point.
By far the easiest method for removing a Leasey Point is to simply overwrite it. For example, if you had set a Leasey Point on Google to look for the word, "Results", and you now decide that you want it to locate the word, "Search", instead, just overwrite the Leasey Point with the new term by recreating it. There is no need to delete it first, and indeed for Default Leasey Points, this is exactly what you should do.
Because you can set up to 10 Leasey Points per document or web page, we must take care to ensure that you are deleting the correct one.
Step 1. Focus upon the document or web page on which the Leasey Point you wish to remove has been stored.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Control+D.
Step 3. A list of all the Leasey Points you have set for the document or web page appears. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move to the Leasey Point you wish to delete, then press Enter to remove it. It should be easy to find which one you wish to delete because Leasey will always display the text associated with the Leasey Point.
Step 4. You will also notice that at the bottom of the list is an option to delete all the Leasey Points for the focused document or web page. Press Enter to do this.
Keystroke Summary.
Set Leasey Point 1 Through to 10, Leasey Key then Control+1 Through to Control+0.
Move to Leasey Point 1 Through to 10, Leasey Key Then 1 Through to 0.
List of Leasey Points, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+P. Please focus on the appropriate webpage or document first.
Delete Leasey Points, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+D. Please focus on the appropriate webpage or document first.
Change between Default Leasey Points and those for specific documents or web sites, Leasey Key then Control+Dash.
Change between Domain Mode and Page Mode, Alt+Windows+Control+Dash.
Have you ever been confronted with a situation where you've been to a website, and you always want to come back to the same place if it exists each time you visit it? Google would be a very good example, When you've searched for something, and the new page loads, you do not want to have to find where the search results start.
A Leasey Alert will not only advise you that the text exists, but it will also set focus to the relevant area of the page. All you need do is set up the Leasey Alert and then forget about it, unless you want to delete it.
Setting a Leasey Alert.
Please note: while examples of Leasey Alert creation and usage are given in relation to individual web sites, it is more than possible that the content of the web sites concerned will have changed following publication of this User Guide. The examples given therefore are just that: mere examples of hypothetical situations which will need to be adapted according to the individual web sites being used.
We will first create a Leasey Alert to set focus to the Search results on Google.
Step 1. Visit www.google.co.uk or www.google.com.
Step 2. In the Search Edit Field, type the words "dog food" and press Enter to carry out the search.
Step 3. When the new page loads, press the letter H until you hear the words, "Search Results".
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+A to set the Leasey Alert. An Edit Field will be available to you containing the text of the current line on the page, in this case, "Search Results".
Step 5. If this is correct, press Enter to save the Leasey Alert.
Step 6. Now, into the Google Search Edit Field, type "Cat Food" and press Enter to carry out the search.
You should now hear the Leasey Alert sound and the JAWS Virtual Cursor should be placed on the words, "Search Results". You can press Down Arrow to read them.
We will vary that example slightly now by setting a Leasey Alert on the Amazon website.
Step 1. Browse to www.amazon.co.uk or www.amazon.com.
Step 2. In the Search Edit Field, type a search term, such as "The Beatles", and press Enter.
Step 3. Look for the first Heading on the page which will read something like "1-16 of 69,238 results for the beatles."
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+A to set the Leasey Alert. An Edit Field will be available to you containing the text of the current line on the page, in this case, "1-16 of 69,238 results for the beatles."
Step 5. Please edit this text carefully and give it some thought. When you visit this page again, you are not going to be searching for the Beatles, nor are the number of results returned going to be the same. On this page, you are in the future going to search for the word "results". So please either edit the text until only that word is available, or just type the word "results" over the top of the text displayed. We will type the word, "results", without a capital letter "R".
Step 6. Press Enter to save.
Step 7. Now carry out a further search on amazon. This time, we will search for the movie, "Gone with the Wind". Please type it into the Search Edit Field and press Enter.
You should now hear the Leasey Alert sound and the JAWS Virtual Cursor should be placed on the phrase containing the word, "results". You can press Down Arrow to read it.
If you do not wish Leasey to speak the line when a Leasey Alert is found, press the Leasey Key followed by Shift+dash (to the immediate right of zero on the desktop keyboard). Pressing this key combination repeatedly rotates between character, word, line, sentence, paragraph and SayAll. So, if you select line, the line of text will be announced. If you selected SayAll, JAWS will begin reading from the cursor position of the Leasey Alert, either until the end of the document is reached or until you press the Control key. This setting is retained even if the computer is restarted.
Deleting a Leasey Alert.
To delete a Leasey Alert, simply focus upon the webpage to which it is attached, and press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+D.
Keystroke Summary.
Set Leasey Alert, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+A.
Delete Leasey Alert, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+D. Please focus on the webpage on which the Alert is set.
Change Speaking Behaviour when an Alert is focused, Leasey Key then Shift+Dash. Press repeatedly to move through the options.
This application contains one method for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to close the Help window. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
Introduction.
Leasey Spell Check gives JAWS users a consistent way of checking spelling in plain text, regardless of which application was used to write the text.
Why You Might Want to Use This Feature.
Many applications include their own spell checkers, but they do not all work in the same way with JAWS. Some are very accessible, some are not, and some only check spelling inside that particular application.
Leasey Spell Check gives you one predictable spell checking tool which can be used with text copied from almost anywhere.
This is particularly useful if you have written text in a web form, an email message, a social media post, a chat window, a text editor, or another application where the built-in spell checker is not comfortable to use.
Leasey Spell Check checks the text currently on the clipboard. If spelling corrections are made, the corrected text is copied back to the clipboard when the process is complete. You can then paste the corrected text back into the original application.
If there are no spelling errors, Leasey Spell Check advises that no spelling errors were found. In that case, the text is not copied back to the clipboard again because it is already there.
The spell checker is for spelling only. It does not check grammar.
Starting Leasey Spell Check.
Step 1. Select or copy the text you want to check.
The text must be plain text on the Windows clipboard. In many applications, you can select the text and press Control+C.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key followed by Control+F7.
Leasey Spell Check opens and checks the clipboard text.
Step 3. If a spelling issue is found, review the word, the context, and the suggestions.
Step 4. Choose whether to change the word, change all occurrences, ignore it, ignore all occurrences, add it to the dictionary, finish, or cancel.
Step 5. When the check is complete, return to the original application and paste the corrected text with Control+V.
If no spelling errors are found, Leasey Spell Check tells you this and closes. The original text is still on the clipboard.
The Spell Check Dialog.
The Spell Check dialog contains:
Misspelled word.
Context.
Suggestions list.
Replacement Edit Field.
Change.
Change All.
Ignore.
Ignore All.
Add.
Finish.
Cancel.
You move through the Dialog Box by pressing the Tab key. Press Shift+Tab to move backwards.
When a misspelled word is found, JAWS should announce:
Misspelled word followed by the word and its letters. For example "Misspelled word receive, r e c e i v e".
Move through suggestions with Up and Down Arrow. When a suggestion is selected, Leasey Spell Check speaks the letters of that suggestion after a short delay. When the Spell Check dialog first moves to a misspelled word, Leasey Spell Check also spells the first suggestion automatically.
Press Enter on a suggestion to change to that suggestion. You can also press Alt+C. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore the current word. Press Control+R to read the sentence containing the current misspelled word. Press Alt+A for Change All. Press Alt+G for Ignore All. Press Alt+D to add the word to the Exceptions Dictionary. These are keystrokes standard to many spell checking tools.
If you wish to type your own corrected spelling, press the Tab key to move to the Replacement Edit Field and edit the text. Then use one of the options listed above, most notably Change, Change All or Add to Dictionary.
Escape returns focus back to the original working area, perhaps a text Edit Field.
Ordinal numbers such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 13th are not treated as spelling errors. Contractions such as don't, wouldn't and shouldn't are treated as whole words.
If no spelling errors are found, a standard message is displayed saying "No spelling errors were found".
Using Change.
Use Change when the current word is wrong in this one place and you want to replace only this occurrence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is announced, move through the Suggestions list with Up and Down Arrow.
Step 2. When you hear the correct suggestion, press Enter.
Leasey Spell Check replaces the current word and moves to the next spelling issue.
Step 3. If none of the suggestions are correct, Tab to the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 4. Type the correct spelling.
Step 5. Press Enter, or Tab to Change and press Enter or Space.
Using Change All.
Use Change All when the same incorrect word appears several times in the text and should always be corrected in the same way.
For example, if you have repeatedly typed accomodation instead of accommodation, Change All can save time.
Step 1. When the misspelled word is shown, choose the correct suggestion or type the correction in the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 2. Press Alt+A, or Tab to Change All and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Leasey Spell Check changes this occurrence and automatically changes later matching occurrences during the same spell check.
Using Ignore and Ignore All.
Use Ignore when the current word is acceptable in this one place, but you do not want to add it to the dictionary.
Use Ignore All when the same word appears several times and should be accepted throughout this spell check only.
For example, a project code, a temporary abbreviation, or a made-up name in a story may not need to be stored permanently.
Step 1. When the word is reported, listen to the word and its spelling.
Step 2. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore this occurrence.
Step 3. If the word should be ignored for the rest of this spell check, press Alt+G instead.
Adding a Word to the Dictionary.
Use Add when the word is correct and you expect to use it again.
Names of people, towns, products and companies are often reported as spelling mistakes even when they are correct.
Step 1. Run Leasey Spell Check on your text.
Step 2. When the word is reported, listen carefully as JAWS speaks and spells it.
Step 3. If the word is correct, press Alt+D, or Tab to the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
The word is added to your personal dictionary. Leasey Spell Check should not report it as an error in future.
Hearing the Sentence Again.
Sometimes a word may be spelled correctly in one context but not another. It can help to hear the sentence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is shown, press Control+R.
Step 2. Leasey Spell Check reads the current sentence without moving focus away from the current control.
This helps you decide whether to change the word, ignore it, or type your own replacement.
Examples of Use.
Example 1. Checking a Short Email Before Sending.
Step 1. Write the email in your usual email program.
Step 2. Select the text you want to check. If you want to check the whole message, press Control+A if that selects the message body in your email program.
Step 3. Press Control+C to copy the selected text to the Windows clipboard.
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key followed by Control+F7.
Leasey Spell Check checks the text on the clipboard.
Step 5. If a misspelled word is found, review the suggestions with Up and Down Arrow.
Step 6. Press Enter on the correct suggestion, or type your own correction in the Replacement field. You can also use any one of the other options described above, such as Ignore All.
Step 7. Continue until the check is complete.
Step 8. When the corrected text is placed back on the clipboard, return to the email, select the original text if necessary, and press Control+V to paste the corrected version.
Example 2. Checking a Web Form Before Submitting It.
Some web forms are difficult to review with a built-in spell checker, especially if the form uses custom editing controls.
Step 1. Write the text in the web form.
Step 2. Select the text you want to check.
Step 3. Press Control+C to copy the selected text.
Step 4. Press the Leasey Key followed by Control+F7.
Step 5. Make any corrections in Leasey Spell Check.
Step 6. When the check is complete, return to the web form.
Step 7. Select the original text again if necessary.
Step 8. Press Control+V to paste the corrected text.
Example 3. Checking a Social Media Post.
Social media sites can vary in how well their editing areas work with spell checkers.
Step 1. Write the post.
Step 2. Select the text of the post and press Control+C.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key followed by Control+F7.
Step 4. Correct any spelling issues.
Step 5. Return to the social media site and paste the corrected text.
This can be particularly useful before posting public updates, comments, group announcements or replies.
Example 4. Reviewing a Suggestion Carefully.
Sometimes two suggestions sound similar.
Step 1. Move through the Suggestions list with Up and Down Arrow.
Step 2. Pause briefly on a suggestion.
Leasey Spell Check spells the suggestion after a short delay.
Step 3. If the suggestion is correct, press Enter.
Step 4. If it is not correct, continue moving through the list or type your own correction in the Replacement Edit Field.
Options.
Press Control+Comma to enter the Options dialog.
Dictionary.
The Dictionary Combo Box lets you choose the spelling dictionary. The initial dictionary follows the Windows regional setting. US English uses en_US. UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India use en_GB.
If necessary, press Up Arrow or Down Arrow to choose a different regional option. The selected dictionary is remembered.
Data location.
This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Control+Comma opens the Options dialog.
Starting Spell Check.
Leasey Key followed by Control+F7 launches Leasey Spell Check and checks the text currently on the clipboard.
Main Spell Check Window.
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or ALT+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or ALT+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or ALT+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the sentence containing the current misspelled word.
Leasey Tags is an intelligent application which allows you to manage files within File Explorer and Leasey File Manager. You can also tag messages in Microsoft Outlook for manipulation, described below.
For example, if you wanted to select files 1, 3 and 25 in a File Explorer and Leasey File Manager list, perhaps for copying, cutting or deleting, this could be difficult. It can be done using the keyboard but there is the potential for mistakes to be made. Leasey Tags makes this and other similar functions simple!
Using Leasey Tags in File Explorer and Leasey File Manager.
Leasey Tags allows you to assign a tag to any file within File Explorer and Leasey File Manager. If necessary, this can be from multiple folders. Simply focus upon the file you wish to tag, then press Control+Shift+Space. When you tag a file, you hear a Leasey Tag sound.
If at any time you wish to change your mind and cancel the processing of tagging, press the Escape key. All tags will be removed. The files themselves are not removed.
To verify which files are tagged, either:
Step 1. Move through the list of files by pressing Up or Down Arrow keys. As focus moves to a file which is tagged, you hear the Leasey Tag sound. Alternatively, you can use first letter navigation in order to move to a file directly. Again, you will still hear the Leasey Tag sound.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+T. Each file which has been tagged is announced. This would be the most appropriate way to verify tagged files from multiple folders.
You can press Alt+Windows+N to verify the number of files which have been tagged.
In the event you wish to remove one of the Leasey Tags from the list, simply locate the file pertaining to the tag to be removed. This will be indicated by the Leasey Tag sound. Then, press Control+Shift+Space to remove it.
When all files have been tagged, a number of actions can be performed:
Control+C will copy all the Leasey Tagged files to the Windows clipboard ready for pasting elsewhere with Control+V.
Control+x will cut all the Leasey Tagged files to the Windows clipboard ready for pasting elsewhere with Control+V.
Control+Shift+D will remove a Leasey Tag from the focused file. Press this keystroke twice quickly to delete all Leasey Tags.
Delete key or Shift+Delete will delete the tagged files from the computer. A Dialog Box will appear, asking if you would like to delete the files. Please press the letter "Y" for yes or "N" for no.
As an example, if you wanted to copy files 1, 3 and 5 from a folder, and paste them into an alternative location, please follow these steps:
Step 1. Locate the folder in File Explorer and Leasey File Manager containing the files to be copied.
Step 2. Press the Down Arrow key to focus upon the first file and tag it with Control+Shift+Space.
Step 3. Move to the next file in the list, (it can be several files down), and again tag it with the same keystroke.
Step 4. Repeat the procedure for the third file.
Step 5. Press Control+Shift+T and the file names of all those you have tagged will be spoken back to you.
Step 6. Press Control+C to copy the tagged files to the Clipboard ready for pasting elsewhere.
Step 7. Browse to the second folder and press Control+V. If you have copied more than 10 items, you will receive a progress indicator letting you know periodically how many have been copied. You will be advised when the copying is complete. If any files could not be copied for any reason, a screen will appear using the JAWSVirtual Viewer, indicating which files could not be copied. Press Escape to close the window and return to File Explorer and Leasey File Manager.
Leasey Tag Confirmation.
When you perform actions on Leasey Tagged files, (such as copying them to the Windows clipboard), you will hear a sound, followed by the word, “Complete”. When this is done, all Leasey Tags are removed from files. This is to ensure that Leasey Tags are not stored for a long period of time.
Using Leasey Tags in Microsoft Outlook.
This section of the documentation requires very careful reading.
Leasey Tags allows you to assign a tag to any message within a Microsoft Outlook mail folder. A good example would be the Inbox where all incoming messages live. Many people have an Inbox containing thousands of messages! This is not particularly efficient if you wish to find messages quickly. The best approach is to move messages you wish to keep into folders for the purpose.
In summary, you will tag messages you wish to manipulate. Once tagged, there are three things you can do with them:
Step 1. Move them to an alternative folder, Control+Shift+V.
Step 2. Copy them to an alternative folder, Control+Shift+Y.
Step 3. Delete them, by pressing the Delete key.
Note that when messages are tagged, you cannot open them. The process of tagging them therefore should only be used in a situation where you have previously read the messages and you wish to tidy up your mailbox folder.
Simply focus upon the message you wish to tag, then press Control+Shift+Space. When you tag a message, you hear a Leasey Tag sound.
If at any time you wish to change your mind and cancel the processing of tagging, press the Escape key. All tags will be removed. The messages themselves are not removed.
To verify which messages are tagged, either:
Step 1. Move through the list of messages by pressing Up or Down Arrow keys. As focus moves to a message which is tagged, you hear the Leasey Tag sound.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+T. Each message which has been tagged is announced.
You can press Alt+Windows+N to verify the number of messages which have been tagged.
In the event you wish to remove one of the Leasey Tags from the list, simply locate the message pertaining to the tag to be removed. This will be indicated by the Leasey Tag sound. Then, press Control+Shift+Space to remove it.
Keystroke Summary.
Tag a File, Control+Shift+Space.
Speak Leasey Tags, Control+Shift+T.
Speak the number of Leasey Tags, Alt+Windows+N.
Delete Leasey Tag, Control+Shift+D. Press Twice Quickly to Delete All Leasey Tags.
Copy Tagged Files to the Clipboard, Control+C.
Cut Tagged Files to the Clipboard, Control+X.
Paste Files Which Have Been Copied, Control+V.
Add All Tagged Files to a Playlist, Control+Shift+P.
Delete Tagged Files, Delete or Shift+Delete.
Tag Mode for continuous selection, Control+Windows+T. File Explorer only.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey File Manager is a simple file manager designed for people using JAWS. It is intended to make it easy to browse folders, open files, copy files, paste files, delete files, search for files and tag files for later action.
This is not intended to replace every feature of File Explorer. The first purpose is to provide a clean, fast, keyboard-driven list of files and folders which works well with JAWS, with Fast being the operative word. You will not hear through speech any delaying tactics such as, "Working on it", while your file manager decides what to do.
The File Manager uses a standard Windows list view. This is important because JAWS already has good support for list views, including the ability to read columns with the column reading keys, Control+JAWS Key+1 through to 9.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey File Manager.
Leasey File Manager is useful when you want to work with files and folders without the delays, clutter or unpredictability that can sometimes occur in File Explorer.
It is designed for common file management tasks: opening folders, finding files, copying, moving, deleting, renaming, tagging several items for action, creating text documents, browsing zip files, and using JAWS-related tools such as Picture Smart or OCR.
It is not intended to replace every advanced feature in File Explorer. Its purpose is to give JAWS users a fast, predictable place to carry out the file tasks they perform most often.
Starting Leasey File Manager.
Starting Leasey File Manager can be achieved by pressing the Leasey Key then Windows+F. However, you can also start Leasey File Manager from the Run dialog.
Step 1. Press Windows+R to bring into view the Run dialog.
Step 2. Type lfm and press Enter. That is letters L F M without a space.
Step 3. You can also open a special version of the Run dialog specifically for the File Manager. Press the Leasey Key then Windows+R. Type a folder or file path and press Enter. In that case, you do not need to prefix the text with LFM.
By default, Leasey File Manager opens at the root of drive C.
You can also start it in a specific folder.
Step 1. Press Windows+R.
Step 2. Type lfm followed by a space and the folder path.
For example:
lfm c:\users
If the folder path contains spaces, you can still type it in the usual way.
For example:
lfm c:\program files
Of course you can also use the special Leasey Run dialog described above.
You can open more than one Leasey File Manager window. This is useful if you wish to copy files from one folder and paste them into another folder while keeping both locations available.
The Leasey File Manager Window.
The window contains:
Location Edit Field.
Files list view.
List of drives.
Press Tab to move through the controls.
The title of the window reflects the folder you have open.
For example, if you are in Documents, the window title should contain:
Documents - Leasey File Manager
This means that JAWS Key+T should give you a useful indication of where you are. This can be changed in Options so as to display the full path of the file or folder location. In the Options dialog, you can also ensure that the term "Leasey File Manager" is not displayed.
The Location Edit Field contains the current folder path. You can type or paste a new folder path into this field and press Enter.
Press Alt+D to move directly to the Location Edit Field. The current path is selected so you can replace it quickly.
The Files list view is the main area. It contains files and folders in the current folder. Folders appear first, followed by files.
The status bar text gives the number of items in the folder, the number of tagged items, and the current folder path. JAWS Key+Page Down will give you this information.
Opening Files and Folders.
Move through the Files list with Up and Down Arrow.
Press Enter on a folder to open it. The folder is automatically selected so it is not necessary to press Space Bar to select. This saves a great deal of time. Press Enter on a file to open it using the default Windows application for that file type.
If a folder is empty, the Files list contains a focused item called Empty folder. This item is only there so JAWS has something clear to announce. It is not a real file or folder, and file actions such as Enter, Copy, Cut, Delete, Rename, Properties, tagging, and size reporting ignore it.
Press Enter on a zip file to browse the contents of the zip file inside Leasey File Manager. The zip contents are shown in the same Files list.
When browsing inside a zip file, press Enter on a folder to open that folder within the archive. Alt+Up moves up one level. Alt+Left Arrow and Backspace move back.
When you return to a previous folder, focus should be placed on the folder where you left off reading.
Finding Items by Typing.
When focus is in the Files list, you can type letters to find an item.
For example, typing D should move to the next item beginning with D. If you pause and type D again, focus should move to the next item beginning with D.
If you type several letters quickly, Leasey File Manager searches for the first item beginning with that combination. Pressing Space by itself does not start a search. Space can still be used as part of a multi-word search if you are typing quickly, such as WEB P.
Reading Columns.
The Files list can show details such as:
Name.
Type.
Size.
Created.
Modified.
Right Arrow reads the next column for the focused item. Left Arrow reads the previous column for the focused item.
When you reach the beginning or end of the columns, Leasey File Manager tells you this and repeats the current column.
For example, if you press Right Arrow until there are no more columns, JAWS should announce:
End of columns followed by the current column name and value.
You can also use the JAWS list view column reading commands described above if you prefer.
Sorting.
Press Control+1 to sort by name. Press Control+1 again to switch between ascending and descending.
Press Control+2 to sort by date created. Press Control+2 again to switch between ascending and descending.
Press Control+3 to sort by date modified. Press Control+3 again to switch between ascending and descending.
The Context Menu.
Press the Applications key or Shift+F10 to open the context menu.
The context menu contains common actions such as:
Open Open with Show in File Explorer Create Leasey File Manager shortcut Properties Tag or remove tag Clear tags Report tagged items Report tag count Report selected size Leasey Command Centre Where am I Copy Cut Paste Create zip archive Send to Dropbox Delete Rename New folder Go up Back Refresh Show file name only Show details Copy full path Options
Tagging Files.
Leasey File Manager uses the same concept as Leasey Tags in File Explorer described in the previous chapter. Instead of trying to hold down keys to select non-consecutive files, you tag the files you want to work with.
You can also use standard Windows list selection in this version. For example, Control+A selects all items in the folder. If no files are tagged, commands such as Copy, Cut, Delete and Shift+Delete act on the selected list items.
Step 1. Move to a file or folder and press Control+Shift+Space. This tags the item.
Step 2. Move to another file or folder and press Control+Shift+Space again to tag that item as well.
To be clear, you can tag files from multiple folders and carry out a single cut, copy or delete operation.
If you press Control+Shift+Space on an item which is already tagged, the tag is removed.
When an item is tagged, Leasey File Manager follows the Leasey sound preference activated by pressing the Leasey Key then O.
If the setting is speech only, JAWS says:
Tagged
If the setting is sounds enabled, the Leasey Tag sound is played.
If the setting is sounds and speech, JAWS speaks the word Tagged and the Leasey Tag sound is played.
When you move through the list with Up or Down Arrow, if focus lands on a tagged item, you should hear the same Leasey Tag indication.
Reporting Tagged Items.
Press Control+Shift+T to hear the tagged items.
Press Alt+Windows+N to hear how many items are tagged.
Reporting the Selected Size.
Press Control+Shift+S to hear the total size of the items you are about to work with.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Report selected size.
If items are tagged, Leasey File Manager reports the size of the tagged items. If nothing is tagged but several items are selected in the list, it reports the size of the selected items. If there is no tagged or selected group, it reports the size of the focused item.
This is useful before copying folders to a thumb drive or other removable storage.
If the selection includes folders, Leasey File Manager calculates their contents. This may take a short while for large folders.
Removing Tags.
Press Control+Shift+D to remove the tag from the focused item.
Press Control+Shift+D twice quickly to clear all tags.
Press Escape to clear all tags.
The files themselves are not deleted when tags are cleared. Only the tags are removed.
Copying Files.
To copy one file or folder, move to it and press Control+C.
To copy several files or folders, tag them first with Control+Shift+Space.
Then press Control+C.
Alternatively, use native selection commands to select files or folders.
When browsing inside a zip file, Control+C copies the tagged or focused archive item by extracting it to a temporary Leasey File Manager folder and placing the extracted item on the Windows Clipboard. You can then move to a normal folder and press Control+V to paste it there.
The tagged files are placed on the Windows Clipboard. This means you can open another Leasey File Manager window, move to a different folder, and press Control+V to paste them there.
After copying tagged files, the tags are cleared. This follows the Leasey Tags approach so that old tags are not left around for a long period of time.
JAWS may already say:
Copied
Leasey File Manager therefore only announces the number of items copied, such as:
1 item or: 2 items
Cutting Files.
There are various ways in which you can cut items:
To cut one file or folder, move to it and press Control+X.
To cut several files or folders, tag them first. Then press Control+X.
JAWS should announce the number of items cut.
Cutting is available between separate Leasey File Manager windows. For example, you can cut a tagged file in one Leasey File Manager window, open a different folder in another Leasey File Manager window, and press Control+V to move it there.
Pasting Files.
Move to the destination folder and press Control+V.
If you copy an item from inside a zipped archive opened in File Explorer, press Control+V in Leasey File Manager to paste it into the current folder. In this situation, Leasey File Manager asks Windows to perform the paste because the item inside the archive is not exposed as a normal file path.
While a paste is running, Leasey File Manager announces progress by percentage.
If an item with the same name already exists in the destination folder, Leasey File Manager asks if you want to replace it.
Choose Yes to replace the existing item by typing the letter Y. Choose No to skip that item by typing the letter N. Choose Cancel to cancel the paste operation by pressing Escape.
JAWS may already say:
Pasted
Leasey File Manager therefore only announces the number of items pasted, such as:
1 item or: 2 items
If possible, focus is placed on the first item pasted. This makes it easy to paste a file and then immediately press F2 to rename it.
Open With.
This utility allows you to open a file using a specific application.
Step 1. Move to a file.
Step 2. Open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Type H or choose Open with.
Leasey File Manager asks Windows to show the Open With dialog for that file.
Open With is available for one file at a time.
Show in File Explorer.
This utility opens the focused item using File Explorer in the event that you need to perform an action on it which is not provided by Leasey File Manager.
Step 1. Move to a file or folder.
Step 2. Open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Type E or choose Show in File Explorer.
File Explorer opens at the containing folder with the item selected.
Dropbox.
If Dropbox is installed and the selected item is in Dropbox, Leasey File Manager offers a Dropbox submenu on the context menu.
Step 1. Open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 2. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys until you hear "Dropbox". Then press Enter.
Step 3. The first command is Copy Dropbox link. This copies the standard Dropbox share link. The second command is Copy Dropbox link as download. This copies the Dropbox link and changes it into a download link. In practice, this changes the end of the Dropbox link from 0 to 1.
Press Down arrow to move through the options and press Enter on the desired choice. Leasey File Manager asks Windows for the Dropbox command. If Windows exposes it, the Dropbox link is copied.
If Windows does not expose the command to Leasey File Manager, File Explorer opens with the item selected. You can then open the normal File Explorer context menu and use the Dropbox commands there.
Creating Shortcuts.
Leasey File Manager can create shortcuts for both folders and files.
The important point is that folders and files need to be handled differently.
A normal Windows shortcut to a folder is opened by Windows in File Explorer. That is not what you want if the purpose of the shortcut is to return to the folder in Leasey File Manager.
For that reason, when you create a shortcut while focused on a folder, Leasey File Manager creates a normal Windows shortcut, but the shortcut is built so that it starts Leasey File Manager and passes the folder path to it. When you later open that shortcut, the folder opens in Leasey File Manager rather than File Explorer.
When you create a shortcut while focused on a file, Leasey File Manager creates a standard Windows shortcut directly to that file. This is the correct behaviour because files already open through Windows file association. For example, a shortcut to an MP3 file should open in the audio player associated with MP3 files, and a shortcut to a Word document should open in Microsoft Word or the application associated with that document type. There is no need to force Leasey File Manager into the process when the target is a file.
To create a shortcut:
Step 1. Move to the file or folder for which you want to create a shortcut.
Step 2. Open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Type L or choose Create Leasey File Manager shortcut and press Enter.
Step 4. A standard Save dialog opens. By default, the shortcut is offered on the Desktop, with a name based on the file or folder. Change the name or location if required, then press Enter to save it.
Example.
Suppose you have a folder called:
C:\Users\John\Music\Radio Shows
You may want a shortcut on the Desktop which always opens that folder in Leasey File Manager.
Step 1. Move to the Radio Shows folder.
Step 2. open the context menu by pressing the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to choose Create Leasey File Manager shortcut.
Step 4. save the shortcut on the Desktop.
When you open that shortcut later, Leasey File Manager starts directly in the Radio Shows folder.
Suppose instead you are focused on a file called:
Programme Notes.txt
If you create a shortcut for that file, the shortcut opens Programme Notes.txt in the application Windows normally uses for text files. Hopefully, that is Leasey Word! That is intentional. The shortcut is for the file itself, not for browsing the folder.
Send To.
Leasey File Manager does not try to reproduce the full File Explorer context menu. However, it does include a Send to submenu.
Step 1. Move to a file or folder, or tag several items.
Step 2. Open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until you hear "Send To", then press Enter.
Step 4. The submenu contains items from the Windows SendTo folder.
If the Send To target is a folder, Leasey File Manager copies the selected or tagged item there.
If the Send To target is a shortcut or special SendTo item, Leasey File Manager asks Windows to open that SendTo item with the selected or tagged files.
This means some SendTo items may work better than others, depending on how Windows or the target application handles them.
Renaming Files.
To rename an item:
Step 1. Move to a file or folder and press F2.
Step 2. A Rename dialog opens. Type the new name and press Enter.
When renaming a file, you can type just the file name without the extension. If you do not type an extension, Leasey File Manager keeps the existing file type.
If you change your mind, press Escape.
If an item with the new name already exists, Leasey File Manager tells you this and the rename is not carried out.
If the rename is completed, JAWS should announce:
Renamed to followed by the new name.
Creating a Folder.
To create a new folder:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+N.
Step 2. A New Folder dialog opens. Type the folder name and press Enter.
If you change your mind, press Escape.
If an item with the same name already exists, Leasey File Manager tells you this and the folder is not created.
If the folder is created, focus is placed on the new folder.
JAWS should announce:
Folder created followed by the folder name.
Creating a Zip Archive.
To create a zipped archive:
Step 1. Tag the files or folders you want to zip. If nothing is tagged, select the files or folders in the list, or move to a single item.
Step 2. Press Control+4. A Save dialog opens. Type the name and location for the zip archive and press Enter.
Leasey File Manager creates the zip archive and announces progress.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Create zip archive.
Deleting Files.
To delete one file or folder, move to it and press Delete.
To delete several files or folders, tag them first. Then press Delete.
Delete moves the item or items to the Recycle Bin.
You will be asked to confirm that the item or items should be moved to the Recycle Bin. The default Button is Yes. Press Enter or type the letter Y.
Shift+Delete permanently deletes the item or items. This does not send them to the Recycle Bin. You will be asked to confirm permanent deletion. The default Button is Yes. Press Enter or type the letter Y.
If you choose No by typing letter N, JAWS should announce:
Delete cancelled
If the delete is completed, JAWS should announce the number of items deleted.
If you delete several items and one of them is being used by Windows or another program, Leasey File Manager deletes the items it can and reports how many could not be deleted.
Properties.
To examine the properties of an item in a completely accessible way:
Step 1. Move to a file or folder and press Alt+Enter.
Step 2. A very accessible Properties dialog opens.
The main area is a read-only Edit Field containing details such as:
Name.
Type.
Size.
Title, for media files where available.
Artist, for media files where available.
Album, for media files where available.
Album artist, for media files where available.
Genre, for media files where available.
Year, for media files where available.
Track number, for media files where available.
Length, for media files where available.
Bit rate, for media files where available.
Location.
Full path.
Created.
Modified.
Accessed.
Press Down Arrow to move through the items. Using the JAWS Cursor or an alternative reading method is not required due to it being completely accessible.
Press Escape or activate Close to return to the Files list.
Copying the Full Path.
To copy the full path of an item:
Step 1. Move to a file or folder.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+P.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Copy full path.
The full path is placed on the Windows Clipboard.
View Modes.
The context menu contains:
Show file name only.
Show details.
Show file name only reduces the list to the name column.
Show details restores the type, size, created and modified columns. This setting is global.
If you choose Show file name only, that view is used when you move to other folders and when you open Leasey File Manager again. If you choose Show details, the details view is used everywhere in the same way.
Show File Name is a good option for moving through items quickly.
Drive List.
When Leasey File Manager opens, it detects the drives on the computer.
The Drive control is a standard Combo Box. It appears before the Location Edit Field in the Tab order.
Use the Drive Combo Box to move quickly to another drive, such as C: or a USB drive. Press Up or Down Arrow to move through the choices. Arrow through the list of drives and press Enter to open the selected drive.
If you insert a card or USB drive while Leasey File Manager is already open, tab to the Drive Combo Box or press F5 to refresh the drive list.
The normal Tab order near the top of the window is:
Drive.
Location.
Files.
When you open a folder by typing a path, pressing Alt+Left Arrow, or opening a folder from the list, the Drive Combo Box is updated to match the drive you are currently browsing.
Downloads Folder.
Press Control+J to open the current Downloads folder.
If Microsoft Edge or Brave has a custom download folder, Leasey File Manager uses the most recently updated browser profile first.
If no browser download folder is available, it uses the Windows Downloads folder setting. This should still work if Windows Downloads has been moved to another drive or location.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Downloads.
Open This PC.
Some portable devices, including some talking book players and Android or MTP devices, do not appear as normal Windows drive letters.
If a device does not appear in the Drive list, open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Open This PC.
This opens File Explorer at This PC. You can then choose the portable device there and paste files using File Explorer.
Copying Between File Manager Windows.
If you copy files from one Leasey File Manager window, you can close that source window and still paste the files into another Leasey File Manager window.
Progress Announcements.
For quick copy, move, paste and zip operations, Leasey File Manager does not announce percentage progress.
If the operation takes more than about 10 seconds, percentage progress is announced.
The final completion message is still spoken.
Searching for Files and Folders.
To search for a file or folder:
Step 1. Press Control+F to search under the folder you are currently viewing. For example, if you wanted to search your music folder and artists in sub-folders, start at the Music folder and press Control+F.
Step 2. A Find dialog opens. Type part or all of the file or folder name.
Step 3. The next control is Restrict search. Press Tab to move to it.
This is a Combo Box. Use it to choose what kind of item you want to find. Press Down Arrow to move through the choices.
The choices are:
All.
Audio.
Document.
Folder.
Image.
Video.
Archive.
All searches files and folders of every type. Audio restricts the results to common audio files such as MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC and WMA. Document restricts the results to common document files such as TXT, DOCX, PDF, RTF, CSV, XLSX and PPTX. Folder restricts the results to folders. Image restricts the results to common image files such as JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP and WEBP. Video restricts the results to common video files such as MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI and WMV. Archive restricts the results to common archive files such as ZIP, RAR and 7Z.
The restriction controls what appears in the results. For example, choosing Audio means Leasey File Manager still looks through the folders beneath the current folder, but it only lists matching audio files.
Step 4. After choosing the search text and restriction, press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
If you type the search text without quotation marks, Leasey File Manager performs a partial name search.
If you put the search text in quotation marks, Leasey File Manager performs an exact name search.
You can also use quotation marks without typing the file extension.
The search looks at file and folder names only. It does not search inside documents or music file tags.
Search runs in the background so the File Manager should remain usable while the search is taking place.
JAWS should announce:
Searching
As results are found, Leasey File Manager may announce the number of matches.
If a search takes a few seconds, Leasey File Manager may say:
Still searching
When the search is finished, JAWS should announce:
Search complete followed by the number of items found.
If nothing is found, JAWS should announce:
No matches
The search results list contains:
Name.
Type.
Size.
Location.
Modified.
Press Enter on a folder result to open that folder. Press Enter on a file result to open that file.
To move from a search result to the folder which contains it, open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Show in folder.
To cancel a running search, press Escape or open the context menu and choose Cancel search.
Press Alt+Left Arrow or Backspace from the search results to return to the folder where the search began.
Send to Leasey.
Leasey File Manager includes a Send to Leasey command.
Press Control+Shift+L to open it.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Send to Leasey.
Send to Leasey works on one focused file. It does not work on a folder or on several tagged files at the same time, because the choices depend on the kind of file you are focused on.
For documents, including text files, Word documents, PDF files, CUE files, INI files, JSON files and JAWS keymap files, Send to Leasey offers:
Open in Leasey Word
For audio files, Send to Leasey can offer:
Play with Leasey Media Centre.
Add to Leasey Media Centre Queue.
Tag with Leasey Tag Editor.
Convert with Leasey Audio Converter.
The exact choices depend on the file type. For example, MP3, M4A, MP4 and FLAC files can be sent to the tag editor. Common audio files such as MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC and WMA can be sent to Leasey Media Centre.
If there is no suitable Leasey action for the focused file, the menu will say that no Leasey actions are available.
JAWS Tools.
Press Control+Shift+J to open the JAWS tools menu for the focused file.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose JAWS.
The JAWS menu contains:
Picture Smart with JAWS.
Convenient OCR to Word with JAWS.
Convenient OCR with JAWS.
Picture Smart with JAWS describes an image.
Convenient OCR to Word with JAWS uses OCR to scan a file which could contain text, such as a PDF, and render it to Word.
Convenient OCR with JAWS uses OCR to scan a file which could contain text, such as a PDF, and render it to the JAWS virtual buffer.
These commands use the same Windows shell entries JAWS adds to File Explorer. If Windows does not expose a JAWS command for the focused file, Leasey File Manager opens File Explorer with the file selected so you can use the native context menu.
Creating a Document.
Press Control+N to create a new document in the folder you are currently viewing.
A dialog asks for the document name. If you do not type an extension, Leasey File Manager adds.txt.
The document is created in the current folder and opened in Leasey Word.
Use a text-based document extension such as:
.txt.
.md.
.html.
.ini.
.json.
.jkm.
.cue.
.xml.
Practical Examples.
Example 1. Copying music to a USB drive or SD card.
Step 1. Start Leasey File Manager and open your Music folder.
Step 2. Move through the list and press Control+Shift+Space on each album, folder or track you want to copy.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+S to check the total size of the tagged items. This helps you confirm that the files will fit on the USB drive or SD card.
Step 4. Open another Leasey File Manager window. Move to the destination drive using the Drive Combo Box, or type the folder path into the Location Edit Field.
Step 5. Return to the first Leasey File Manager window and press Control+C.
Step 6. Move to the destination Leasey File Manager window and press Control+V.
If the operation takes more than a few seconds, Leasey File Manager may announce progress. When the paste is complete, focus is placed on the first pasted item where possible.
Example 2. Moving downloaded files into the correct folders.
Step 1. Press Control+J to open the Downloads folder.
Step 2. Move to the file you want to move. If there are several files, tag them with Control+Shift+Space.
Step 3. Press Control+X to cut the file or tagged files.
Step 4. Open another Leasey File Manager window or use the Location Edit Field to move to the destination folder.
Step 5. Press Control+V to move the file or files there.
This can be faster than working through File Explorer because you can keep both locations open and use consistent Leasey Keystrokes.
Example 3. Finding a song or document by name.
Step 1. Move to the folder where the search should begin. For example, move to your Music folder if you want to search all music sub-folders.
Step 2. Press Control+F.
Step 3. Type part of the name.
For example:
sunburnt
Step 4. Tab to Restrict search and choose Audio if you only want audio files.
Step 5. Press Enter on the OK Button.
If you want an exact name search, put the search text in quotation marks.
For example:
"sunburnt"
When the results appear, press Enter on a file to open it. To go to the folder containing the result, open the context menu and choose Show in folder.
Example 4. Creating a zip archive to send to someone.
Step 1. Move to the folder containing the items you want to compress.
Step 2. Tag each item with Control+Shift+Space.
Step 3. Press Control+4.
Step 4. In the Save dialog, type the name and location for the zip archive and press Enter.
Leasey File Manager creates the zip archive. This is useful when you need to send several files as one attachment or store a group of files together.
Example 5. Using File Explorer only when you need it.
Leasey File Manager is designed for the most common file tasks, but there may be times when you need a full File Explorer context menu.
Step 1. Move to the file or folder.
Step 2. Open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Choose Show in File Explorer.
File Explorer opens with the item selected. You can then use any specialist File Explorer command which Leasey File Manager does not provide directly.
Options.
Press Control+Comma to open Options.
The Options dialog contains:
Show full path in title bar Check Box.
Remove Leasey File Manager from title bar Check Box.
Do not provide confirmation dialog when deleting a file Check Box.
Start folder Edit Field.
Browse Button to browse to a start folder.
Save Button.
Cancel Button.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Show full path in title bar If this is checked, the title bar shows the full folder path. If it is not checked, the title bar shows only the current folder name.
If Remove Leasey File Manager from title bar is checked, the title bar contains only the folder or archive location. This can reduce speech from JAWS when moving between folders.
If Do not provide confirmation dialog when deleting a file is checked, Leasey File Manager will not ask for confirmation when using Delete or Shift+Delete. Delete will move the selected item or items to the Recycle Bin immediately. Shift+Delete will permanently delete the selected item or items immediately.
Start folder This is the folder File Manager opens when launched normally.
You can type a folder path or use the Browse Button. If you leave Start folder empty, File Manager starts at C:. If you launch File Manager with a folder path from the Run dialog or another shortcut, that path overrides the Options setting for that launch.
Tab to the Save Button and press enter to save your changes.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
General Navigation.
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Applications key or Shift+F10 opens the context menu.
Alt+D moves to the Location Edit Field and selects the current path.
Enter in the Location Edit Field opens the typed folder path.
F5 refreshes the current folder or drive list.
Control+J opens the Downloads folder.
Alt+Up moves to the parent folder.
Alt+Left Arrow or Backspace goes back to the previous folder or previous search location.
Drive List.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the available drives.
Enter opens the selected drive.
F5 refreshes the drive list.
Files List.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through files and folders.
Home moves to the first item.
End moves to the last item.
Page Up and Page Down move by pages.
Typing letters moves to the first item beginning with those letters.
Enter opens the focused file or folder.
Enter on a zip file browses the zip file inside Leasey File Manager.
Right Arrow reads the next column.
Left Arrow reads the previous column.
Control+1 sorts by name, and pressing it again switches ascending or descending.
Control+2 sorts by date created, and pressing it again switches ascending or descending.
Control+3 sorts by date modified, and pressing it again switches ascending or descending.
Copy, Cut, Paste and Tagging.
Control+C copies the focused, selected or tagged item or items.
Control+X cuts the focused, selected or tagged item or items.
Control+V pastes into the current folder.
Control+A selects all items in the Files list.
Control+Shift+Space tags or removes the tag from the focused item.
Control+Shift+D removes the tag from the focused item.
Control+Shift+D pressed twice quickly clears all tags.
Escape clears all tags when focus is in the Files list and tags exist.
Control+Shift+T reports tagged items.
Alt+Windows+N reports the number of tagged items.
Slash reports tagged items.
Control+Shift+S reports the size of tagged items, selected items or the focused item.
File and Folder Commands.
F2 renames the focused file or folder.
Alt+Enter opens Properties.
Delete moves the focused, selected or tagged item or items to the Recycle Bin.
Shift+Delete permanently deletes the focused, selected or tagged item or items.
Control+N creates a new document.
Control+Shift+N creates a new folder.
Control+4 creates a zip archive from tagged, selected or focused items.
Control+Shift+P copies the full path of tagged items, selected items or the focused item.
Search.
Control+F opens Find.
Enter on the Find dialog OK Button starts the search.
Escape cancels the Find dialog or cancels a running search.
Enter on a search result opens the result.
Alt+Left Arrow or Backspace returns from search results to the folder where the search began.
The context menu command Show in folder opens the containing folder for a search result and focuses the result.
Zip Files.
Enter on a folder inside a zip file opens that folder inside the archive.
Control+C copies tagged or focused zip items by extracting them to a temporary folder and placing them on the Windows Clipboard.
Alt+Up moves up one level inside the archive.
Alt+Left Arrow or Backspace moves back.
Leasey and JAWS Commands.
Control+Shift+L opens Send to Leasey for the focused file.
Control+Shift+J opens the JAWS tools menu for the focused file.
The JAWS tools menu can include Picture Smart with JAWS, Convenient OCR to Word with JAWS and Convenient OCR with JAWS.
View and Options.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Show file name only is available from the context menu.
Show details is available from the context menu.
Context Menu Commands Without Direct Keystrokes.
Open With is available from the context menu.
Show in File Explorer is available from the context menu.
Open This PC is available from the context menu.
Send To is available from the context menu.
Dropbox commands are available from the context menu when Dropbox exposes them.
Create Leasey File Manager shortcut is available from the context menu.
Show in folder is available from the context menu when viewing search results.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Notes is a simple notes manager designed for keyboard use and for clear speech with JAWS. Very careful thought has gone into both the design of the application and particularly confirmation messages given by JAWS. Unlike similar notetaking applications, there should be no room for doubt as to what has happened when a command is actioned.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey Notes.
Leasey Notes is for information you want to keep, find again and use later.
A note might be very small, such as a phone number, parcel tracking code, appointment detail or web address. It might also be more substantial, such as meeting notes, instructions, a recipe, a lecture summary, a support call record or notes for a project.
The value of Leasey Notes is that notes do not have to remain as isolated pieces of text. They can be organised into categories, linked to other notes, connected to web pages, supported by attachments, protected by automatic backups, and enhanced with fields.
Starting Leasey Notes.
Leasey Notes is started by pressing the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+N.
Leasey Notes Modes.
Leasey Notes has two modes.
Advanced Notes is the full notes manager. It includes categories, attachments, web links, related notes, advanced fields, export, context menus, undo history, and the other power-user features described below.
Simple Notes is a plain notes interface. It contains only:
Notes list.
Note text Edit Field.
Simple Notes shows only top-level notes. Notes inside categories do not appear in Simple Notes mode, and categories, links, attachments, related notes, and advanced fields are not shown there. Changing mode does not delete notes or convert the notes database.
You configure whether you would like Simple or Advanced mode through the Options dialog.
Step 1. Open the Options dialog by pressing Control+Comma.
Step 2. The first control is "Choose How Leasey Notes Should Open". There are two Radio Buttons: the first is "Advanced Notes. Categories, attachments, web links, related notes, fields, export, and power-user features". The second is "Simple Notes. A plain top-level notes list and note text only".
Step 3. Press the Down Arrow key to select the item you want and press Enter.
Part 1. Simple Notes Mode.
Simple Notes Mode.
Simple Notes mode is for people who only want to create and edit plain notes. It removes the advanced areas from the window and presents a very small interface.
The Simple Notes window contains:
Notes list.
Note text Edit Field.
Press Tab to move between the Notes list and the Note text Edit Field.
Creating a Simple Note.
To create a simple note:
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. Type the note title and press Enter.
Step 3. Focus moves to the Note text Edit Field so you can begin writing.
JAWS should announce:
Note added: followed by the note title.
Editing and Saving a Simple Note.
To edit a simple note:
Step 1. Move to the note in the Notes list.
Step 2. Press Tab to move to the Note text Edit Field.
Step 3. Type or edit the note.
When a note is selected, the note name is placed in the Leasey Notes window title. This means that Insert+T in JAWS should report the current note name.
Notes are saved automatically when you move to another note, press Escape from the Note text Edit Field, or close Leasey Notes. You can also press Control+S.
JAWS should announce:
Notes saved
Step 4. Press Escape from the Note text Edit Field to save and return focus to the Notes list.
Renaming a Simple Note.
To rename a simple note:
Step 1. Move to the note in the Notes list.
Step 2. Press function key F2.
Step 3. Type the new name and press Enter.
JAWS should announce the old and new names.
Deleting a Simple Note.
To delete a simple note:
Step 1. Move to the note in the Notes list.
Step 2. Press the Delete key.
Step 3. You will be asked to confirm the deletion. Press letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the focused control.
To delete several Simple Notes, select them in the Notes list, for example by holding Shift and pressing Down Arrow. Then press Delete.
When several notes are deleted, JAWS should announce:
Deleted followed by the number of selected notes.
Recent Simple Notes.
To move to the list of recently opened simple notes:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+Y to open Recent Notes. This shows the last five top-level notes whose text you edited in Simple Notes mode.
Step 2. Choose a note with the Up and Down Arrow keys and press Enter to open it.
JAWS should announce:
Opened recent note followed by the note title.
Sorting Simple Notes.
To sort simple notes alphabetically:
Press Control+Shift+S.
The top-level notes shown in Simple Notes mode are sorted alphabetically. Notes inside categories are not affected because they are not shown in Simple Notes mode.
JAWS should announce:
Sorted notes alphabetically
Find in a Simple Note.
To use Find in a simple note:
Step 1. Move to the simple note you want to search.
Step 2. Press Control+F.
Step 3. Type the text to find and press Enter.
Control+F searches only the current note. It does not search note titles or other notes.
If the text is found, focus moves to the Note text Edit Field and the matching text is selected. JAWS should announce the line containing the found text.
Press F3 to find the next occurrence. Press Shift+F3 to find the previous occurrence.
If nothing is found, JAWS should announce:
Text not found
Searching All Simple Notes.
To search across simple notes:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+F.
Step 2. Type the text to search for and press Enter.
Step 3. Simple Notes shows a basic Search All Notes dialog. There are no Check Boxes in Simple Notes mode. It searches only top-level note titles and note text.
If matching notes are found, a Search Results list is displayed. Move through the list with Up and Down Arrow. Press Enter on a result to open that note.
If the match is in the note text, focus moves to the Note text Edit Field and the matching text is selected. JAWS should announce the line containing the found text.
If the match is in the note title, focus remains on the Notes list.
JAWS should announce:
Found followed by the note title.
If no notes match, JAWS should announce:
No matching notes
Part 2. Advanced Notes Mode.
An Introduction to Advanced Mode.
The main window contains five main areas, followed by field copy Buttons when the selected note has advanced fields. Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Notes tree view.
Note text Edit Field.
Attachments list.
Links list.
Related notes list.
Field copy Buttons, if the selected note has fields.
The Notes tree view is first. This contains categories and notes. Categories can contain notes, and they can also contain other categories. Leasey Notes remembers whether each category was opened or closed, so the tree view should return to the same opened or closed state the next time the application starts. Leasey Notes also remembers the last note or category you used. When the application starts, focus returns to that item in the Notes tree view. If that item is inside a closed category, Leasey Notes opens the necessary parent category so the item can receive focus. If the item has been deleted, Leasey Notes falls back to the first visible item in the tree. Because it is a standard tree view control, JAWS announces whether a category is opened or closed. If JAWS says "Closed", press the Right Arrow key to expand a category. Press the Left Arrow key to close. You may need to press Left Arrow twice depending upon where you are located in the tree view.
Next is the Note text Edit Field, where you type or read the text of the selected note. When a note is selected, the note name is placed in the Leasey Notes window title. This means that JAWS Key+T in JAWS should report the current note name, such as "Hospital Notes.
The Attachments list shows files attached to the selected note if there are any. The Links list shows web pages attached to the selected note if there are any. The Related notes list shows other notes linked to the selected note. If the selected note has advanced fields, Copy Buttons for those fields appear in the Tab order after the Related notes list.
Moving Around Leasey Notes.
Press Tab to move through the main areas in this order:
Notes tree view.
Note text.
Attachments.
Links.
Related notes.
Field copy Buttons, if the selected note has fields.
Press Escape from the Note text Edit Field to save the current note text and return to the Notes tree view. Press Escape from the Attachments list, Links list, Related notes list, or a field copy Button to return to the Notes tree view. This is useful because most note management commands begin from the tree view. No extra JAWS confirmation is spoken when Escape is pressed, because moving focus back to the tree already gives enough context.
In the Notes tree view, type the first few letters of a visible note or category to move directly to it. For example, if there are several items beginning with R, typing R then E quickly can move to Reaper Notes. If the typed letters do not match an item, Leasey Notes falls back to the most recent letter, so repeated presses of the same letter can still cycle through matching items.
Context Menu in the Notes Tree.
When focus is in the Notes tree view, press the Applications key or Shift+F10 to open a context menu for the selected item. This menu contains commands which apply to the current note or category, and it includes the shortcut keys where available.
For example, when focus is on a note, the context menu includes:
Import Text Files from Folder.
Add Web Link, Control+Shift+L.
Attach File, Control+Shift+A.
Attach Folder.
Advanced Note, Control+Shift+D.
Related Notes, Control+Shift+R.
Copy Note.
Copy Note and Fields.
Copy Note copies the main note text. Copy Note and Fields copies the note title, main note text and any advanced fields as one block. This is useful if you want to paste the whole note into an email message or another document.
When focus is on a category, the context menu includes category commands such as:
New Note, Control+N.
New Category, Control+Shift+N.
Import Text Files from Folder.
Move to Category, Control+M.
Sort Category Alphabetically, Control+Shift+S.
This is useful if a shortcut is difficult to remember or if another program intercepts a keystroke.
Read Only Note View.
You can read notes without fear of corrupting them.
Step 1. Move to a note in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. A read only note view opens. This is useful when you want to review a note without accidentally editing it.
The read only view contains:
Read only note text.
Attachments list.
Links list.
Related notes list.
Close Button.
If the note has advanced fields, those fields are shown in the read only note text after the main note text. If the note has attachments, move to the Attachments list and press Enter to open one. If the note has web links, move to the Links list and press Enter to open one. If the note has related notes, move to the Related notes list and press Enter to open one. When a related note is opened from read only view, it opens in read only view as well.
Press Escape to leave the read only view.
Creating a Note.
In order to create a note:
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. Type the note title and press Enter.
Step 3. If focus is on an expanded category, the new note is created inside that category.
JAWS should announce:
Adding note to category followed by the category name. Unlike similar notetaking applications, Leasey Notes will not add a note to the end of a category or the tree view itself. It respects the focused position. For example, if you have 20 notes in a category, and you wish to add the note to position 7, place focus on note 6. The new note is added immediately below the sixth note. If you do want to add a note to the end of the category, be sure the focus is on the final item. This saves a great deal of time in terms of sorting notes after they are created.
If focus is on a closed category, the new note is created immediately after that category at the same level. If focus is on an empty category, the new note is created inside that category even if it is closed. If focus is on a note inside a category, the new note is created immediately after the focused note in the same category. If focus is on a top-level note or category, the new note is created immediately after the focused item at the top level.
After the note is created, the new note remains selected in the Notes tree view and focus moves to the Note text Edit Field so you can begin writing.
JAWS should announce:
Note added: followed by the note title.
Creating a Category.
To create a category:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+N.
Step 2. Type the category name and press Enter.
Step 3. If focus is on an expanded category, the new category is created there. If focus is on a closed category, the new category is created immediately after that category at the same level. If focus is on an empty category, the new category is created inside that category even if it is closed. If focus is on an item inside an existing category, the new category is created immediately after the focused item in that same category. If focus is on a top-level item, the new category is created immediately after the focused item at the top level.
After the category is created, focus remains in the Notes tree view on the new category.
JAWS should announce:
Category added: followed by the category name.
Writing and Saving Notes.
Compose a note in this way:
Step 1. Move to a note in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Tab to move to the Note text Edit Field.
Step 3. Type or edit the note.
Notes are saved automatically when you move to another note, press Escape from the Note text Edit Field, or close Leasey Notes. You can also press Control+S to save manually.
In theory, there is no Leasey Notes character limit for the main note text. It uses a standard Windows edit control, so the practical limit is set by Windows and available memory rather than by Leasey Notes. We suggest however that you do not paste a whole book into a note! The equivalent of a few pages of text ought to be a sensible guideline.
When saved manually, JAWS should announce:
Notes saved
Example. Creating Daily Food Logs.
Suppose you want to keep a record of what you eat each day and later export it for a dietician.
Step 1. Create a category called Food Logs.
Step 2. Move to Food Logs and press Right Arrow if it is closed.
Step 3. Press Control+N.
Step 4. Type today's date, such as May 1, and press Enter.
Step 5. Type what you eat throughout the day in the Note text Edit Field.
Step 6. Press Escape when you want to return to the Notes tree view.
Step 7. Tomorrow, create another note in Food Logs, such as May 2.
After a week, move to the Food Logs category and press Control+E to export that category. This gives you one file containing all the daily notes in that category. Exporting notes will be fully described later, but this illustrates the purpose of using a category.
Renaming Notes and Categories.
To rename a note or category:
Step 1. Move to the note or category in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press function key F2.
Step 3. Type the new name and press Enter.
JAWS should announce the old and new names.
For example:
Renamed May 1 to Food Log May 1.
Deleting Notes and Categories.
Step 1. Move to the note or category in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press the Delete key.
Step 3. You will be asked to confirm the deletion. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since the Yes Button is focused. If you delete a category, everything inside that category is also deleted.
To delete several notes, select the notes in the Notes tree view, for example by holding Shift and pressing Down Arrow. Then press Delete. Multiple deletion applies to notes only, not categories.
If the selection contains a category, Leasey Notes does not delete anything from that selection. This is intentional because deleting a category can also delete everything inside it.
JAWS should announce:
Multiple deletion is for notes only
When several notes are deleted, JAWS should announce:
Deleted followed by the number of selected notes.
Copying a Note.
To copy a note:
Step 1. Move to a note in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Control+C.
This copies the entire text of the selected note to the clipboard. This command is intended for use from the Notes tree view. When you are in the Note text Edit Field, Control+C behaves as a normal copy command for selected text.
JAWS should announce:
Copied note followed by the note title.
Recent Notes.
Press Control+Shift+Y to open Recent Notes. This shows the last five notes whose text you edited during normal use. Press Down Arrow to choose a note and press Enter to open it.
JAWS should announce:
Opened recent note followed by the note title.
If there are no recent notes, JAWS should announce:
No recent notes
Moving Notes and Categories.
To move a note or category:
Step 1. Move to an item in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Alt+U to move it up.
Step 3. Press Alt+D to move it down.
Alt+U and Alt+D only move notes and categories when focus is in the Notes tree view. They do not move the current note if focus is in another part of the window, such as the Links list. An item only moves within its current level or category.
JAWS should announce where the item has moved.
For example:
Moving May 2 to below May 1
If the item cannot move any further, JAWS should announce:
Cannot move any further
Undo.
When focus is in the Notes tree view, press Control+Z to undo the last app-level action. This is intended for larger actions such as creating, deleting, renaming, moving, sorting, adding links, changing related notes, and changing advanced fields. It does not replace the normal edit-field undo while typing note text.
JAWS should announce:
Undid followed by the action.
For example:
Undid deleted note Schedule Friday
Press Control+Shift+Z from the Notes tree view to open Undo History. This shows recent actions which can be undone during the current Leasey Notes session. Choose an item and press Enter to undo that action.
If there is nothing to undo, JAWS should announce:
Nothing to undo
Sorting a Category.
To sort a category alphabetically:
Step 1. Move to the category in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+S.
Step 3. The immediate items in that category are sorted alphabetically. If focus is on a note inside a category, Control+Shift+S sorts that parent category.
JAWS should announce:
Sorted followed by the category name and alphabetically.
For example:
Sorted Food Logs alphabetically
Moving a Note or Category to Another Category.
It is possible to move a note or category to another category.
Step 1. Move to the note or category in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Control+M.
Step 3. A category list is displayed. Choose the category with the Down Arrow key and press Enter. There is also a Top level option if you want the item moved out of a category.
JAWS should announce:
Moved followed by the item name and the destination category.
For example:
Moved May 2 to Food Logs
If you move a category, everything inside that category moves with it, including its notes and subcategories.
JAWS should announce:
Moved category followed by the category name, and its contents, followed by the destination category.
For example:
Moved category BrailleNote Evolve and its contents to Techie Stuff
When you move a note out of a category, Leasey Notes tries to keep you near the original position. If another note remains below the moved note, focus moves there. If not, focus moves to the previous item or the source category.
Finding Text in the Current Note.
To find text in the current note:
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. Type the text to find and press Enter.
Step 3. If the text is found, focus moves to the Note text Edit Field and the found text is selected. JAWS should announce the line where the result was found.
For example:
Found on line 3: Breakfast, coffee and toast.
This is deliberately more useful than simply saying Found. It should give enough context to know whether you have found the correct occurrence.
If the line is very long, Leasey Notes shortens the spoken message so JAWS does not read too much text.
Finding the Next or Previous Occurrence.
After you have searched for text:
Press F3 to find the next occurrence. Press Shift+F3 to find the previous occurrence.
Again, JAWS should announce the line where the result was found.
For example:
Found on line 7: Lunch, vegetable soup and an apple.
If no match is found, JAWS should announce:
Text not found
If you press F3 before entering any find text, JAWS should announce:
Find text is empty
Find and Replace in the Current Note.
To replace one text string with another:
Step 1. Press Control+H.
Step 2. Type the text to find.
Step 3. Press Tab.
Step 4. Type the replacement text.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Leasey Notes replaces all occurrences in the current note.
JAWS should announce:
Replaced 3 occurrences.
Searching Across All Notes.
To carry out a global search:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+F.
Step 2. Type the text to search for.
Step 3. The Search All Notes dialog also contains Check Boxes so you can narrow the search. This is optional. You can press Tab repeatedly to move through the options.
The choices are:
Note text.
Note title.
Category name.
Attachment name.
Link name or address.
Advanced fields.
By default, all of these are checked so Leasey Notes searches everything. Uncheck the items you wish to exclude. If inadvertently you make a mistake and uncheck everything, Leasey Notes searches everything.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. If matching notes are found, a Search Results list is displayed. Move through the list with Up and Down Arrow. You will hear the details of the note and, if it belongs to a category, the name of the category.
Step 6. Press Enter on a result to open that note.
Step 7. When the note opens, Leasey Notes also finds the matching text in the Note text Edit Field. JAWS should announce the line containing the found text, as described above.
If the match was found in something other than the note text, such as a note title, category name, attachment name, link, or advanced field, the result tells you what matched.
Step 8. If the search result is not the occurrence you wanted, press F3 to find the next matching occurrence in that note. Press Shift+F3 to move to the previous occurrence.
If no notes match, JAWS should announce:
No matching notes
Changing Text Case.
This affects text capitalisation:
Step 1. Move to the Note text Edit Field.
Step 2. Press Control+U for upper case. Press Control+L for lower case. Press Control+T for title case.
If text is selected, only the selected text is changed. If no text is selected, the whole note is changed.
JAWS should announce:
Upper case applied to selection.
Lower case applied to note.
Title case applied to note.
Spell Checking.
Move to a note or its Note text Edit Field and press F7.
If text is selected, Leasey Notes checks only the selected text. If no text is selected, Leasey Notes checks the whole document from the beginning.
Leasey Notes uses the Leasey Spell spelling component. If the Leasey Spell settings do not specify a language, Leasey Notes detects the Windows regional setting. For example, United States English uses US spelling, while United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India use UK spelling.
The Spell Check dialog contains:
Misspelled word.
Context.
Suggestions list.
Replacement Edit Field.
Change.
Change All.
Ignore.
Ignore All.
Add.
Finish.
Cancel.
The main spell checking keystrokes are:
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or Alt+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the sentence containing the current misspelled word.
Alt+A activates Change All.
Alt+G activates Ignore All.
Alt+D activates Add.
Alt+F activates Finish.
When a misspelled word is found, JAWS should announce:
Misspelled word followed by the word and its letters.
For example:
Misspelled word receive, r e c e i v e.
Move through suggestions with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
When a suggestion is selected, Leasey Notes speaks the letters of that suggestion after a short delay. When the Spell Check dialog first moves to a misspelled word, Leasey Notes also spells the first suggestion automatically.
Press Enter or Alt+C on a suggestion to change the current word to that suggestion. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore the current spelling issue. Press Control+R to read the sentence containing the current misspelled word. Press Alt+A for Change All. Press Alt+G for Ignore All. Press Alt+D to add the word to the Exceptions Dictionary. Press Alt+F to finish spell checking. These are keystrokes standard to many spell checking tools. If you wish to type your own corrected spelling, press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field and edit the text. Then press Enter or Alt+C to change the current word to the text in the Replacement Edit Field.
Press Escape to cancel spell checking. When Escape is pressed, focus returns to the document. Words ignored with Ignore All stay ignored while the document remains open. Ordinal numbers such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 13th are not treated as spelling errors. Contractions such as don't, wouldn't and shouldn't are treated as whole words.
If no spelling errors are found, a standard message is displayed saying "No spelling errors were found".
Using Change.
Use Change when the current word is wrong in this one place and you want to replace only this occurrence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is announced, move through the Suggestions list with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
Step 2. When you hear the correct suggestion, press Enter.
Leasey Notes replaces the current word and moves to the next spelling issue.
Step 3. If none of the suggestions are correct, press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 4. Type the correct spelling.
Step 5. Press Enter, or Tab to Change and press Enter or Space.
Using Change All.
Use Change All when the same incorrect word appears several times in the text and should always be corrected in the same way.
For example, if you have repeatedly typed accomodation instead of accommodation, Change All can save time.
Step 1. When the misspelled word is shown, choose the correct suggestion or type the correction in the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 2. Press Alt+A, or Tab to Change All and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Leasey Notes changes this occurrence and automatically changes later matching occurrences during the same spell check.
Using Ignore and Ignore All.
Use Ignore when the current word is acceptable in this one place, but you do not want to add it to the dictionary.
Use Ignore All when the same word appears several times and should be accepted throughout this spell check only.
For example, a project code, a temporary abbreviation, or a made-up name in a story may not need to be stored permanently.
Step 1. When the word is reported, listen to the word and its spelling.
Step 2. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore this occurrence.
Step 3. If the word should be ignored for the rest of this spell check, press Alt+G instead.
Adding a Word to the Dictionary.
Use Add when the word is correct and you expect to use it again.
Names of people, towns, products and companies are often reported as spelling mistakes even when they are correct.
Step 1. Press F7 to invoke Spell Check.
Step 2. When the word is reported, listen carefully as JAWS speaks and spells it.
Step 3. If the word is correct, press Alt+D, or Tab to the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
The word is added to your personal dictionary. Leasey Notes should not report it as an error in future.
Hearing the Sentence Again.
Sometimes a word may be spelled correctly in one context but not another. It can help to hear the sentence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is shown, press Control+R.
Step 2. Leasey Notes reads the current sentence without moving focus away from the current control.
This helps you decide whether to change the word, ignore it, or type your own replacement.
Word Count.
To count the number of words in a note:
Step 1. Move to a note or its Note text Edit Field.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+W.
For example, JAWS should announce:
Note has 245 words, 1320 characters.
Attaching a File to a Note.
To attach a file to a note:
Step 1. Move to the note.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+A.
Step 3. Choose the file in the standard Windows file dialog and press Enter to attach it.
The file is copied into the Leasey Notes attachments folder and appears in the Attachments list.
JAWS should announce:
Attached followed by the file name.
Attaching a Folder to a Note.
You can attach a folder to a note.
Step 1. Move to the note.
Step 2. Open the context menu by pressing the Applications Key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find Attach Folder, then press Enter.
Step 4. Choose the folder in the standard Windows folder dialog. Be sure to press Enter on it.
Step 5. Press Tab to reach "Select Folder" and press Enter or Space.
Step 6. The folder is copied into the Leasey Notes attachments folder and appears in the Attachments list. The original folder is not moved or deleted.
Step 7. Press Enter on the folder in the Attachments list to open it.
JAWS should announce:
Folder attached followed by the folder name.
Recording an Audio Note.
To record audio to form part of a note:
Step 1. Move to the note which should receive the recording.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+P.
Step 3. Leasey Notes opens the Record Audio Note dialog. Choose the recording source if necessary with the Up and Down arrow keys.
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the Record Button and press Enter or Space to begin recording.
Step 5. Press Tab to reach the Pause Button and press Enter or Space if you need to pause recording. The Pause Button changes to Resume while recording is paused.
Step 6. Press Space on the Resume Button to continue.
Step 7. Press Tab to reach the Stop Button and press Enter or Space when you have finished.
Useful keyboard shortcuts:.
Alt+R equals Record.
Alt+P equals Pause.
Alt+S equals Stop.
Alt+R equals Resume.
You can then activate the Play Button to hear the recording. If you are happy with it, press Tab to reach the Save Button and press Enter or Space.
The recording is saved as a WAV or MP3 file and attached to the selected note.
You must create or select a note before recording an audio note. If a note is already selected, the recording is attached to that note.
JAWS should announce:
Audio note attached followed by the file name.
Opening an Attachment.
To open an attachment:
Step 1. Move to the Attachments list by pressing Tab.
Step 2. Select the attachment with the Down Arrow key.
Step 3. Press Enter.
You can also press Control+O.
Leasey Notes asks Windows to open the file using the default application for that file type. For example, a Word document should open in Microsoft Word. If the attachment is a folder, the folder is opened in File Explorer.
JAWS should announce:
Opened followed by the file name.
Copying an Attachment File.
To copy an attachment for use within another application:
Step 1. Move to the Attachments list by pressing Tab.
Step 2. Select the attachment by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press Control+C.
This copies the attached file itself to the Windows clipboard. You can then paste it into an Outlook email message or WhatsApp message and it should be added as an attachment. If the attachment is a folder, the folder itself is copied to the Windows clipboard.
JAWS should announce:
Copied attachment followed by the file name.
Removing an Attachment.
To remove an attachment:
Step 1. Move to the Attachments list by pressing Tab.
Step 2. Select the attachment by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press the Delete key.
This removes the attachment from the current note. The note itself is not deleted.
JAWS should announce:
Removed attachment followed by the file name.
Opening the Attachment Folder.
To open an attachment folder.
Press Control+Shift+O.
If an attachment is selected, the folder containing that attachment is opened. If no attachment is selected but a note is selected, the attachment folder for that note is opened.
JAWS should announce:
Attachment folder opened
Adding a Web Link to a Note.
To add a link to a note:
Step 1. Move to the note.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+L.
Step 3. You are asked for two items:
Link title.
Web address.
Press the Tab key to move between the controls.
The title is the friendly name which appears in the Links list. The web address is the actual page address.
If you type an address such as:
hartgenconsultancy.com Leasey Notes will treat it as: https://hartgenconsultancy.com
Step 4. Press Enter to save.
JAWS should announce:
Link added: followed by the link title.
If you press Enter without entering a web address, the dialog stays open.
JAWS should announce:
Web address is empty Focus moves to the Web address field so you can correct it.
Opening a Web Link.
To open a link from within a note:
Step 1. Move to the Links list by pressing Tab from within the note.
Step 2. Select the link by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Leasey Notes asks Windows to open the address in the default web browser.
JAWS should announce:
Opened link: followed by the link title.
Renaming a Web Link.
To rename a link:
Step 1. Move to the Links list by pressing Tab from within the note.
Step 2. Select the link by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press function key F2.
You can change either the friendly title or the web address. Press the Tab key to move through the controls. Type new text or edit the current entry and press Enter.
For example, JAWS should announce:
Renamed link Victorian street lamps to Street lamp reference.
Deleting a Web Link.
To delete a link:
Step 1. Move to the Links list by pressing Tab.
Step 2. Select the link by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press the Delete key.
You will be asked to confirm the deletion. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can press Enter since the Yes Button is focused.
JAWS should announce:
Deleted link followed by the link title.
Copying a Web Link Address.
To copy a web link address:
Step 1. Move to the Links list by pressing Tab.
Step 2. Select the link by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press Control+C.
JAWS should announce:
Copied link address
Rearranging Web Links.
To change the order of links in a note:
Step 1. Move to the Links list by pressing Tab.
Step 2. Select the link by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press Alt+U to move it up. Press Alt+D to move it down.
These keystrokes rearrange items in the Links list when focus is in that list. They rearrange notes and categories only when focus is in the Notes tree view.
For example, JAWS should announce:
Moving link Demo 1 to above Demo 4.
Moving Directly to Main Areas.
Leasey Notes has direct focus commands for the main areas of the window.
Press Control+Alt+E to move to the Note text Edit Field. Press Control+Alt+A to move to the Attachments list. Press Control+Alt+L to move to the Links list. Press Control+Alt+R to move to the Related notes list.
These commands are intended to reduce the amount of tabbing needed during daily use. Field copy Buttons do not have fixed shortcut keys because their names and number depend on the selected note. If a note has fields, reach those Buttons by pressing Tab after the Related notes list.
To reiterate, to quickly move to fields, press Control+Alt+R followed by Tab. JAWS should announce a short confirmation.
When focus moves to the Attachments, Links, or Related notes list, JAWS should first speak the native control label and List Box information.
Importing Text Files from a Folder.
Leasey Notes can create notes from text files in a folder.
Step 1. Move to the category where the imported notes should be created. If you are not in a category, the notes are created at the top level. The category does not need to be empty. The category does not need to be open.
Step 2. Open the context menu by pressing the Applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find Import Text Files from Folder.
Step 4. Choose the folder in the standard Windows folder dialog. Be sure to press Enter on it.
Step 5. Press Tab to the Select Folder Button and press Enter or Space.
The next time you use this command, Leasey Notes starts in the last folder you chose.
Leasey Notes imports text files directly inside that folder. It does not import files from subfolders.
The following file types are imported:
TXT,.
LOG,.
MD,.
MARKDOWN,.
INI,.
JKM.
Each imported file becomes one note. The note title is taken from the file name without the extension. The note text is taken from the file contents.
JAWS should announce:
Imported followed by the number of notes.
Exporting Notes.
Leasey Notes can export a single note, a category, or all notes to one file. This is particularly useful for examples such as food logs, where several daily notes may need to be sent together.
To export the selected note or category:
Step 1. Move to the item in the Notes tree view.
Step 2. Press Control+E.
Step 3. Choose the file name and location using standard Windows browse techniques.
To export all notes:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+E.
Step 2. Choose the file name and location using standard Windows techniques.
The exported file includes headings for categories and notes. If a note has attachments, the attachment names and paths are included. If a note has links, the link titles and web addresses are included. If a note has related notes, their note titles are included. If a note has advanced fields, the field names and field text are included.
JAWS should announce:
Exported to followed by the file name.
Advanced Note Fields.
This is designed for notes where the information is best kept in separate named blocks.
For example, you may want fields called:
Subject.
Body Text.
Follow-up.
Step 1. Select the note for which advanced fields are required.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+D to open Advanced Note.
The Advanced Note window contains:
Fields list.
Add Field Button.
Close Button.
If the note already has fields, the window also contains:
Field text Edit Field.
Rename Button.
Delete Button.
Copy Field Button.
Copy All Button.
Save as Template Button.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Add Field creates a new named field.
Rename changes the field name.
Delete removes the selected field.
Save as Template saves the current set of fields so they can be used when creating other notes.
When you move to a field in the Fields list, its text appears in the Field text Edit Field. Press Tab to reach it. Type or edit the text there.
Copy Field copies only the text from the selected field. You can also press Control+C from the Fields list to copy the selected field. You can press Delete from the Fields list to delete the selected field. Copy All copies all fields as one block, with each field name followed by its text. This is useful if you want to paste structured material into an email message.
If a note has no fields, the Field text Edit Field and the field action Buttons are hidden until you add the first field. There is no Leasey Notes character limit for field text. It uses a standard Windows edit control, so the practical limit is set by Windows and available memory rather than by Leasey Notes.
Suggested Workflow For Adding Fields.
Step 1. Locate the note of interest.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+D. The Advanced Note Dialog Box opens.
Step 3. Press Enter or Space on the Add Field Button.
Step 4. Type the name for the field, such as Subject, and press Enter.
Step 5. Type the text for the field, such as, Thank you for purchasing this product. Fields can contain multiple lines, so press Tab to reach the Close Button and press Enter or Space when you are finished.
Step 6. If you wish to add another field, activate the Add Field Button by pressing tab to reach it and then press Enter or Space.
Step 7. Repeat the process for adding the field name and field text.
Step 8. If at that point you have completed adding fields, press Escape. The fields are automatically saved.
An Easy Way to Copy or View Fields.
Step 1. Find the note containing fields.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+D.
Step 3. The list of fields is in focus. Press Down Arrow to select the field of interest.
Step 4. Press Control+C to copy. Alternatively, press Tab to view the contents of that field. You may only want to remind yourself of what is in the field rather than doing anything with it. Reading the field contents in this way is an easy way to do that. You can always press Shift+Tab back to the list of fields and access another one.
Step 5. If you wish to paste the content of the field elsewhere, find the application and press Control+V to paste. The fields Dialog Box will remain open.
Step 6. Repeat as necessary. You can always press Escape to exit out of the fields list at any time.
Suggested Workflow For Creating a Field Template.
A field template is a reusable set of advanced fields. It is useful when you often create notes with the same structure.
For example, you may have a health log template with fields for Sleep, Weight, Exercise and Medication. You may also have a roleplaying character template with fields for Attributes, Skills, Talents and Equipment.
Step 1. Create or select a note which contains the fields you want to reuse.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+D to open Advanced Note.
Step 3. Add, rename and edit the fields until they match the structure you want.
Step 4. Tab to Save as Template and press Enter or Space.
Step 5. Type a template name, such as Food Log or Character Sheet, and press Enter.
JAWS should announce:
Template saved followed by the template name.
Suggested Workflow For Creating a Note From a Template.
Step 1. Move to the place in the Notes tree view where you want the note to be created.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+T.
Step 3. The Choose Template Dialog Box opens.
Step 4. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose the template.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Step 6. Type the new note title and press Enter.
The note is created with the fields from the selected template already in place. The main note text is blank so you can write the body of the note in the usual way.
From the Choose Template Dialog Box, you can press Delete on a template to remove it.
Suggested Workflow for Copying Field Information.
While it is true that you can copy individual field components from the Advanced Note list, there is an easier way.
Step 1. Find the note of interest.
Step 2. Press Control+Alt+R for Related Notes. This is the closest control we can move to prior to reaching the fields.
Step 3. Press Tab through the fields. Each field is denoted by a Button, such as, Copy Subject. This is so important. You are not only being told that you can copy the field but also the name of that field so there is no room for doubt.
Step 4. Press Enter or Space on the Button you wish to copy. JAWS announces that the Subject field has been copied.
If you want to copy the main note text and all fields together, move to the note in the Notes tree view, press the Applications Key or Shift+F10, and choose Copy Note and Fields. This copies the note title, the main note text and all advanced fields as one block.
Assigning a Note to More Than One Category.
To assign a note to more than one category:
Step 1. Move to the note.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+M. The dialog is entitled Assign to Category.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow to choose or type the category and press Enter.
The note is not copied. It is the same note appearing in another category. If you edit it from any category, the same underlying note is changed.
JAWS should announce:
Adding note to category followed by the category name. Assigned followed by the note title and category name.
If the note is already in that category, it is not assigned a second time.
JAWS should say the note title followed by:
is already assigned to category followed by the category name.
Example. Assigning One Note to Several Categories.
Suppose you are building notes for a mystery story. You have a note called Thomas Reed.
He might belong in several categories:
Suspects.
Witnesses.
Motive.
Means.
You do not need four separate copies of the same note. Instead, create the Thomas Reed note once and assign it to the additional categories.
Step 1. Move to the Thomas Reed note.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+M.
Step 3. Choose Suspects and press Enter.
Step 4. Repeat the process for Witnesses, Motive or Means if appropriate.
If you later edit Thomas Reed from any of those categories, you are editing the same note. This is useful because you do not have to remember which copy is the latest one.
Removing a Note from a Category.
If a note has been assigned to more than one category, the additional category entry is shown in the tree with the word assigned after the note title. This tells you that the tree item is another category connection to the same note, not a separate note.
When focus is on an assigned note, pressing Delete removes that category connection. The original note is not deleted.
You can also press Alt+R. If focus is on a normal note inside a category, Alt+R moves that note out of the category and places it at the top level.
JAWS should announce:
Removed followed by the note title and category name.
For a normal note moved out of a category, JAWS should announce:
Moved followed by the note title, top level, and the category name.
Related Notes.
Related Notes lets one note connect to another note. This is useful for tasks like writing projects, research boards, maps, or crime-board style connections. Related note connections are bidirectional. For example, if Nat is related to The Cast, then Nat shows The Cast as a related note, and The Cast shows Nat as a related note.
Why Related Notes Are Useful.
Related Notes are useful when two notes are connected, but one note should not be inside the other.
For example, suppose you are writing a story. You might have one note called The Cast. This note contains a high-level list of all characters.
You might then have separate notes called Nat, Alice, Robert and Maria. Each of those notes contains detailed information about one character.
You can relate Nat to The Cast. You can also relate Alice, Robert and Maria to The Cast.
When you later open The Cast, the Related notes list can show each character note. When you open Nat, the Related notes list can show The Cast. This helps you move through the information without copying the same text into several places.
Another example is a text adventure map. You might have one note for each room. If the Kitchen connects to the Hall, make Kitchen and Hall related notes. You can then open Kitchen, move to Related notes, and press Enter on Hall to review the connected room.
Opening a Related Note from the Main Window.
The main Leasey Notes window contains a Related notes list.
Step 1. Move to the note whose related notes you want to review.
Step 2. Move to the Related notes list with Tab, or press Control+Alt+R.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow through the related notes.
Step 4. Press Enter on the related note you want to open.
When a related note is opened, the Notes tree view changes to that note and the Note text Edit Field is loaded.
Step 5. Press Alt+Left Arrow to return to the previous note after opening a related note. Alt+Left Arrow also works from the read only note view after following a related note.
JAWS should announce the note you have moved to.
Managing Related Notes.
To add or remove related notes, use the Related Notes manager.
Step 1. Move to the note for which you want to manage related notes.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+R.
Step 3. Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
The Related Notes manager contains:
Related notes list.
Add Button.
Remove Button.
Close Button.
Step 4. To add a related note, press Enter or Space on Add.
Step 5. Choose the note you want to connect to the current note.
Step 6. Press Enter.
Leasey Notes creates the connection in both directions. This means you do not need to repeat the process from the other note.
JAWS should announce:
Related note added followed by the note title.
Step 7. To remove a related note, select it in the Related notes list and press Delete. You can also Tab to Remove and press Enter or Space.
Removing a related note removes the connection from both notes. It does not delete either note.
JAWS should announce:
Related note removed followed by the note title.
Example. Connecting a Character to a Cast Note.
Step 1. Create or find a note called The Cast.
Step 2. Create or find a note called Nat.
Step 3. Move to Nat in the Notes tree view.
Step 4. Press Control+Shift+R.
Step 5. Tab to the Add Button and press Enter.
Step 6. Choose The Cast and press Enter.
Now Nat is related to The Cast. The Cast is also related to Nat.
Step 7. Press Control+Alt+R to move to the Related notes list.
Step 8. Press Enter on The Cast.
Step 9. Press Alt+Left Arrow to return to Nat.
Pulling Some Tasks Together.
Suppose you are researching a product, a training course, or a writing topic. You may want one note to contain your own comments, while also keeping the useful supporting material close by.
Step 1. Create a note with Control+N.
Step 2. Type your own summary or observations in the Note text Edit Field.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+L to add the most important web page as a link.
Step 4. Press Control+Shift+A to attach a document, PDF, Word file, or other file which belongs with the note.
Step 5. If you have a whole folder of supporting documents, return to the Notes tree view, open the context menu with Applications Key or Shift+F10, and choose Attach Folder.
Step 6. If another note explains a related subject, press Control+Shift+R and add it as a related note.
The result is still one ordinary note, but it now has text, a web link, an attachment or folder, and a relationship to another note. This can be much easier than trying to remember where every separate item was stored.
Part 3. Quick Notes.
An Explanation of Quick Notes.
For a very fast note, press the Leasey Key followed by Control+Windows+N. If you have spontaneous thoughts, or you need to take down something quickly, this is the tool for you. While Leasey Notes is excellent at what it does, you do need to think about where the note is going to be located.
Pressing this keystroke opens Leasey Notes in a minimal Quick Note window.
It contains:
Note text Edit Field.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
That is all.
Type the note, press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space. You can also press Control+S to save the Quick Note immediately. Press F7 to spell check the Quick Note before saving it. If Leasey Notes is in Advanced Notes mode, the note is saved in a category called QuickNotes. If QuickNotes does not already exist, Leasey Notes creates it. If Leasey Notes is in Simple Notes mode, the note is saved as a top-level note so it appears in the Simple Notes list.
The note title is the date and time in a friendly form, such as:
May 3 2026 at 5:10 PM
JAWS should announce:
Quick note saved to QuickNotes followed by the note title.
In Simple Notes mode, JAWS should announce:
Quick note saved followed by the note title.
At your leisure, you can return to the note in the QuickNotes category and do a number of things:
Probably rename it with F2.
Copy it to the Clipboard with Control+C and paste the content into an existing note.
Move it to a category of your choosing once it has been renamed.
Quick Note in Simple Notes Mode.
If Leasey Notes is in Simple Notes mode, Quick Note creates a top-level note. This means the note appears in the Simple Notes list.
JAWS should announce:
Quick note saved followed by the note title.
Part 4. Backup and Options.
Automatic Backups.
Leasey Notes keeps automatic backups of the notes database. If there is no backup when Leasey Notes starts, one is created automatically. When the notes database changes, Leasey Notes keeps a dated backup before the new version is saved. Routine saves are limited to one automatic backup per minute so the restore list does not become cluttered. Creating notes or categories creates an immediate restore point after the new item has been saved. Destructive actions such as deleting notes, deleting categories, moving categories, and restoring from backup still create an immediate backup first. The most recent 50 backups are kept.
To restore a backup:
Step 1. Press Control+Comma to open Options.
Step 2. Press the Tab key to move to the Backups list.
Step 3. Press the Down Arrow key to choose a date and time, such as May 7 2026 4:15:32 AM.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Leasey Notes asks you to confirm the restore. Before restoring the selected backup, Leasey Notes makes a backup of the current notes database.
If the restore succeeds, JAWS should announce:
Backup restored
Options Dialog.
Press Control+Comma to open Options.
The Options dialog is where you choose how Leasey Notes should open and where important safety settings are configured. Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Choosing Simple or Advanced Notes.
The first choice in Options is how Leasey Notes should open. Press the Down Arrow key to move through the Radio Buttons.
Choose Advanced Notes if you want:
Categories.
Attachments.
Web links.
Related notes.
Advanced fields.
Export.
Power-user features.
Choose Simple Notes if you want:
A plain list of top-level notes.
The note text Edit Field.
Very little else.
Changing this option does not delete notes. It only changes which interface Leasey Notes opens next time.
Confirm Deletion.
This is a Check Box. If Confirm deletion is checked, Leasey Notes asks before deleting or removing items. If Confirm deletion is unchecked, pressing Delete carries out the deletion or removal without asking first. Only disable this if you are very confident. The automatic backup system is still available, but avoiding accidental deletion is always better than restoring afterwards.
Audio Recording Format.
This is a Combo Box. The Audio recording format setting controls the format used for new audio notes.
The choices are:
WAV.
MP3 128K.
MP3 192K.
WAV is the simplest format and preserves the original behaviour. MP3 creates smaller files. Press Down arrow to select a recording format.
Default Export Folder.
The Default export folder is the folder Save dialogs use first when you export notes.
This is useful if you regularly export notes to the same place, such as:
Documents.
Dropbox.
OneDrive.
A folder used for sending reports
Type the folder path, or Tab to Browse for export folder and choose it using standard Windows techniques which were fully described earlier.
Press the Tab key to move to the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
The next time you export a note, category or all notes, the export dialog starts in that folder.
Notes Data Location.
This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Backups List.
The Backups list shows restore points for the notes database. Move through the list with Up Arrow and Down Arrow. The entries are shown in a friendly date and time format.
To restore a backup:
Step 1. Move to the backup you want.
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. Confirm the restore.
Leasey Notes backs up the current database before restoring the selected backup.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Starting and Quick Capture.
Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+N starts Leasey Notes.
Leasey Key then Control+Windows+N opens Quick Note.
Control+S saves a Quick Note from the Quick Note window.
F7 spell checks a Quick Note before saving.
General Note Commands.
Control+N creates a new note.
Control+Shift+T creates a new note from a field template in Advanced Notes mode.
Control+Shift+N creates a new category in Advanced Notes mode.
Control+S saves notes.
F2 renames the selected note, category, link or field where supported.
Delete deletes or removes the selected item where supported.
Control+C copies the selected note from the tree view, the selected attachment from the Attachments list, the selected link address from the Links list, or the selected field from the Advanced Note field list.
Enter opens the selected note in read only view from the tree view.
Alt+F4 exits Leasey Notes.
Simple Notes Mode.
Control+N creates a new Simple Note.
Control+S saves the current Simple Note.
F2 renames the selected Simple Note.
Delete deletes the selected Simple Note.
Control+F finds text in the current Simple Note.
F3 finds the next match.
Shift+F3 finds the previous match.
Control+Shift+F searches all Simple Notes.
Control+Shift+S sorts the Simple Notes list alphabetically.
Moving Around the Main Window.
Tab moves through the main controls.
Shift+Tab moves backwards through the main controls.
Escape from the Note text Edit Field saves and returns to the tree or notes list.
Escape from the Attachments, Links, Related notes or field copy Buttons returns to the Notes tree view.
Control+Alt+E moves to the Note text Edit Field.
Control+Alt+A moves to the Attachments list.
Control+Alt+L moves to the Links list.
Control+Alt+R moves to the Related notes list.
Alt+Left Arrow returns to the previous note after following a related note.
Tree View and Simple Notes List.
Right Arrow opens a closed category.
Left Arrow closes an open category or moves to the parent category.
Typing the first few letters of a visible item moves to that item.
Applications Key or Shift+F10 opens the context menu.
Control+Shift+Y opens Recent Notes.
Control+Shift+S sorts notes alphabetically in the current category, or sorts the Simple Notes list in Simple Notes mode.
Moving, Assigning and Removing Category Connections.
Alt+U moves the selected note, category or list item up where supported.
Alt+D moves the selected note, category or list item down where supported.
Control+M moves the selected note or category to another category.
Control+Shift+M assigns the selected note to an additional category.
Alt+R removes the selected note from the current category where applicable.
Undo.
Control+Z undoes the last app-level action from the Notes tree view.
Control+Shift+Z opens Undo History from the Notes tree view.
Finding, Searching and Replacing.
Control+F finds text in the current note.
F3 finds the next occurrence.
Shift+F3 finds the previous occurrence.
Control+H opens Find and Replace for the current note.
Control+Shift+F searches across notes.
Editing Note Text.
Control+U changes selected text, or the whole note, to upper case.
Control+L changes selected text, or the whole note, to lower case.
Control+T changes selected text, or the whole note, to title case.
Control+Delete deletes the next word and speaks the newly focused word.
Spell Check and Word Count.
F7 opens Spell Check.
Tab moves to the next control in the Spell Check dialog.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control in the Spell Check dialog.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or Alt+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the current sentence in the Spell Check dialog.
Alt+A activates Change All.
Alt+G activates Ignore All.
Alt+D activates Add.
Alt+F activates Finish.
Escape cancels spell checking.
Control+Shift+W reports the word and character count for the current note.
Attachments and Audio Notes.
Control+Shift+A attaches a file to the selected note.
Attach Folder is available from the context menu.
Control+Shift+P opens Record Audio Note.
Control+O opens the selected attachment.
Control+Shift+O opens the attachment folder.
Control+C copies the selected attachment file or folder to the Windows clipboard.
Delete removes the selected attachment from the note.
In the Record Audio Note dialog:
Alt+R starts recording or resumes recording.
Alt+P pauses recording.
Alt+S stops recording.
Links.
Control+Shift+L adds a web link to the selected note.
Enter opens the selected link from the Links list.
F2 renames the selected link.
Delete deletes the selected link.
Control+C copies the selected link address.
Alt+U moves the selected link up.
Alt+D moves the selected link down.
Advanced Fields.
Control+Shift+D opens Advanced Note Fields.
Control+C copies the selected field text from the Fields list.
Delete deletes the selected field from the Fields list.
Enter or Space on a field copy Button copies that field from the main window.
Enter or Space on Save as Template saves the current note fields as a reusable template.
Control+Shift+T opens Choose Template to create a new note from a field template.
Delete in the Choose Template list deletes the selected template.
Copy Note and Fields is available from the note context menu.
Related Notes.
Control+Shift+R opens the Related Notes manager.
Control+Alt+R moves directly to the Related notes list in the main window.
Enter opens the selected related note.
Delete removes the selected related note connection in the Related Notes manager.
Alt+Left Arrow returns to the previous note after following a related note.
Read Only View.
Enter opens the selected note in read only view from the Notes tree view.
Enter opens the selected attachment, link, or related note from the read only view lists.
Escape closes read only view.
Importing and Exporting.
Control+E exports the selected note or category.
Control+Shift+E exports all notes.
Import Text Files from Folder is available from the context menu in Advanced Notes mode.
Options.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Enter on a backup in the Backups list restores that backup after confirmation.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Diary and Leasey Tasks are designed to help you keep track of time-based information.
Leasey Diary is for appointments and events. These are things which happen at a particular date and time, such as a meeting, medical appointment, radio show, training session, birthday reminder or telephone call.
Leasey Tasks is for things you need to do. A task may have a due date, priority, category, percentage complete, reminder, notes or an attachment, but it is not necessarily an appointment.
The two features work well together because life is not only made up of calendar entries. Sometimes you need to be somewhere. Sometimes you need to remember to do something. Leasey gives you a way to manage both.
Collectively, they are referred to as Leasey Diary. That is the name of the application.
Starting Leasey Diary.
To start Leasey Diary, press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+Y.
The main Leasey Diary screen appears. You can press the Tab key to move through the controls.
General Layout.
Leasey Diary itself is built around three main views:
Day view.
Week view.
Month view.
You can move between these views with:
Alt+1 for Day view.
Alt+2 for Week view.
Alt+3 for Month view.
or by selecting the appropriate Radio Buttons from the main Leasey Diary screen. Note that the Radio Button group contains four items, the fourth being Leasey Tasks. This is described in a later section of this document.
Leasey Diary.
Overview.
When you launch Leasey Diary, it always starts at today's date, which you can return to by pressing Alt+T.
One of the nicest features of Leasey Diary is that JAWS announces useful information automatically as you move around. When you switch to a different view, JAWS speaks the number of appointments in that period. For example, when you move to Day view, Week view or Month view, you are told how many appointments are in the selected day, week or month.
If you use Go to Date with Control+G and move to another date, JAWS also announces the number of appointments for that day automatically. Similarly, if you move through the days, weeks or months manually by selecting them from the provided Combo Box, JAWS will always announce the number of appointments for the selected range. This makes it much easier to check quickly how busy a date is without having to explore the screen manually.
Moving Around the Main Window.
The main window contains date and view controls and the appointments list.
You can press Tab to move through the application systematically. Listen to the keystrokes JAWS announces as they will speed up navigation. For example, Alt+D will focus upon the day picker Combo Box. Alt+L moves focus straight to the list of appointments for a given day, week or month. If focus is on one of the main date controls for the current view, such as the day, week or month Combo Box, pressing Enter moves directly into the appointments list for that selection. If focus is in the appointments list, pressing Escape moves back to the first date control for the current view.
Selecting the View.
You can choose between Day View, Week View or Month View.
Selecting the Day View.
This is by far the easiest view to work with.
Step 1. Press Alt+1 to select Day View.
Step 2. Press Tab.
Step 3. You are now on the first of three Combo Boxes. The first Combo Box allows you to move through the days. Press Up or Down Arrow to move through them. As you do so, JAWS announces the day of the week, the date and how many appointments there are, such as "Tuesday 23 June, 1 appointment".
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the Month Combo Box.
Step 5. Press Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the months from January to December.
Step 6. Press Tab to reach the Year Combo Box.
Step 7. Select the year from 2025 through to 2030.
Step 8. Press Tab once more and you focus upon the appointments for that date. Pressing Enter from the Day Combo Box would achieve the same effect.
Pressing Escape from the appointments list returns to the day Combo Box.
Selecting the Week View.
Step 1. Press Alt+2 to select Week View. You will notice as you do that JAWS announces the number of appointments for the focused week.
Step 2. Press Tab.
Step 3. You are now on the first of three Combo Boxes. The first Combo Box allows you to move through the weeks. Press Up or Down Arrow to move through them. As you do so, JAWS announces the days of the week, the dates and how many appointments there are, such as "Monday 15 June to Sunday 21 June, 7 appointments".
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the Month Combo Box.
Step 5. Press Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the months from January to December.
Step 6. Press Tab to reach the Year Combo Box.
Step 7. Select the year from 2025 through to 2030.
Step 8. Press Tab once more and you focus upon the appointments for that week. Pressing Enter from the Week Combo Box would achieve the same effect.
Pressing Escape from the appointments list returns to the week Combo Box.
Selecting the Month View.
Step 1. Press Alt+3 to select Month View. You will notice as you do that JAWS announces the number of appointments for the focused month.
Step 2. Press Tab.
Step 3. You are now on the first of two Combo Boxes. The first Combo Box allows you to move through the months. Press Up or Down Arrow to move through them. As you do so, JAWS announces the months of the year and how many appointments there are, such as "July, 15 appointments".
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the Year Combo Box.
Step 5. Select the year from 2025 through to 2030.
Step 6. Press Tab once more and you focus upon the appointments for that month. Pressing Enter from the month Combo Box would achieve the same effect.
Pressing Escape from the appointments list returns to the month Combo Box. The Appointments List.
When focus is in the appointments list:
Up and Down arrow keys move through appointments. JAWS speaks brief details of the appointment. Enter opens the selected appointment in a read-only view. Press Down Arrow to move through the details. The Tab key can be pressed to move through elements of the appointment, such as to a meeting link or file attachment. Press Enter to open a meeting link or file attachment. Alt+E edits the selected appointment. Delete removes the selected appointment.
If there are no appointments in the selected period, Leasey Diary will tell you.
Useful Navigation Commands.
Control+G opens Go to Date.
Go to Date accepts ordinary numeric dates according to your selected date format, and it also accepts entries such as:
6 May.
May 6.
6 May 2026.
May 6 2026.
today.
tomorrow.
4 weeks from now.
The term "now" refers to the focused date.
If you enter a month and day without a year, Leasey Diary assumes you mean the next matching date from today onward.
You can also press Control+F. This allows you to enter a search string which must be present in the Subject field or appointment notes.
You can then press Tab to reach three possible options:
Search Entire Calendar. This will bring into a list all appointments which exist in the calendar containing the search string. Press Enter on any one of them to move to it. Search From This Date Forward. Selecting this option will take you to the next occurrence of an appointment containing the text string. Search From This Date Backward. Selecting this option will take you to the previous occurrence of an appointment containing the text string.
When the choice has been made, press Tab to reach the Search Button and press Enter or Space.
If you have chosen the second or third of these options, press F3 to move to the next occurrence or Shift+F3 to move back.
Moving to a Specific Date.
One of the most useful commands listed above is Control+G. This will allow you to move to a specific date.
Step 1. Open Leasey Diary. The application always starts at today's date.
Step 2. Press Control+G.
Step 3. Type a date as directed above, such as 10 October 2026 or October 10 2026.
Step 4. Press Enter. Focus moves to the date. JAWS announces it together with how many appointments there are for the current date.
Creating a New Appointment.
Press Control+N to create a new appointment.
The appointment dialog includes the following fields:
Start Date.
End date.
Time type.
Start time.
End time.
Subject.
Meeting link.
Meeting attachment.
Do not include this in conflict warnings.
Repeat pattern.
Repeat every.
Repeat ends.
Occurrence count.
= Until date.
- Reminder options.
- Create Advanced Reminder.
- Notes.
About the Appointment Fields.
Press the Tab key to move through the appointment creation fields.
Start Date and End date Edit Fields.
Use these for the appointment date range. A one-day appointment can use the same start and end date. You can enter ordinary dates in your chosen format, written dates such as 19 June or June 19, and simple relative dates such as today, tomorrow, now, or 4 weeks from now. Relative dates are worked out from the currently selected diary date. So if you had previously used Go to Date with Control+G, and moved to 1 August, we mean 4 weeks from 1 August.
When you leave the field by pressing Tab, Leasey Diary speaks the resolved weekday and date so it is easier to catch mistakes. This is an incredibly useful feature.
Time type Combo Box.
You can choose All day, Specific time, Morning, Afternoon or Evening. Press Down Arrow to move through the choices.
Start time and End time Edit Fields.
If you choose Specific time, you can enter times in 24-hour format or with AM/PM.
Examples include:
13:00.
5:00PM.
5 PM.
If the End date is later than the Start date, Leasey Diary also allows overnight times. For example, a Start time of 21:45 and an End time of 06:00 is valid if the End date is the following day.
Subject Edit Field.
This is the main title of the appointment. It is a one line summary describing the appointment.
Meeting link.
You can place a Zoom, Teams or other online meeting link here.
Meeting attachment Edit Field and Button.
You can attach a file path if you want to keep a related document with the appointment. This might be a meeting agenda for example. An Edit Field is available into which a full file path can be typed or pasted. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the Browse Button, whereupon you can browse to a file on the computer.
Do not include this in conflict warnings Check Box.
Check this box for informational entries that should stay in the diary but should not trigger conflict warnings if you try to save an appointment which potentially coincides with another. This is useful for items such as reminders, notes about someone being away, or other entries you want to see on the calendar without treating them as diary clashes.
Repeat Pattern settings Combo Box.
Appointments can be set not to repeat, or to repeat daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. Press Down Arrow to move through the choices. If one of the repeat options is selected, press Tab to move through repeat configuration fields. You can choose whether the repeating appointment never ends, ends after a number of occurrences, or ends on a particular date.
The first field is entitled "Repeat Every" and reflects the range you choose in the previous field. You type a value into this field. For example, if you had selected that the appointment should repeat every week, pressing Tab from that point would cause JAWS to say "Repeat every one week". If you wanted your appointment to be recurring each fortnight, type a value of 2 to represent two weeks.
Next comes the "Repeat Ends" Combo Box. The values are "No End Date", "Ends after a number of occurrences" and "ends on date". Having selected one of these with the Dow Arrow key, press Tab to move into a field which allows you to control when the repeat ends. For example, if you had selected "End on date", pressing Tab would allow you to type a date on which the appointment recurrence should finish.
Set Reminder Check Box.
Checking this box would allow you to set a reminder for the appointment. The process for doing so will be described in the next section.
Create Advanced Reminder Check Box.
Checking this box allows you to specify the number of days ahead you would like an appointment set. If checked, pressing Tab moves to an Edit Field allowing you to enter the number of days ahead. Checking this box will not create a reminder. It will create an appointment in the diary the specified number of days ahead. For example, if Emily's birthday falls on 4 November, you might want to be reminded several days ahead so you can buy her a gift. Checking the box allows you to press Tab to reach the "Days Before" Edit Field. Enter a number of days, such as 5.
Notes multi-line Edit Field.
Use this for any extra detail you want to store with the appointment.
Save Button.
Press Enter or Space to save the appointment.
In summary, don't forget that you can press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) on any appointment field to get a reminder of its purpose.
Reminders.
As indicated above, Leasey Diary includes reminders for timed appointments.
To set a reminder:
Step 1. Create or edit an appointment. Press Tab to move through the fields as described in the previous section.
Step 2. Choose Specific time as the time type.
Step 3. Check the Set reminder Check Box.
Step 4. Choose how many minutes before the appointment the reminder should occur.
Step 5. Choose the reminder method.
There are three reminder methods. These are displayed in a Combo Box. Press the Down Arrow key to move through the choices. Speech Sound Speech and Sound
Step 6. If Speech is chosen, you can enter the message that should be displayed in a Dialog Box. Press Tab to reach the message Edit Field.
Step 7. If one of the sound options are chosen, you can type a sound file path, browse to a file, or activate the Choose Button to pick from built-in JAWS and Windows sounds. Press Tab to move through the fields relating to these options. If you press Enter or Space on the Choose Sound Button, a list of sounds is made available. Press the Down Arrow key to move through the choices. Press the Tab key to reach the Preview Button and press Enter or Space to hear the sound. If you find a sound you like, press Tab to reach the Choose Button and press Enter or Space.
If Speech and Sound is chosen, you can supply both the message and the sound.
When you choose or browse to a sound, Leasey Diary remembers that sound and offers it again as the default next time.
Step 8. If you always prefer the same reminder style, open Options with Control+Comma and set Default reminder method. New appointment reminders and new task reminders will then begin with that method already selected.
Reminders are intended to be practical and flexible. For example, you might want a spoken reminder saying what the appointment is, or you may prefer a sound alert.
Step 9. Important note: If you wish reminders to be monitored when your computer starts, open Options with Control+Comma and ensure Minimize to system tray on close is checked. The Options dialog will be fully described later.
Editing An Existing Appointment.
To edit an existing appointment:
Step 1. Find the appointment you wish to edit.
Step 2. Press Alt+E.
Step 3. This opens the appointment editing Dialog Box which is identical to the create new appointment Dialog Box. You can change any part of the appointment you wish including adding notes, browsing for a file attachment or setting a reminder.
Step 4. Tab to the Save Button and press Enter or Space.
in every way Duplicating appointments
If you wish an appointment to be duplicated:
Step 1. First, find the appointment concerned.
Step 2. Press Alt+U to activate the Duplicate Button.
Step 3. You are then presented with a Combo Box. The caption reads Choose when the copied appointment should take place. Press Down Arrow to move through the options, which are:
Same date, open in editor.
Tomorrow.
1 week from original date.
2 weeks from original date.
1 month from original date.
3 months from original date.
1 year from original date.
Custom Date. Activating this option sets focus to a custom date field. Type the date as prompted.
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the Continue Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 5. The New Appointment window is displayed. You can press Tab to move through the elements and modify as necessary. Activate the Save Button so as to save the appointment.
The Tools Menu.
The Tools menu can be opened with Alt+Comma. Most tools have direct shortcut keys applied so that accessing this menu is not always necessary.
Useful Tools commands include:
Control+Shift+Y to copy today's date.
Control+Shift+W for What day is this?
Control+Shift+D for Get days from dates.
Control+Shift+P for Days of future and past.
In addition:
Export whole diary as text. Allows you to export the diary to a text file. Export whole diary as ICS. Allows you to export the diary to an ICS file, where it may be possible to import to another calendar.
Some of the tools require clarification:
Copy Today's Date. Control+Shift+Y.
Today's date is now copied to the clipboard according to your date regional format.
What Day Is This? Control+Shift+W.
Activating this item will bring into view an Edit Field and, when a date is entered into it and the Enter key pressed, it will place the day on which it falls into an Edit Field for review. This function can also be used for days in the past. So if you wanted to find out on which day your sister was born, type in her date of birth. Pressing Enter will cause the day to be displayed in an Edit Field. Press Escape to return to Leasey Diary.
Get Days From Dates. Control+Shift+D.
"Get Days From Dates" allows you to specify two dates and Leasey will advise you how many days are between them.
This requires two pieces of information, essentially two dates. When the menu item is activated, as prompted type in the first date.
Pressing Enter prompts for the second date which you should type into the Edit Field.
Press Enter and the response will be displayed in an Edit Field, such as:
3654 days inclusive of the start date and end date. Press Escape to return to Leasey Diary.
Days of Future and Past. Control+Shift+P.
This is the reverse procedure of the above item, "Get Days From Dates".
Let us assume someone wishes to book an appointment with you in 14 days from today. You may not be sure on which date that falls. In point of fact Leasey Diary already has better ways of obtaining this information as previously discussed, however this is a legacy feature which has been retained.
When the menu item is activated, type in the number of days forward for which you wish to know the date, such as 14. Then press Enter. This tool searches from today's date, not the date currently focused in the diary which could be quite different. The date is returned in an Edit Field. Press Escape to return to Leasey Diary.
The "Days of Future and Past" feature, as the name suggests, can also work in the reverse direction. If you insert a minus sign prior to the number of days, such as -14, you will hear what the date was, in our example, two weeks prior to today.
Import from old Leasey Diary.
If you used the previous Leasey Diary, Leasey can import appointments from that older calendar file.
This command is available with Alt+Z.
The import looks for the older Leasey Diary calendar file automatically. If the file is found, Leasey imports appointments from it and skips anything which already appears to exist in the new diary.
This is particularly helpful if:
you are moving from an earlier Leasey build you have gone back to an older copy for reference you want to bring legacy appointments into the current diary without typing them again
To import from the previous Leasey Diary:
Step 1. Open Leasey Diary.
Step 2. Press Alt+Z.
Step 3. If the older calendar file is found, Leasey imports what it can and then displays a read-only summary showing how many appointments were imported.
Step 4. Press Escape, Enter or Numpad Enter to close the summary and return to the diary.
If Leasey cannot find the older calendar file, a message is displayed to let you know.
Phone Calendar Subscription.
Leasey Diary can also keep a read-only calendar file updated for use on a phone or tablet. This does not send your diary to Hartgen Consultancy. Instead, Leasey Diary writes an ICS file to a folder you choose, for example Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive or iCloud Drive. You then create a sharing link to that file and subscribe to the link from your calendar app.
This is a complex procedure to work through and it is recommended that you only do so if you feel you really need to.
To open this feature, press Alt+Comma for the Tools menu and choose Phone calendar subscription.
When the Dialog Box is displayed, press the Tab key to move through the fields.
The Phone Calendar Subscription window includes:
Calendar file path.
Browse.
Include notes.
Include meeting links.
Include attachment paths.
Subscription URL, optional.
Check subscription URL.
Copy subscription URL.
Publish now.
Save and close.
How to set it up.
Step 1. Move to the Calendar file path Edit Field.
Step 2. Type a path manually or Tab to the Browse Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. If you use Dropbox, it is a good idea to save the file straight into your Dropbox folder now, for example:
Leasey Diary.ics
Step 4. Quoted paths copied from File Explorer are accepted.
Step 5. Decide whether you want notes, meeting links or attachment paths included in the published calendar. For privacy, it is sensible to think carefully before including extra information. This is a Check Box which you can check or uncheck as appropriate.
Step 6. Tab to the Save and Close Button and press Enter or Space.
Save and close will save the settings and create or update the ICS file at the path you chose.
Step 7. Publish now is available if you later want to force an immediate refresh without changing the settings.
How to create the Dropbox link.
Once the ICS file has been created:
Step 1. Open your Dropbox folder in File Explorer or Leasey File Manager.
Step 2. Find the file you created, for example Leasey Diary.ics.
Step 3. Open the Context Menu on that file.
Step 4. Choose Copy Dropbox Link. If you are using Leasey File Manager, select the Dropbox menu item, then select Copy Dropbox Link as Download.
Step 5. When the link has been copied to the clipboard, return to Leasey Diary.
Checking the link.
Step 1. Open Phone calendar subscription again if needed.
Step 2. Move to the Subscription URL Edit Field.
Step 3. Paste the Dropbox link into that field.
Step 4. Press the Check subscription URL Button. This is a useful step because Leasey Diary will try to tell you whether the link appears to point directly to the calendar file.
Step 5. If the link looks suitable, Leasey Diary will tell you that it looks like a calendar subscription link.
Step 6. If the link does not appear to return the calendar file directly, Leasey Diary will warn you that your calendar app may not be able to subscribe to it.
Important note about Dropbox links.
Dropbox links sometimes end with:
dl=0
Leasey Diary will automatically change that to:
dl=1
This is done because a direct calendar subscription link is usually more likely to work with dl=1 than dl=0.
Subscribing on your phone.
Once the link has been checked, copy it if needed and use your phone or calendar service to subscribe to it. The exact steps depend on whether you are using Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook or another app, but the important point is that you subscribe to the link rather than importing the file manually each time.
After setup.
Once the phone calendar path has been saved, Leasey Diary will keep updating that ICS file when appointments change. This means your shared calendar file should stay current without needing a full export every time. If you want to stop this happening, clear the Calendar file path field and press Save and close.
Your calendar service will have the ability to add an additional calendar to subscribe to. With Google Calendar as an example, this is called Add Calendar. The option you then require is URL. You will want to paste the URL into the URL field which becomes available. If you have misplaced the URL, you can go back into Leasey Diary, Phone Calendar Subscription, and a Button is available, Copy Subscription URL.
Your calendar service may have an option where you can rename the diary to something more suitable.
For example with Google Calendar:
Step 1. Find the Other Calendars section and expand it.
Step 2. Find the calendar with the Dropbox link associated with it.
Step 3. You should see an Options Button for the calendar.
Step 4. Activate the Button and the rename item should be available. This can be changed to Leasey Diary as an example.
Disabling the Phone Subscription.
If you no longer want Leasey Diary to keep updating the phone calendar file, open Phone calendar subscription, delete everything from the Calendar file path Edit Field, Tab to Save and close and press Enter. Deleting the ICS file on its own is not enough, because if the saved path is still present, Leasey Diary will recreate the file the next time it publishes.
Tasks.
From within the main Leasey Diary application, press Alt+4 to move to Leasey Tasks or select it from the Radio Button group described earlier in this chapter.
Tasks are for things you need to do rather than places you need to be. A task can be very simple, such as "Email the support team", or more detailed, with a due date, category, priority, percentage complete, reminder, file attachment and notes.
This means Leasey Tasks can work in at least three useful ways:
as a simple to-do list as a dated task list where you want certain jobs due by a particular day as a gentle follow-up system with reminders and repeating chores
Tasks and the diary are linked where helpful. If a task has a possible completion date, Leasey can show a Task Due entry in the diary for that day. If the task is completed, Leasey updates the linked diary entry automatically.
Understanding the Tasks Screen.
When you move to Leasey Tasks, the main controls are:
Task status filter List Box.
Task category filter List Box.
Task priority filter List Box.
Tasks list. Again, this is a List Box.
Press Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the lists.
The filters allow you to narrow the list quickly before you even move into the tasks themselves. For example, you could look only at High priority tasks, or only tasks in a category such as Work or Education.
The task status filters can show:
All tasks.
Not started and in progress.
Not started.
In progress.
Waiting.
Completed.
Past due.
Past due is calculated automatically. If a task has a due date and that date has passed without the task being completed, Leasey treats it as Past due.
Creating a Simple Task.
The easiest way to learn Tasks is to begin with something straightforward.
Step 1. Press Alt+4 to move to Leasey Tasks.
Step 2. Press Control+N.
Step 3. In the Task Edit Field, type the task name, such as:
Email the support team
Step 4. Press Tab to the Possible completion date field. If the task does not need a due date, leave it blank. If it does need one, type a date such as 25 June 2026.
Step 5. Press Tab to the Task repeats field. Leave this at Does not repeat for now. It is a Combo Box with options.
Step 6. Press Tab through the remaining fields as needed. You can choose a status, type or choose a category, choose a priority, set a percentage complete, attach a file, add a reminder, and type notes. With most of the controls just mentioned, again use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the options. With percentage complete, type a value such as 50 to represent 50 percent. Don't forget too that you can press Insert+F1 if you are not sure what to do.
Step 7. Press Enter to save. You do not need to tab all the way to Save.
That is the basic pattern. You can keep tasks very short and only fill in extra information when it is helpful.
Creating a More Detailed Task.
Here is a more realistic example.
Suppose you need to send in medical forms before an appointment.
Step 1. Press Control+N from the Tasks view.
Step 2. In the Task field, type:
Fill out medical forms
Step 3. In Possible completion date, type:
02/07/2026
Step 4. In Task category, type:
Health
Step 5. In Task priority, choose:
High
Step 6. In Percentage complete, leave it at 0 for now.
Step 7. If the forms are stored on the computer, move to Task attachment and type or browse to the file. There is an Edit Field for typing or pasting a full file path or a Browse Button allowing you to browse to a file on the computer.
Step 8. If you want reminding, check Set task reminder and fill in the date, time, method and message.
Step 9. In Notes, add anything helpful, such as:
Take insurance details and previous appointment letter
Step 10. Press Enter to save.
Now the task is not only on your task list. Because it has a due date, it can also appear in the diary as a Task Due entry for that day.
Reviewing the Task List.
Once tasks exist, the list becomes the centre of your workflow.
Step 1. Press Alt+4 to move to Tasks.
Step 2. Press Tab until focus reaches the Tasks list, or press Alt+L.
Step 3. Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the tasks.
As you move, JAWS speaks the task title, status, due date if present, category if present, priority if present, and percentage complete if it is above 0.
Step 4. Press Enter to open the selected task in a read-only view.
Step 5. Read through the details with the Arrow keys. If an attachment is present, press Tab to move to it and press Enter to open it.
Step 6. Press Escape to return to the task list.
Editing a Task.
To edit an existing task:
Step 1. Move to the task you want.
Step 2. Press Alt+E.
Step 3. Change any details you wish. For example, you may want to update the notes, change the category, add an attachment, or increase Percentage complete from 25 to 50.
Step 4. Press Enter to save.
Changing Task Status.
There are two easy ways to change a task status.
Method 1. Use Alt+S.
Step 1. Focus the task in the list.
Step 2. Press Alt+S.
Step 3. Choose the new status from the Combo Box by pressing the Down Arrow key.
Step 4. Press Enter to save.
Method 2. Use the quick status keys while focused in the tasks list.
Focus on a task and then press:
Control+1 sets Not started.
Control+2 sets In progress.
Control+3 sets Waiting.
Control+4 sets Completed.
This is particularly useful when working through a long list.
If you complete a task that has a diary due entry or task reminder, Leasey updates those linked items automatically.
Using Categories and Priorities.
Categories and priorities are there to make the list easier to manage. They are optional, but once you start using them they become very powerful.
For example, you might create categories such as:
Work.
Education.
Finance.
Health.
Gaming.
Category names are matched sensibly, so Work and work are treated as the same category rather than two separate ones.
Priority lets you choose:
Low.
Medium.
High.
A practical example might be:
Task: Renew prescription.
Category: Health.
Priority: High.
Task: Braille board game labels.
Category: Gaming.
Priority: Medium.
Task: Read newsletter.
Category: Leisure.
Priority: Low.
You can then move to the Category or Priority filters and narrow the list quickly.
Using the Filters.
The filters within the Tasks view are ideal when your list starts to grow.
Step 1. Move to Tasks with Alt+4.
Step 2. Press Tab to the Task status filter.
Step 3. Use Up or Down Arrow to choose the type of tasks you want to review, for example:
Not started and in progress.
Past due.
Completed.
Step 4. Press Tab to the Category filter if required, and choose a category such as Work or Health.
Step 5. Press Tab to the Priority filter if required, and choose High, Medium or Low.
Step 6. Press Tab or press Alt+L to move into the filtered task list.
This is especially helpful if you want to ask yourself a practical question such as:
What still needs attention today?
Which Work items are high priority?
What is now Past due?
Task Reminders.
Tasks can have reminders just like appointments, except that the reminder date and time are set directly for the task. This is useful when the reminder moment is not the same as the task due date.
For example, a task may be due on Friday, but you may want the reminder on Wednesday morning.
Creating a reminder is similar for creating one in the diary.
To create a task reminder:
Step 1. Create or edit a task.
Step 2. Check Set task reminder.
Step 3. Type the reminder date.
Step 4. Type the reminder time.
Step 5. Choose the reminder method:
Speech.
Sound.
Speech and Sound.
Step 6. If using Speech, type the message you want displayed.
Step 7. If using Sound or Speech and Sound, browse to a sound or choose one from the built-in sound list.
Step 8. Press Enter to save the task.
If the task is later completed before the reminder occurs, Leasey suppresses that reminder.
Task Attachments.
An attachment allows the task to point to a file on the computer without copying the file into the task itself.
This is very useful for things such as:
a document you must review.
a form you need to complete.
a journal or gratitude file you want to open each day.
a spreadsheet connected with the task.
If the task is deleted, Leasey does not delete the file. The task simply stops pointing to it.
Percentage Complete.
Percentage complete is optional, but it is useful when a task is underway and not simply waiting to be started or marked complete.
Examples:
0 means you have not really started.
25 means you have begun but there is plenty left to do.
50 means you are halfway through.
100 would normally suggest you should simply mark the task as Completed.
This is especially useful for tasks such as:
drafting a report.
working through training notes.
preparing conference materials.
brailling a large set of game cards over several days.
Repeating Tasks.
Leasey Tasks can also repeat. This is intended to keep recurring chores and reviews simple, without turning the task list into a complicated project manager.
When creating or editing a task, you will find two recurrence fields:
Task repeats.
Repeat every.
Task repeats lets you choose:
Does not repeat.
Daily.
Weekly.
Monthly.
Yearly.
Repeat every lets you choose the interval.
For example:
Daily with Repeat every set to 1 means every day.
Weekly with Repeat every set to 1 means every week.
Monthly with Repeat every set to 3 means every 3 months.
Yearly with Repeat every set to 1 means once a year.
Important:
Recurring tasks must have a Possible completion date. This gives Leasey a date from which it can calculate the next occurrence.
How recurring tasks work.
Each recurring task is still a normal task. You can give it a category, priority, reminder, attachment and notes just like any other task.
When you mark a recurring task as Completed:
The current occurrence is kept in your task list as completed Its diary due entry is removed, because that occurrence is finished Its task reminder is cleared, because that reminder has been used The next occurrence is created automatically using the recurrence pattern you chose
This means you can keep a record of what you have already done, while still getting the next task created for you automatically.
If the recurring task had a task reminder, the reminder is moved forward to match the next occurrence. For example, if the reminder was two days before the due date, the next task reminder will also be two days before the next due date.
Example: annual subscription review.
Suppose you want to review a yearly subscription before you are charged again.
You could create a task like this:
Task: Review music subscription.
Possible completion date: 01/09/2026.
Task repeats: Yearly.
Repeat every: 1.
Task reminder: enabled.
Reminder date: 25/08/2026.
Reminder time: 09:00.
Reminder method: Speak a message.
Reminder message: Review music subscription.
When 1 September 2026 comes around, the task will appear with its due date in the usual way. When you complete it, Leasey keeps that completed task for your records and automatically creates the next one due on 1 September 2027. The reminder also moves forward to 25 August 2027.
Example: weekly chore.
Suppose you want to remind yourself to put the bins out every week.
You could create:
Task: Put bins out.
Possible completion date: 18/06/2026.
Task repeats: Weekly.
Repeat every: 1.
When you mark that occurrence completed, the next weekly task is created automatically one week later.
Example: small daily target.
Suppose you are working through a large game-accessibility job and want to do a small amount each day.
You could create:
Task: Braille 5 sets of cards.
Possible completion date: 19/06/2026.
Task repeats: Daily.
Repeat every: 1.
Each time you complete the task, the next day's occurrence is created automatically.
Creating an Appointment or Task From Anywhere.
It is possible to create an appointment or task from within any application, even if Leasey Diary is not running.
Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+T to create a new task. Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+A to create a new appointment.
Options.
Press Control+Comma to open Options.
Options allow you to change how Leasey Diary behaves generally, rather than working with one specific appointment or task.
Press the Tab key to move through the options.
The Options dialog includes:
Minimize to system tray on close Check Box.
Time display Radio Buttons.
Week starts Combo Box.
Default reminder method Combo Box.
Data location Edit Field.
Browse Button.
Restore to Location Default Button.
Minimize to system tray on close.
If Minimize to system tray on close is checked, pressing Alt+F4 does not fully close Leasey Diary. Instead, it stays available in the system tray.
When you check this box, Leasey Diary also creates the Windows Startup entry it needs in order to start automatically and remain in the tray. Because Leasey Diary requires JAWS to be running, Leasey will ask you to confirm that JAWS is also configured to start automatically after login.
Time display.
Choose whether times are spoken and shown in 12-hour format with AM and PM, or in 24-hour format.
Week starts.
Choose whether the week begins on Monday or Sunday. This mainly affects Week view.
Default reminder method.
If you always prefer the same reminder style, set it here.
The available choices are:
Speech.
Sound.
Speech and Sound.
New appointment reminders and new task reminders begin with the method you choose here.
Data location.
This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Global Keystrokes.
Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+T to create a new task.
Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+A to create a new appointment.
Main Views and Movement.
Alt+1 selects Day view.
Alt+2 selects Week view.
Alt+3 selects Month view.
Alt+4 moves to Leasey Tasks.
Alt+L moves to the appointments list or tasks list.
Enter on a day, week or month control moves to the appointments list for that selection.
Escape in the appointments list returns to the first date control for the current view.
Diary Commands.
Control+N creates a new appointment or task, depending on the current view.
Control+G opens Go to Date.
Control+F searches appointments.
F3 moves to the next search result.
Shift+F3 moves to the previous search result.
Control+Shift+N moves to the next appointment in the selected recurring series.
Alt+E edits the selected appointment or task.
Delete removes the selected appointment or task.
Enter opens the selected appointment or task for reading.
Tools.
Alt+Comma opens the Tools menu.
Alt+Z imports appointments from the previous Leasey Diary.
Control+Shift+Y copies today's date to the clipboard.
Control+Shift+W opens What day is this.
Control+Shift+D opens Get days from dates.
Control+Shift+P opens Days of future and past.
Task Commands.
Alt+4 moves to Leasey Tasks.
Alt+S opens the Change status dialog for the selected task.
Control+1 sets the selected task to Not started.
Control+2 sets the selected task to In progress.
Control+3 sets the selected task to Waiting.
Control+4 sets the selected task to Completed.
Dialog Behaviour.
In the New Task and Edit Task dialogs, Enter saves the task from most fields.
In the Notes field of a task, Enter creates a new line.
In read-only result dialogs, Enter, Numpad Enter or Escape closes the window.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Connect is a simple address book for people who want to store contact information without learning a large contacts management system.
It is deliberately focused. Its purpose is to help you store a person's details, find them quickly, review them safely, edit them when something changes, and copy useful information such as a phone number, email address, postal address or social media name.
It is not trying to replace Outlook contacts, a customer database, or an online address book. It is intended to provide a clear, keyboard-friendly place inside Leasey where contact information can be kept and used.
Why You Might Want to Use This Feature.
Leasey Connect is useful when you need a contact list which is easy to understand.
For example, you may want to store:
A friend's phone number.
A support person's email address.
A company address.
A web site belonging to a service provider.
A Mastodon or X username.
A birthday.
A note about when to call someone.
Because the app is simple, it can also be useful for people who are new to computers. They do not need to understand syncing, online accounts, categories, contact groups or business contact management before they can store a name and number.
Starting Leasey Connect.
Leasey Connect can be launched by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Alt+L
General Layout.
The main window contains:
A filter edit box.
The contacts list.
A row of action Buttons.
The design is intended to be simple and keyboard-friendly. The main emphasis is on finding a contact quickly, reviewing its details, editing it if necessary, and copying useful pieces of information such as phone numbers, email addresses and social media names.
Moving Around the Main Window.
You can press Tab to move through the main controls in order.
The most important control is the contacts list.
When focus is in the contacts list:
Up and Down Arrows move through contacts.
Enter opens the selected contact in a read-only review window.
Alt+E edits the selected contact.
Delete removes the selected contact.
Control+N creates a new contact.
If there are no contacts stored, Leasey Connect makes that clear.
Filtering the Contact List.
The Filter contacts Edit Field allows you to narrow the list.
Type part of a first name, last name, company name, city, country, phone number, email address, X username or Mastodon username.
As you type, the list updates automatically.
Example of Searching for Contacts.
Suppose you have twenty contacts stored and want to reach your internet provider quickly.
Step 1. Press Control+F to move to the Filter contacts field.
Step 2. Type part of the company name, for example support or broadband.
Step 3. Press Tab once to move to the Contacts list.
Step 4. Use Up Arrow or Down Arrow to review the smaller filtered list.
Step 5. Press Escape in the Filter contacts field before typing, or remove the text, if you want to return to the full list of contacts.
Creating a New Contact.
To create a new contact:
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. The contact dialog contains standard Edit Fields for:
First name.
Last name.
Company name.
Address line 1.
Address line 2.
Town or city.
State, county or province.
Postal or ZIP code.
Country.
Work phone.
Home phone.
Mobile or cell phone.
Work email.
Home email.
X username.
Mastodon username.
Pronouns.
Web site URL.
Birthday.
Notes.
Press Tab to move through the options.
Step 3. Complete the information in the fields as necessary.
Step 4. Press Enter or Space on the Save Button to save the contact. Press Escape to cancel.
Practical Example of Storing a Contact.
You may wish to store a local taxi company.
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. In the Company name field, type the company name.
Step 3. Tab to the Work phone field and type the booking number.
Step 4. If the company has an email address or web site, complete those fields as well.
Step 5. In Notes, type something useful such as "Open 24 hours" or "Ask for accessible vehicle".
Step 6. Save the contact.
Managing Custom Fields.
We have provided a number of fields which will suit most situations. However, you can add your own.
Adding a Custom Field.
Step 1. From anywhere in Leasey Connect, press Control+Shift+A for Add Custom Field.
Step 2. When activated, a simple dialog asks for the field name. Type the new field name and press Enter.
Step 3. The field becomes available for your contacts.
Managing Existing Custom Fields.
To manage existing fields:
Step 1. From anywhere in Leasey Connect, press Control+Shift+M.
Step 2. The Custom Fields list is displayed.
Step 3. Use Up Arrow or Down Arrow to focus upon the field you wish to work with.
Step 4. If you wish to delete a field, press the Delete key or Tab to the Delete Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 5. A Dialog Box is displayed asking if you are sure you want to delete the Custom Field. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the focused control.
Step 6. Alternatively, you can press the Tab key to reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space. This performs the same task as adding a Custom Field with Control+Shift+A.
Practical Example of Custom Fields.
You may want to keep track of whether a person prefers phone calls, text messages, or email.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+A.
Step 2. Type Preferred contact method and press Enter.
Step 3. Edit the contact you want and fill in that field with Phone, Text, or Email.
Step 4. When you later review the contact, the extra field is shown with the rest of the contact details.
Viewing a Contact.
To open a contact:
Step 1. Find the contact in the list and press Enter.
Step 2. The contact is displayed in a read-only review window so that you can inspect the stored information without changing it accidentally.
Step 3. Use the Arrow keys, Page Up, or Page Down to review the information.
Step 4. Press Escape to close.
Practical Example of Using Read-Only View.
Suppose you need to confirm a friend's address before writing a letter.
Step 1. Find the friend's name in the Contacts list.
Step 2. Press Enter to open the read-only review window.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the contact details until you hear the address.
Step 4. Press Escape when finished.
Editing a Contact.
To edit a contact:
Step 1. Find the contact in the list and press Alt+E.
Step 2. The same dialog used to create a contact is displayed, but populated with the existing information.
Step 3. Change any field as needed, then save the contact by pressing Tab to reach the Save Button and pressing Enter or Space.
Practical Example of Changing Information.
If someone changes their mobile or cell phone number:
Step 1. Find the contact.
Step 2. Press Alt+E.
Step 3. Tab to Mobile or cell phone and type the new number.
Step 4. Save the contact.
Deleting a Contact.
To delete a contact:
Step 1. Find the contact in the list and press the Delete key.
Step 2. You receive a confirmation prompt before the contact is removed. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the focused control.
Creating an Email.
Leasey Connect can also help you begin an email without first copying and pasting the address into another program.
Step 1. Find the contact in the list. You do not need to open it.
Step 2. Press the Tab key until you reach the Create Email Button, or use Leasey Command Centre to find Create Email.
Step 3. Press Enter or Space.
Step 4. Your default email program opens with the To field already populated.
If more than one email address is stored, a list of those addresses appears first. Use Up Arrow or Down Arrow to choose the one you want, then press Enter.
Practical Example of Emailing a Contact.
Suppose you have stored a support address for a product you use often.
Step 1. Move to that contact in the list.
Step 2. Tab to Create Email and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Your email program opens ready for you to type the subject and message.
This can save time when you need to write quickly and do not want to remember or copy the address manually.
Copy Commands.
Leasey Connect includes commands to copy commonly used contact details.
The available copy commands are:
Copy address.
Copy email.
Copy phone.
Copy X username.
Copy Mastodon username.
If more than one email address or phone number exists, you may be asked which one you want to copy.
To access these commands:
Step 1. Find a contact in the list. You do not need to open it.
Step 2. Press the Tab key repeatedly. JAWS announces Buttons for each of the copy commands.
Step 3. Press Enter or Space on a Button to copy it to the Windows clipboard.
Practical Example of Copying the Mailing Address.
If you want to send a postal letter:
Step 1. Find the contact.
Step 2. Tab to Copy Address and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Move to the program where you need the address and paste it with Control+V.
An Example of Copying the Telephone Number.
If you want to send someone a telephone number as part of an Email message.
Step 1. Find the contact.
Step 2. Tab to Copy Phone and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Paste the number into a note or message if required.
Options.
The Options Dialog Box, activated with Control+Comma, displays where the Leasey Connect data is stored. This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Main Window.
Leasey Key followed by Alt+L launches Leasey Connect.
Control+N creates a new contact.
Control+F moves focus to Filter contacts.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Control+Shift+A adds a custom field.
Control+Shift+M opens Manage Custom Fields.
Alt+E edits the selected contact.
Delete deletes the selected contact.
Enter opens the selected contact in read-only view.
Up and Down Arrows move through the Contacts list.
Tab moves through the main controls.
Shift+Tab moves backward through the main controls.
Alt+F4 closes Leasey Connect.
Contact Dialog.
Control+N opens a new contact dialog from the main window.
Alt+E opens the selected contact for editing from the main window.
Tab moves through the contact fields.
Shift+Tab moves backwards through the contact fields.
Control+Shift+A adds a custom field.
Control+Shift+M opens Manage Custom Fields.
Enter or Space on Save stores the contact.
Escape closes the dialog without saving.
Read-Only Contact View.
Enter opens the selected contact in read-only view.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow read through the contact details.
Page Up and Page Down move more quickly through the details.
Tab moves to Close.
Enter or Space on Close closes the window.
Escape closes the window.
Custom Fields.
Control+Shift+A adds a custom field from anywhere in Leasey Connect.
Control+Shift+M opens Manage Custom Fields from anywhere in Leasey Connect.
Up and Down Arrows move through the Custom Fields list.
Delete removes the selected custom field.
Tab moves to Add, Delete or Close.
Enter or Space on Add creates a new field.
Enter or Space on Delete removes the selected field after confirmation.
Enter or Space on Close leaves the dialog.
Escape closes the dialog.
Copying and Email.
Tab moves to Create Email and the Copy Buttons from the Contacts list.
Enter or Space on Create Email opens your default Email program for the selected contact.
Enter or Space on Copy Address copies the postal address.
Enter or Space on Copy Email copies the email address.
Enter or Space on Copy Phone copies the phone number.
Enter or Space on Copy X Username copies the X user name.
Enter or Space on Copy Mastodon Username copies the Mastodon user name.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application.
When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout.
An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field.
Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands.
If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list.
You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key.
The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Database Manager is a simple way to keep organised lists of information. You can use it for many different things.
For example:
Books.
Board games.
Recipes.
Contacts.
Music collections.
Equipment.
Shopping lists.
Movies.
Accessible products.
Medical information.
Think of a database as a collection of cards or forms. Each card contains the same kind of information.
For example, if you create a database for books, every book might contain:
Title.
Author.
Year.
Genre.
Finished reading.
Notes.
Leasey Database Manager helps you create those lists and search through them easily.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey Database Manager.
Leasey Database Manager is useful when notes or ordinary documents are no longer structured enough.
If you only need to write a paragraph of information, a note is often best. But if you have many items of the same kind, a database becomes more useful.
For example, if you are keeping track of books, each book can have the same fields: title, author, year, genre, finished reading and notes. If you are keeping track of equipment, each item can have fields such as item name, serial number, purchase date, warranty date and location.
The advantage is consistency. Each record follows the same structure, so you can search, sort, review and export the information more easily.
Launching Leasey Database Manager.
To open Leasey Database Manager:
Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+D.
When the program opens, in most situations focus is placed on the Results list for the current database. The window title tells you which database is currently open; press JAWS Key+T.
If you have not yet created a database, the program opens directly in the Create Database screen.
Creating Your First Database.
Before you can add information, you first need to create a database. A database is simply a list where every entry contains the same kind of information.
For example, imagine you want to keep a list of board games.
Each game might contain:
Game name.
Publisher.
Number of players.
Average playing time.
Rules web site.
Expansion owned.
Brailled.
Each of these pieces of information is called a field.
Overview of Creating a Database.
This section should be read particularly carefully, especially if you have never created a database before. We will first give you a general overview of what is required. Then we will create a database from start to finish. Towards the end of this chapter, we will create a more advanced database.
When the Create Database screen opens:
Step 1. Type the name of the database.
For example:
Board Games
Step 2. Press Tab to move to Add Field and press Enter or Space to create your first field. You will continue to press Tab to move through the database creation process.
The Create Database screen is deliberately simple.
At first it contains:
Database name.
Add Field.
Create Database.
Cancel.
The Items of Information list is not shown until you have added at least one item.
You are now ready to create the fields. You cannot create a database until at least one field has been added.
Understanding Fields.
A field is a piece of information you want each entry to contain.
For example:
First Name.
Last Name.
Phone Number.
Email Address.
Price.
Purchase Date.
When you create a field, you first type its name. This is the text JAWS will speak when entering information later.
For example:
First Name.
Publisher.
Notes.
Price.
After typing the field name, you choose the field type by pressing Tab. Then press Down Arrow to select the field type you require.
Understanding Field Types.
Leasey Database Manager includes several field types.
Edit Field.
Use Edit Field for short pieces of text.
Examples:
Name.
Town.
Publisher.
Phone number.
Email address.
Multi-line Edit Field.
Use Multi-line Edit Field for longer information that may contain several lines.
Examples:
Synopsis.
Notes.
Recipe instructions.
Descriptions.
Comments.
When completing the database entry later on, you can paste or type text containing several lines.
Use Whole Number for numbers without decimal points.
Examples:
Year.
Age.
Page count.
Quantity.
Number of players.
Valid examples:
5.
12.
2026.
Invalid examples:
4.5 seven as a word.
Decimal Number.
Use Decimal Number for numbers which may contain decimal points.
Examples:
Price.
Average score.
Weight.
Average playing time.
Valid examples:
4.5.
19.99.
7.
Date.
Use Date for dates.
You can type dates manually.
Examples:
31/12/2026.
12/31/2026.
31-12-2026.
12-31-2026.
2026-12-31.
Leasey Database Manager accepts both UK-style and US-style numeric dates where possible.
For example:
31/12/2026 and 12/31/2026.
If a date could mean more than one thing, Leasey Database Manager uses the date order for your Windows region where possible.
Combo Box.
Use Combo Box when you want to choose from a list of options.
Examples:
Status.
Priority.
Genre.
Platform.
For example, a Status field might contain:
Not Started.
In Progress.
Completed.
When creating a Combo Box field, type the choices separated with semicolons.
Radio Buttons.
Use Radio Buttons when you want one answer from a short list of choices and you want all choices shown on screen.
Examples:
Format.
Status.
Priority.
When creating a Radio Buttons field, type the choices separated with semicolons
Check Box.
Use Check Box for information which is either Yes or No.
Examples:
Finished.
Brailled.
Favourite.
Expansion owned.
Creating Fields Step by Step.
Here is an example of creating a simple contacts database. Please follow these instructions step by step.
Step 1. Type the database name:
Contacts
Step 2. Press Tab to reach Add Field.
Step 3. Press Enter or Space.
The Add Field screen opens.
The Add Field screen contains:
Field name edit box.
Field type List Box.
This field must contain information Check Box.
Show this field in results Check Box.
Help Text for JAWS to say Edit Field.
Choices Edit Field, if the field type is Combo Box or Radio Buttons.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
Step 4. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
First Name
Step 5. Press Tab to reach the Field Type List Box.
Step 6. Leave the default setting of Edit Field.
Step 7. Press Tab through the optional settings.
These include:
This field must contain information.
Show this field in results.
Help Text for JAWS to say.
These items are described in a later section. Rather than disturbing the workflow for the moment, we will leave these fields at the default for now. You can always manage the database later and work with them.
Step 8. Press Tab until you reach OK.
Step 9. Press Enter or Space.
The field is added. JAWS confirms this. Focus is now on the list of fields you have added so far. This contains one field: First Name. JAWS says "First Name, Edit Field".
If you activate Cancel from the Add Field screen, you return to the Create Database screen without adding that field.
You are now ready to create the next field.
Step 10. Activate Add Field again by pressing Tab to reach the Button and pressing Enter or Space.
Step 11. Type:
Last Name
Step 12. Repeat the same process for each field you want to add.
You might then add:
Phone Number.
Email Address.
Notes.
To repeat, as soon as you add the first field, the Items of Information list appears and shows the fields you have added.
The Remove Field Button also appears after at least one field has been added. It is not shown when there is nothing to remove.
When you have finished creating all fields, activate the Create Database Button by pressing Tab to reach it and then press Enter or Space.
Optional Field Settings.
When adding or editing a field, you can also choose additional settings. Press the Tab key when creating or managing a field and you will find these additional options.
These settings are optional. They are:
This field must contain information.
If this option is checked, the entry cannot be saved unless information has been entered into that field.
For example:
You may want First Name to be required.
Show this field in results.
If this option is checked, the field appears in the Results list.
This helps you decide what information is spoken while moving through entries.
For example:
In a contacts database, you might want:
First Name.
Last Name.
Phone Number.
If no fields are marked this way, the Results list shows the first two fields automatically.
Help Text for JAWS to say.
This is a regular Edit Field. Help text reminds the user what kind of information should be entered.
For example:
Field name:
Average time to play.
Help text:
Enter minutes only.
JAWS can then speak the help text while entering information.
Working with Entries.
Once the database has been created, you can begin adding entries.
An entry is a single item in the database.
For example:
One contact.
One recipe.
One book.
One board game.
The main screen contains:
Results list.
Add Entry Button.
Edit Entry Button.
Delete Entry Button.
Close Button.
Typically this is the screen which appears when the program is launched.
The Results List.
The Results list shows the entries currently stored in the database.
By default, the list shows the first two fields for each entry. However, you can customise this by using Show this field in results when creating or editing fields. You can press Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the records. JAWS will reach each entry based upon the entries you have selected when creating the fields.
The Results list is arranged in columns. Each column is one field.
For example, a books database might show:
Book title.
Author.
Reading status.
Moving Through Columns.
When you are in the Results list:
Press Home to move to the first record.
Press End to move to the last record.
Press Right Arrow to move to the next column.
Press Left Arrow to move to the previous column.
Press Alt+Home to move to the first column in the current row.
Press Alt+End to move to the last column in the current row.
Leasey Database Manager speaks the field name and the value.
For example:
Author: Richard Osman
If you try to move past the last column, you hear:
End of columns
The current field name and value are then repeated.
If you try to move past the first column, you hear:
Start of columns
The current field name and value are then repeated.
Browsing Down One Column.
Sometimes you may want to hear only one kind of information.
For example, in a books database, you might want to move through just the Author column.
Step 1. Move to the Author column with Left Arrow or Right Arrow.
Step 2. Press Alt+Down Arrow to move through that column.
Leasey Database Manager speaks only the field name and value.
For example:
Author: Richard Osman.
Author: Agatha Christie.
Author: Val McDermid.
Step 3. Press Alt+Up Arrow to move back up through the same column.
This column browsing does not immediately move the visible row in the list. This is deliberate, because it avoids JAWS speaking the entire row while you are trying to listen to one column.
If you press Enter or Alt+E after using Alt+Up Arrow or Alt+Down Arrow, Leasey Database Manager uses the last record it spoke.
Moving Entries Up and Down.
You can change the order of entries in the Results list.
Step 1. Move to the entry you want to move.
Step 2. Press Alt+U to move the entry up.
Leasey Database Manager says which entry was moved and which entry it is now above.
Step 3. Press Alt+D to move the entry down.
Leasey Database Manager says which entry was moved and which entry it is now below.
The entry names Leasey Database Manager speaks come from the information currently shown in the Results list.
If you are already at the top or bottom of the list, Leasey Database Manager tells you.
Opening a Read Only Record View.
To read all fields for a record:
Step 1. Move to the record in the Results list or Use Alt+Up Arrow or Alt+Down Arrow to browse to it. Then press Enter.
Step 2. A read only view opens showing all the fields and values for that record.
This is useful when the Results list only shows a few columns, but you want to review the whole record before deciding what to do.
Step 3. From the read only view, you can activate Edit Record by pressing Tab to reach the Button and pressing Enter or Space. You can also use Alt+E.
Step 4. Press Escape to close.
Adding an Entry.
To add an entry:
Step 1. Press Control+N
Step 2. The Add Entry screen opens. Type or choose information in each field. Press Tab to move through the fields.
For example:
First Name:
John
Last Name:
Smith
Phone Number:
5551234
Finished:
Checked
Step 4. When you have completed filling in the fields you have created in your database, Tab to the Save Entry Button and press Enter or Space. You can also press Control+S.
Step 5. To cancel without saving, press Escape.
Required Fields.
If a required field is empty, Leasey Database Manager tells you which field needs attention.
Invalid Information.
If a Whole Number, Decimal Number, or Date field contains invalid information, the entry cannot be saved.
For example:
Typing:
seven as a word in a Whole Number field would not be allowed.
Duplicate Entries.
If the first field matches an existing entry, the program warns you that a similar entry already exists.
You can still choose to save the entry if you want to.
Editing an Entry.
To edit an entry:
Step 1. Move to it in the Results list and press Alt+E. If you have just used Alt+Up Arrow or Alt+Down Arrow to browse a column, Alt+E edits the last record Leasey Database Manager spoke.
Step 2. Press the Tab key and edit the entry as necessary.
Step 3. Press Control+S at any point to save.
Deleting an Entry.
To delete an entry:
Step 1. Move to the entry in the Results list and press Delete.
Step 2. You will be asked to confirm the deletion. Type Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter as the Yes Button is focused.
Searching.
Leasey Database Manager can search through your information quickly.
Opening Search.
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. The Search screen opens.
It contains:
Search Edit Field.
Field Check Boxes.
Date field, if the database contains date fields.
Date from, if the database contains date fields.
Date to, if the database contains date fields.
Search Button.
Cancel Button.
Press Tab to move through the controls and complete as necessary.
Simple Text Search.
Use this when you want to find one word or phrase anywhere in the database.
Step 1. In the Search Edit Field, type the text you want to find.
Examples:
Smith.
Fantasy.
Nintendo.
2025.
Step 2. Leave all field Check Boxes checked.
Step 3. Press Enter from the Search Edit Field.
The Results list shows entries where the text was found.
Example: Finding an Author.
Imagine you have a Books database.
You want to find all books by Richard Osman.
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. In the Search Edit Field, type:
Richard Osman
Step 3. Leave all fields checked.
Step 4. Press Enter.
The Results list shows any book where Richard Osman appears in any field.
This might include:
Author.
Notes.
Synopsis.
or any other field containing that text.
Searching Only Some Fields.
The field Check Boxes let you decide where the search should look.
If all fields are checked, the whole database is searched. If no fields are checked, the whole database is also searched. If only some fields are checked, only those fields are searched.
Example: Searching Only the Author Field.
You want to find Richard Osman only when he is in the Author field.
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. In the Search Edit Field, type:
Richard Osman
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach the field Check Boxes.
Step 4. Leave Author checked.
Step 5. Uncheck the other fields by pressing Space on each one.
Step 6. Activate Search or press Enter from the Search Edit Field.
Now the search only looks in the Author field.
Important Difference Between Search and Advanced Filter.
The field Check Boxes do not create separate conditions.
For example, checking Genre and Rating means:
search this one piece of text in Genre or Rating.
If you want to say Genre is Fantasy and Rating is at least 4, use Advanced Filter from the Tools menu.
Searching by Date.
If the database contains date fields, Search also lets you narrow results by date.
Use Date field to choose:
Any date field one specific date field, such as Date finished.
Use Date from and Date to to enter the range.
You can type a full date.
You can also type just a year.
Example: Finding Books Read in 2026.
You want to find books finished during 2026.
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. Leave the Search Edit Field blank if you do not want to search for text.
Step 3. Move to Date field.
Step 4. Choose:
Date finished
Step 5. Move to Date from.
Step 6. Type:
2026
Step 7. Move to Date to.
Step 8. Type:
2026
Step 9. Activate Search.
In short:
Leave the Search Edit Field blank if you do not want to search for text. Choose Date finished in Date field. Type 2026 in Date from. Type 2026 in Date to.
Activate the Search Button. Leasey Database Manager treats 2026 in Date from as 1 January 2026.
Leasey Database Manager treats 2026 in Date to as 31 December 2026.
You can also use a fuller range, such as:
01/01/2026 to 31/12/2026.
or 2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31.
If you choose Any date field, the entry is shown if any date field is in the range.
Example: Finding Fantasy Books Finished in 2026.
You want to find books where the word Fantasy appears, but only if they were finished in 2026.
Step 1. Press Control+F.
Step 2. In the Search Edit Field, type:
Fantasy
Step 3. Leave all field Check Boxes checked, or leave only Genre checked if you only want to search Genre.
Step 4. In Date field, choose:
Date finished
Step 5. In Date from, type:
2026
Step 6. In Date to, type:
2026
Step 7. Activate Search.
This finds entries where Fantasy is found in the selected fields and Date finished is in 2026.
Starting the Search.
Start the search by Pressing Enter in the Search Edit Field
Search Results.
After searching, the Results list shows only matching entries.
If the Search Edit Field is empty, all entries are shown.
To return quickly to the full database after a search:
Press Escape from the Results list.
Leasey Database Manager clears the search and shows all entries again.
Searching Different Field Types.
Check Box fields use:
Yes.
No.
Combo Box and Radio Buttons fields use the selected choice.
Link fields search the stored link text.
Advanced Filter.
Advanced Filter is for searching by one or more exact conditions.
It is especially useful when you want to say that several things must be true at the same time.
For example, you might want:
Genre is Fantasy.
And Rating is at least 4.
or:
State is Unread.
And Date added to list is between 2026 and 2026.
To open Advanced Filter:
Press Alt+T.
Activate Advanced Filter.
The Advanced Filter screen contains:
Field List Box.
Condition List Box.
Value.
Second value, when needed.
Conditions.
Add Condition.
Remove Condition.
Apply Filter.
Cancel.
Field List Box lets you choose the item of information to test.
Condition List Box changes depending on the kind of field.
For text fields, conditions include:
contains is is not is blank is not blank
For Combo Box and Radio Buttons fields, conditions include:
is is not is blank is not blank
For Check Box fields, choose:
Yes.
No.
For number fields, conditions include:
is is at least is at most is greater than is less than.
For date fields, conditions include:
is is on or after is on or before is between.
Dates can be typed as full dates.
You can also type just a year.
For example:
2026
In a date filter, a year means the whole year where that makes sense.
Adding Conditions.
To add a condition:
Step 1. Choose the Field.
Step 2. Choose the Condition.
Step 3. Type or choose the Value.
Step 4. Activate Add Condition.
The condition is added to the Conditions list.
Repeat this for each condition you want.
Example: Genre is Fantasy.
Step 1. Open Advanced Filter from the Tools menu.
Step 2. In the Field List Box, choose:
Genre
Step 3. Press Tab to move to Condition.
Step 4. Choose:
is
Step 5. Press Tab to move to Value.
Step 6. Choose or type:
Fantasy
Step 7. Activate Add Condition.
The Conditions list now contains:
Genre is Fantasy
Step 8. Activate Apply Filter.
The Results list shows only Fantasy entries.
Example: Genre is Fantasy and Rating is at least 4.
This example uses two conditions.
Step 1. Open Advanced Filter from the Tools menu.
Step 2. In Field, choose:
Genre
Step 3. In Condition, choose:
is
Step 4. In Value, choose or type:
Fantasy
Step 5. Activate Add Condition.
Step 6. Return to Field.
Step 7. Choose:
Rating
Step 8. In Condition, choose:
is at least
Step 9. In Value, type:
4
Step 10. Activate Add Condition.
The Conditions list now contains:
Genre is Fantasy.
Rating is at least 4.
Step 11. Activate Apply Filter.
The Results list shows only entries where both conditions are true.
Example: Finished Reading is Yes.
This example uses a Check Box field.
Step 1. Open Advanced Filter from the Tools menu.
Step 2. In Field, choose:
Finished reading
Step 3. In Condition, choose:
is
Step 4. In Value, choose:
Yes
Step 5. Activate Add Condition.
Step 6. Activate Apply Filter.
The Results list shows entries where Finished reading is checked.
Example: Date Finished is Between Two Dates.
Step 1. Open Advanced Filter from the Tools menu.
Step 2. In Field, choose:
Date finished
Step 3. In Condition, choose:
is between
Step 4. In Value, type the first date or year.
For example:
2026
Step 5. In Second value, type the second date or year.
For example:
2026
Step 6. Activate Add Condition.
Step 7. Activate Apply Filter.
This shows records where Date finished falls within 2026.
Applying Advanced Filter.
Activate the Apply Filter Button. The Results list shows only records which match all conditions.
For example, if you add:
Genre is Fantasy.
Rating is at least 4.
the Results list shows only entries where both things are true.
Removing a Condition.
In the Conditions list, choose the condition you no longer want.
Activate Remove Condition.
You can also press Delete.
Returning to the Full Database.
After using Advanced Filter, press Escape from the Results list to clear the filter and show all entries again.
Sorting Entries.
Sorting changes the order in which entries appear.
For example, you might sort:
Books by author.
Games by year.
Contacts by surname.
To sort entries:
Press Control+Shift+S
The Sort Entries screen opens.
Choose:
The field to sort by.
And Ascending or Descending.
Ascending usually means:
A to Z.
Or Lowest to highest.
Descending usually means:
Z to A.
Or Highest to lowest.
Activate the Sort Button.
Whole Number, Decimal Number, and Date fields sort correctly using their actual values.
Tools Menu.
To open the Tools menu:
Press Alt+T
The Tools menu contains extra actions which do not need to be on the main screen.
Lookup Book Information.
Lookup Book Information can help you fill in a reading list entry.
It is designed for people who are creating databases for books, reading lists, audio books, or similar collections.
You do not need to create a special Books database.
The feature works with the database which is currently open.
For example, your database might contain fields such as:
Book title.
Author.
Synopsis.
Publication year.
Series.
Notes.
The field names do not have to be exactly the same, because you choose where each piece of returned information should go. The beauty of this feature is that you do not need to create a new database entry first containing, for example, the book author and title. This tool can do it all for you if you follow the below instructions carefully.
This tool uses the ChatGPT settings which form part of Leasey.
Opening Book Lookup.
Step 1. Open the database you want to use.
Step 2. Press Alt+T to open the Tools menu.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow and choose Lookup Book Information.
If you are already adding or editing an entry, Book Lookup works with that entry.
If you are in the Results list, Leasey Database Manager opens a new Add Entry screen first.
This means you can use Book Lookup even before you have typed anything into the entry.
Entering the Book.
When prompted on the openingscreen, You must enter the book as:
author - title That is author space dash space title.
For example:
Richard Osman - The Thursday Murder Club
Another example:
J. R. R. Tolkien - The Hobbit
The spaces around the dash are required.
This helps reduce confusion when several books have the same title.
If you only type a title, Leasey Database Manager asks you to enter author - title before it starts the lookup.
Waiting for the Result.
After you enter the book, Leasey Database Manager prepares the information.
This can take a little while because it is not only gathering the book synopsis but also the complete book series if appropriate.
While it is working, you will hear progress messages such as:
Looking up book information.
- Still working.
- Preparing book details.
- Preparing synopsis.
- Almost done.
These messages are spoken so you know the lookup is still running.
The Book Lookup Results Window.
When the lookup is complete, the Book Lookup Results window opens.
It contains:
Returned items list.
Item contents Edit Field.
Database fields list.
Accept Button.
Accept and Next Button.
Copy to Clipboard Button.
Close Button.
The Returned items list contains the information Leasey Database Manager found.
Examples might include:
Title.
Author.
First published.
Publication year.
Series.
Series number.
Synopsis.
Notes.
Series books.
When you move through the Returned items list with Up Arrow and Down Arrow, the Item contents Edit Field shows the text for the selected item.
You can edit the Item contents text before accepting it.
The Database fields list contains the fields in your current database.
Copying One Returned Item Into One Database Field.
Here is an example.
You want to put the returned synopsis into your Synopsis field.
Step 1. In the Returned items list, choose Synopsis
Step 2. Press Tab to move to the Item contents Edit Field.
Step 3. Review or edit the synopsis if necessary.
Step 4. Press Tab to move to the Database fields list.
Step 5. Choose Synopsis
Step 6. Press Alt+A, or Tab to Accept and press Enter or Space.
The synopsis is copied into the Synopsis field in the entry.
Focus returns to the Returned items list so you can continue working down the book information.
Accept and Next.
Accept and Next copies the current item into the selected database field and then moves to the next returned item.
Press Alt+N to activate Accept and Next.
Use this when you are working through several returned items.
For example:
Accept Title into Book title.
Accept and Next.
Accept Author into Author.
Accept and Next.
Accept Synopsis into Synopsis.
Replacing Existing Text.
If the database field already contains information, Leasey Database Manager asks before replacing it.
This helps prevent you accidentally overwriting something you typed yourself.
Copying Without Accepting.
Copy to Clipboard copies the Item contents text to the Windows Clipboard.
This is useful if you want to paste the information somewhere else, or if you want to handle the text manually.
Closing Book Lookup Results.
Activate the Close Button to return to the entry. You can press Tab to reach it, then press Enter or Space.
You can then continue editing the entry normally.
When the entry is complete, press Control+S to save it.
Choosing a Different Database.
To open another database:
Step 1. Press Control+D
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to the database you want and press Enter.
The selected database becomes the default database the next time the program starts.
Managing Databases.
To manage your databases:
Step 1. Press Control+M
Step 2. The Manage Databases screen appears. You are first focused upon a list of databases. Press Down Arrow to move through the databases. You may only have one database.
Step 3. Press Tab to move through the fields in the Dialog Box.
This screen contains:
Add Database.
Change Fields.
Delete.
Set Default.
OK.
Step 4. To delete a database, press the Delete key when focused on an item in the database list. As usual, you are prompted if you would like to delete. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter as Yes is the focused control.
Changing Fields.
Sometimes you may want to:
Add new fields.
Rename fields.
Delete fields.
Change the order of fields.
To do this:
Step 1. Open Manage Databases with Control+M.
Step 2. Select the database from the list.
Step 3. Tab to the Change Fields Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 4. The Change Fields screen contains:
Add.
Edit.
Delete.
Move Up.
Move Down.
Save.
Cancel.
Press Tab to move through the choices.
Add opens the Add Field screen.
Edit opens the Edit Field screen for the selected field.
Moving Fields.
When focused on the field list:
Step 1. Press Alt+U to move a field up
Step 2. Press Alt+D to move a field down
JAWS announces what happened.
For example:
Moved Rules Link above Expansion Owned
Saving Changes.
When you finish making changes, Tab to the Save Button and press Enter or Space. You can also press Control+S.
Control+S works in many places throughout the program, including:
Add Entry.
Edit Entry.
Create Database.
Add Field.
Edit Field.
Change Fields.
Options.
Detailed Example: Creating a Books Database.
This example shows how to create a database for books you have read, are reading, or plan to read.
The finished database will let you store:
Book title.
Author.
Reading status.
Whether you own the book.
Whether you have finished the book.
Format.
Year published.
Started date.
Finished date.
Web page.
Notes.
This example uses several different field types:
Edit Field.
Multi-line Edit Field.
Combo Box.
Radio Buttons.
Check Box.
Whole Number.
Date.
Link.
Starting the Books Database.
Step 1. Open Leasey Database Manager with the Leasey Key followed by Windows+D.
Step 2. If no database exists yet, the Create Database screen opens automatically.
Step 3. If another database is already open, press Control+M for Manage Databases.
Step 4. Activate Add Database by pressing Tab to reach the Button and pressing Enter or Space.
Step 5. In the Database name Edit Field, type:
Books
Step 6. Press Tab to reach Add Field and then press Enter.
You are now ready to add the items of information which each book will contain.
Adding the Book Title Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field if you have not done so already.
Step 2. The Add Field screen opens.
Step 3. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Book title
Step 4. Press Tab to reach Field type.
Step 5. Leave Field type set to Edit Field.
Use Edit Field here because the title is normally one short line of text.
Step 6. Press Tab to reach This field must contain information.
Step 7. Press Space to check it.
The book title is important, so we do not want to save a book without one.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach Show this field in results.
Step 9. Press Space to check it.
This means the book title will be spoken in the Results list.
Step 10. Press Tab to reach Help Text for JAWS to say.
Step 11. Type:
Type the name of the book.
Step 12. Press Tab until you reach OK.
Step 13. Press Enter.
JAWS says that the field has been added.
Adding the Author Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Author
Step 3. Leave Field type set to Edit Field.
Step 4. Check This field must contain information if you want every book to have an author.
Step 5. Check Show this field in results.
Showing both Book title and Author in results is useful because many books can have similar titles.
Step 6. In the Help text field, type:
Type the author's name.
Step 7. Activate OK.
Adding the Reading Status Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Reading status
Step 3. Press Tab to reach Field type.
Step 4. Use the Arrow keys to choose Combo Box.
Use Combo Box when you want to choose one answer from a fixed list.
Step 5. Press Tab through the optional settings.
Step 6. You can leave This field must contain information unchecked, or check it if you always want a status.
Step 7. You may check Show this field in results if you want to hear the reading status as you move through books.
Step 8. In the Help text field, type:
Choose whether you have not started, are reading, or have finished the book.
Step 9. Press Tab to reach Choices.
Step 10. Type the following choices, separated with semicolons:
Not started; Reading; Finished; Paused; Want to read again
Step 11. Press Tab until you reach OK.
Step 12. Press Enter.
Adding the Own This Book Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Own this book
Step 3. Set Field type to Check Box.
Use Check Box for yes or no information.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Check this if you own a copy of the book.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Adding the Finished Reading Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Finished reading
Step 3. Set Field type to Check Box.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Check this when you have finished reading the book.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Adding the Format Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Format
Step 3. Set Field type to Combo Box.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Choose the format of the book.
Step 5. In Choices, type:
Print; Braille; Audio; Kindle; EPUB; PDF; Other
Step 6. Activate OK.
Adding the Year Published Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Year published
Step 3. Set Field type to Whole Number.
Use Whole Number because a year should be a number without a decimal point.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Type the year as four digits, for example 2024.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Adding the Started Date Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Started date
Step 3. Set Field type to Date.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Type the date you started reading, for example 14/05/2026 or 05/14/2026.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Adding the Finished Date Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Finished date
Step 3. Set Field type to Date.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Type the date you finished reading, if known.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Adding the Web Page Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Web page
Step 3. Set Field type to Link.
Use Link for a book page, author page, library page, file, or folder.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Type or paste a web address for the book.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Adding the Notes Field.
Step 1. Activate Add Field.
Step 2. In the Field name Edit Field, type:
Notes
Step 3. Set Field type to Multi-line Edit Field.
Use Multi-line Edit Field for longer notes, summaries, or a synopsis.
Step 4. In the Help text field, type:
Type any notes, thoughts, quotations, or reminders about this book.
Step 5. Activate OK.
Finishing the Books Database.
You are returned to the Create Database screen.
The Items of Information list now contains the fields you added.
You might hear items such as:
Book title, Edit Field.
Author, Edit Field.
Reading status, Combo Box.
Own this book, Check Box.
Finished reading, Check Box.
Format, Combo Box.
Year published, Whole Number.
Started date, Date.
Finished date, Date.
Web page, Link.
Notes, Multi-line Edit Field.
If you made a mistake before creating the database:
Move to the item in the list.
Activate Remove Field.
Add it again.
When everything is correct:
Activate Create Database.
Or Press Control+S.
JAWS confirms that the database has been created.
Adding Your First Book.
After the Books database has been created, you can add your first book.
Step 1. Activate Add Entry. You can also press Control+N.
Step 2. The Add Entry screen opens.
Step 3. In Book title, type:
The Thursday Murder Club
Step 4. Press Tab.
Step 5. In Author, type:
Richard Osman
Step 6. Press Tab.
Step 7. In Reading status, choose:
Finished
Step 8. Press Tab.
Step 9. If you own the book, press Space on Own this book.
Step 10. Press Tab.
Step 11. If you have finished reading it, press Space on Finished reading.
Step 12. Press Tab.
Step 13. In Format, choose:
Audio
Step 14. Press Tab.
Step 15. In Year published, type:
2020
Step 16. Press Tab.
Step 17. In Started date, type the date you started reading.
For example:
01/05/2026
Step 18. Press Tab.
Step 19. In Finished date, type the date you finished reading.
For example:
10/05/2026
Step 20. Press Tab.
Step 21. In Web page, type or paste a web address if you have one.
For example:
hartgenconsultancy.com
If you type a web address without https or http, Leasey Database Manager adds https automatically.
Step 22. Press Tab.
Step 23. In Notes, type anything you want to remember.
For example:
Enjoyable mystery with short chapters.
Good narration.
Look for the next book in the series.
In the Notes field, you can press Enter to create a new line.
Step 24. When the entry is complete, activate Save Entry. You can also press Control+S.
The book is saved and appears in the Results list.
Because Book title and Author were marked to show in results, the Results list should speak:
The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman
You can press Right Arrow to move from Book title to Author.
You can press Alt+Down Arrow while in the Author column to browse through authors without hearing the whole row each time.
If you then press Enter, the read only view opens for the last book spoken.
If you then press Alt+E, the last book spoken opens for editing.
Trying the Books Database.
Here are some things you can try after adding a few books:
Press Control+F and search for:
Finished.
Audio.
Richard Osman.
Press Control+Shift+S and sort by:
Book title.
Author.
Year published.
Started date.
Press Alt+T and choose Export Database to save the Books database as CSV or text.
Press Enter on a book in the Results list to read all its fields in the read only view.
Press Alt+E on a book in the Results list to edit it.
Press Delete on a book in the Results list to delete it.
Press Control+M, choose Books, and activate Change Fields if you later decide to add more information.
For example, you might later add:
Series name.
Book number in series.
Rating.
Borrowed from Loaned to someone Would recommend.
Export Database.
Leasey Database Manager lets you export the current database.
Exporting means saving a copy of the database in a format which can be used outside Leasey Database Manager.
This is useful if you want to:
Open the information in a spreadsheet.
Send the information to someone else.
Keep a readable backup.
Print the information.
Check the information outside the program.
Export does not remove anything from Leasey Database Manager. It simply creates a separate copy.
Exporting the Database.
To export a database:
Step 1. Open the database you want to export.
Step 2. Press Alt+T.
The Tools menu opens.
Step 3. Activate Export Database.
The standard Save dialog opens.
Choosing the Export Type.
You can save the database as:
CSV file.
Or Text file.
CSV Export.
Choose CSV if you want to open the database in:
Microsoft Excel.
Google Sheets.
LibreOffice Calc.
another spreadsheet or database program
In the CSV file:
The first row contains the field names. Each record appears on its own row. Each field appears in its own column.
For example, a Books database might export like this:
Book title,Author,Reading status,Finished reading.
The Thursday Murder Club,Richard Osman,Finished,Yes.
Check Boxes are exported as:
Yes.
No.
Multi-line notes are preserved safely inside the CSV file.
Text Export.
Choose Text if you want a plain readable copy.
This is often easiest to review with a screen reader.
The text file is arranged record by record.
For example:
Books.
Record 1.
Book title: The Thursday Murder Club.
Author: Richard Osman.
Reading status: Finished.
Finished reading: Yes.
Notes: Enjoyable mystery with short chapters.
Record 2.
Book title: Another book.
Author: Another author.
Saving the File.
In the Save dialog:
Choose the folder where you want to save the file.
Type or accept the file name.
Choose CSV or Text if necessary.
Activate Save.
When the export has finished, JAWS says:
Database exported
If the export cannot be completed, Leasey Database Manager shows an error message.
Sample Databases.
Leasey Database Manager includes several empty sample databases which you can use as starting points.
They include:
Sample Contacts.
Sample Reading List.
Sample Appointments.
Sample Articles and Research.
Sample Personal Notes.
These databases do not contain any entries. They only contain suggested fields.
You can add entries to them, change their fields, rename them, or delete them.
Opening a Sample Database.
Step 1. Press Control+D.
The Choose Database screen opens.
Step 2. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose the sample database you want.
Step 3. Press Enter, or Tab to Open and press Enter or Space.
The selected sample database opens.
You can then add entries in the usual way with Control+N.
Adding Sample Databases Later.
If you already had databases before the samples were added, they may not appear automatically.
To add them:
Step 1. Press Alt+T to open the Tools menu.
Step 2. Choose Add Sample Databases.
Leasey Database Manager adds any missing sample databases to your current database file.
Your existing databases and entries are not changed.
If you deleted a sample database and later want it back, use Add Sample Databases from the Tools menu again.
Running Add Sample Databases more than once does not add duplicate samples.
Database Templates.
A database template saves the structure of a database without saving any records.
It includes:
Database name.
Field names.
Field types.
Choices.
Required field settings.
Show in results settings.
Help text.
It does not include entries or personal information.
Templates are useful when a trainer or support person wants to create a database design for someone else.
Exporting a Database Template.
Step 1. Open the database whose structure you want to share.
Step 2. Press Alt+T.
Step 3. Activate Export Database Template.
Step 4. Choose where to save the template file.
The template file can then be sent to another Leasey Database Manager user.
Importing a Database Template.
Step 1. Press Alt+T.
Step 2. Activate Import Database Template.
Step 3. Choose the template file.
Leasey Database Manager creates a new empty database from that template.
If a database with the same name already exists, a number is added to the imported database name.
Important Notes.
Export is one way. It creates a copy for use outside the app.
Leasey Database Manager can import database templates, but it does not import CSV or text files back into the database.
Your original database remains unchanged after export.
Options.
The Options Dialog Box, activated with Control+Comma, displays where the Leasey Connect data is stored. This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
General Application Commands.
Control+N adds an entry to the current database.
Control+F opens Search.
Control+D opens Choose Database.
Control+M opens Manage Databases.
F2 also opens Manage Databases.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Control+S saves when you are in a screen where saving is available.
Control+Shift+S opens Sort Entries.
Alt+T opens the Tools menu.
Alt+E edits the current record or the last record spoken when browsing a column.
Results List.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through records.
Alt+U moves the selected entry up in the Results list.
Alt+D moves the selected entry down in the Results list.
Home moves to the first record.
End moves to the last record.
Left Arrow and Right Arrow move across columns in the current row.
Alt+Home moves to the first column in the current row.
Alt+End moves to the last column in the current row.
Alt+Down Arrow browses down through the current column.
Alt+Up Arrow browses up through the current column.
Enter opens the selected record in the read only record view.
Alt+E edits the selected record or the last record spoken while browsing a column.
Delete deletes the selected entry after confirmation.
Escape clears the current search or filter when the Results list is showing filtered records.
Read Only Record View.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the fields in the record.
Alt+E edits the record.
Escape returns to the Results list.
Adding or Editing an Entry.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through the fields and Buttons.
Control+S saves the entry.
Escape cancels and returns to the Results list.
In a Check Box field, Space changes between checked and not checked.
In a list field, Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose a value.
In a Radio Buttons field, Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose a value.
In a Link field, Enter opens the link when focus is in the link Edit Field.
Create Database.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through Database name, Add Field, Items of information, Create Database and Cancel.
Enter or Space activates the focused Button.
Control+S creates the database after a name and at least one field have been added.
Escape cancels the Create Database screen.
Choose Database.
Control+D opens Choose Database.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Databases list.
Enter opens the selected database.
Escape cancels and returns to the previous screen.
Manage Databases.
Control+M opens Manage Databases.
F2 also opens Manage Databases.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Databases list.
Delete deletes the selected database after confirmation.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through Add Database, Change Fields, Delete, Set Default and OK.
Enter or Space activates the focused Button.
Escape returns to the Results list.
Change Fields.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Items of information list.
Alt+U moves the selected field up while managing database fields.
Alt+D moves the selected field down while managing database fields.
Delete deletes the selected field.
Control+S saves all field changes.
Escape cancels field changes and returns to Manage Databases.
Field Details.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through Field name, Field type, Check Boxes, Help Text for JAWS to say, Choices, OK and Cancel.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose the field type in the Field type list.
Space changes Check Boxes such as This field must contain information and Show this field in results.
Control+S saves the field when saving is available from that screen.
Escape cancels and returns to the previous field screen.
Search.
Control+F opens Search.
Enter in the Search Edit Field starts the search.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through the Search Edit Field, field Check Boxes, date controls, Search and Cancel.
Space changes a field Check Box between checked and not checked.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose a date field when the Date field list is available.
Escape cancels Search and returns to the Results list.
Advanced Filter.
Alt+T opens the Tools menu.
Choose Advanced Filter from the Tools menu to open Advanced Filter.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose items in the Field, Condition, Value and Conditions lists.
Enter in the Value Edit Field adds the current condition.
Enter in the Second value Edit Field also adds the current condition.
Delete removes the selected condition when focus is in the Conditions list.
Escape cancels Advanced Filter and returns to the Results list.
Sort Entries.
Control+Shift+S opens Sort Entries.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose the field in the Sort by list.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow choose Ascending or Descending when focus is on the sort direction Radio Buttons.
Enter or Space activates Sort or Cancel when the relevant Button has focus.
Escape cancels sorting and returns to the Results list.
Tools Menu.
Alt+T opens the Tools menu.
Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the Tools menu.
Enter activates the selected Tools menu item.
Add Sample Databases adds any missing sample databases and can restore a deleted sample database.
Escape closes the Tools menu.
Book Lookup Results.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Returned items list.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through Returned items, Item contents, Database fields and the Buttons.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Database fields list.
Alt+A activates Accept.
Alt+N activates Accept and Next.
Copy to Clipboard copies the Item contents text to the Windows Clipboard.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
Leasey Media Centre is a way in which you can work with radio stations, podcasts, audio files, video soundtracks and playlists. here are a number of ways of launching different components of it, but the two most useful are:
Pressing the Leasey Key then R for Radio, or - Pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+P for podcasts.
Seasoned users of Leasey will be used to working with these keystrokes.
You may feel that the explanation of the Media Centre below is quite daunting with a raft of shortcut keys included. However, you do not need to remember them all if you do not wish to. Most controls can be moved to by pressing Tab repeatedly and then Enter or Space to activate. However, the Leasey Media Centre has been designed so that it contains many shortcut keys for those who wish to move around the application quickly.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey Media Centre.
Leasey Media Centre brings together several audio-related tasks which previously may have required different applications or web sites.
You can listen to radio stations, manage favourite streams, work with podcasts, play local audio files and video soundtracks, create and use playlists, record audio, choose sound devices, use global hotkeys and control playback in a way which has been designed for JAWS users.
The important point is that you do not have to learn every part at once.
If you only want radio, use the Radio area.
If you only want podcasts, use the Podcasts area.
If you want to play files, use Audio and Playlists.
If you want recording or sound controls, use Sound Control.
Launching Leasey Media Centre.
Having launched Leasey Media Centre with one of the keystrokes listed above, the first control is a Combo Box called Task.
This contains:
Radio.
Podcasts.
Audio and Playlists.
Sound Control.
Use Up and Down Arrow in this Combo Box to choose the area you want to work with. Focus remains in the Combo Box as you move between the four tasks, so you can easily change your mind before tabbing into the selected area. You can also move directly to an area with Alt+1 for Radio, Alt+2 for Podcasts, Alt+3 for Audio and Playlists, and Alt+4 for Sound Control. As you press one of these keystrokes, JAWS speaks the area you have moved to.
In summary, just because you have launched Leasey Media Centre by pressing the Leasey Key then R to activate Radio for example, it certainly does not mean that you need to stay there. You can move to any area at any time.
General Movement.
Press Tab and Shift+Tab to move through the controls. Press Alt+F4 to close Leasey Media Centre. Escape does not close the program. It is used to return to a previous part of the interface, especially in Podcasts.
Options.
Throughout most of the Leasey documentation, the Options of an application are listed towards the end of each chapter. However, it is essential at this stage that we move into the Options Dialog Box before we get started, as there are some areas you may like to customise right away.
Open Options with Control+Comma.
This is a multi-page Dialog Box containing several Tabbed Pages. The first Tabbed Page is General, and this is where we want to be. Press Tab to move through the controls. When you reach the series of Tabbed Pages, JAWS will indicate this by announcing it, such as, "General Tab". If that happens, press Right Arrow or Left Arrow to move through the Tabbed Pages. You can also press Control+Shift+1 through to Control+Shift+6 to move to each of the tabbed pages.
We will only work through the essential options at this stage. You may like to revisit this Dialog Box frequently as you learn more tasks and discover Leasey Media Player's many features. You can always press Insert+F1 on any control to discover its purpose. We will be referring to this Dialog Box frequently.
One important setting is the radio player preference, manipulated with the first control under the General tab.
Using four Radio Buttons you can specify the radio player you would like to use. You can choose between:
Winamp.
Foobar.
VLC.
Leasey Media Player. This is a completely new audio player and is highly recommended as it has many advantages. Indeed the vast majority of features in Leasey Media Centre rely on it, but we understand that people have particular listening preferences and prefer individual players. So for listening to radio stations at least, you can choose an alternative player.
Press Down Arrow to move through the Radio Buttons to select the player of choice.
Leasey Media Player Output. This determines the sound source to be used for audio playback of Leasey Media Player.
Choose Windows default to follow the normal Windows output, or choose a specific output device for Leasey Media Centre audio. Many people will not have to be concerned with this control.
Volume Step Percentage. This controls how much the volume changes when using the volume shortcut keys. The minimum step is 1 percent which is very gradual. 3 Percent is a good working environment. The volume can be adjusted from within the application or through global shortcut keys.
Optionally, now switch to the Radio and Recording Tab. The first option here is the Recording folder location. This is the folder where radio recordings are saved unless you change it as discussed later. You can type a folder path or activate the Browse Button to choose one. A Combo Box is alongside this option entitled Recording Format. The choices are MP3 96K, MP3 128K, MP3 192K, MP3 320K or WAV.
Now switch to the Windows tab by pressing Control+Shift+4. The first Check Box is Minimise to system tray on exit. If this is checked, closing Leasey Media Centre keeps it running in the Windows system tray rather than closing it completely. This is useful if you want scheduled recordings to take place. When this option is checked, Leasey Media Centre also creates a Windows startup shortcut so it can start automatically when Windows starts.
If the Check Box is unchecked, the startup shortcut is removed.
Player Only Mode. Player only mode for files and playlists. This is intended for people who usually launch audio files, video file soundtracks or playlists from File Explorer, Windows shortcuts, or Leasey shortcuts, and do not want the main Media Centre window to appear each time. When this option is checked, opening an audio file, supported video file or playlist displays only the Leasey Media Player window. The full Media Centre window is still available when you open the app normally, so you can continue to work with Radio, Podcasts, Audio and Playlists, Favourites, Presets and other features.
Register File Explorer Entries. Press Enter or Space to register Leasey Media Centre with Windows so audio files, video soundtracks, playlists, and converter entries are available from File Explorer.
Leasey Radio.
Leasey Radio is accessed by pressing the Leasey Key then R. When you press this key combination, the Task Combo Box previously referred to is automatically set to the Radio area. If you are focused in Leasey Media Centre already, you can press Alt+1.
Leasey Radio makes it possible for you to listen to radio stations from around the world, provided they are broadcast on the internet. Thousands of radio stations exist playing a wide variety of music covering many genres. Speech content is also very popular for news, sport and discussion of current affairs.
When compiling our Leasey Radio directory, we have chosen what we feel are some of the most popular and high quality music and speech radio stations covering ten specific genres. You can listen to any station of your choosing, add it to a list of favourites so as to hear it again, or assign it to one of the 20 presets which can be accessed from any application. Listening to your favourite station could not be easier! If on the other hand you would prefer to access a wider range of stations, you can browse the Shoutcast radio directory, or the Radio Browser directory, both of which contain many thousands of radio stations to choose from.
Leasey has ten categories of radio stations. These are:
Public Community and Speech, classical, country, Folk, Oldies, Pop, Praise and Worship, Smooth, Soul/R&B, Variety.
The Radio screen contains:
Category Combo Box.
Search Edit Field.
Search Button.
Shoutcast Categories Button.
Station list.
Play Button.
Stop Button.
Add Favourite Button.
Add Preset Button.
View Favourites Button.
Most Recent Button.
Scheduled Recordings Button.
Close Button.
You can press Tab to move through the options if you wish.
Useful Radio Keystrokes.
Alt+C moves to the radio category list.
Locate a category with Up or Down Arrow. You can either then press Enter to move to the list of stations in the category or press Alt+L.
Control+F moves to the Find or Search Edit Field, useful for finding a radio station.
Pressing Enter on a station plays it.
Delete removes a station only when you are viewing Favourites, and you will be asked to confirm this.
Alt+A adds the selected station to Favourites.
Alt+V allows you to view Favourites.
Alt+P opens the Presets dialog.
Alt+R makes it possible for you to listen to the most recent station you were hearing. This can also be activated with the Leasey global keystroke of Leasey Key then Alt+Dash.
Alt+G opens Scheduled Recordings.
Control+Shift+R also opens Scheduled Recordings from anywhere in Leasey Media Centre.
The Radio Category List.
The first control in the radio screen is the category list, which you can always reach by pressing Alt+C. This represents the 10 radio categories within Leasey Media Centre. Use Down Arrow to select a category of interest. You can either then press Enter to move to the stations in the category. Alternatively, press Alt+L.
The stations are arranged in alphabetical order. Press Down Arrow to find a station of interest. Press Enter to begin playing a station.
For example:
Step 1. Press Alt+C to focus upon the radio category list.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to select the Oldies category.
Step 3. Press Enter to move into the category.
Step 4. Use the Down Arrow key to select a station from the list.
Step 5. Press Enter to play.
Step 6. The station should begin to play almost instantly. If you are using the Leasey Media Player, it is designed to gain focus automatically whenever any audio is sent to it including radio stations. This means you can easily press Tab to move through the controls to find those which you need, such as, Stop.
Press Enter or Space on the appropriate Button. Later in this chapter, we will explain how you can change the keyboard shortcuts to those you prefer. This User Guide assumes you have not done so. In that event, from within any application you can press Alt+Control+Windows+S to stop playback.
Let us just pause for a moment to consider what has happened here.
Even if you have selected the Leasey Media Player selected as your default player, you now have two applications open rather than one. If you have elected to use an alternative player, such as Winamp, you certainly will. You should bear this in mind from this point forward when carrying out tasks such as assigning stations to favourites or presets. You must be in the Leasey Media Centre window to do that.
How do you know whether you are in the Leasey Media Centre or the Leasey Media Player? Press JAWS Key+T. If pressing that keystroke causes JAWS to announce a station name or the title of the song playing, you are in the Leasey Media Player window or the window of your chosen audio player. If you hear the term "Leasey Media Centre", you are in the correct location. You can press Alt+Tab to move between the different application windows, or press JAWS Key+F10 to bring into view a list of running programs. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list of available programs and press Enter to switch to one.
Radio Searching.
The search is intended to feel like one directory, even though more than one source is checked. Leasey recommended stations are checked first. Radio Browser is checked next. Shoutcast is checked after that.
This means that you should not need to worry too much about where a station comes from. If you type a search such as classical, country or a station name, results from all available sources should be placed in the same station list.
Suppose we would like to search for ACB Media 1, one of the stations hosted by the American Council of the Blind.
Step 1. Ensure the main Leasey Radio screen is active.
Step 2. Press Control+F for Find.
Step 3. Type ACB. This ought to be enough, although you can type the full station name if you wish.
step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. A list of results is displayed. Hopefully, one of those will be ACB Media 1. Press the Down Arrow key to move through the list although in this case it is almost certainly going to be the first result.
Step 6. Press Enter to begin playing the station.
Now we will search for radio stations in the country music genre.
Step 1. Ensure the main Leasey Radio screen is active.
Step 2. Press Control+F for Find.
Step 3. Type Country.
step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. A list of results is displayed. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list to find a station you like the sound of.
Step 6. Press Enter to begin playing the station.
Shoutcast Categories.
The Shoutcast online radio platform has categories of stations you can browse, such as Old Time Radio, 1930's, and more.
Step 1. Activate the Shoutcast Categories Button to browse categories supplied by Shoutcast. You can press the Tab key to reach it and then press Enter or Space.
Step 2. Using the Up and Down Arrow keys, choose a category from the list and press Enter.
Step 3. A list of results is displayed. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list to find a station you like the sound of.
Step 4. Press Enter to begin playing the station.
Working With Radio Favourites.
If you wish to return to a radio station later, you can store it as a favourite.
To add a station to Favourites:
Step 1. Locate a radio station. You do not have to begin playing it if you do not wish to do so.
Step 2. Press Alt+A to add it to favourites.
To view your favourites:
Step 1. Press Alt+V.
Step 2. A list of your favourite stations is displayed.
Step 3. The stations are presented in a list. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select one or use first letter navigation.
Step 4. When the desired station is located, press Enter to play.
Radio Presets.
While it is true that you can store as many Leasey Radio Favourites as you like, there will be stations that you would like to hear more frequently. To this end, you can set up to 20 presets which will allow you to quickly start playing 20 stations of your choice from within any program, without having to work through the menu system.
Step 1. Locate a radio station. You do not have to begin playing it if you do not wish to do so.
Step 2. Press Alt+P for the Presets Manager.
Step 3. You are now in a list of presets. The presets list contains preset numbers 1 through to 20. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list to find the preset number you want. JAWS will announce terms such as: "Preset 1, Empty". This means there is no station assigned to the preset. You might also hear "Preset 11", followed by the station name. This occurs if you have already assigned a preset to a station in the past.
Step 4. While as we will discuss later there is a way of activating presets globally from within any application, from the list of available presets you can press Enter while focused on one of them in the list so as to play it.
Step 5. Alternatively, press the Tab key. If a station has not been assigned to the focused preset, the focused Button will be "Add". Press Enter or Space to assigned the station to the preset number.
Step 6. If on the other hand there is a station already assigned to the preset, the Button will be entitled "Change". Press Enter or Space to change the station to the focused one.
Step 7. A Dialog Box will appear, advising you that you have a station assigned to the preset number and asking you if you would like to change it to the new one. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter as Yes is the focused control.
Step 8. JAWS confirms that the new station is assigned to the preset.
Step 9. You could always go back into the Presets dialog with Alt+P, press Down Arrow to find the preset number and press Enter to play it. That will confirm that the assignment has been successful.
While focused in the Presets list, press Enter on an existing preset to play that station. This lets you check that the preset will do what you expect.
Unassigning a Preset.
If you wish to cause a preset to be unassigned:
Step 1. Press Alt+P to move into the presets list.
Step 2. Use Up and Down Arrow keys to find the preset you wish to unassign from a station. Remember, it must cause JAWS to announce the preset number, followed by the station name.
Step 3. Press the Delete key. The preset is automatically unassigned. There is very little value in using this option because you can easily overwrite a preset.
Step 4. Focus remains in the presets list. It is automatically refreshed so as to show the current state of all the presets.
Accessing Presets Globally.
You can access a preset (and begin playing a station) from within any application. Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+1 through to Windows+0 for the first 10 presets, with Windows+1 representing preset number 1 and Windows+0 representing preset number 10. To access presets 11 through to 20, press the Leasey Key followed by Alt+1 through to Alt+0. Simply press any one of the preset keystrokes to begin playing the assigned station. You will hear the announcement, "Connecting to", followed by the station name.
Scheduled Radio Recordings.
Leasey Media Centre can record radio stations to 96K, 128K, 192K, 320K MP3 or WAV files. There are some particular advantages when recording stations with Leasey Media Centre.
You do not need to listen to the station while the recording is ongoing. You can listen to another station while the recording is being made at the same time. When you restart the computer, assuming the Check Box to keep Leasey Media Centre running in the System Tray is checked, the recording will still take place. You do not need to have opened the application first. If the stream is disconnected mid-broadcast, Leasey Media Centre will check periodically during the scheduled time to see if it can be recovered. If so, the recording will continue in a separate file.
Scheduled Recordings Initial Configuration.
Scheduled recordings are based on stations in your favourites list. If you want to schedule a station, first add it to favourites.
Next, we need to specify the folder location for the recordings. This can be configured on a schedule by schedule basis which will be described later. However, it is advisable to set up a folder initially.
Step 1. Press Control+Comma to move into Options.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+2 to reach the "Radio and Recording" Tab.
Step 3. Press Tab.
Step 4. You are now in the Recording Folder Edit Field. Type a folder path if appropriate.
Step 5. If you prefer, press Tab to move to the "Browse" Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 6. Browse to the folder using standard Windows techniques.
Step 7. When the folder has been selected, press Enter.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space to save the settings.
Scheduling Recordings or Reviewing Schedules.
To create or review schedules:
Step 1. Activate the Scheduled Recordings Button in the Radio area, or press Control+Shift+R from anywhere within the application.
Scheduled Recordings can also be assigned as a global hot key in the Shortcut Keys tab. It is unassigned by default.
Step 2. The Scheduled Recordings dialog contains:
Schedules list.
Add Button.
Edit Button.
Delete Button.
Close Button.
Step 3. Press Tab to reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space to create a new schedule.
Step 4. The Add Schedule dialog contains:
Station Combo Box. This contains a list of all the stations within your Favourites.
Year Combo Box.
Month Combo Box.
Day Combo Box.
Hour Combo Box.
Minute Combo Box.
AM or PM Combo Box.
Duration in minutes Edit Field.
Repeat Combo Box.
Recording folder for this schedule Edit Field.
Browse Button.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Step 5. The start date is entered using Year, Month, and Day controls. This avoids the need to type a date manually which could cause potential confusion. The Year control allows dates up to 2030.
Step 6. The time is entered using the Hour, Minute, and AM or PM controls. This avoids the need to type 24 hour times.
Step 7. Next comes the Duration Edit Field. Type the number of minutes for the recording to take place, such as 60, 120 or 180.
Step 8. The Repeat Combo Box allows you to decide whether you would like a recording to be scheduled once only, daily or weekly. Press the Down Arrow key to move through the choices.
Step 9. The Recording folder for this schedule Edit Field shows the current recording location. If you leave it unchanged, the schedule uses the Recording folder specified in Options. If you change it, the new folder is used only for this specific scheduled recording. You can type or paste a folder path into this Edit Field if you wish.
Step 10. If you prefer to browse to the folder instead, press the Tab key to reach the Browse Button and press Enter or Space. You can then browse to the folder using standard Windows techniques. Press Enter when the folder is located.
Changing the folder location per scheduled recording is very useful if you regularly record a radio show on a week by week basis and you always want the recordings to be placed in a specific folder.
Step 11. If you change the folder, Leasey Media Centre asks you to confirm that this folder should be applied only to that scheduled recording. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter as Yes is the focused control.
Step 12. When the OK Button is activated, focus returns to the list of scheduled recordings. This gives you the opportunity of viewing which programmes are scheduled to record. The station name is given together with the date, time and duration.
If you ever want to refresh your memory as to what is scheduled, just press Control+Shift+R at any time and examine the schedule list. If a recording is in progress, Leasey will display this information, otherwise you will see it is scheduled.
Press Escape to close the dialog. Don't forget that you can delete any item by finding the programme in the schedule list, and press the Delete key. You can also edit an existing scheduled item by activating the Edit Button. When the scheduled time arrives, JAWS announces that the recording has started. When the recording finishes, JAWS announces that the scheduled recording has finished. The file is saved in the schedule-specific folder if one was chosen, otherwise it is saved in the Recording folder specified in Options. It contains the station name together with the start date and time.
Example of Setting Up a Weekly Scheduled Recording.
Let us assume that you wish to record a radio show on one of your favourite stations. The first broadcast begins on Sunday 9 August 2026 between 10 AM and 12 PM and occurs weekly until Sunday 22 November 2026.
Step 1. Ensure the radio station concerned is in your list of favourites.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+R to access scheduled recordings.
Step 3. If you have previously scheduled recordings, a list of those is displayed, such as, "Boom Radio, May 4, 2026, 12:00 PM, 120 minutes, Once, Completed". This shows the station name, the date and time, the fact that it was scheduled on one occasion and that the recording was fully completed. We will return to this list later.
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 5. You are now presented with a Combo Box displaying the list of all the stations you have in your favourites. Press the Down Arrow key to select one.
Step 6. Pressing Tab takes us to the Year control. At the time of writing, the option is set to 2026 which is correct. If you require another year, press Down Arrow to change. Leasey Media Centre always selects today's date and time as the starting point.
Step 7. Next comes the month Combo Box. Use the Up and Down arrow keys to find 8 because that represents August.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach the day Combo Box. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find 9 to represent the start date of the broadcast: 9 August.
Step 9. Press Tab to reach the hour Combo Box. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find 10 because that is the hour of the broadcast.
Step 10. Tab to the minutes Combo Box. Press the Home key to select 00 because we want the recording to begin at the top of the hour.
Step 11. Tab to the AM or PM Combo Box. If AM is not selected, use the Up Arrow key to find it.
Step 12. Tab to the duration Edit Field. The broadcast is two hours so type 120.
Step 13. Tab to the repeat Combo Box. Press the End key to select weekly.
Step 14. We will leave the recording folder location at the default. So press Tab three times to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Now at the appointed time, the recording should begin. While it is in progress, press Control+Shift+R, find the scheduled item and JAWS should say, "Recording".
If you have chosen not to have Leasey Media Centre start automatically when Windows is loaded, you will have needed to remember to launch the application manually prior to the scheduled recording start time.
Suspending a Scheduled Recording.
Your favourite show host is taking a holiday for one week.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+R to enter the Scheduled Recordings Dialog Box.
Step 2. From the list of available recordings, find the one relating to the broadcast.
Step 3. Press the Tab key to reach the Suspend Button and press Enter or Space. JAWS reports that the schedule has been suspended.
Step 4. The following week, you will need to move back into the scheduled recordings Dialog Box, find the broadcast listing and press the Tab key to reach the Resume Button. Press Enter or Space Bar to activate the recording again.
Editing an Existing Scheduled Recording.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+R to enter the Scheduled Recordings Dialog Box.
Step 2. From the list of available recordings, find the one relating to the broadcast.
Step 3. Press Alt+E to edit the scheduled recording.
Step 4. This Dialog Box is identical to the Dialog Box used for creating a new schedule. You can change any aspect of it, such as the start date.
Step 5. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Deleting a Scheduled Recording.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+R to enter the Scheduled Recordings Dialog Box.
Step 2. From the list of available recordings, find the one relating to the broadcast.
Step 3. Press the Delete key.
Step 4. You are asked if you want to delete the item. Type Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the default control.
Custom Streams.
It is possible that you may wish to add a URL pointing to an audio stream which is not featured in the Leasey Radio database. There are three methods of achieving this.
Step 1. Press Control+Comma for Options.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+2 to reach the "Radio and Recording" Tab.
Step 3. Press Tab.
We are now in the correct location for all three of the below options.
Adding a Custom Stream Manually.
The following procedure will allow you to add a Custom Stream to the Leasey Radio database which can be accessed by other people.
Step 1. Be sure that you have the full URL pointing to the audio stream on the clipboard. This must not be the main page of the radio station's web site. It must be a URL which would play using your audio player, such as Winamp or VLC. If it does not play in your audio player, you cannot add a Custom Stream using this method.
Step 2. From our current location in Options, press Tab repeatedly to reach the Button Submit stream for sharing. Press Enter.
Step 3. Into the Edit Field now available, paste the URL obtained in step 1.
Step 4. Press Tab.
Step 5. You are then asked to name the station. Type the name you would like to assign to it.
Step 6. You are then asked to assign it to one of the 10 categories. Select one of the categories with the Up and Down Arrow keys. There is a further item in the list, "None". This means that you do not know which category it should be assigned to.
Step 7. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
The stream should then be added. Notification is then sent to Hartgen Consultancy notifying us of the addition of the Custom Stream. We will then move it to the desired category if we determine it is appropriate for it. However, you can still listen to it as soon as it is added. Visit your Favourites area with Alt+V and you should find it there. Press Enter to play.
Add Currently Playing Station to Custom Streams.
If you find a radio station in either the Shoutcast or Radio Browser databases which you think would be a good fit for the Leasey Radio database, you can add it as a Custom Stream. The following procedure will allow you to add a Custom Stream to the Leasey Radio database which can be accessed by other people.
Step 1. Be sure that you have selected the station to play out using your media player. You must have searched for it using Leasey Media Centre.
Step 2. From our current location in Options, press Tab repeatedly to reach the Button Submit current station. Press Enter.
Step 3. The URL of the playing stream should be in the focused Edit Field.
Step 4. Press Tab and the name of the station should be in the station name Edit Field.
Step 5. You are then asked to assign it to one of the 10 categories. Select one of the categories with the Up and Down Arrow keys and press Enter. There is a further item in the list, "None". This means that you do not know which category it should be assigned to.
Step 6. The stream should then be added. Notification is then sent to Hartgen Consultancy notifying us of the addition of the Custom Stream. We will then move it to the desired category if we determine it is appropriate for it. However, you can still listen to it as soon as it is added. Visit your favourites with Alt+V and you should find it there.
Adding a Private Stream to Leasey Radio Favourites.
There is a further method of adding a Custom Stream. When you add such a stream, it is for your own use and will not be shared with anyone else. This might be useful if you own a radio station which is not broadcast 24 hours a day, but you would like to use Leasey to listen to it when it is broadcasting. This radio station will not appear in Custom Streams. It will be located in your Leasey Radio Favourites instead.
Step 1. Be sure that you have the full URL pointing to the audio stream on the clipboard. This must not be the main page of the radio station's web site. It must be a URL which would play using your audio player, such as Winamp or VLC. If it does not play in your audio player, you cannot add a Custom Stream using this method.
Step 2. From our current location in Options, press Tab repeatedly to reach the Button Add private stream to favourites. Press Enter.
Step 3. Into the Edit Field now available, paste the URL obtained in step 1.
Step 4. Press Tab.
Step 5. You are then asked to name the station. Type the name you would like to assign to it.
Step 6. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
The stream should then be added and you can find it in Leasey Radio Favourites, activated with Alt+V.
Podcasts.
Podcasts are accessed by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+P. When you press this key combination, the Task Combo Box previously referred to is automatically set to the podcasts area. If you are focused in Leasey Media Centre already, you can press Alt+2.
The Podcasts area is very easy to move around sequentially by pressing the Tab key if you wish and contains:
Podcast feeds list.
Check new episodes Button.
Add Feed Button, used for adding an RSS feed manually.
Search Directory Button, searches the iTunes podcast directory.
Delete Feed Button.
Useful Podcast Keystrokes.
Control+F moves to the episode search Edit Field so as to search by key words in the show notes as described later.
Control+L moves to the list of feeds.
Alt+L moves to the episode list.
Enter on a podcast feed retrieves episodes for that feed.
Enter on an episode plays it.
Escape clears the episode list and returns focus to the podcast feed list.
Alt+B renders the show notes in a browser. Many show notes contain links and this is the best way of handling that situation.
Alt+Y searches the iTunes directory.
Alt+D deletes the selected podcast feed. You can also press the Delete key when focused on a feed title.
Alt+F downloads the selected episode file to your computer in a location of your choosing.
What If You Have No Podcasts to Start With?.
We have a number of recommended podcasts related to blindness and technology. You may like to start with these. You can always remove any you no longer wish to listen to.
Step 1. Press Control+Comma for Options.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+3 to reach the "Podcasts" Tab.
Step 3. Press Tab.
Step 4. Let's take a look at some of the controls in this area because potentially most of them are useful at this stage. The first control is "Import Leasey Recommended Podcasts". This is the one in which we are interested in right now. Press Enter or the Space Bar on this Button. JAWS confirms how many podcast feeds were imported.
Step 5. The next Button of interest, which you can reach by pressing Tab, is "Import from Previous Leasey Cast Interface". If you had many podcast feeds set up using Leasey version 11 or earlier, pressing Enter or Space on this Button will allow those feeds to be imported. JAWS confirms how many feeds were imported.
Step 6. Next we have "Import OPML". Pressing Enter or Space on this Button prompts for a file name of a podcast feeds file you may have exported from an alternative podcasting client. Using standard Windows techniques, browse to the file and press Enter to import the feeds. JAWS confirms how many feeds were imported.
Step 7. The only other control of relevance at this stage, which you can reach by pressing Tab, is "Episode Order". This is a Combo Box. You can choose between newest first and newest last. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to choose the order.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Adding Podcasts from the iTunes Directory.
Step 1. Press Alt+Y to search the iTunes directory for possible podcasts you may like to subscribe to.
Step 2. Type the name of a podcast you wish to search for and press enter. You can also type a category name.
Step 3. A list of matches is displayed. Move through the results with the Up and Down arrow keys and press Enter on one which sounds promising.
Step 4. Leasey Media Centre then retrieves a preview of the podcast. This includes the podcast description and some sample episodes.
Step 5. If you would like to subscribe to the podcast, press the Tab key to reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
Searching for a Podcast By Name.
We want to search for the podcast Access On hosted by the National Federation of the Blind. In point of fact this is already in our recommended podcast list.
Step 1. Press Alt+Y for Search Directory.
Step 2. Into the Edit Field which is in focus, type the term, Access On. Press Enter.
Step 3. When writing this documentation, 50 results are returned. The first is "Access On, National Federation of the Blind". That is exactly the one we want. Press Enter.
Step 4. A read-only Edit Field is displayed containing the podcast description:
Hosted by Jonathan Mosen, Access On features breaking technology news, product demonstrations, reviews, comparisons, and interviews about the fast-changing world of technology. We also welcome contributions from our listeners. Follow Access On for news about computers, smartphones, AI, accessible appliances, blindness-specific devices including Braille displays, and more. Whether you’re a tech expert, or you’re trying to make sense of it all, Access On has something for you. Access On listeners benefit from the resources of the National Federation of the Blind, including our Centre for Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, our extensive networks in the technology sector, and our many members with specialist knowledge of technology. When it comes to access technology, Access On breaks the news, and makes the news.
Step 5. Press the Tab key. You will reach show notes of the most recent episodes in the feed. This should give you a good indicator of whether this podcast is for you.
Step 6. If it sounds as though you may be interested in the podcast, press the Tab key to reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. If you think you would prefer to review alternative results, press Escape and you will return to the results list, whereupon you can repeat the process.
Step 8. When you have finished browsing the directory, press Escape again to return to the main podcasts screen.
Searching for a Podcast By Category or Key Word.
There may be specific subjects in which you are interested. The below is an example of how you might search the directory by category or key word.
Step 1. Press Alt+Y for Search Directory.
Step 2. Into the Edit Field which is in focus, type the term, marriage. Press Enter.
Step 3. When writing this documentation, 50 results are returned. The first is "Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast, Focus on the Family". That is exactly the one we want. Press Enter.
Step 4. A read-only Edit Field is displayed containing the podcast description:
If you’re married — or soon to be — you’ve got questions. What makes this relationship work? How do I fix it when it breaks? Where do I go when I need help? Host John Fuller and marriage experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley help answer those questions with practical, down-to-earth insights based on God’s design for marriage. Find answers and inspiration in every short episode of this Christian marriage podcast.
Step 5. Press the Tab key. and you will reach show notes of the most recent episodes in the feed. This should give you a good indicator of whether this podcast is for you.
Step 6. If it sounds as though you may be interested in the podcast, press the Tab key to reach the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. If you think you would prefer to review alternative results, press Escape and you will return to the results list, whereupon you can repeat the process.
Step 8. When you have finished browsing the directory, press Escape again to return to the main podcasts screen.
Podcast Episodes.
Here is a procedure you can use to work with your podcast feeds.
Step 1. From the podcasts screen, press Control+L to focus upon the list of podcast feeds.
Step 2. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to explore the feeds. If Leasey detects the focused feed has new episodes, you will hear that information.
Step 3. To open a feed, press Enter.
Step 4. The list now displayed is filled with available episodes.
Step 5. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the feeds. As you move through the list, new episodes should be identified. So as you arrow up and down through the list of episodes within a feed, JAWS might say, New episode, NPR News: 05-01-2026 7AM EDT, 01 May 2026
Step 6. The show notes Edit Field follows the episode list in the tab order, so pressing Tab once from the episode list should place you in the show notes. If you wish to place these into a web browser, press Alt+B or Tab to the Show Notes in Browser Button and press Enter or Space. This can be helpful if the show notes contain links to specific resources to be accessed later.
Step 7. To stream an episode from the web, find an episode from the list and press Enter to do so.
A note on obtaining new episode information. The moment you access the podcasts area of Leasey Media Centre, each feed in your podcasts list is checked for new content. This can take a little time. It depends upon how many feeds you have in the list and the speed of the individual servers returning content. It could be that if you start moving through the list sooner than the episode check has been completed, you will receive a false report on the number of new episodes. This is because the background check has not concluded. When the feed check is completed, JAWS will always tell you the number of new episodes available across the number of feeds.
Downloading Podcast Episodes to the Computer.
It is quite possible that you would like to download a podcast episode to your computer. Particularly if you would prefer to listen to the podcast using an alternative player then this will be required.
Step 1. Focus upon an episode in the list.
Step 2. Press Alt+F for File.
Step 3. You will be asked where you want to save the file. Specify a location by browsing to it using standard Windows techniques and press Enter.
Step 4. JAWS should announce that the download has started and also when it has completed.
Transcribing Podcast Episodes.
Leasey Media Centre can create a text transcript of a podcast episode. This can be useful if you want to search through an episode, keep written notes from it, review a section more carefully, or copy information from the spoken content. It also assists people who are unable to hear the audio content.
Where possible, the transcript separates different speakers. They are identified as Speaker 1, Speaker 2 and so on. Speaker separation is not always perfect, especially if people talk over each other or the audio quality is poor, but it can be very helpful for interviews and discussion programmes.
Step 1. Open a podcast feed and move to the episode you want to transcribe.
Step 2. Press Tab until you reach the Transcribe episode Button.
Step 3. Press Enter or Space.
Step 4. JAWS should announce that transcription has started. Focus is placed in the show notes Edit Field so you can continue reviewing the episode details while the transcript is being prepared.
Step 5. While the transcript is being prepared, Leasey gives progress messages approximately every 15 seconds. The exact time taken depends upon the length of the episode and the current speed of the transcription process. The average time taken to transcribe a podcast with a duration of one hour is approximately 40 to 50 seconds.
Step 6. When the transcript is ready, a Podcast Transcript window opens. The transcript is in a read-only Edit Field, so you can review it with the arrow keys.
Step 7. If required, Tab to Copy Transcript and press Enter or Space to copy the transcript to the clipboard. You can also Tab to Save Transcript and press Enter or Space to save it as a text file.
Step 8. If you would like a shorter version of the transcript, Tab to Create Summary and press Enter or Space.
Step 9. JAWS should announce that the summary has started. While the summary is being prepared, Leasey gives progress messages approximately every 30 seconds.
Step 10. When the summary is ready, focus is placed in the Summary Edit Field. The summary is presented as plain text, so you can review it with the arrow keys.
Step 11. If required, Tab to Copy Summary and press Enter or Space to copy the summary to the clipboard. You can also Tab to Save Summary and press Enter or Space to save it as a text file. The save dialog for a summary is called Podcast Summary.
Step 12. Press Escape or activate Close when you have finished reviewing the transcript or summary.
Searching For Specific Content.
Suppose you have subscribed to a podcast and you would like to check the feed for specific content. Leasey can search the podcast show notes for key words.
Going back to our Access On podcast, let us discover whether they have anything useful to say about Braille.
Step 1. We have previously subscribed to Access On. Press Control+L to access the list of feeds.
Step 2. Using the Up or Down Arrow keys, locate the Access On podcast and press Enter.
Step 3. Press Control+F.
Step 4. Type the word Braille and press Enter.
Step 5. A list of results is returned containing the term you have requested. At the time of writing, 18 episodes are returned for this feed containing the word Braille.
Step 6. The structure of this Dialog Box is exactly the same as if you were viewing regular feed episodes. You can press Enter to play a podcast episode or press Tab to reach the show notes. You can also download it to the computer by pressing Alt+F.
Checking For New Episodes.
Each time you start Leasey Media Centre in the podcasts area, Leasey will check for new episodes to the feeds you have subscribed to. If new content is found, you will be advised of this. JAWS will announce how many episodes have been found and the number of feeds they relate to.
You can however force a manual refresh.
Step 1. Press Control+L to move to the list of feeds.
Step 2. Press Tab to reach the Check New Episodes Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. If new episodes are found, you will be placed in a list of feeds containing new content. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find a feed and press Enter to access it.
Chapter Marks.
Some podcast files contain chapter marks. When a local file contains chapter marks, the player title includes the words chapters available. Press JAWS Key+T to read the window title.
Use Control+Left Arrow and Control+Right Arrow to move through the chapters. Press Control+Shift+L to bring into view a list of chapters. Where possible, we obtain the chapter name and start time. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find a chapter to listen to, then press Enter.
Renaming a Podcast Feed.
The names of podcasts in the feeds list do not need to reflect the podcast titles. They can be whatever you would like them to be.
Step 1. Ensure you are focused within the list of feeds.
Step 2. Move to a feed where you wish to change the name, such as, "My Very Exciting Podcast".
Step 3. Press F2.
Step 4. Type the new name and press Enter.
Step 5. The new name should be reflected in the feeds list. It will not affect the functionality of listening to or downloading the podcasts.
Obtaining the URL of a Podcast Episode.
You may wish to obtain the URL of a podcast episode, perhaps for submitting to an external service or for sharing with other people.
Step 1. Begin playing the episode for which you wish to obtain the URL.
Step 2. Press Control+E.
Step 3. The URL pointing to the publicly available file is displayed in a read-only Edit Field.
Step 4. You can either copy it from the Edit Field or press the Tab key to reach the Copy Button, then press Enter or Space.
Unsubscribing From a Podcast.
If you wish to remove a podcast from your feeds list, do the following:
Step 1. Press Control+L to access the feeds list.
Step 2. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find the feed to be removed.
Step 3. Press the Delete key.
Step 4. You will be asked for confirmation of the deletion. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since Yes is the focused control.
Audio and Playlists.
Audio and Playlists is accessed by pressing the Leasey Key then A for Audio, and selecting the first item, Work with Audio and Playlists. When you press this key combination, the Tasks Combo Box previously referred to is automatically set to the Audio and Playlists area. If you are focused in Leasey Media Centre already, you can press Alt+3.
The Audio and Playlists area contains:
Playlists list.
New playlist Button.
Delete playlist Button.
Add files Button.
Add Folder Button.
Remove track Button.
Move up Button.
Move down Button.
Tracks list.
Playlist order Combo Box.
Open file Button.
Play track Button.
Play playlist Button.
Edit tags Button.
Batch tag editor Button.
Audio converter Button.
Close Button.
Useful Audio and Playlist Keystrokes.
Control+O opens a streaming URL, local audio file, supported video file soundtrack or playlist.
Supported audio files include:
MP3.
M4A.
M4B.
AAC.
WAV.
FLAC.
OGG.
OPUS.
WMA.
Supported video files, where Leasey Media Centre plays the soundtrack, include:
MP4.
MKV.
M4V.
MOV.
AVI.
WEBM.
WMV.
3GP.
Supported playlist files include:
M3U.
M3U8 [ PLS.
The keystrokes continue.
Alt+P moves to the playlist list.
Alt+L moves to the tracks in the playlist.
Control+N creates a new playlist.
Alt+A adds one or more files to the selected playlist.
Alt+F adds a folder to the selected playlist.
Control+Shift+E edits tags for the selected track in the Tracks list.
Alt+E opens the Batch Tag Editor from the Audio and Playlists area.
Enter on a playlist starts playing it.
Enter on a track plays that track.
Delete on a track removes it from the playlist.
Opening Audio Files or Streaming URLs.
Control+O opens the Open Media dialog.
This dialog can be used in two different ways.
The first edit field is Streaming URL. Use this field when you have a direct streaming address for an internet radio station or other playable audio stream.
Examples of suitable streaming URLs include:
Direct MP3 streams.
Direct AAC or AAC Plus streams.
Direct OGG or Opus streams.
M3U or M3U8 playlist streams where the player can resolve the audio.
PLS playlist streams where the player can resolve the audio.
The Streaming URL field is not intended for ordinary web pages. For example, a station home page, a YouTube page, a SoundCloud page, or a page containing an embedded player is not usually a direct streaming URL. If the URL does not play in other media players such as VLC or Winamp, it is unlikely to play here.
To open a streaming URL:
Step 1. Press Control+O.
Step 2. Type or paste the streaming URL into the Streaming URL edit field.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Leasey Media Player opens and attempts to play the stream. The stream is not added to favourites, presets, or the main station directory. This makes the feature useful for testing a stream before deciding whether it should be added permanently.
The second edit field is Audio file. You can reach this by pressing Tab. Use this field when you want to open a local audio file, supported video file soundtrack, or playlist file.
You can type a complete path to a file and press Enter. You can also type part of a path, such as a drive letter or folder, and press Enter. The standard Windows Open dialog appears from that location. Choose the file and press Enter. The selected file starts playing immediately.
Supported audio files include MP3, M4A, M4B, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG, Opus and WMA. Supported video files for audio playback include MP4, MKV, M4V, MOV, AVI, WebM, WMV and 3GP. Supported playlist files include M3U, M3U8 and PLS.
If both Streaming URL and Audio file contain text, Leasey asks you to use one field or the other.
Creating a Playlist.
To create a playlist.
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. Type the playlist name and press Enter.
Step 3. Activate Add files, or press Alt+A, to add one or more audio files or supported video files. This will allow you to browse to the files to add using standard Windows techniques.
Step 4. If you wish to add an entire folder, press Alt+F or activate the Add Folder Button.
Step 5. After choosing the folder, Leasey Media Centre asks whether files in subfolders should also be included. Type Y for Yes or N for No. You can also press Enter since the Yes Button is the focused control. The tracks are shown in the Tracks list.
Step 6. Alternatively, find the file using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, copy it to the clipboard, focus back on the Playlist Viewer and press Control+V.
Managing Track Order.
You can rearrange the items in the playlist:
Step 1. Move to a track in the Tracks list.
Step 2. Activate Move up or Move down; Alt+U or Alt+D.
JAWS should announce:
Moved Song A below Song B.
Step 3. Multiple files can be selected for deletion or moving by focusing upon each one and pressing the Comma key. JAWS reports that a file is selected. You can verify which files have been selected by:
Moving to a file with the arrow keys. JAWS reports if it has been selected.
Typing forward slash. JAWS recites all the items which are selected.
Should you wish to clear the selection, type full-stop or period.
Listening to a Playlist.
The Playlist order Combo Box allows you to choose:
Sequential.
Shuffle.
Repeat.
Sequential plays the playlist in the displayed order.
Shuffle plays the items in a random order.
Repeat begins the playlist content again when it reaches the end.
You can press Tab or Shift+Tab repeatedly to reach the Combo Box and the Up or Down Arrow keys can be used to change the value.
Creating a Playlist and Listening to It.
We will now create a playlist, add tracks to it and begin listening to it using Leasey Media Player. Note that the Leasey Media Player must be used in order to listen to playlists.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key followed by letter A for Audio.
Step 2. From the menu which appears, press Enter on the first item, Work with Audio and Playlists.
Step 3. The Audio and Playlists window appears.
Step 4. Press Control+N to create a new playlist.
Step 5. Type the name for the playlist, such as, Oldies. Then press Enter. JAWS confirms that the playlist has been created.
Step 6. We will first add an artist folder and sub-folders. Press Alt+F.
Step 7. Using standard Windows techniques, browse to the folder containing a music artist and press Enter to select it.
Step 8. Tab to the Select Folder Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 9. You are asked if you would like to add sub-folders to the playlist. Type letter Y for Yes or N for No. On this occasion, we will choose Yes by typing the letter Y. JAWS confirms how many files were added. We do not need to be concerned with saving a playlist because it is automatically saved.
Step 10. Close down Leasey Media Centre by pressing Alt+F4. Of course we do not need to do this but it illustrates the next point very well.
Step 11. Load up the Leasey Media Centre once more with the audio and Playlists area in focus. This is achieved by pressing the Leasey Key then letter A and pressing Enter on the first item, Work with Audio and Playlists.
Step 12. Press Alt+P to focus upon your list of playlists.
Step 13. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to focus upon the name of the playlist.
Step 14. You now have a choice. Pressing Enter will begin playing the playlist in the order specified within the Playlist Order Combo Box. By default this is sequential. If you wish to change this, press Tab or Shift+Tab to reach the Combo Box and then Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to change the value.
Step 15. However, if you only want to hear an individual track from the playlist, press Alt+L to focus upon the list of tracks. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move to the desired item and press Enter to play.
Editing Tags for One Audio File.
Leasey Media Centre can edit tags for MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG and Opus files.
This includes:
Title.
Artist.
Album.
Album artist.
Track number.
Genre.
Year/date.
Comment.
To edit tags for a track in a playlist:
Step 1. Move to Audio and Playlists.
Step 2. Press Alt+P to focus on the list of playlists.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to choose the playlist you want.
Step 4. Press Alt+L to focus upon the list of tracks in the playlist.
Step 5. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move to the track you want to edit.
Step 6. Press Control+Shift+E, or Tab to the Edit tags Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. The Edit Audio Tags dialog opens.
Step 8. The first field is Title. Tab through the fields and make the changes you want.
Step 9. Press Enter or Space on the Save Button to save the tags.
JAWS should announce:
Tags saved.
You can also edit tags for the file which is currently loaded in the Leasey Media Player by pressing Control+E in the player window.
Tag editing is only available for local MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG and Opus files. It is not available for radio streams, podcast streams, playlist URLs or other audio formats. If the file is playing, you can usually edit the tags without stopping playback. After saving, the player title and spoken track name should update to reflect the new title and artist.
Batch Tag Editor.
The Batch Tag Editor is useful when you want to review or change tags for a group of MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG or Opus files.
Step 1. Move to Audio and Playlists.
Step 2. Press Alt+E to activate the Batch tag editor.
Step 3. The Batch Tag Editor contains:
Folder Edit Field.
Load folder Button.
Load files Button.
Include subfolders Check Box.
Files list.
Tag Edit Fields for the selected file.
Save Button.
Save and next Button.
Reload Button.
Buttons to apply artist, album, album artist, genre or year/date to selected files.
Close Button.
To load a folder:
Step 1. Type or paste a folder path into the Edit Field.
Step 2. Alternatively, Tab to the Load Folder Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Using standard Windows navigation techniques, choose the folder containing the files and press Enter.
Step 4. If you want to include files in subfolders, check Include subfolders before loading the folder. You can press the Tab key to reach this Check Box. Press Space to check or uncheck it.
To load specific files:
Step 1. Tab to the Load File Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 2. Using standard Windows navigation techniques, choose the file and press Enter.
The files list shows the loaded files. As you move through the list, JAWS should speak useful information such as the artist and title, where available. The Edit Fields for each file, which you can reach by repeatedly pressing the Tab key, show the tags for the selected file.
To change one file:
Step 1. Move to the file in the list.
Step 2. Tab to the field you want to change.
Step 3. Type the new value.
Step 4. Activate Save, or press Control+S. Focus returns to the files list after saving.
To save and move to the next file:
Step 1. Make the changes you want.
Step 2. Press Tab to reach the Save and Next Button and press Enter or Space.
To apply the same value to several files:
Step 1. Select the files in the list.
Step 2. Type the value into the appropriate field, such as Artist, Album, Album artist, Genre or Year/date.
Step 3. Tab to one of these Buttons depending upon what you are trying to change:
Apply artist to selected files.
Apply album to selected files.
Apply album artist to selected files.
Apply genre to selected files.
Apply year/date to selected files.
Step 4. Press Enter or Space on the appropriate Button.
Step 5. You will be asked to confirm if more than one file is being changed. Type Y for Yes or N for No. Pressing Enter is possible since Yes is the focused control.
The Batch Tag Editor does not rename files. It does not change album art. It preserves unrelated metadata where possible. If a file is read-only or cannot be updated, a clear error is shown.
Audio Converter.
The Audio Converter is available from the Audio and Playlists area.
Step 1. Press the Tab key to reach the Audio Converter Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 2. The first control is the Load Files Button. Pressing Enter on this Button will allow you to browse for files using standard Windows techniques. Press Enter when the file or files are found.
Step 3. Alternatively, Tab to the Load Folder Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 4. Activating this Button allows you to browse to the folder using standard Windows techniques.
Step 5. If you load a folder, you can choose whether to include files in subfolders. This is a Check Box. Press the Space Bar to Check or Uncheck it.
Step 6. Press Tab and you should be able to examine the list of files added in the previous steps.
Step 7. Pressing Tab again moves to the Output folder Edit Field. This location should be used to send the converted files. Type or paste a full folder path into this field.
Step 8. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the Browse Button and press Enter or Space. This gives you the opportunity of browsing to an output folder using standard Windows techniques.
Step 9. Press Tab again to reach the Output format Combo Box.
Step 10. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select an output format. The choices are:
WAV.
MP3 128K.
MP3 192K.
MP3 320K.
FLAC.
M4A AAC 192K.
OGG Vorbis 192K.
For example, you can convert an M4A file to WAV or a video file to MP3. Leasey Media Centre does not overwrite existing files. If a file with the same name already exists in the output folder, a numbered file name is created.
Step 11. Tab to the Convert Button and press Enter or Space.
If you have registered File Explorer entries from Options, you can also convert one file directly from File Explorer. Focus the audio file in File Explorer, press the Applications key, and choose Convert with Leasey Audio Converter. The Audio Converter opens with that file already loaded. This Explorer command is separate from Play with Leasey Media Centre on the Context Menu and does not change your default audio player.
Send to Leasey from Leasey File Manager.
Leasey File Manager includes a Send to Leasey command.
Press Control+Shift+L to open it.
You can also open the context menu with the Applications key or Shift+F10 and choose Send to Leasey.
Send to Leasey works on one focused file. It does not work on a folder or on several tagged files at the same time, because the choices depend on the kind of file you are focused on.
For audio files, Send to Leasey can offer:
Play with Leasey Media Centre.
Add to Leasey Media Centre Queue.
Tag with Leasey Tag Editor.
Convert with Leasey Audio Converter.
The exact choices depend on the file type. For example, MP3, M4A, MP4 and FLAC files can be sent to the tag editor. Common audio files such as MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC and WMA can be sent to Leasey Media Centre.
If there is no suitable Leasey action for the focused file, the menu will say that no Leasey actions are available.
Leasey Media Player.
The Leasey Media Player is the player window used by the Media Centre when Leasey Media Player is selected, or when playing local files, playlists and podcasts.
The player can also play the audio soundtrack from supported video files. This includes MP4 and MKV files, and also common formats such as M4V, MOV, AVI, WebM and WMV. Video is not shown; only the audio is played. You can press the Tab key to move through the controls.
The player contains:
Play or Pause Button.
Stop Button.
Mute Button.
Record Button, when listening to radio.
Stop Recording Button, when listening to radio.
Previous track Button, when a playlist is active.
Next track Button, when a playlist is active.
Back Button.
Forward Button.
Queue Button.
Bookmarks Button.
Close Button.
Skip amount Combo Box. This determines how much audio is skipped when keystrokes are used, such as Left and Right Arrow, or when the Back and Forward Buttons are activated. Choices include short values such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds or 30 seconds, and longer values such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour.
Volume slider.
Speed Combo Box.
Graphic equaliser preset Combo Box, when playing podcasts, local audio files or local playlists.
Graphic bass slider, when the graphic equaliser is available.
Graphic treble slider, when the graphic equaliser is available.
Leasey Media Player Keystrokes.
Control+Space or letter C plays or pauses.
Up Arrow raises the volume by the configured amount, specified in Options.
Down Arrow lowers the volume by the configured amount, specified in Options.
When focus is on the volume slider, Up Arrow increases by one percent and Down Arrow decreases by one percent.
When focus is on the volume slider, Page Up increases by 10 percent and Page Down decreases by 10 percent.
When focus is on the graphic bass or graphic treble slider, Up Arrow increases by one step and Down Arrow decreases by one step.
When focus is on the graphic bass or graphic treble slider, Page Up increases by a larger step and Page Down decreases by a larger step.
Alt+M mutes or unmutes.
Control+R starts recording the current radio station. If a recording is already running, Control+R stops it. The recording is saved in the folder you chose under Options.
Left Arrow skips back by the selected skip amount.
Right Arrow skips forward by the selected skip amount.
If Speak player status messages is enabled, Leasey Media Centre speaks the new position after skipping. This is an extremely responsive media player and the ability to skip forward and backward works very well.
Page Up moves to the previous track when a playlist is active.
Page Down moves to the next track when a playlist is active.
Control+Left Arrow moves to the previous chapter when chapter marks exist.
Control+Right Arrow moves to the next chapter when chapter marks exist.
X moves back to the start of the file.
Numbers 1 through to 9 move to 10 percent through to 90 percent of the file, if the length is known. This also applies to podcast which are streaming.
Alt+Shift+T speaks elapsed time.
Control+Shift+T speaks remaining time.
Control+Alt+T speaks listening time remaining. This takes the current playback speed into account, so it tells you how much real listening time is left rather than the original file time.
ALT+T speaks the total length of the file.
- Control+J opens Jump to Time.
- Control+E edits tags for the currently loaded local MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG or Opus file.
- Control+Shift+Q opens the Queue Manager.
Left bracket decreases playback speed where speed control is available. This works from the player window.
Right bracket increases playback speed where speed control is available. This works from the player window. After changing speed with these keys, Leasey Media Centre speaks the new speed.
Left brace decreases the skip amount. This is Shift+Left Bracket on most keyboards.
Right brace increases the skip amount. This is Shift+Right Bracket on most keyboards.
The playback queue is temporary. If a track is currently playing, queued files are played after the current track finishes. Queued files play before the next normal playlist track. In the Queue Manager, Enter plays the selected queued item, Delete removes it, and the Buttons allow you to add files, remove files, move them, play the selected item or clear the queue.
One thing you will notice. The number of controls in the audio player differs depending upon the environment. For example, in radio, we do not have the speed control because you cannot vary the speed of playback for a live broadcast. So there is no sense in having it there.
Manual Radio Recording.
When you are listening to radio using the Leasey Media Player, the player contains Record and Stop Recording Buttons. You can also press Control+R to start or stop recording.
Recordings are saved as MP3 or WAV files in the Recording folder specified in Options. You are not asked for a file name each time. Leasey Media Centre creates a file name using the station name and the date and time.
JAWS announces when recording starts. When recording is stopped, JAWS announces that the recording has been saved.
Jump to Time.
To move to a specific time in a file:
Step 1. Press Control+J for Jump to Time.
Step 2. Select the number of hours from the focused List Box with the Up or Down Arrow keys.
Step 3. Press Tab and select the number of minutes from the List Box with the Up or Down Arrow keys.
Step 4. Press Tab and select the number of seconds from the List Box with the Up or Down Arrow keys.
Step 5. Press Enter.
Playback Speed.
The Speed Combo Box changes playback speed. This is especially useful for podcasts and audio books. Radio always plays at normal speed, so the Speed Combo Box is not shown when listening to radio. Podcast speed is remembered separately from local audio files. Local audio files and playlists start at normal speed by default, but if you change the speed for an audio book or similar file, that local audio speed is remembered for future local audio playback. Press Control+0 to return to normal speed at any time. Press left bracket to decrease speed or right bracket to increase speed where speed control is available. These keys work from the player window. Press left brace or right brace to decrease or increase the skip amount. These keys work from the player window. These keys have been mentioned here because you may like to increase the speed of audio playback, particularly within speech content such as a podcast, and then use the Left Brack and Right Brace keystrokes to change how far through the audio you move with the Left and Right Arrow keys. It is an excellent combination. So in summary, Left and Right Bracket change speed. Left and Right Brace brackets change skip amount. The Left and Right bracket keys to control the speed of playback are to the immediate right of letter P. Shift with those same keystrokes control the skip amount.
Graphic Equaliser.
The graphic equaliser is available in the Leasey Media Player when playing podcasts, local audio files or local playlists. The graphic equaliser is not shown and is not applied when listening to radio streams. This includes radio streams opened from an M3U or M3U8 file in Player Only Mode.
The graphic equaliser contains a preset Combo Box, a graphic bass slider and a graphic treble slider. Press Tab to move between the controls.
The graphic equaliser preset Combo Box includes choices such as Off, Speech clarity, Bass boost, Treble boost, Warm, Brighter and Reduce bass. Press Up or Down Arrow keys to change the values. Changing a graphic equaliser preset immediately changes the sound. Changing the graphic bass or graphic treble slider also immediately changes the sound and sets the graphic equaliser preset to Custom.
Chapter Marks.
Some podcast files contain chapter marks. When a local file contains chapter marks, the player title includes the words chapters available. Press JAWS Key+T to read the window title.
Use Control+Left Arrow and Control+Right Arrow to move through the chapters. Press Control+Shift+L to bring into view a list of chapters. Where possible, we obtain the chapter name and start time. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find a chapter to listen to, then press Enter.
Saved Positions.
Saved positions are file specific. This is useful for audio books or long recordings.
When a local file is paused, stopped or closed, the current position is saved. If you open the same file later, you can return to the saved position.
Press Alt+Windows+K globally to resume the saved position, if you have not changed the shortcut in Options. Inside the player, Control+Shift+K also resumes the saved position.
If the file has finished playing, the saved position is reset to the start.
Bookmarks.
Bookmarks are also file specific. They are intended for important points in a long recording or audio book.
To set a bookmark:
Step 1. Move to the position in the document you want to mark.
Step 2. Press Control+K.
Step 3. Type a bookmark name and press Enter.
Moving to a Bookmark.
To move to a bookmark:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+G.
Step 2. The Bookmarks dialog opens. Move through the bookmarks with Down Arrow. You can also press the first letter of a bookmark name to move quickly through the list.
Step 3. Press Enter to move to the selected bookmark.
Deleting a Bookmark.
To delete a bookmark:
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+G.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to select the bookmark or type its initial letter.
Step 3. Press Delete.
Determining What Is Playing.
To hear the song title and artist, or file title such as a podcast, press JAWS Key+T, the standard keystroke to read the window title with JAWS. The window title has been kept free of content apart from the name of the item which is playing. So it is not going to state the name of the audio player.
Queue Manager.
The Queue Manager is a temporary list of files waiting to be played. It is useful if you are already listening to something and want another file to play next without creating a permanent playlist.
You can open Queue Manager from the player window with Control+Shift+Q. If there are no queued items, Leasey Media Centre reports that no songs are in the queue and does not open an empty dialogbox.
The Queue Manager contains:
Queued tracks list.
Add file Button.
Remove Button.
Move up Button.
Move down Button.
Play Button.
Clear Button.
Close Button.
Adding a File to the Queue.
Step 1. Open Queue Manager with Control+Shift+Q.
Step 2. Press Enter or Space on Add file.
Step 3. Choose the file using standard Windows techniques and press Enter.
Step 4. The file is added to the queue.
You can also add a file to the queue from File Explorer if File Explorer entries have been registered from Options. Focus the file, press the Applications key or Shift+F10, and choose Add to Leasey Media Centre Queue.
Managing the Queue.
Use Up and Down Arrow in the queued tracks list to move through queued files.
Press Enter on a queued file to play it immediately.
Press Delete or activate Remove to remove the selected file from the queue.
Activate Move up or Move down to change the order. When a queued item is moved, JAWS reports where it has been moved.
Activate Clear to remove all queued items.
The queue is not a permanent playlist. If you want to keep a group of files for later use, create a playlist in the Audio and Playlists area.
Global Player Hotkeys and Shortcut Keys.
To modify any of the shortcut keys for the Media Player, and possibly make some of them global:
Step 1. Press Control+Comma for Options.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+5 to reach the "Shortcut Keys" tab.
Step 3. Press Tab repeatedly to move through the controls.
The fields are:
Actions List.
Description Edit Field.
Shortcut Key Edit Field.
Make This Shortcut Global Check Box.
Assign Button.
Clear Button.
Reset Button.
Restore Defaults Button.
OK Button.
The Actions list contains all available shortcut actions. When you select an action, Tab to the Description field to hear what the action does, then Tab to the Shortcut key Edit Field if you want to change it.
When focused on an item in the Actions List, JAWS might say: "Show or hide Media Centre, Ctrl+Alt+Win+Z, global".
This means that the function is Show or Hide Leasey Media Centre, the keystroke is Alt+Control+Windows+Z and the keystroke is global, meaning it can be used from within any application.
If Make this shortcut global is checked, the shortcut works while Leasey Media Centre is running, even if focus is in another application. If Make this shortcut global is unchecked, the shortcut is intended for use only while Leasey Media Centre has focus. Assign stores the shortcut for the selected action. Clear removes the shortcut for the selected action. Reset returns the selected action to its default shortcut. Restore Defaults returns all shortcuts to their default state.
The default global player hotkeys include:
Control+Alt+Windows+P plays or pauses.
Control+Alt+Windows+S stops.
Control+Alt+Windows+Up Arrow raises volume.
Control+Alt+Windows+Down Arrow lowers volume.
Control+Alt+Windows+M mutes or unmutes.
Control+Alt+Windows+Left Arrow skips back.
Control+Alt+Windows+Right Arrow skips forward.
Control+Alt+Windows+Home moves to the previous track.
Control+Alt+Windows+End moves to the next track.
Please note that global shortcut keys may need adjustment if they conflict with other software. If a global shortcut cannot be registered, Media Centre reports the problem without closing.
Examples of hot keys you can type look like this:
Play or Pause: Control+Alt+Win+P.
Stop: Control+Alt+Win+S.
Volume up: Alt+Shift+Up.
It is very difficult to get this wrong. Most similar applications expect you to press the keystroke you want. However this often causes conflicts particularly for JAWS. If you wish to remove a global hot key entirely, remove all the text by pressing Backspace so that the field is empty.
Sound Control.
Sound Control is accessed by pressing the Leasey Key then A for Audio, and selecting the second item, Sound Control. When you press this key combination, the Tasks Combo Box previously referred to is automatically set to the Sound Control area. If you are focused in Leasey Media Centre already, you can press Alt+4.
The Sound Control area provides a simpler way to review and change common Windows sound settings using accessible controls.
The Sound Control area is arranged in two main groups. Output controls come first, followed by recording input controls. This is a very straightforward Dialog Box. Just press the Tab key to move through the controls.
The output controls include:
Output devices, headphones or speakers List Box.
Set default output Button.
Set communications output Button.
Application output volumes List Box.
Selected application output volume Slider.
Mute application output Button.
Unmute application output Button.
Leasey Media Centre output device Combo Box.
Apply Leasey Media Centre output Button.
The output devices list contains the speakers, headphones or other output devices Windows can currently detect. If you want to make the selected device the normal Windows output, activate Set default output. If you want to make it the Windows communications output, activate Set communications output.
Just find the item in the list and then press Tab to move to the appropriate Button. Press Enter or Space to activate it. The Application output volumes list contains running applications which Windows exposes to the volume mixer. Use this list to choose an application, then adjust the Selected application output volume slider or activate Mute application output or Unmute application output.
The Leasey Media Centre output device Combo Box lets you choose the output device used by Leasey Media Centre itself. This duplicates the same option in Options for convenience. Choose Windows default if you want Media Centre to follow the normal Windows output device.
The recording input controls include:
Recording input devices, microphones or line inputs List Box.
Set default recording input Button.
Set communications recording input Button.
Selected recording input level Slider.
Mute recording input Button.
Unmute recording input Button.
The recording input devices list contains microphones, line inputs or other recording sources Windows can currently detect. If you want to make the selected device the normal Windows recording input, activate Set default recording input. If you want to make it the Windows communications recording input, activate Set communications recording input.
The Selected recording input level slider changes the level for the selected recording input device. Up Arrow increases the level and Down Arrow decreases it.
Loop-back Recording.
Loop-back recording records the audio being played through an output device, such as your speakers, headphones, or audio interface. It is different from recording a microphone or line input.
This can be useful if you want to record a tutorial, a demonstration, a meeting, or other audio which is already being played by the computer. If JAWS is speaking through the same output device, JAWS speech can also be captured. In some situations this is exactly what is wanted, but you should be aware of it.
To make a loop-back recording:
Step 1. In Sound Control, move to the output devices list.
Step 2. Choose the output device whose sound you want to capture.
Step 3. Press Tab to reach the Button Start loop-back recording and press Enter or Space.
Step 4. If necessary, use the Pause loop-back recording Button to pause and resume.
Step 5. Activate the Stop loop-back recording Button when finished.
The recording is saved in the Recording folder specified in Options. The format used is the Recording format specified in Options. For example, if Options is set to MP3 128K, the loop-back recording will be saved in that format.
JAWS Controls.
The JAWS sound controls are at the end of the Sound Control area. These controls manipulate various audio-related functions and include:
Route JAWS Sound Left Button.
Route JAWS Sound Right Button.
Restore Sound Balance Button.
Select Next Sound Card Button.
Select Previous Sound Card Button.
Toggle Audio Ducking Button.
The JAWS Help documentation provides good descriptions of these functions. They are provided here for convenience.
Refreshing the Sound Source List.
Activate Refresh if you have connected or disconnected a sound device and want Leasey Media Centre to rebuild the lists.
Music Recognition.
Music Recognition is accessed using the Leasey Key followed by A. Select the third item which is Music Recognition.
Music Recognition can capture audio from the sound source on your computer which you specify. If for example you hear a song and you would like to identify it for purchasing later, you can capture it.
When recognition is complete, results are produced in a browser because they can include links to sources where the song can be purchased or previewed.
Step 1. From the Combo Box which is focused, press the Down Arrow key to select the sound source containing the music you wish to identify. Many users will not need to be concerned with this.
Step 2. Be sure that music is playing through the sound source specified.
Step 3. Press Tab to reach the Recognise Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 4. Recognition should take between 30 to 45 seconds.
Step 5. If recognition is successful, details are displayed using your default web browser.
Options.
Open Options with Control+Comma.
Options is divided into tabbed pages so related settings are grouped together.
Use Tab and Shift+Tab to move through controls on the current tab. You can also move to each tabbed page using shortcut keys.
The tabs are:
General, Control+Shift+1.
Radio and Recordings, Control+Shift+2.
Podcasts, Control+Shift+3.
Windows, Control+Shift+4.
Shortcut Keys, Control+Shift+5.
Data, Control+Shift+6.
General Tab.
Player.
This group of Radio Buttons lets you choose the player used for radio stations.
The choices are:
Winamp.
Foobar.
VLC.
Leasey Media Player.
Leasey Media Player is recommended because it provides the accessible player window, speed control, bookmarks, chapters, queue, sleep timer, recording controls and many of the shortcut keys described in this chapter. The other choices are provided for people who prefer those players for radio listening.
Audio output device.
This Combo Box controls the output device used by Leasey Media Player. Choose Windows default if you want Media Centre to follow the current Windows default output. Choose a specific speaker, headset or audio interface if you want Media Centre audio routed there.
Volume step percentage.
This Edit Field controls how much the volume changes when using Media Centre volume commands. For example, typing 1 makes volume adjustments very gradual. Typing 5 changes the volume in five percent steps.
Speak player status messages.
This Check Box controls whether Leasey Media Player speaks extra messages during playback. When checked, some actions such as changing volume, changing speed, changing skip amount or moving through a file can be spoken. It is unchecked by default because many people prefer uninterrupted audio.
Radio and Recording Tab.
Recording folder.
This Edit Field specifies where radio recordings and loop-back recordings are saved by default. You can type or paste a folder path. The Browse Button lets you choose the folder using standard Windows techniques.
Recording format.
This Combo Box specifies the recording format.
Choices include:
MP3 96K.
MP3 128K.
MP3 192K.
MP3 320K.
WAV.
MP3 is usually best if you want smaller files. WAV creates larger files but is uncompressed.
Network caching in milliseconds.
This Edit Field controls buffering for network streams. The normal value is 3000. If a radio stream is unstable or sometimes starts silently, a higher value may help.
Submit stream for sharing.
This Button lets you submit a custom stream to Hartgen Consultancy for review. If approved, it can be added later to the shared Leasey radio directory.
Submit current station.
This Button submits the station you are currently using for review.
Add private stream to favourites.
This Button lets you add a private stream for your own use. It is added to your Favourites and is not submitted for inclusion in the shared directory.
Podcasts Tab.
Import Leasey Recommended Podcasts.
This Button imports the recommended podcast feeds from the Leasey online list.
Import from Previous Leasey Cast Interface.
This Button imports podcast feeds from the older Leasey Cast location. Use this if you previously used the older Leasey Cast interface.
Import OPML.
This Button imports podcast feeds from an OPML file created by another podcast application.
Export OPML.
This Button saves your current podcast feed list as an OPML file. This can be useful for backup or for moving feeds into another podcast application.
Episode order.
This Combo Box controls how episodes are displayed inside a feed. Choose Newest first if you want the latest episode at the top. Choose Newest last if you prefer to work from oldest to newest.
Windows Tab.
Minimise to system tray on exit.
When checked, closing Media Centre keeps it running in the Windows system tray. This is important if you want scheduled recordings to occur after you close the main window. When this option is checked, Media Centre also creates the Windows startup shortcut needed to start automatically when Windows starts. You should only use this if JAWS is configured to start automatically after Windows login.
Player only mode for files and playlists.
When checked, launching files or playlists from File Explorer opens only the player window. The full Media Centre window is still available when you launch the app normally.
Register File Explorer entries.
This Button registers Leasey Media Centre with Windows so supported files can be opened, queued, tagged or converted from File Explorer. It adds entries such as Play with Leasey Media Centre, Add to Leasey Media Centre Queue, Tag with Leasey Tag Editor, and Convert with Leasey Audio Converter where appropriate.
Cart.
This Button lets you choose one audio file and optionally assign a global shortcut to play it quickly. This is useful for frequently used audio clips.
Shortcut Keys Tab.
Actions list.
This list contains shortcut actions available in the app. Every action is listed even if it currently has no shortcut.
Description.
This read-only Edit Field explains the action selected in the Actions list.
Shortcut key.
This Edit Field lets you type a shortcut such as Control+Alt+P, Shift+F6, Alt+Left, or Control+Alt+Windows+P.
Make this shortcut global.
When checked, the shortcut can work even if focus is outside Media Centre, provided Windows allows it to register. When unchecked, the shortcut works only while Media Centre has focus.
Assign.
This Button stores the shortcut typed for the selected action.
Clear.
This Button removes the shortcut from the selected action.
Reset.
This Button resets only the selected action to its default shortcut.
Restore Defaults.
This Button returns all shortcut assignments to their Media Centre defaults.
Data Tab.
This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
General Media Centre.
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Alt+F4 closes the current Media Centre window.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Alt+1 moves to Radio.
Alt+2 moves to Podcasts.
Alt+3 moves to Audio and Playlists.
Alt+4 moves to Sound Control.
Radio.
Alt+C moves to the radio category list.
Alt+L moves to the radio station list.
Control+F moves to Find.
Enter on a category moves to the station list for that category.
Enter on a station plays it.
Delete removes a station when you are viewing Favourites.
Alt+A adds the selected station to Favourites.
Alt+V opens Favourites.
Alt+P opens Presets.
Alt+R plays the most recent station.
Alt+G opens Scheduled Recordings.
Control+Shift+R opens Scheduled Recordings.
Alt+U moves a favourite up.
Alt+D moves a favourite down.
Scheduled Recordings.
Control+Shift+R opens Scheduled Recordings.
Enter on a schedule or the Edit Button edits the selected schedule.
Delete removes the selected schedule.
Escape closes the Scheduled Recordings dialog.
Podcasts.
Control+L moves to the podcast feed list.
Alt+N checks for new podcast episodes.
Control+E also checks for new podcast episodes.
Alt+A adds a podcast feed.
Alt+Y searches the podcast directory.
Alt+D deletes the selected podcast feed.
F2 renames the selected podcast feed.
Delete removes the selected podcast feed.
Enter on a podcast feed opens its episodes.
Control+F moves to Search episodes after a feed has been opened.
Alt+L moves to the episode list after a feed has been opened.
Alt+O finds podcast episodes.
Enter on an episode plays it.
Alt+P plays the selected episode.
Alt+F downloads the selected episode.
Alt+B opens show notes in a browser.
Control+C copies the selected episode title.
Escape returns from an episode view to the podcast feed list.
Audio and Playlists.
Control+O opens a streaming URL, local audio file, supported video file soundtrack or playlist.
Alt+P moves to the playlist list.
Control+N creates a new playlist.
Delete on a playlist deletes the selected playlist.
Alt+A adds files to the selected playlist.
Alt+F adds a folder to the selected playlist.
Alt+L plays the selected playlist.
Enter on a playlist starts playing it.
Alt+O opens an audio file.
Alt+P on a track plays the selected track.
Enter on a track plays the selected track.
Alt+R removes the selected track or selected tracks from the playlist.
Delete on a track removes the selected track or selected tracks from the playlist.
Alt+U moves the selected track or selected tracks up.
Alt+D moves the selected track or selected tracks down.
Comma selects or unselects the focused track for multi-track actions.
Slash reports all selected tracks.
Full-stop or period clears the selected tracks.
Control+V pastes files copied from File Explorer into the playlist.
Control+S saves the playlist.
Control+Shift+E edits tags for the selected track.
Alt+E opens the Batch Tag Editor.
Queue Manager.
Control+Shift+Q opens Queue Manager from the player window.
Enter on a queued item plays it.
Delete removes the selected queued item.
Escape closes Queue Manager.
Leasey Media Player.
Control+Space plays or pauses.
C also plays or pauses.
Alt+P activates the Play or Pause control.
Alt+S stops playback.
Alt+M mutes or unmutes.
Up Arrow increases volume.
Down Arrow decreases volume.
Left Arrow skips back by the selected skip amount.
Right Arrow skips forward by the selected skip amount.
Left bracket decreases playback speed.
Right bracket increases playback speed.
Left brace decreases the skip amount.
Right brace increases the skip amount.
Page Up moves to the previous track.
Page Down moves to the next track.
Control+Left Arrow moves to the previous chapter when chapters exist.
Control+Right Arrow moves to the next chapter when chapters exist.
X moves to the start of a file or restarts a radio stream.
Numbers 1 through to 9 move to 10 through to 90 percent through a seekable file.
Alt+Shift+T reports elapsed time.
Control+Shift+T reports remaining time.
Control+Alt+T reports remaining listening time based on the current playback speed.
Alt+T reports total time.
Control+J opens Jump to Time.
Control+End moves near the end of a seekable file.
Control+0 returns playback speed to normal.
Control+R starts or stops radio recording when recording is available.
Control+L opens the Sleep Timer.
Control+E edits tags for the current local audio file.
Control+Shift+K resumes the saved position.
Control+K sets a bookmark.
Control+Shift+G opens the bookmark list.
Delete in the bookmark list deletes the selected bookmark.
Control+Comma opens Options from the player.
Sound Control.
Alt+4 moves to Sound Control from the main Media Centre window.
Up and Down Arrow move through output devices, application volume entries, and recording input devices.
Up Arrow increases a focused volume or level slider.
Down Arrow decreases a focused volume or level slider.
Home sets an application volume slider to 100 percent.
End sets an application volume slider to 0 percent.
Enter or Space activates focused Buttons such as Set default output, Mute application output, Start loop-back recording, Pause loop-back recording, Stop loop-back recording, or the JAWS sound controls.
Default Global Player Hotkeys.
Control+Alt+Windows+P plays or pauses.
Control+Alt+Windows+S stops.
Control+Alt+Windows+Up Arrow raises volume.
Control+Alt+Windows+Down Arrow lowers volume.
Control+Alt+Windows+M mutes or unmutes.
Control+Alt+Windows+Left Arrow skips back.
Control+Alt+Windows+Right Arrow skips forward.
Control+Alt+Windows+N speaks the current track name.
Control+Alt+Windows+Z shows or hides Media Centre.
Control+Alt+Windows+X closes Media Centre.
These global shortcut keys can be changed from the Shortcut Keys tab in Options.
Additional actions can also be made global from that tab if required.
Leasey Search is a powerful tool which allows you to find information from a variety of online sources including search engines and online library catalogues. Leasey Search also contains some specially designed interfaces to allow you to gather information quickly.
While Leasey Search can be used by computer beginners, if you are a Leasey user you will find it particularly powerful, since searches can be made irrespective of the application in which you are working.
Currently, Leasey Search can carry out searches using Amazon, eBay, Google, DuckDuckGo, Wikipedia, YouTube, Disney+, 7 Digital, Goodreads, RNIB’s Home Reading Service for DAISY books in the UK, Bookshare (internationally), Audible in both the UK and US, the Canadian CELA library in Canada and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, NLS in the United States of America. Please note that while you can search any of the book catalogues as a guest, you must have a subscription to a specific library in order to borrow or purchase a book. Whether you can obtain such a subscription will depend on your rights in the country in which you live.
Leasey Search also contains a news app, a weather app, a Currency Converter, an RSS Reader, databases for people interested in learning about music, a TV database, access to dictionaries, calculator, convert temperatures, find out about public holidays, find the time in almost any location in the world, and much more. We will describe how to use the majority of items, although they should all be very straightforward and you are guided as to the information which is required in each case.
Please Note: We are not responsible for the content provided by these services. If a particular service is not functioning, or there is a difficulty with the way in which the content is displayed, please feel free to contact us. However, you should not contact us if the content provided is inaccurate or has been omitted for some reason.
Using Leasey Search.
Activate Leasey Search by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+S. When you activate Leasey Search, you will hear JAWS say "Leasey Search Online". In the vast majority of cases, this prompts you that you need an internet connection to access most components of Leasey Search. A list of sources is brought into view. Press Enter on the source you want to search.
While it is possible to use the individual websites for accessing all of the below information, this often requires browsing to the page, locating an Edit Field, activating the JAWS special "Forms Mode" facility, typing what you want, press Enter and finally, locating where the results begin. Why would you want to do all of that when you have the convenience of Leasey Search?
Google and DuckDuckGo.
Google is by far the easiest search you can conduct, so let us begin with that. It allows you to search for any term using the popular Google search engine which has become an international household word. Learning how to use this tool will allow you to gain an appreciation as to the kind of information Leasey Search expects, as we have tried to make the interface for each tool consistent with what we are about to describe. If you prefer not to use Google, you can work with DuckDuckGo instead which is also part of the Leasey Search menu.
When "Google" is selected by pressing Enter from the Leasey Search menu, a Dialog Box will appear with an Edit Field in focus, requesting your search term. Simply type it in and press Enter. Tip: when searching for a specific phrase, you may like to place it in quotation marks, (shift+2 on the keyboard). You will have also heard an announcement to the effect that, to gain a list of recent searches, type the word "recent", then press Enter. We'll come back to this in a moment.
Leasey will search the Google website for the term you have entered and bring back the appropriate results. This consists of a List Box of choices. As you move through the list by pressing Up or Down Arrow, you will hear the details of the item which Google has found. In most cases, 50 results will be retrieved.
At the bottom of the list is an item which invites you to explore the search results using a web page instead of a List Box. The purpose of the List Box is to give you an overview of what is available. The web page could be used if you would like further detail pertaining to the results. Press Enter on the item you wish to explore and the web page will appear.
Having found an item you wish to access from the Search Results list, press Enter and the appropriate web page will load.
If you wish to return to your list of Google or DuckDuckGo results, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow. Focus not only returns to the list but it is in exactly the same place you were when you pressed Enter to open the web page.
Having moved back to the search results list, and if you press Up or Down Arrow, from time to time you may hear the word "Visited", or, if the Leasey sounds are enabled, a sound will play. This is to indicate that you have previously accessed the search item which is focused.
Recent Searches.
Most tools in Leasey Search allow you to bring into view a list of items you've recently searched for. When this is available, Leasey lets you know that you can type the word "recent" into the Edit Field prior to pressing Enter. So listen out for the prompt! You'll soon get to know when you can conduct recent searches and when you cannot.
If you do bring into view recent searches, a list of the last 25 items you searched for, relative to the search tool you have chosen, will be available. For example, if you've just worked through the Google exercise above, and you're accessing a list of recent searches using the Google search tool, you will only see the list of recent searches pertaining to Google. That's what you would want.
Press Down Arrow so as to reach a search term you've previously accessed and press Enter. For example, if you used the Google search tool to look for dog food in the past, and you forgot to make a note of the site you found as a result, you could access that again in the list of recent searches.
To clear the list of recent searches, into the Edit Field type the word "clear".
YouTube.
YouTube is a portal for uploading and sharing audio and visual content, although its primary purpose is for people to watch videos. It is the "go to place" for watching amateur videos (such as your neighbour's child singing the latest hit), through to professionally recorded and produced videos from companies and everything in between. If you want to find something to watch or listen to, we're fairly confident you will find it on YouTube.
Activating the "YouTube" item from the Leasey Search menu will prompt you for a search term. Type it in and press Enter.
The YouTube results will appear in a List Box. The list is slightly different to that giving results for Google and DuckDuckGo as explained above. Each item in the list contains:
The video title.
The published date, such as "a year ago".
The number of views the video has received.
The length of the video.
Close to the bottom of the list is an item which is entitled "Next Page". YouTube only displays a small number of results at a time. Therefore, to see more of them, press Enter on "Next Page". A new set of results will appear. If you have done this, again, close to the bottom of the list, a new item will be displayed which is "Back to the Start". This takes you back to the first page of results.
At the bottom of the list is an item which invites you to explore the search results using a web page instead of a List Box. The purpose of the List Box is to give you an overview of what is available. The web page could be used if you would like further detail pertaining to the results. Press Enter on the item you wish to explore and the web page will appear.
Having found an item you wish to access from the Search Results list, press Enter and the appropriate video web page will load.
If you wish to return to your list of YouTube results, irrespective of the results page you have loaded, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow. Focus not only returns to the list but it is in exactly the same place you were when you pressed Enter to open the web page.
Having moved back to the search results list, and if you press Up or Down Arrow, from time to time you may hear the word "Visited", or, if the Leasey sounds are enabled, a sound will play. This is to indicate that you have previously accessed the search item which is focused.
When a video has been activated:
Press F5 if you wish to skip an advertisement or commercial. These often appear prior to the playback of the video.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+P to play and pause the video.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+Right or Left Arrow to move forward and back through the video.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+F11 to decrease the volume and Alt+Windows+Control+F12 to increase it.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+M to mute the audio and the same keystroke to unmute.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+Home to move to the start of the video and Alt+Control+Windows+End to move to the end.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+1 through to 9 to move by percentage through the video. For example, Alt+Control+Windows+2 moves to 20 percent through.
Alt+Shift+T will speak the elapsed time of the video. Please stop the video first before pressing this keystroke to ensure the time is accurate.
Control+Shift+T will speak the total time of the video. Remember, this was given to you in the Search Results list.
Press Control+Shift+V to read the total number of views the video has received. Remember, this was given to you in the Search Results list.
Alt+Control+Windows+F will place the video into Full Screen mode. Press the Escape key to terminate this mode and return the video so as to display all of the controls.
News.
Leasey News is an application which delivers news stories from around the world from various sources. Currently there are over 80 news sources available. Pressing Enter on "News" will bring into view a list of news sources. Press the Down Arrow key to select the one in which you're interested and press Enter. Note that if you press Enter on the final item in the list, "Search Headlines", you will be invited to type in a key word or phrase which will enable Leasey to search over 5000 news sources across the web.
You will notice at the top of the list of news sources there are seven categories with each one being preceded by a number. Pressing Enter on any of these categories will give you a broader range of news articles pertaining to the category you have selected. These should be relative to your country if you have selected one of the supported countries in Leasey's Hotkey Help.
The categories are entertainment, sports, business, general, health, science and technology.
Having pressed Enter on any item in the list, after a short pause, the JAWS Results Viewer will display a list of the news stories pertaining to the source. Each news story is hyperlinked. Below each story you will find a brief summary of it.
If you have selected a news source which is not in the list of numbered categories at the top of the list, Leasey will attempt to provide you with the full news story without you having to activate the link pointing to the web page from which the story is derived. This is ideal since you will not have to grapple with web sites which potentially could present accessibility difficulties. For this reason, you will notice that Leasey presents the start of each news story is a Heading. You can therefore press the letter H so as to move from one news story to the next.
It is not always possible to retrieve the full news story but every attempt will be made to do so.
To gain the most from the news application, you will want to use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the items, so you can hear the headline and the short description.
If Leasey cannot retrieve the content of the news story, you should press Enter on the appropriate link. Leasey is able to launch the news story in your preferred web browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
What happens then will depend upon the layout of the individual web site for the news source. Leasey has no control over the structure of those pages. You will notice that the list of news stories, described above, is nicely formatted as that is under Leasey's control.
On the web page which is revealed in the browser, try pressing the letter "H" repeatedly to move through the Headings as this should give you a good starting point for determining where the news story begins. You may also find audio content available, which may or may not play automatically.
To return to the list of news stories, press Alt+F4 to exit your browser, or press Alt+Tab. Either way, you will find that the list of news stories is still open, so you can continue browsing through them.
The RSS Reader.
Introduction.
Using social media platforms such as Facebook and X, it's very easy these days to keep up with exactly what's going on, whether you want to know about your favourite character in a TV soap or whether we have a new Prime Minister or President. There's often a link in the post to a web page containing more details of the story. But there is another method for keeping your knowledge current, and to learn of changes to a site, and that is RSS or really simple syndication.
RSS is a web feed which allows you to gain updates to online content. Websites usually use RSS feeds to publish frequently updated information, such as blog entries, news headlines, or episodes of audio and video series. Subscribing to a website RSS removes the need for you to manually check the website for new content. Instead, a program to read the RSS feed monitors the site and informs you of any updates.
Finding Feeds to Monitor.
Here are a few methods of finding feeds.
1. First, we've provided a very small sample of feeds you can use for practice, which you can delete if you wish later on.
2. Undertake a search on Google. Type a phrase such as, "top RSS feeds", or, "BBC RSS feeds", and you'll get many suggestions.
3. If you see a link on a web site such as "Blog" or "RSS", then activate the link. JAWS may tell you if it is a correctly constructed RSS feed or not, because it will say, "RSS Feeds".
Once located on an RSS feed, press Alt+D to move to (and highlight) the Address Bar of your browser, and press Control+C to copy it to the Clipboard. The feed will usually end in an extension such as.XML or.RSS. Alternatively, you can press Alt+Control+Windows+C so as to copy the URL of the page to the Windows Clipboard.
Accessing the RSS Reader.
The RSS Reader can be accessed in two ways. First, you'll find it on the Leasey Search menu, activated by pressing the Leasey Key, followed by Control+Shift+S. You'll find it just below the News menu item. Go ahead and press Enter when it is highlighted.
However, because there is a good possibility you'll want to access this a lot, we've provided a dedicated keystroke for it, Leasey Key then Shift+R for RSS.
In the list which appears, there are several items. The number of items will vary according to how many feeds you are subscribed to, but the first four options always remain the same.
The first option is "Add Feed". Pressing Enter will ask for the URL to the feed. If you've copied a feed as described earlier, you can paste it into the Edit Field and press Enter.
The second item is "Import File Containing Feeds". If you've got a file containing feeds you've exported from a previous RSS Reader you can import all the feeds from that file into the Leasey RSS Reader.
Below these items you will find any feeds you have added. We have provided you with some samples which you can always delete at a later time.
So, find the first sample, which is "BBC News", and press Enter. The latest RSS feeds will load. Leasey will try to obtain the most recent posts, with the most recent displayed first. Each post subject or headline begins with a new level 2 Heading. The reason for this will become apparent later, but it does mean you can press number 2 to move from one post to another. The subject is also hyperlinked, so you can press Enter to move to the web page containing full details of the story.
Below the subject, you will find a description for the blog post if it exists. One difficulty we've had is that RSS feeds are produced in many different formats and authors do not always adhere to providing consistent content. In our experience, the BBC provide by far the most well-constructed content, and so we will see there is a description below each link and heading, which is a brief summary of the story in question.
Finally, a blank line separates the description, if there is one, from the next post.
The text from the RSS feed is displayed using your web browser. So, when you press Enter on a link to launch the web page for the article in your browser, it is opened in a separate tab. To move to the next item of interest, press Control+F4 to close down the tab containing the news story and you should return to the RSS Viewer page. In order to close the feed, press Alt+F4 so as to exit out of your browser window.
The quickest way of returning to your feeds is by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+R. Focus will be at the point in the list you visited previously.
Adding a Feed.
Let us now add a feed, using the first item on the RSS Reader menu. The feed we have chosen is:
This is an excellent feed for a particular reason. The Description field for each of the posts is extremely lengthy. The descriptions often contain rich content such as Headings and bulleted lists. Leasey is able to preserve this content and display it to you. But there are no level 1 headings, which is why we set each post title at level 1 for easy navigation using figure 1 on the numbers row of the keyboard.
Deleting an RSS Feed.
In the event you wish to delete an RSS feed from your list, you do so in the same way you would delete anything else from any of the other Leasey lists. Focus on it in the list and press the Leasey Key followed by Delete.
The RSS Import Tool.
Finally, we come to the RSS Import Tool. It could be that you have subscribed to RSS feeds in a dedicated RSS Reader or indeed a web browser. If so, you can export these to a file, typically with an OPML extension.
If you would like to try the Import Tool, here is how to use it. If a particular feed imported does not function correctly, you can always delete it.
Step 1. Move into the RSS Reader through Leasey Search or by pressing the shortcut key, Leasey Key then Shift+R.
Step 2. Select the second item, "Import File Containing Feeds". Then press Enter.
Step 3. A web page will open in your browser. This is a very simple page layout. Press the letter F and you should reach a Button to upload the file for conversion. Press Enter on this Button.
Step 4. Using standard Windows techniques, in the File Open dialog browse to the file you wish to convert and press Enter.
Step 5. Select the "Upload and Convert" Button and press Enter.
Step 6. You should receive notification to the effect that the feed has been processed. Please close the browser window by pressing Alt+F4.
Step 7. Go back to the RSS menu through Leasey Search or by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+R.
Step 8. Again, select the second option in the list, "Import File Containing Feeds."
Step 9. All feeds are imported and your file is removed from our server in order that it cannot be used by anyone else.
Calculator.
The calculator is used online. It allows you to carry out a wide variety of calculations in several different ways. It is accessed from the Leasey Search menu or from any application by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+C.
Type in a simple calculation such as 4+12/2 for 4 plus 12 divided by 2. The plus sign is plus, the dash next to zero is minus, the multiplication or "times" sign is asterisk (shift with number 8), and the divide by sign is forward slash (usually to the left of the righthand Shift key).
This is a scientific calculator so you can enter almost any expression. Expressions can be quite elaborate, including brackets or parentheses. Ask the calculator a question, such as, "What is the square root of 264", or, "What is 10 percent of 500?"
When the value is typed, press Enter. Within a short period, the result is displayed using the JAWS Virtual Viewer, so it can easily be copied or examined carefully.
Some results which are retrieved are displayed with several decimal places after the primary number. In such a situation, on the next line following the calculation, you will notice the result has been truncated to two decimal places for convenience if that is required.
Special Note. Rather than typing the original value for calculation into the Edit Field and activate the calculator from Leasey Search, you can select (or highlight) the text from within any application. Then, press the Leasey Key followed by Shift+C. The Edit Field will display the value. Press Enter and the expression is calculated. This is ideal if you have a lengthy calculation to do.
Weather.
In part, the term "Weather Application" is a bit of a misnomer. This is because it can do more than let you know the weather condition, either local to you or from around the world. It can also:
Let you know the sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset times for the current day and for the week ahead, together with the moon phase and moon illumination.
Provide you with local time information. For example, if you want to know the current time in St. Petersburgh Florida, you can enter that information. You will receive the weather conditions and other information, but almost the first thing you will read is the local time.
The Weather application is highly configurable. We will describe the standard information it gives together with how you can customise the output. You can launch weather from Leasey Search or by pressing the shortcut Leasey Key then Shift+W.
When you enter the Weather search tool, as prompted, you can search by typing a city or town name, postal or zip code. There is a list of recent searches in the event you've obtained the weather from several locations which you wish to access frequently by typing the word "recent" and then pressing Enter.
If you are looking for a particular place name, it is suggested that you type for example the town name, then a comma, then a larger region or even country name. A good example might be:
Birmingham, Alabama.
Clearwater, South Carolina.
Manchester, United Kingdom.
You do not need to use capital letters.
If you are not sure of the spelling of a location, or you wish to ascertain whether a particular local area is available, type the word "Search" into the Edit Field and press Enter. You will be asked to type the first few letters of the place name you are searching for. If you typed "london", and press Enter, Leasey would bring back some results beginning with those letters. An example might be Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London, United Kingdom. Press the Down Arrow key to explore them and Enter to accept the chosen location.
If you type the word, "nearby", into the Edit Field, and press Enter, Leasey will try and determine your current location and provide appropriate information.
In this example, we will type the word, Dublin, into the Edit Field and press Enter. Within a very short period of time, information similar to the following would be displayed:
Location is Dublin
Region is "Dublin
Country is Ireland
Local date and time: Thursday 27 April 2023 09:51 AM
The temperature is 10C which is 50F
Current weather Summary: Partly cloudy"
Wind Speed is 19KPH
Humidity is 82%
Feels like 8C which is 46F
Minimum temperature: 6C which is 42F
Maximum temperature: 11C which is 51F
Average temperature: 9C which is 48F
The forecast ahead is Overcast".
[[text]] Sunrise: 6:00 AM.
[[text]] Sunset: 08:47 PM.
[[text]] Moonrise: 10:52 AM.
[[text]] Moonset: 03:51 AM.
[[text]] Moon Phase: :"First Quarter.
[[text]] Moon illumination: 42%.
You could at this point press Escape to exit the screen.
However, there are several links at the end of the forecast. The number of links can vary, but in the main, they are:
Next Day. Pressing Enter takes you to a forecast for the next day. Leasey Weather contains a seven-day forecast, so this can be repeated as necessary to move through the available days. When you reach the seventh day, the "Next Day" link is not available.
Previous Day. Clearly, if you are on the first day, (what we might call the summary screen), this link is not available because you cannot go back. However, if the "Next Day" link had been activated, the "Previous Day" link would be available.
Forecast for the Day. This takes you into an hour by hour forecast for the day you have chosen. Details of the hour by hour forecast can be found in the next section.
Search for a Place Name. We have already explored one method for searching for a place name. However, for convenience, this is another method of getting to the same location.
Configure the Weather. This will be detailed shortly.
If you activate the link "Configure the Weather", there are a number of options you can customise. Read the Links with the Arrow keys, and press Enter on the statement which you require. The options available are:
The temperature will be Celsius.
The temperature will be Farenheight.
The temperature will be both Celsius and Farenheight.
The wind speed will be reported in Miles Per Hour.
The wind speed will be reported in Kilometres Per Hour.
The wind speed will be reported in Miles Per Hour and Kilometres Per Hour.
The sun and moon information will be available.
The sun and moon information will not be available.
The weather for today and upcoming days will be displayed on a single page in the Results Viewer. This means that when your weather search is returned, the JAWS Results Viewer displays the upcoming weather information for seven days ahead in one screen rather than using separate screens which has been the case since 2019. You can press the letter H to move through headings if necessary, since the start of each new day and the 24-hour forecast for the day is denoted by a levelled heading. The weather for only the current day will be displayed in the JAWS Virtual Viewer with links to forecast and upcoming days. This is the older method of displaying the weather information. It is slightly faster than accessing the data displayed in the Results Viewer.
The final three items have special significance and will be described shortly.
Finally, you are invited to "Press Escape to close this window".
Note that the next time you enter the weather application, the place name you previously searched for is displayed. This means that if you only ever search under one location, you do not need to type anything. You can just press Enter so as to carry out the search for the latest data.
Hour By Hour Forecast.
Activating the hour by hour forecast Link will present the following information to you for each hour of the day.
Temperature.
Summary in text format.
Chance of rain as a percentage.
Chance of wind as a percentage.
Chance of overcast as a percentage.
Chance of clear skies as a percentage.
Chance of snow as a percentage.
Chance of thunder as a percentage.
In the event that the percentage for any one of the weather conditions is zero, it is not listed in the hour by hour summary. To move between the hours in a forward direction, press letter P. To move back, press Shift+P.
A link exists at the end of the screen to return to the weather summary for the selected day.
If you have elected to have all the weather information displayed on a single page, the hour by hour forecast for each day is denoted by a level 3 heading.
Monitoring For Weather Changes.
It is possible to instruct Leasey to monitor for changes in weather condition for one location.
At the end of the Weather Configuration Screen, there are three options:
Configure Weather Reporting Place Name. Activating this option allows you to type a location, as before, so as to monitor. An example would be "Dublin". Then press Enter. Weather monitoring begins at this point.
Automatic Weather Reporting On. If you have previously disabled this feature, here is where you can enable it. The same effect is achieved by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Shift+M.
Automatic Weather Reporting Off. If you have previously enabled this feature, here is where you can disable it. The same effect is achieved by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Shift+M. You may wish to disable it temporarily so as to stop JAWS announcing if a change in the weather has occurred.
Temperature Conversion.
This is an incredibly simple temperature conversion tool which can be used offline. It allows you to convert a value between Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice-versa.
Press Enter on this item and you are prompted to enter the original value. For example, if you wish to convert 68 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius, you would type 68F. If you wanted to convert 18 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit, you would type 18C. The letters C or F do not need to be capitalised.
Press Enter and the result is instantly converted and displayed using the JAWS Virtual Viewer.
The Currency Converter.
Introduction.
The Leasey Currency Converter has been designed to help you to convert currencies in a number of different ways and it will also give you an estimate of the latest rates for a given currency. It is easy to use, (or there is an advanced interface), it's fast and reliable. The exchange rates are updated every 60 seconds. The data is sourced from financial data providers and banks, including the European Central Bank.
Launching the Currency Converter.
To get to the Currency Converter, enter Leasey Search by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+S. Press letter "C" for Convert currency, followed by Enter. Alternatively, you can locate it by using the Up or Down Arrow keys.
There are two ways of entering a currency conversion. We will walk through them one at a time.
Method 1. Using the Lists.
First, as prompted, type in a value. Let us assume we want to convert 100 pounds to American dollars. Enter the value 100 and press Enter.
You are now presented with a list of currencies to convert from. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find a currency, or first letter navigation if you prefer. Then press Enter. In this example select the item British Pound. You will notice as you navigate the list that you are hearing abbreviations together with the name of the currency. We'll come back to these abbreviations later.
You now have a secondary list of currencies to convert to. Again, locate the one you want with the up or down Arrow Keys, or first letter navigation, and press Enter. In this example select United States Dollar.
Now you will receive the results using the JAWS Virtual viewer. You see the conversion rate for your chosen amount, followed by the current exchange rate. As prompted, just press Escape to close the window.
The output will look like this:
300 British Pound Sterling. 379.52 United States Dollar.
This equates to 1.26508 United States Dollar to British Pound Sterling. Press Escape to Close this Window.
We will now work through another example, so this time, we'll go through exactly the same procedure, but convert 200 pounds to Canadian Dollars.
As we move into the first list, where we specify the currency to convert from, you will notice that focus has not landed at the top of the list. Instead, the option highlighted is the one you used last. This is a convenient feature. If you regularly convert from one currency to another, you can work faster because you do not need to locate anything. Just press Enter. It's like having a default option. So we can press Enter now on British Pound as that is the highlighted choice.
The same is true of the next list. If there is a currency you regularly convert to, then the default option is available to you. Just press Enter as it is highlighted. Of course there's no problem in changing this at any time if you wish. Leasey will always remember the last option you used.
Again, our results are brought back.
200 British Pound Sterling. 341.28 Canadian Dollar.[[text]] This equates to 1.70640 Canadian Dollar to British Pound Sterling.
Press Escape to Close this Window.
Method 2. The Abbreviations.
It is possible to bypass the currency lists entirely. When you first enter the Currency Converter, you can type a value, followed by space, an abbreviation for the original currency, a space, and an abbreviation for the currency to convert to. For example, you may know that the abbreviation for British pound is GBP, and that Australian dollars are represented by AUD. So type:
250 gbp aud
and press enter.
The results are:
250 British Pound Sterling. 454.386 Australian Dollar.
This equates to 1.81754 Australian Dollar to British Pound Sterling.
Press Escape to Close this Window.
You do not have to use this method. You can use the lists as often as you want. But if while navigating the lists you learn what the abbreviations are, and if you convert currencies regularly, this is a faster method of access.
Following on from this, if you enter a value, a space, then the abbreviation for the currency to convert from, then press Enter, Leasey assumes that you do not need that list, and will take you immediately to the second one. For example, if you type
1000 USD and press Enter, you are taken straight to the list for the second currency.
Time Conversion.
Leasey Search contains two utilities allowing you to find out what time it is in almost any location in the world. The first makes it possible to learn the current time in a specific location. The second allows you to specify not only both locations for conversion, but in addition you can enter a precise date and time.
Find Current Time in Any Location.
When you activate this item from Leasey Search, you are requested to type a location, such as Orlando, Florida, and press Enter. Alternatively, you can type the word "Recent", press Enter, and a list of recent place names will be displayed. Press Enter on any one of them. You can also type an appropriate abbreviation, such as Elkview, WV.
However the place name has been entered, you get results similar to this.
Location: Orlando, Florida.
Timezone: America/New_York.
Date-Time: February 19, 2025 02:01:22.
Time (24-hour): 02:01:22.
Time (12-hour): 02:01:22 AM.
Convert Between Two Time Zones in Any Location.
This allows you to convert between not only your own time and another location at a specific date and time, but also from two completely different locations.
For example, you have a virtual meeting at 7 PM next Wednesday, hosted in the UK which is not your native country. You want to find out how that equates to your time zone. The previously described tool would allow you to see the local time as it is now, so potentially you could work it out, but not a precise time of your choosing. Moreover, working it out for yourself using the current time may mean that your calculation is at fault, since you may not have taken into account if the time has changed, perhaps in March or October.
Alternatively, you can enter two different locations, and find out how they relate to each other. So if you are assisting someone to work with this feature, you can enter that person's original time zone and the one you wish to convert to.
If you are always going to use your own local time to convert from, you may like to set this as a default location. This means you never need to enter the location to convert from manually as is described below. Here's how to set your default location for this feature to work. To repeat, this is an optional step. You can enter the location manually every time if you wish.
Step 1. In order to launch the Leasey Hotkey Help, press the Leasey Key then press letter H.
Step 2. Press number 3 or the Down Arrow Key so as to reach "3. Set Default Location for Time Conversion". Press Enter.
If you wish to use the Leasey Search Time Conversion feature, so as to convert between one time zone and another, this makes it easier to carry out this process. Into the Edit Field which is focused, type your location. We suggest the town name, followed by the region or state, such as: Caerphilly South Wales, Orlando Florida, or Elkview wv. You can use an abbreviation here.
Step 3. Press Enter to save the settings.
Now we will use the utility we are discussing: Convert Between Two Time Zones in Any Location.
Step 1. When you enter this utility, you are first asked the location to convert from. If you press Enter without typing anything, Leasey refers to your location you have previously set as the default. If you have not set your default location, the prompt is as follows: "Please enter the town, city or country to convert from, then press Enter. Please do not leave this field empty as you have not set a default country for time conversions."
Step 2. You are next asked for the location to convert to, such as Orlando, Florida, and press Enter. You cqan also type an appropriate abbreviation, such as Elkview, WV.
Step 3. Finally, we ask you for the precise date and time. Please read this section of the documentation very carefully. This can be entered in a number of different ways.
24 hour format UK.
24062025:23:05
24 hour format US.
06242025:23:05
This would give you the time for 11:05 PM on the 24th of June.
12 hour format UK.
24062025:11:05PM
12 hour format US.
06242025:11:05PM
There is a certain amount of latitude built into this. So you could write:
UK.
24062025:11PM
US.
06242025:11PM
for the 11 O'Clock hour on that date. But if you are going to specify minutes, you must use a colon separator between the hours and minutes so Leasey can differentiate between hours and minutes.
The results which come back would be similar to this.
Original Time: June 24, 2025 11:00:00
Converted Time: June 24, 2025 06:00:00
Difference in Hours: 5
Difference in Minutes: 300
Holidays.
With the Holidays utility in Leasey Search, retrieve religious, non-public and public holidays for over 200 countries for a given date, month or year. Years are supported from 2001. You can either request the holidays for a specific year, month and year, or day month and year.
When you enter this utility, you are first asked for the period for which the holidays are required. Please pay particular attention to the formatting of this section of the documentation. Examples to enter would be as follows:
UK Format.
Full day
26122022
Month and year
122022
Year only
2022
US format.
Full day
12252022
Month and year
122022
Year only
2022
When the required period is entered, press Enter.
You are now asked to choose the country. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list of countries, or first letter navigation if you prefer, then press Enter. If you have visited the list of countries before, the focus should be on the country you previously accessed, not at the top of the list.
The holidays are now displayed similar to this which is for the holidays in the United Kingdom for December 2022.
[[text]] Name: Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
[[text]] Location: United Kingdom.
[[text]] Type: Christian.
Thursday 8 December 2022.
Name: First Day of Hanukkah.
Location: United Kingdom.
Type: Hebrew.
Monday 19 December 2022.
Name: December Solstice.
Location: United Kingdom.
Type: Seasonal.
Wednesday 21 December 2022.
Dictionary.
This is a basic dictionary which can be used in order to gain the meaning of a word and, if appropriate, words which are similar. In some cases the pronunciation of a word can be obtained from here.
As with a number of other Leasey tools, you can select a word in an application first, prior to executing this function from Leasey Search.
When you launch this function, you are requested to type the word for which you would like the definition. In our example, we will use the word "devastate".
Press Enter and you will receive results similar to this:
Syllables: dev·as·tate
Word type: verb
destroy or ruin (something).",
"cause (someone) severe and overwhelming shock or grief."
Similar Words:
"destroy",
"ruin",
"leave in ruins",
"wreck",
"lay waste",
"wreak havoc on",
"ravage",
"ransack",
"leave desolate",
"demolish",
"raze (to the ground)",
"level",
"flatten",
"annihilate",
"shatter",
"shock",
"stun",
"daze",
"dumbfound",
"traumatize",
"crush",
"overwhelm",
"overcome",
"greatly upset",
"distress",
"knock for six",
"knock sideways",
"knock the stuffing out of"
Oxford Dictionaries.
Oxford Dictionaries allows you to check word definitions.
When entering this search tool, type a word or phrase you would like to check and press Enter. The results are retrieved.
Press the letter "H" twice to reach the start of the definition, then read it in the usual manner. The definition is available together with examples of how the word can be used and synonyms. Press Alt+F4 to exit this screen.
Recipes.
If you are wanting to find a food recipe, Leasey is probably going to get it for you. The Leasey Recipes feature can search many thousands of recipes. If the recipe lives on the internet somewhere, she undoubtedly will find it!
When you search for a recipe, you need to be fairly specific as to what it is you would like to find. This is because only a small number of recipes are retrieved based on your search. The chances are however that a small number of variations of a single recipe ought to be sufficient to give you what you need.
When you launch this function from Leasey Search, type what you would like to find. To repeat, the search is very robust and should find most things, for example:
Drizzle Cake.
Toad in the Hole.
Treacle Tart.
Mousse au Chocolate & Cinnamon Arlette.
Yorkshire Pudding.
Chicken Balsamico.
Crispy Pancakes.
Press Enter and the results are returned in a List Box. There are two groups of results.
Recipes. The title is given, followed by a user rating out of 5 stars, the length of time it will take to prepare the food and ingredients you will need.
Videos. There is nothing like watching (or listening to) someone else prepare food, even if you cannot do it yourself. Leasey brings back a small selection of videos matching your search. The videos are wide ranging in terms of their source, not just those from YouTube.
Amazon.
Amazon has become well-known for its global online marketplace. Almost anything can be purchased from amazon including books, CD's, digital music, books, motorbikes, baby clothing, household items and more.
The amazon part of Leasey Search allows you to carry out a keyword search across all categories. The results are displayed in a List Box.
While it is possible for you to select a country when you are searching for a product, you may like to set your default country for searches. This is an optional step because it is possible for you to search within a store in the countries supported by Leasey. However, if you would like to set your default location, please follow these steps.
Step 1. Press Windows Key+M to move to the Windows Desktop.
Step 2. In order to launch the Leasey Hotkey Help, press the Leasey Key then press letter H.
You are in the list of keystroke categories and utilities. Press number 1 on the keyboard above the letter keys. You will reach the option "1. Set Default Country for store Searches".
Step 3. Press Enter to activate this item.
This option relates to searching the stores EBay and Amazon within Leasey Search. Use the Down Arrow key to select your default country if it appears in the list, and then press Enter.
To search for an Amazon product, please follow these steps:
Step 1. Locate the "Amazon" item on the Leasey Search menu.
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. As prompted, type into the Edit Field the item you wish to search for. You may like to be fairly explicit if possible. Typing the word "Toaster" will return a variety of toasters of differing brands, whereas if you type the word "Toaster" followed by a brand name will perhaps give you what you are looking for. Similarly, if you typed "Harry Potter" only, various items of Harry Potter merchandise will be displayed in the list, such as DVD's, outfits, and so on, whereas if you typed "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", you would likely only see books, DVD's and audio books.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. If you have not set a default country, you are presented with a list of choices. The options are: Australia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and United States. Use the Down Arrow key (or first letter navigation) to focus upon one of the items and press Enter.
Step 6. In the event that a default country has been set as described above, you will not see the list of countries. Leasey automatically carries out the search relative to the store in the country which has been set as the default.
Step 7. After a short pause, you are presented with a list of results. You are advised not to use the keyboard while the search is taking place. The response time will vary depending upon the use of the server accommodating the data. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list. The results contain an overview as to the product type you are searching for. At the bottom of the list there is an option to visit the web page of results where more information could be obtained, but the list Leasey produces should give you an appreciation as to what Amazon has found for you. The items in the list include:
The product name.
The rating out of five stars.
The price.
The format if appropriate, such as audio book, DVD, audio CD, paperback, and so on.
The delivery details, such as when you can expect to receive the item.
Step 8. Press Enter on any item in the results list so as to view the web page for the product and potentially purchase it.
If you wish to return to your list of Amazon results, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow. Focus not only returns to the list but it is in exactly the same place you were when you pressed Enter to open the web page.
Having moved back to the search results list, and if you press Up or Down Arrow, from time to time you may hear the word "Visited", or, if the Leasey sounds are enabled, a sound will play. This is to indicate that you have previously accessed the search item which is focused.
eBay.
eBay is the world's online marketplace; a place for buyers and sellers to come together and buy or sell almost anything! A seller lists an item on eBay, from antiques to cars, books to sporting goods. The seller chooses to accept only bids for the item (an auction-type listing) or to offer the Buy It Now option, which allows buyers to purchase the item straight away at a fixed price.
The EBay part of Leasey Search allows you to carry out a keyword search across all categories. The results are displayed in a List Box.
While it is possible for you to select a country when you are searching for a product, you may like to set your default country for searches. This is an optional step because it is possible for you to search within a store in the countries supported by Leasey. However, if you would like to set your default location, please follow these steps.
Step 1. Press Windows Key+M to move to the Windows Desktop.
Step 2. In order to launch the Leasey Hotkey Help, press the Leasey Key then press letter H.
Step 3. You are in the list of keystroke categories and utilities. Press number 1 on the keyboard above the letter keys. You will reach the option "1. Set Default Country for store Searches".
Step 4. Press Enter to activate this item.
Step 5. This option relates to searching the stores EBay and within Leasey Search. Use the Down Arrow key to select your default country if it appears in the list, and then press Enter.
To search for an EBay product, please follow these steps:
Step 1. Locate the "EBay" item on the Leasey Search menu.
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. As prompted, type into the Edit Field the item you wish to search for. You may like to be fairly explicit if possible. Typing the word "Toaster" will return a variety of toasters of differing brands, whereas if you type the word "Toaster" followed by a brand name will perhaps give you what you are looking for. Similarly, if you typed "Harry Potter" only, various items of Harry Potter merchandise will be displayed in the list, such as DVD's, outfits, and so on, whereas if you typed "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", you would likely only see books, DVD's and audio books.
Step 4. Press Enter.
If you have not set a default country, you are presented with a list of choices. The options are: Australia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and United States. Use the Down Arrow key (or first letter navigation) to focus upon one of the items and press Enter.
Step 5. In the event that a default country has been set as described above, you will not see the list of countries. Leasey automatically carries out the search relative to the store in the country which has been set as the default.
Step 6. After a short pause, you are presented with a list of results. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list. At the bottom of the list there is an option to visit the web page of results where more information could be obtained, but the list Leasey produces should give you an appreciation as to what has found for you.
Step 7. Press Enter on any item in the results list so as to view the web page for the product and potentially purchase it.
Each item in the list can contain:
The product title.
The product's condition, such as pre-owned.
The price.
Whether a "Best Offer" is accepted.
Any postage to be paid in addition to the cost of the item.
If you can purchase the product instantly or whether it is available for auction. If it is available for auction, Leasey tells you the total number of bids and how much time remains as part of the bidding process.
The number of people watching the item.
To repeat, JAWS may not recite all of this information. It will depend upon the status of the individual product.
If you wish to return to your list of EBay results, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow. Focus not only returns to the list but it is in exactly the same place you were when you pressed Enter to open the web page.
Having moved back to the search results list, and if you press Up or Down Arrow, from time to time you may hear the word "Visited", or, if the Leasey sounds are enabled, a sound will play. This is to indicate that you have previously accessed the search item which is focused.
EBay Advanced Parameters When Searching.
When typing a product to search for into the Edit Field, you can add a parameter to narrow the search results. There are two such parameters.
Typing the Less Than sign, (Shift+Comma), followed by a number, will ensure that Leasey only retrieves products which are lower in price to the value you enter. For example, if you want products to be returned which are less than £100 or $100, you would type what you are looking for, then the Less Than sign, followed by 100, such as "Coffee Machine100".
TV Maze.
TVMaze is a huge database of TV shows past and present. Using Leasey, search for a TV show which is airing now or which has done so in the past. Simply type the name of the show and press Enter. It is useful to learn about shows of the past and those which are airing now. It will return:
Confirmation of the show name.
The genre of entertainment.
The status, such as whether the show is airing now.
The running time of each episode.
The transmission dates for the entire show, such as 1986 to 2019.
The time the show was scheduled.
The day the show was scheduled.
A summary of the show content.
A link which will allow you to see the entire episode list of the show.
A link which will allow you to see most popular cast members in the show together with the character played.
A link to search for a specific episode by date.
If you choose to retrieve the episode list, 20 episodes are displayed per page. A link exists at the end of each screen to retrieve the next 20 episode details. Press Enter on this link in order to do so.
When retrieving episode information, the following is available to you:
The name of the episode.
The season number and episode number.
The transmission date.
The transmission air time.
A summary of the episode.
Netflix.
In order to use the Netflix Leasey service, you must be signed into Netflix which you can do from the Login page displayed in your web browser.
To use Leasey Search with Netflix:
Select the first option pertaining to Netflix from Leasey Search which is entitled "Netflix" and press Enter.
You are asked what you would like to search for. Type the name of a movie or show, such as "The Crown", or an actor's name. Then press Enter.
Search results will be returned with the names of the movie, show or item in which the actor appears. Press Enter on any one of the links in order to view it.
When a video has been activated:
Press Alt+Control+Windows+P to play and pause the item.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+Right or Left Arrow to move forward and back through the item.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+F11 or Alt+Control+Windows+Down Arrow to decrease the volume and Alt+Windows+Control+F12 or Alt+Control+Windows+Up Arrow to increase it.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+M to mute the audio and the same keystroke to unmute.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+Home to move to the start of the video and Alt+Control+Windows+End to move to the end.
Please note that occasionally these keystrokes need a little cajoling in order for them to work. This is a Netflix limitation. If you find for example that Play and Pause is not functioning, wait a second or two and try again.
The other Netflix-related item on the Leasey Search menu is "Netflix Audio Description". When activated, this takes you to the page on the Netflix website containing all movies and TV shows which have the audio description soundtrack applied. Again, press Enter on any one of these items to play it.
Disney+.
Disney+ is the streaming home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, so whatever your mood there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It's an extraordinary library of entertainment!
From Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid to Frozen and the recent remake of The Lion King starring Beyonce. These much-loved movies sit alongside hundreds of Disney Channel series, shorts and specials available to stream including Phineas and Ferb and DuckTales, plus classic feelgood films like Mrs Doubtfire, Home Alone and Sister Act.
Leasey gives you some limited access to Disney+. Due to the way the site is constructed for desktop use, not to mention geographical limitations, it is not possible to provide you with the experience we would like. However, our main purpose for including Disney+ is to give you access to audio player controls. What follows therefore is some general guidance on how you might carry out some basic tasks with Disney+.
From the Leasey Search menu, select Disney+. This will take you to the Disney+ website. From the top of the page, press the letter "E" and you will reach the "Search" Edit Field, labelled "Search by title, character, or genre". Ensure Forms Mode is active and enter a movie name you might like to search for. Now exit Forms Mode. You do not need to press Enter to carry out the search. You will find the results are underneat the Edit Field. Each movie is indicated with a Link on which you can press Enter. Pressing the letter "B" will either take you to a "Play" or "Resume" Button, whichever is appropriate. Focus on the desired Button and press the Space Bar. The movie will begin to play. You can then use the following keystrokes.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+P to play and pause the item.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+Right or Left Arrow to move forward and back through the item.
Press Alt+Control+Windows+F11 or Alt+Control+Windows+Down Arrow to decrease the volume and Alt+Windows+Control+F12 or Alt+Control+Windows+Up Arrow to increase it.
To enable Audio Description where it exists, you can work through a one-time process. Once done, the audio description is available for all movies.
Begin playing a movie.
Step 1. From the movie window, press Shift+Tab repeatedly until you reach the "Settings" Button and press the Space Bar.
Step 2. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys and eventually you will find a series of audio languages, one of which will be English Audio Description. Press Enter on this item.
Just Watch.
Just Watch is a streaming search engine for movies and TV shows. They show you where you can legally watch movies and TV shows that you love. You are kept up to date with what is new on Netflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes and many other streaming platforms. They also tell you where and when to watch movies on the big screen so you never miss when a movie is running in cinema again.
Select the "Just Watch" item from the Leasey Search menu. When prompted, type the title of a movie or TV show and press the Enter key.
Leasey automatically detects the country in which you live and will display a web page containing details of the movie or TV show in question. Links relative to the movie or TV show allow you to view more details if required.
7Digital.
7digital allows you to purchase high quality music. When this option is activated, type the song title, artist or album name into the Edit Field and press Enter. You will be placed in a web page containing your search results.
Wikipedia.
Wikipedia provides an ideal way for you to retrieve information concerning almost any subject matter you wish to search for. Examples could include music artists, famous actors, authors of books, politicians, celebrities and many many more. In summary, it is an online encyclopaedia.
When "Wikipedia" is selected by pressing Enter from the Leasey Search menu, a Dialog Box will appear with an Edit Field in focus, requesting your search term. Simply type it in and press Enter. You will be prompted to begin each word with a capital letter.
Leasey will search the Wikipedia website for the term you have entered and bring back the appropriate Wikipedia entry. Focus is set to the starting point of it. This is not a summary of the article. While Wikipedia entries can be very extensive, this means that the pages are quite large, so feel free to use the following navigation or reading techniques:
Insert+Down Arrow to read the Wikipedia entry from the cursor position until the end is reached or you press the Control key to halt speech.
Down Arrow to read the page line by line.
Letter H to move through Headings. The pages are always well structured, and each Heading will take you to a specific section of the entry, which is very useful if you wish to locate a part of it, such as "Early Career" or "Bibliography".
Enter will activate a Link. Many Wikipedia articles include links to external sources and websites which you may like to follow up if you are researching something in depth.
Alt+Left Arrow or Backspace to move back to the Wikipedia entry if you have followed a Link to a source.
Goodreads.
Goodreads is an Amazon company and " social cataloguing" website. The site allows individuals to freely search Goodreads' extensive user-populated database of books, annotations, and reviews. Users can sign up and register books to generate library catalogs and reading lists. They can also create their own groups of book suggestions, surveys/polls, blogs, and discussions. The site has in excess of 20 million members, and details of reading preferences, book recommendations and reviews can be shared using social media, such as Twitter or Facebook.
The Goodreads component of Leasey Search allows you to search by book author, title, genre (such as crime or romance), and by Goodreads username. Clearly, you will need to know the username of the person whose Goodreads profile and page you wish to view prior to using this final item.
To search for an item on Goodreads, please follow these steps:
Step 1. Locate the "Goodreads" item on the Leasey Search menu.
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. From the list now presented, select which of the four categories mentioned above you would like to search by, and press Enter.
Step 4. As prompted by the software, type the required search term and press Enter.
Step 5. Assuming results are located, focus is automatically set to the first of these, whereupon you can browse the results retrieved.
How you navigate Goodreads from this point will vary depending upon the page you are viewing. However, some useful navigational techniques include:
Pressing Enter on the Link pertaining to a book title or author will open its page.
Alt+Control+Down Arrow and Alt+Control+Up Arrow will move through the search results of book titles as these are located inside a table.
When a book page is open, ensure you start at the top of the page by pressing Control+Home, and work your way down. There are not too many Links at the top to work through. Eventually you will see the book title, a Button labelled "Want to Read" which you can activate by pressing Enter which will add it to your Goodreads bookshelf, an unlabeled Button (referred to below), and Links to rate the book. The page also contains detailed information such as a synopsis, the average star rating, community reviews, and more.
The unlabeled Button referred to above brings into view what could be described as a "Context Menu". It allows you to work with the selected book. For example, pressing Enter on such a Button on a book's page will cause JAWS to say the word, "Updated". This is because new content has been added to the existing page but a new page has not been loaded. Pressing Down Arrow repeatedly from this point will allow you to read the newly available content. In this example, the new content presented consists of a Button labelled "Read", (which you can activate when you have read the chosen title), "Currently Reading", and "I Want to Read".
On each book title page is a Link entitled "Recommend This Book". When activated by pressing Enter, again JAWS will say the word "Updated", to indicate newly available content. You are now able to recommend a book to a group of friends or just one individual if you wish. This should be done as follows:
Step 1. Press the letter E twice to move to the second Edit Field on the page. JAWS announces the fact that you wish to recommend a book title to your friends, such as, "Recommend The Dwelling Place To Your Friends".
If "Forms Mode" is not activated, go ahead and press Enter.
Step 2. Type the first name of a person you wish to recommend the book to.
Step 3. Exit "Forms Mode" by pressing the Numpad Plus key, and press Down Arrow to read the list of your friends which has now been filtered so as to display any matches in your friends list.
Step 4. Below each name can be found the statement, "Recommend". This is not hyperlinked, but you can press Enter on it so as to recommend the title.
Step 5. If the book has been recommended, the next line on the page should now contain the statement, "Recommended".
Step 6. Another line below the "Recommend" statement invites you to add a message, prior to recommending the book. Press Enter, and an Edit Field is revealed into which you can type a suitable message as to why you are recommending this book. Press Enter to save, then go ahead and recommend the book as described above.
You can repeat this process as many times as necessary to recommend the book to your friends.
If you have searched for a Goodreads username, a page is revealed containing details of the books the person has read. Again, begin reading at the top of the page and you will be able to read how many books the person has rated, the number of reviews written, favourite genres, bookshelf information, how many books have been read or the subscriber would like to read, and a chronological indication as to Goodreads activity.
Using Bookshare and Audible.
If you have selected Bookshare or Audible from the Leasey Search menu, you will be asked what you would like to search for, such as a book title or author. Type it in and press Enter.
Leasey will very quickly check the appropriate website to see if results are available which match your search criteria. If so, you will be advised of this and after a short pause the appropriate web page will be loaded into your web browser containing the search results. Focus will be set to the first one. You can then explore the page in the usual manner.
Searches on the Audible Website.
If you search for books on the audible website, additional functionality is available to you. When focused on the link containing the book title, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Control+S to hear a summary of the book without you having to activate the page and search for it yourself. This information is displayed within the JAWS Virtual Viewer, so you can read the summary with the Arrow keys if you wish. When you have finished reading the synopsis, press Escape. If having heard the summary you do not wish to purchase it, you can skip to the next result by pressing the letter G, whereupon the Leasey Key followed by Alt+Control+S can be pressed again to hear the next summary.
The older Leasey menu route for Audible Manager is no longer available in Leasey 11.5. Use the Windows Start Menu, a Windows shortcut, or another standard Windows launching method to open Audible Manager if you still use that application.
Searching with RNIB Home Reading Service.
The RNIB Home Reading service allows you to view details of, and download, DAISY books from the online catalogue.
In the most part, the site is exceptionally accessible. However, Leasey Search does offer a significant advantage in that you can quickly and easily find a book title or author you would like to read.
When the "RNIB Home Reading Service" item is activated from within Leasey Search, when prompted type the name of a book title or author you would like to search for. Then press Enter.
After a short pause, the necessary page will load and focus should be placed on the first result. You can then use conventional web navigation and reading techniques to explore and download the titles. We strongly recommend that you read the online documentation located within the Home reading Service so as to familiarise yourself with the procedure for downloading books.
Searching with the Canadian CELA Library.
When you select the Canadian CELA Catalogue from the Leasey Search menu, after a short pause the Home Page will be made available.
You are first placed in the Edit Field into which you can type the author, book title or keyword you wish to search for. Simply type it in and press Enter to carry out the search.
The search will now be carried out. This may take a few seconds. When the search results are returned, focus is placed at the first book title found. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the titles. If you wish to skip to the next one, bypassing details of the current title you are reading, press the letter "H".
If you reach a book title you would like to hear more about, press Enter on the appropriate link for it. After a short pause, you will hear details of the book found and the cursor will be placed at the start of relevant information pertaining to it.
Please go ahead and read this with the Arrow keys. If you wish to borrow the book, press the Leasey Key then "B". If you would like to return to your search results, press Alt+Left Arrow and the cursor should be placed at the point on the page where you left it.
Note that if you are working through the search results, and you find a title you wish to loan, it is possible to borrow it without activating the book details page. Simply place the cursor on the book title you wish to borrow and press the Leasey Key then “Bâ€.
If you wish to carry out a further search, you should return to the Leasey Search menu and select the Cela Library Catalogue again.
Searching With NLS (BARD).
There are two options on the Leasey Search menu relating to the National Library Service, depending upon whether you would like to search for audio or Braille titles only.
Having activated the appropriate item from the Leasey Search menu to access the NLS catalogue, a further sub-menu is presented to you containing six items, reflecting the searches you can perform. These are:
Search By Author, allows you to search for all books in the library by a specific author. As prompted by Leasey, please use the format of "last name comma first name".
Search By Exact Match of Title, enables you to search for a book if the precise title is entered into the Edit Field provided.
Search by Start of Title, makes it possible for you to search for all books beginning with an individual letter or series of characters.
Search by Keyword, provides a method for searching by keyword, such as "Blue" for all books containing the word "blue". Multiple words can be entered which may be helpful when searching for books under a specific category. If you wish to use a precise sequence of words, we suggest you add quotation marks, such as "The Beatles".
Most Popular, will automatically return the most popular books in the library.
Most Recent, will return the most recently added books.
Having activated any one of these options by pressing Enter, you may be confronted with an Edit Field into which the appropriate text as described above should be typed. When this has been done, please press Enter.
You will be advised to "please wait". After a pause of a few seconds, a screen will be brought into view within the JAWS Results Viewer, containing the results of your search.
The Search Results screen will contain:
The total number of results found.
The number of results displayed. Leasey will initially present 50 results to you based on the search criteria entered. If more than 50 results are available, text will be displayed inviting you to press Alt+N for the next results. Pressing this keystroke will display results 51 to 100. You can progress through all the results by repeatedly pressing Alt+N. In such a situation, pressing Alt+P will move back through the previous results until eventually you will find yourself back at results 1 to 50.
Next comes the book title. This is denoted by a Heading and a Link. The Heading is in place to allow you to move between results quickly by pressing the letter "H", bypassing all the narrative text describing the book. The Link is present to allow you to download the book if you wish. Please refer to the next section concerning downloading books.
Below the Hyperlinked title you will find the book author, book description, book category, book duration (running time), the narrator, the date the book was added to the library, the book catalogue number and finally, a blank line so as to separate it from the next title.
As described previously, it is possible to press the letter "H" to move from one book to the next, however here are some other good navigation techniques.
Simply press the Down Arrow key to move through the page systematically.
Press Insert+F7 to bring into view a list of Links. Each Link contains the book title. Press Enter on any one of the Links to download or Alt+M to move focus to the book summary pertaining to it.
Press the Tab key repeatedly to move through the Links.
Press Escape to exit the Search Results screen.
Downloading Books.
Books can be downloaded by pressing Enter on any one of the Links. When this is done, you are taken to a web page inviting you to sign in with your library cridentials, consisting of an Email address and password. You can move through the fields by repeatedly pressing the Tab key. Please complete the fields as necessary and activate the "Login" Button by pressing the Space Bar.
You are now on the NLS website with the page for the book in focus. From here, you can download the book in the usual way and transfer it to your portable device for playback.
Usefully, if you close the book download page by pressing Alt+F4, the list of books returned from your search is still available to you. This is helpful if you wish to download a series of books as you do not need to carry out the search again. The cursor remains at the point in the list in which you were previously located prior to downloading the book.
Server Maintenance.
From time to time, the National Library Service do carry out maintenance on the server from which Leasey gathers its information and from where books are downloaded. In such a situation, search results cannot be retrieved. Should this occur, you will be advised that "no search results are available". We suggest that you be patient and try carrying out the search again at a later time.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Search Menu, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+S.
To return to a previous search results list, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow.
RSS Reader, Leasey Key then Shift+R.
Online Calculator, Leasey Key then Shift+C.
Delete an item in a Leasey Search recent items list, such as recent searches, YouTube videos, place names for time zone conversions, Leasey Key then Delete.
Read the Book Summary From the Audible Website When a Link to a Book Title is Focused, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+S.
Move to the Search Edit Field with CELLA, Letter "E" by Itself.
Borrow a Book from CELLA, Leasey Key then "B".
When in the NLS Library, press Alt+N for the next results if they exist and Alt+P for the previous results.
When in a Youtube video, press F5 to skip an advertisement or commercial.
Play and pause the video, Alt+Control+Windows+P. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Move forward and back through the video, Alt+Control+Windows+Right or Left Arrow. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Increase volume of video, Alt+Control+Windows+F12. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Decrease volume of video, Alt+Control+Windows+f11. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Mute and Unmute audio from video, Alt+Control+Windows+M. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Move to the start of the video, Alt+Control+Windows+Home. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Move to the end of the video, Alt+Control+Windows+End. YouTube, Netflix and disney plus.
Alt+Control+Windows+1 through to 9 to move by percentage through the video. For example, Alt+Control+Windows+2 moves to 20 percent through. youtube.
Read the elapsed time of the video, Alt+Shift+T. youtube.
Read the total time of the video, Control+Shift+T. youtube.
Read the number of views for the video, Control+Shift+V. YouTube.
To place the video into full screen mode, press Alt+Control+Windows+F. Press Escape to return to normal viewing.
To increase speed of playback, press Alt+Control+Windows+full-stop or period. YouTube.
To decrease speed of playback, press Alt+Control+Windows+Comma. YouTube.
JAWS will interpret web pages in the usual way and all the navigation keys are available. However, there are some additional tools you may like to take advantage of, described elsewhere in this document, including:
Leasey Select;.
Leasey Points;.
Leasey Cuts;.
Leasey Sticky Notes;.
Leasey Favourites;.
Leasey Alerts.
Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave or Microsoft Edge Chromium browsers are supported for use with Leasey.
You will notice that, if sounds are enabled, a tone will play when a new page is loaded and a "backwards" sound can be heard when you move back to a previous page.
Pressing full-stop (or period) by itself will move to the next link irrespective of its type, whether it has been visited or unvisited.
Pressing Comma by itself will move to the previous link irrespective of its type, whether it has been visited or unvisited.
Additional Browser Utilities.
A number of other utilities exist which require special explanation.
Storing Web Pages as Favourites.
This is a legacy Leasey feature which has been available for some time. While this is still supported, the new method of creating Leasey Cuts described earlier in this documentation is very much preferred.
Using Microsoft Internet Explorer, locating sites you had previously stored as Favourites was an easy process. All such shortcuts used to be placed in a special folder for the purpose, which could be located from the Windows "Start Menu", or indeed a Shortcut could be placed on the Windows Desktop. Activating such a shortcut would take you into a list of all your Favourites which if necessary you could divide into separate sub-folders so as to group them into categories.
Unfortunately, those days are gone. If you store a site as a Favourite in a modern browser, it is accommodated within a specially constructed database which you have to work through inside the browser. Leasey takes away this frustration and provides you wit a method of storing shortcuts to Favourites either within your Favourites folder you may have previously used, or indeed any folder of your choosing.
Prior to reading through this option, we suggest you review the section of this documentation on the subject of Leasey Cuts, because the creation of Leasey Cuts is far easier than what is described here. However, old habits die hard, and it could be that you would still prefer to use the old method of working with Favourites.
Before you begin, you must instruct Leasey as to which folder contains your Favourites. So, either open up the Favourites folder you previously used, or alternatively, browse to a new one. In most cases, what you are about to do is a one time process unless you specifically want to store Favourites in a new folder at a later time. You can also store favourites in subsequent folders if you wish, which will be described below, however this is an optional step.
Now, press Alt+L. The location is stored permanently unless you change it.
Step 1. Using Brave, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, browse to the website you wish to store as a Favourite.
Step 2. Press Alt+A. You will be asked to name the item to be stored as a Favourite. The name of the previously focused page is already displayed in the Edit Field. You can leave it intact, edit it or Type in a new name and press Enter.
There is nothing further to do. Just browse to the folder in File Explorer, or by locating your Favourites folder, and your newly created Favourite will be there waiting for you.
Storing Favourites in Additional Folders.
It could be that you wish to save Favourites in additional folders. Let's assume for example that you have a folder into which you wish to place web site favourites you visit for stores. You might have a separate folder for music related sites and so on.
If this is the case, please do the following.
Step 1. First, browse to the new folder using File Explorer into which favourites could potentially be saved. Open it up by pressing Enter so you are inside the folder.
Step 2. Press Alt+L. If you did this using the first incarnation of Leasey version 5, we suggest you go through this process again as Leasey needs to know more information about the folder.
Step 3. Repeat as necessary until all your folders are set.
Step 4. Now, browse to the site into which the favourite should be stored in one of your folders.
Step 5. Press Alt+W. This now brings into view a list of all the folders you have set.
Step 6. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys until you reach the folder you wish to use, then press Enter to move to the next stage.
Step 7. You should now be on familiar ground. The name of the previously focused page is already displayed in the Edit Field. You can leave it intact, edit it or Type in a new name and press Enter. If you open up that new folder now, you should see the shortcut in there.
Points to note. First, any favourites you save from this point forward will be placed in the newly designated folder. If you wish to go back to one of your original folders, you should press Alt+W, and set it as described earlier.
Secondly, if you would like to delete one of the folders from the list, this can be done by pressing Alt+W, finding the folder name, and pressing the Leasey Key followed by Delete. This does not in any way remove the folder from the computer. This would not be good practice. All Leasey is doing is removing the linking mechanism between Leasey and the folder itself.
Tabbed Pages.
You may know that as you are browsing web pages, you can open the focused web page in a new Tab. For example, when focused on a Link, you can open it in a new Tab by pressing Control+Enter. JAWS confirms that a new Tab has been created. There are a number of ways by which you can navigate through the Tabbed Pages. The easiest way would be to press Control+Tab or Control+Page Down to move forward through Tabs, and press Shift+Control+Tab or Control+Page Up to move in the reverse direction. You can also press Control+1 through to Control+8, using the numbers above the letter keys. This will automatically set focus to any one of the first eight Tabs in the order in which they were created.
But what if you cannot remember which Tab is associated with any one of the eight keystrokes? There are two things you can do to remind you.
- As you navigate through Tabs, (for example with Control+Tab or Shift+Control+Tab), JAWS will indicate the Tab number.
- Additionally, you can press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+N, which will speak or Braille the Tab number of the focused page.
Keystroke Summary.
Within File Explorer, Alt+L stores the current folder for Favourites.
From within a web page, Alt+A will allow you to create a Favourite.
Move to the next link whether it has been visited or unvisited, press full-stop or period by itself.
Move to the previous link whether it has been visited or unvisited, press comma by itself.
Within Microsoft Edge, to enable or disable additional spoken messages, press Control+Shift+A. JAWS versions earlier than V2022.
To relocate a previous position on a web page after returning to a previous page, press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+R.
To enable or disable this automatically, press Alt+Windows+R.
To hear the number of the Tab which is open, press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+N.
To route the JAWS Cursor to the Virtual PC Cursor and Left Click press Leasey Key then Alt+K.
To move to the recent message in CoPilot, Leasey Key then Control+M.
To activate a new topic in CoPilot, Leasey Key then Control+N.
To upload a new image in CoPilot, Leasey Key then Control+I.
There are a number of useful utilities for Leasey users.
If you are inside an Email message, and you wish to copy the sender's Email address to the Windows Clipboard, press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+E. The Email address will be spoken back to you for confirmation and it is now copied to the Clipboard ready for pasting elsewhere.
Another component of Microsoft Outlook email relates to sending a message from an alternative account. Use this method in order to verify which account you are sending from:
Step 1. Press Alt+M from within the body of the Email message in order to set focus to the list of accounts.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to select the account in question.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Focus back on the body of the Email message.
Step 5. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+A. You should hear the account details spoken to you.
Leasey has the ability to place all attachments into a vertical list for easy navigation and opening. This is especially helpful for two reasons. First, many people find it easier to work with vertical lists, so that the Up and Down Arrow keys can be used. However in addition, if people insert an attachment into the body of an Email message, this is often rendered as a graphic rather than appearing in the default Microsoft Outlook Attachments area. The Leasey Attachments List keystroke provides access to all attachments regardless of their type.
To view all attachments in a message, from within the message body press Alt+Windows+A. The list of attachments appears.
Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move to the attachment you wish to open, then press Enter.
If you wish to copy an attachment to an alternative location, follow these steps:
Step 1. Locate the attachment from the aforementioned list but do not press Enter in order to open it.
Step 2. Press Shift+Tab to reach the "Copy" Button and press Enter or the Space Bar.
Step 3. Using File Explorer, browse to the folder in which you wish to place the attached file.
Step 4. Press Control+V to paste the attached file into the chosen location.
If you receive an Email containing an MP3 audio file as an attachment, be sure the message is open and press Alt+Windows+U. The file will play out using your default audio player.
When focused in an Email folder, it is easy to flag items for later review. This means you can create a copy of them to add to your "To-Do List", meaning that you can always get back to them to follow up later.
Step 1. Find a message you wish to flag.
Step 2. Press Control+Windows+F.
The email is added to your "To-Do List".
Step 3. Repeat this process until all messages for follow-up have been flagged.
Step 4. When appropriate, press Control+4 to move to the "To-Do List".
When inside this list, you can manage your email messages in whichever way you choose: Open them, reply to them, and so on.
To unflag a message, press Control+Windows+F once again. Note that whenever you press this keystroke, JAWS reports whether the message is flagged for review or not.
To return to your mail folder at any time from your "To-Do List", press Control+1.
You can use the keystroke Control+Shift+Enter to set focus to the Results List when Outlook Search is used. Here is an example of how you might work with this process.
Step 1. From within a mail folder, press Control+E.
Step 2. Type a word or phrase you wish to find in the folder. After a short pause, the results view changes to display only messages matching your search criteria.
Step 3. Press Control+Shift+Enter. Leasey will set focus to the list of results. This saves a good deal of navigating around with either F6 or the Tab key. You can now go ahead and explore the results by using the Up or Down Arrow keys.
Suppressing The From Field From Being Spoken When Messages Are Open.
Unless disabled from within the JAWS Quick Settings, (JAWS Key+V), as a message is opened JAWS will read who the message is from, followed by the word "Subject", then the subject line. This can seriously decrease productivity, since there is a distinct possibility you are already aware of the original author.
If you wish to hear the subject line only, press Alt+Windows+F from within Outlook. This is a toggle action and will ensure the feature is either on or off. If enabled, JAWS will only read the subject line when focus moves to a new message.
Automatic Speaking of the Outlook Reading Pane.
Through Leasey, JAWS has the ability to automatically speak the content of the Outlook reading pane as you move through messages in a mail folder. This means that if the reading pane is enabled, as you move to a new message JAWS will speak the usual details such as the presence of attachments, author and subject, followed by the content of the reading pane. In most cases, the reading pane displays the entire content of a message. This can be very helpful because you can read your Email messages without opening them. Listening to this information can help in making a decision as to whether you wish to open the message, move it elsewhere or delete it.
Setting It Up.
There are a number of steps in terms of customising whether the reading pane is displayed and whether it is announced by JAWS.
First, focus within the Outlook application and enable the automatic reading of the reading pane by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+R. This is a toggle action and will enable and disable the feature. The setting is remembered even if you restart JAWS.
In terms of the next two tasks, the procedures for working through these may vary between different versions of Microsoft Office. The reading pane is enabled by default, so it may be there is very little to do following enabling JAWS to read it automatically which we have already done. If you move through a mail folder and JAWS is speaking the contents of the reading pane, you can leave things as they are.
If the reading pane is not enabled:
Step 1. Activate the "View" component of the ribbon with Alt+V.
Step 2. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you move into the "Layout" group. Eventually JAWS will announce "Reading Pane". Press Enter. Alternatively, press Alt+V then P then N.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow until JAWS announces "Bottom" or "Right". These terms indicate the position of the reading pane on the screen; either at the bottom or on the righthand side.
Step 4. Press Enter on any one of these two options. If JAWS is announcing that one of these is checked, such as "Bottom Checked", then it is already being displayed and you can press Escape to close the menu.
To aid productivity, there is a further adjustment you may like to make.
You will probably want to remove the columns in the mail folder view which display the date and size of the message. Not hearing this information will mean that your message details can be spoken without unwanted text, followed by the reading pane content.
Step 1. Activate the "View" component of the ribbon with Alt+V.
Step 2. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you move into the "Arrangement" group. Eventually JAWS will announce "Add Columns". Despite its name, this is where you want to be. Press Enter. Alternatively, press Alt+V then A then C. Think Vacation!
Step 3. This is a Dialog Box allowing you to modify which columns are displayed. Press the Tab key until JAWS announces "Show columns, show columns in this order". This is a List Box. It is the control which immediately precedes the "OK" Button in the Tab order.
Step 4. Press Down Arrow until JAWS announces "Received" and then press Alt+R to remove it.
Step 5. Press Down Arrow until JAWS announces "Size" and then press Alt+R to remove it.
Step 6. Press Tab until you reach "OK" and press the Space Bar.
Mozilla Thunderbird.
A small number of enhancements have been provided for use within Mozilla Thunderbird. Microsoft Outlook Classic is still the recommended option for efficient Email management.
The following keys can be press from within an Email message.
Alt+Windows+1 through to Alt+Windows+5 will read header information in relation to the message which is open. For example, Alt+Windows+1 will read who the message is from. Alt+Windows+2 will read the date of the message.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+E will copy the sender's Email address to the Windows Clipboard.
Pressing Escape will close an email message.
Automatic Message Reading.
JAWS provides an option within Quick Settings so as to read Email messages automatically when they are opened by pressing Enter. Leasey will eliminate unimportant speech and skip the first line, which is always a repetition of the subject.
To enable automatic reading:
Step 1. With Thunderbird open, press JAWS Key+V.
Step 2. Into the Search Edit Field, type the phrase, "Auto Read".
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys and you will find the only result returned: Auto Read Message.
Step 4. If it is not checked, press Space Bar to check it.
Step 5. Press Enter twice to save.
Moving to Core Thunderbird Components.
Pressing Control+Comma will set focus to Thunderbird Preferences.
Alt+Windows+L will move to the next available list, such as a list of messages in a mail folder.
Alt+Windows+T will move to the next Tree View, such as a list of folders.
Setting the Default Inbox.
Thunderbird does not provide a mechanism to launch the Inbox for a specific mail account when the program starts. To achieve this, please work through the following process:
Step 1. Be sure that the focus is located on the Inbox name. You will find this in the list of folders, such as Inbox, Sent Items, etc.
Step 2. When focus is on the Inbox, press Alt+Windows+D.
After a short pause, a shortcut should be placed on the Windows Desktop. The Shortcut is called, Leasey Thunderbird. You can always rename it if you like by pressing function key F2, however the shortcut itself must remain intact.
Spell Checking.
When spell checking an Email message, you can press Alt+Windows+I. This will speak and spell the incorrectly spelled word.
Keystroke Summary.
Email.
Microsoft Outlook.
Copy Email Address to Clipboard, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+E.
View attachments in a message, Alt+Windows+A.
Play MP3 if it is part of an attachment, Alt+Windows+U.
Set focus to Results List having undertaken an Outlook Search, Control+Enter.
Flag message, Control+Windows+F.
Enable or disable the automatic reading of the preview or reading pane, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+R.
Thunderbird.
Read Email header information, Alt+Windows+1 through to Alt+Windows+5.
Copy Email Address to Clipboard, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+E.
Escape closes an email message.
Move to the next list, Alt+Windows+L.
Move to the next tree view, Alt+Windows+T.
Create shortcut to start Thunderbird with a specific Inbox, focus on the Inbox name then Alt+Windows+D.
Announce incorrectly spelled word in Spell Checker, Alt+Windows+I.
The wide ranging functionality offered within the Outlook Calendar as part of Microsoft's Office suite allows people to create Appointments, All Day Events and Meeting Requests to suit a range of need both personal and within employment. Leasey will allow you to easily and accurately obtain information regarding scheduled Calendar items using the same Outlook program interface enjoyed by sighted friends and colleagues. Please note that the below functionality is only available in Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2019 or 365.
Leasey is extremely responsive and performs well within a local Calendar (stored on the computer itself), or within an Exchange Server environment (often referred to as a Shared Calendar as potentially other people can view it if permission has been assigned).
At this time, the Leasey calendar functionality can be used in the Day View only.
Before You Begin.
Prior to getting started, a decision must be made as to whether you would like to use the Leasey functionality for the Outlook calendar or not. From within Microsoft Outlook, press Alt+Windows+D. This is a toggle action. It will enable or disable the special functionality for the calendar. We're going to assume you want it enabled, so press the keystroke repeatedly until you hear that it is so. This setting will be remembered even if JAWS is restarted.
An Introduction to Creating Appointments.
Before you learn about the primary functions available as part of Leasey within the next section, you may not be aware how to create Appointments or All Day Events. An All Day Event occupies an entire day or a number of days, while an Appointment lasts for a specific period within the day, for example 2 hours.
The process of creating an appointment is quite straightforward and presents no accessibility challenges. Therefore, Leasey does not add any special functionality in this regard. Nevertheless, we will describe how to create a simple Timed Appointment.
Creating a Simple Appointment.
Please use the following example to create a Timed Appointment to remind you of a dinner you are going to attend at a restaurant on 4 October 2019 between 8 PM and 11 PM.
Step 1. Having launched Microsoft Outlook, press Control+2 (figure 2 on the main QWERTY Keyboard) to enter the Calendar. JAWS announces the day and date, such as Tuesday 9 July 2019. That is all it should say if you are in the Day View. If JAWS announces other information, such as "Month View,,, 14 total events, 00:00 Monday, 1 July 2019 to 00:00 Monday, 5 August 2019", then you are within a different view. If this is the case, please press Alt+Control+1 to switch to Day View.
Step 2. Press Control+G to activate the Microsoft Outlook 'Go to Date' Dialog Box.
Step 3. Type the date you would like to move to, which you can do in the form relative to your regional English language. Microsoft Outlook is quite flexible about the method by which you can enter dates. For example, within the United Kingdom or many other countries you might enter '4 October 2019' or '04/10/2019', however within the United States of America you could type 'October 4 2019' or '10/04/2019', etc.
Step 4. Once the date has been typed, press the Enter Key.
Step 5. Press Insert+Up Arrow to verify that the desired date has been selected. JAWS speaks the day and date.
Step 6. Press Control+N to create a new Calendar Item. After a short pause, Outlook presents you with the 'Subject' field for it. As of later releases of Office, Microsoft now refer to this as the appointment title. The 'Subject' field should contain a one line summary of the nature of the Item, such as 'Dinner at restaurant'.
Step 7. Once this has been entered, the Tab Key can be used to move from one field to the next. Note that most of the fields are self-explanatory, for example 'Start Date' and 'Start Time'. Indeed the 'Start Date' field will already contain the 4 October 2019 date we previously selected.
Step 8. For the purposes of this appointment, you need only complete the 'Subject', 'Start Time' and 'End Time' fields. When the details have been entered, press Alt+S to save the Calendar Appointment and return to the day View Window. The Insert+Up Arrow keystroke can be used to verify this fact and if successfully returned to the Day View Window JAWS will announce the day and date.
Moving Through Days of the Week.
There are various methods for locating a specific day of the week.
You can use the Left and Right Arrow Keys to move through the days.
Alternatively, Press Control+G to bring into view the Microsoft Outlook 'Go To Date' Dialog Box. Type a date in the format appropriate to your country and press Enter. Entry of dates into this Dialog Box was described within the previous section.
However you have chosen to move to a date, JAWS announces (and displays in Braille):
The day of the week on which the date falls.
The calendar date and month.
If no appointments or all day events exist, (and if the Leasey Sounds Scheme is enabled), a sound will play. This is especially useful if you wish to locate days where there is no activity. You can quickly press Left or Right Arrow repeatedly until the sound is heard.
If all day events or appointments exist, you will hear the total number of these, such as, "3 items".
Here are some other keystrokes which may be useful when navigating through the days.
Press Alt+Down Arrow to move to the next week and Alt+Up Arrow to move to the previous week.
Press Alt+Page Down to move to the next month or Alt+Page Up to move to the previous month.
Moving Through Calendar Items.
To reiterate a point from an earlier section, Leasey defines Calendar Items in one of two ways:
An All Day Event is a Calendar Item which occupies the entire day or spans a series of days.
An Appointment is a Calendar Item occupying a specific period within the day, for example two hours.
If JAWS had advised you that Calendar Items exist for a given day, and you wish to hear details about them, press Tab. JAWS will announce information pertaining to the Calendar Item which has focus.
Condensed Mode.
As you press Tab to move from one appointment or event to the next, Condensed Mode allows you to hear appointments or event details in an abbreviated form.
JAWS will announce the time range the appointment occupies, (such as "2 PM to 3 PM"), followed by the appointment subject. To enable Condensed Mode, press Alt+Windows+C. This setting is remembered across Windows sessions.
Here is an example of an appointment with Condensed Mode disabled.
"Call Jane at home,,, 14:00 to 14:30 Monday, 8 July 2019, Time Busy, Organizer Brian Hartgen. 2 of 3.".
Here is the same appointment with Condensed Mode enabled.
"14:00 to 14:30. Call Jane at home, Has Notes, 2 of 3."
If an All Day Event has focus occupying one day only, JAWS announces the event details without reference to time.
If an All Day Event has focus occupying several days, JAWS will advise you for how many days the event spans. For example, you will hear "11 days". It will also alert you if notes are attached to the item.
If Condensed Mode is disabled, and you press Tab:
If an All Day Event has focus occupying one day only, JAWS announces the event details without reference to time.
If a Timed Appointment has focus, JAWS will announce the start and end time of the Appointment, for example, 'from 12 PM to 2 PM".
The Calendar Item subject is then announced.
JAWS will inform you of any other relevant information concerning the Calendar Item, including the Organiser (the person who has created it), the Status (such as 'Busy', 'Free' or 'Tentative'), and the location (such as a meeting room number or office).
In addition to the announcement of appointments in full, you will notice that disabling the Condensed Mode does not advise you of whether the appointment has notes. Moreover, it does not let you know if an event spans more than one day.
Regardless of whether Condensed Mode is enabled or disabled, you can keep pressing Tab to move through all your appointments for the focused day. Notice as you do so, JAWS speaks the appointment number followed by the total number of appointments. This is helpful: first because you can be reminded how many appointments or events exist for a given day. Second, you know when you have reached the end of the list. An example of such a count would be, "2 of 3".
If you continue to press the Tab key past the total number of appointments for a date, you will be taken to the next appointment for a date in the future regardless of how far forward that is. Should this occur, and if the Leasey sound scheme is enabled, a sound will play, indicating that you have crossed a boundary and that a number of dates may have been bypassed. As an alternative rather than doing this, on the last appointment or event, press Right Arrow instead to advance to the next date.
Using the JAWS Virtual Viewer.
So far, you have listened to your Calendar Item details and will have noticed there is a great deal of information to absorb. It is likely that even the most experienced JAWS users may wish to examine the contents of the Appointment or Event more thoroughly or slowly. In addition, you may wish to copy the Item details to the Windows Clipboard, perhaps for pasting into an alternative source such as an email message.
Leasey provides a convenient method for accomplishing all of these things which involves placing the Calendar Item into the JAWS Virtual Viewer. Once the Item is in the Virtual Viewer, the Arrow Keys or your Braille display can be used to move through it as thoroughly as you wish.
There are two places in which you may care to work with the Virtual viewer:
When focused on a day of the week. Press Insert+Tab. The details of all appointments and all day events for the day will be placed there. Use the Arrow keys to explore the information. Press Escape to return to the calendar.
When focused on a specific appointment, having pressed Tab to reach it first. Press Insert+Tab. The details of the appointment will be displayed, together with any notes which may be associated with it. Use the Arrow keys to explore the information. Press Escape to return to the appointment or event.
Time Slots.
When creating a Calendar Item, rather than entering a value into the 'Start Time' Edit Field, it is possible to pre-select this by means of moving through Time Slots for the focused day as follows:
Step 1. First, locate the date upon which you wish to create the Appointment.
Step 2. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through Time Slots for the current day. JAWS will announce a Time slot as you move to it. Each Time Slot occupies a 30 minute segment within the day by default.
Step 3. When the appropriate Time Slot has been reached, press Control+N to create a new Calendar Item. Pressing Tab repeatedly will show you that the 'Start Date' and 'Start Time' fields are now populated with the pre-selected values.
Step 4. If you wish to enter a simple appointment at the designated Time Slot, (containing just the subject only), do not press Control+N. When focused on the Time Slot, type the subject and press Tab to exit and save.
When you are focused on a specific date, you can now press Up or Down Arrow Keys to move through the available Time Slots. When you reach the time for which you set the appointment, the word, "Appointment", is spoken. Continual presses of down Arrow will cause JAWS to announce this word until the end time has been reached. This method of navigation is ideal if you wish to ascertain when free time in your day exists.
Similarly, if the sound scheme is enabled, Leasey will play a sound whenever you are inside a time slot where there is activity. This allows you to quickly move down the list of time slots to ascertain where available time exists.
Moving Through Appointments, Time Order Versus Actual Time.
If you press Tab repeatedly to move through appointments and events, you will notice that they are presented to you in a logical order. As you navigate to a date, then press Tab, you will find that each timed appointment particularly is presented to you in the order at which it occurs. This gives you a good understanding of how your day is structured and is highly recommended.
However, those people who have worked with the Outlook calendar prior to using Leasey may well find the transition of working in this way a little difficult to get used to. Leasey therefore tries to be flexible, and you can disable this feature by pressing Alt+Windows+T. This is a toggle action, and the setting will be retained, even if you restart the computer.
When this feature is disabled, you can work through the following steps:
Step 1. Press Tab to move to a scheduled appointment. The appointment for example may be at 1.30 PM.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow. You are now at the 2 PM Time Slot.
Step 3. Press Control+N and create the appointment, or alternatively, start typing the subject now.
To repeat, while it can be an advantage to work in this way, our preference is to create appointments using the manner described elsewhere in this Chapter, where the appointment start and end times are entered manually. This ensures that the structure of the day is far easier to understand.
There is a further advantage in using our preference. If focus was at the 1.30 PM appointment, and you felt that you wanted to examine the details of an earlier one, this would require pressing Shift+Tab instead of Tab. A new computer user may well find themselves mystified if the earlier appointment is not sequentially presented in the Tab order.
Creating an Appointment with More Detail.
While not directly related to Leasey functionality, it is worth describing the purpose of some of the fields which are available within the "New Appointment" Dialog Box, activated by pressing Control+N. This Dialog Box is moved through by pressing Tab.
Location. When in this field, you have a choice. You can type a location, such as "At client's home", or, "Hospital". Alternatively, press Down Arrow to access a list of previously entered locations. When the desired location is selected, press Tab to move to the next field.
The Start Date, Start Time, End Date and End Time fields are self-explanatory, but particularly if you are adopting our recommendation of presenting the appointments in a sequential manner, do pay attention to the Start Time and End Time fields. You can either type 12 or 24 hour values into the Time fields, and Microsoft Outlook again is quite flexible about how you do this. You might type "2:00 PM" or "14:00". Alternatively, you can press the Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the time slots sequentially. Clearly, if you are preparing an all day event, the fields do not need to be completed.
Date Picker Buttons. These appear next to the Start and End Date fields. Pressing the Space Bar on any of these Buttons causes a grid to appear. You can use the Up, Down, Left and Right Arrow keys to navigate the grid. The Up and Down Arrow keys move by week, while the Left and Right Arrow keys move by date. Leasey has been customised to read these dates in a logical way, such as "09/07/2019, Tuesday". Use the Arrow Keys to find a date and press Enter to accept.
All Day Event Check Box. Check this box by pressing the Space Bar if the event occupies the entire day.
Notes. This is where you can type as many paragraphs as you wish so as to attach notes to the appointment. Having reached the Notes field, pressing Tab will cause you to insert a Tab character into your notes, so do be careful. You will know if you have done this because JAWS will report the new cursor position in inches or centimetres. To retrace your steps, press Shift+Tab.
Checking for Appointment Conflicts.
As you create an appointment, you may wish to know whether there is likely to be a time conflict, either with appointments for yourself or for colleagues within calendars you share.
Step 1. As you create an appointment, focus upon the "Start Time" Edit Field.
Step 2. Type a start time for the appointment.
Step 3. Press Control+Windows+T for Attendees.
You will hear if there are any conflicts which may prevent you from creating the appointment at your chosen start time.
Saving, Deleting and Editing an Appointment.
To save an appointment, press Alt+S. To delete an appointment, press Tab to reach it and press Control+D.
Should you wish to edit an appointment, locate it first by pressing Tab, then press Enter. If the "Location" field has not been previously completed, the focus is likely to be placed there. But given all fields in this Dialog Box are spoken by JAWS as you press Tab to move from one control to the next, this should not be a problem. When the editing is complete, press Alt+S to save.
Additional Calendar Options.
The Microsoft Outlook program provides a vast array of features, and many of these relate to the scheduling of appointments and events in the calendar. They go way beyond the scope of the Leasey documentation. However, you may like to take a look at the Context Menu, activated by pressing the Context Menu key (usually three keys to the right of the Space Bar), or Shift+F10.
In particular, you may like to visit the option for creating a new recurring appointment. This brings into view a Dialog Box where there is a good deal of flexibility, available by pressing the Tab key. Most of the options are self-explanatory and it is quite an accessible Dialog Box. Certainly, creating less complex recurrences is very achievable.
Activating a Teams or Zoom Meeting.
If your appointment contains a link to a Microsoft Teams or Zoom meeting:
Step 1. Open up the appointment by pressing Enter.
Step 2. Press Alt+Windows+I for invitation.
The meeting should launch in the desired application.
Keystroke Summary.
Select the Calendar, Control+2.
Move through days, Right and Left Arrow.
Go to a date, Control+G.
Move back to today, Alt+Windows+Y.
Next week, Alt+Down Arrow.
Previous week, Alt+Up Arrow.
Next month, Alt+Page Down.
Previous month, Alt+Page Up.
Toggle time order, Alt+Windows+T.
Toggle Condensed Mode, Alt+Windows+C.
Toggle whether to use Leasey functionality in the Calendar, Alt+Windows+D.
Place appointments into the Virtual Viewer, Insert+Tab.
Launch a Teams or Zoom meeting, ensure you are inside the appointment and press Alt+Windows+M.
WhatsApp is a popular, free, multi-platform messaging app that lets users make video and voice calls, send text messages, share their status, and more with just a Wi-Fi connection. Part of what makes this app appealing is that it works on various phone and computer operating systems, so you can continue your conversation anytime, anywhere. It can also take advantage of Wi-Fi and cellular data to make one-to-one or group calls, reducing the need for expensive calling charges. You never miss messages, but even if you miss notifications while your phone is off, the app saves recent messages for when you re-open it.
WhatsApp can identify people in your contact list who currently use the app, so you typically don’t have to add them manually. You can also invite people who don’t have WhatsApp or connect with other users you know but who aren’t on your contact list.
This document does not consist of a full tutorial on how to use WhatsApp. It broadly outlines the support given specifically for use with JAWS and Leasey and the special functions which have been created. We will however describe the primary screen layout and how to carry out some simple tasks.
WhatsApp is downloadable (and can be installed) from the Microsoft Store. It is an official Microsoft app. Alternatively you can Run WhatsApp in a browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome instead.
Starting WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is usually launched from the Start Menu. Into the Edit Field you can type "WhatsApp" and press Enter when JAWS announces it is in focus. When the app is launched, be sure to press Insert+Q or Caps Lock+Q. You will hear a build number of the WhatsApp scripts, followed by the fact that the WhatsApp settings are loaded. If you do not hear a build number, our support for WhatsApp is not being used.
Before You Begin.
When you start WhatsApp for the first time, there is a procedure where you need to link WhatsApp from your phone to the computer. However fortunately this is an accessible process. It involves using your phone number as the linking mechanism as follows:
Step 1. Start WhatsApp on the Windows PC.
Step 2. Press Tab to reach the Button entitled "Get Started" or similar, and press the Space Bar to activate it. Indeed it may already be the focused control.
On your phone, open the app, select "Settings" and then "Link Device". You may then be asked to enter your PIN or use Face (or touch) ID for identification.
On the computer, press Tab to the Button labelled "Link with Phone Number" and press Space".
On the next screen, type your phone number using the international format into the Edit Field and press Enter. An example of such a format might be +44 7654 321987.
A code is then sent to the computer which you must type into the phone in order that the linking mechanism can take place. Press the Tab key repeatedly. You will find an item which states that the process for linking WhatsApp via your phone number has begun. Eventually, JAWS will speak the code we are wanting. In order to read the code a character at a time, press function key F9. This will place the code into the JAWS virtual viewer. Review each character and type it on the phone. As soon as the code has been entered, the link is complete and this screen will be dismissed.
Please note. We cannot assist you with, and do not provide any support for, the above process of linking your computer to your WhatsApp account.
Screen Layout.
The WhatsApp screen contains a large number of controls through which you can press Tab and Shift+Tab. Initially this feels quite daunting. The appearance within the older WhatsApp Classic app was far more intuitive and straightforward. Your best approach is to press Alt+C for the Chats List. This is always a good keystroke to remember so as to orientate yourself at any time. Essentially this version of the application contains Buttons you can Tab through and two primary List Boxes. The first List Box we have already discovered if you have pressed Alt+C. This is the Chats List. The second is the list of messages inside a conversation. We refer to this as the Messages List.
As a quick start, you focus on a conversation you wish to review. You press Enter to open up that conversation and press Escape to close it.
Because there are quite a number of such controls to move through, keyboard shortcuts have been provided as part of the scripts to directly move to key areas of the application. Some of these are as follows:
Typing Edit Field: Alt+T.
Chats List: Alt+C.
Messages list: Alt+M.
Record a Voice message: F1. This does not have a pneumonic keystroke such as Alt+R and the reason for this will be explained later.
You can obtain a complete list of all keyboard shortcuts by checking the scripts's Hotkey Help, Insert+H. They will all be explained in their correct context later. A full list of keystrokes is provided at the end of this document.
There are other ways of quickly switching to a conversation, assuming a chat has been closed. Pressing Control+Tab and Shift+Control+Tab will move between them. Pressing Control+1 through to Control+9 will focus upon each of the nine most recent conversations in turn. Pressing Enter will of course open that conversation.
We should make mention of the Filter Edit Field, activated with forward slash. When the field is focused, you can type the name of the person whose conversation you wish to access. The purpose of this field is to ensure you only see the conversations relating to that person in the Chats List. When the text has been entered, press Tab twice, and you should find a list of chats which match your search. Press Enter to move into the chat, and then press Alt+M to move to the messages list.
Moving Through Messages in a Conversation.
When you open a conversation by pressing Enter, focus is immediately placed in the typing Edit Field. You can return to this at any time by pressing Alt+T. Again, this is a good orientation point.
To move through the messages in the conversation, press Shift+Tab repeatedly to move to the Messages List, or press Alt+M from anywhere to move to it directly. You can then use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list to review activity.
Should you wish to check the conversation name on which you are focused, press Alt+N for Name. This is especially helpful prior to sending a message to ensure you are in the correct conversation. JAWS will announce or Braille the name of the user and the status, such as "Laura Online". Press the keystroke twice quickly so as to send the details to the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer inspection.
There are two other keystrokes worth mentioning at this stage. Pressing Control+Shift+F10 will enable or disable the speaking of tutorial-based messages from WhatsApp, advising you how to interact with items in the messages list. It is recommended these are disabled.
Finally, pressing ControlShift+F9 will make it possible for JAWS not to recite phone numbers which may be present when reading messages.
Sending a Text Chat Message to an Active Conversation.
If a conversation is already in progress, you can send a text chat message to it. Prior to doing this, you may like to enable the typing sound indicator. This can be done by pressing F11 repeatedly. This feature has four options:
No information is spoken when a message is being composed.
You will hear a typing sound when a message is being composed.
You will hear a typing sound when a message is being composed and the name of the person typing. This is the preferred option.
You will hear the name of the person typing. Using this setting, no typing sound indicator is heard.
Regardless of the above typing indicator setting, you can always check if a person is typing by pressing F12. So even if the typing monitor is disabled, and you just wish to check who is typing, just press F12 by itself.
Assuming the feature is not disabled, when someone is typing a message to you, if you are focused within the WhatsApp application you will hear a report of this.
As soon as the message is sent by the other participant in the conversation, the scripts instruct JAWS to announce it automatically if the option is set in the scripts to announce the messages. This can be enabled or disabled by pressing Control+Shift+F12. You will notice that sometimes, the typing indicator sound will stop, but no message is announced. This is because the other person has stopped typing for a moment but has not sent the message. The typing sound indicator will pick up again when the person resumes typing. JAWS understands that a new message has not been added to the conversation and so does not cause JAWS to announce anything new.
If you are focused in an alternative conversation, or if you are working in an application other than WhatsApp, you are notified of the incoming message through the playing of a sound and through a standard Windows notification. The easiest way to review the details of the message would be:
Step 1. Press Alt+Tab to focus back on WhatsApp.
Step 2. Open up the chat concerned.
Step 3. Press Alt+1. JAWS reports the last message received. Alt+1 through to Alt+0 will report the most recent 10 messages in the list. These keystrokes can be used to read the most recent 10 messages in any WhatsApp chat. Press these keystrokes twice quickly to output the message to the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer inspection, perhaps word by word. If the message contains audio, it will begin playing automatically if the keystroke is pressed twice quickly.
Pressing the keystroke Control+Shift+F11 will cycle between two modes. The message reading keys can be instructed to read replied messages together with the originating ones or just the new message depending upon your preference.
You can import our notification rules including those for WhatsApp. They significantly reduce verbal clutter when such notifications arrive and only output information in an abbreviated form.
To send a message yourself, press Alt+T to set focus to the typing Edit Field, type the message and press Enter. JAWS will announce the message which has been sent. You will also hear a sound play to advise you it has been sent. Finally, JAWS speaks the message which has just been sent for confirmation.
There is an important point concerning the reading of messages, either when using the message reading keystrokes or when within the Messages List. If the message is quite lengthy, WhatsApp does not display all of its content. If this occurs, JAWS will announce, "Read More". You should adopt the following procedure to read the message in full.
Step 1. Use one of the message reading keys, Alt+1 etc, to find the message which has been truncated.
Step 2. If JAWS says, "Read More", press Control+Shift+R.
After a short pause, the expanded message will be available to you within the JAWS Virtual Viewer for reading. Press Escape to close and return to WhatsApp.
Finding a Contact to Chat With.
We have already described how to find a conversation which is ongoing through the use of the Chats List.
Alternatively, you can:
Step 1. Press Alt+Control+N for a new chat.
Step 2. Type the name of the person you would like to chat with. This person must be in your contacts list.
Step 3. Press Shift+Tab repeatedly. You will find a Button pertaining to each contact which has been found.
Step 4. When you have found the desired contact to chat with, press Enter. You can then verify the name again by pressing Alt+N, which has the added advantage of reporting the status, such as "Online".
You can then begin a text chat if you wish. Focus is immediately in the text entry field for this purpose.
You could if you wish press F1 to record a voice message. This is described in an upcoming section of this documentation.
When you have pressed Alt+Control+N for a new chat, and you type nothing at all, you can press the Tab key. You will reach useful Buttons such as "New Contact", "New Group" and "New Community".
About the Messages List.
As previously explored, the Messages List contains a list of all messages inside a conversation. There are a number of actions you can carry out on each message.
When focused on a message, press the Right Arrow key. The Left Arrow key can be pressed as well but Right Arrow does in many cases provide slightly quicker results. These keys are context sensitive relative to the content of the message in focus.
If a voice message is focused, a Play Button is available when you press Right Arrow. You can press Enter to listen to the voice message. Please refer to the next section of this documentation relating to voice messages.
However the chances are high that you will focus on one of two menus. You can always press right Arrow again to reach the second menu. One of these menus is a React menu. Pressing Enter here for example will allow you to give a "thumbs up" to the message. The second is a context menu. Pressing Enter on this item will allow you to reply to the sender or group, reply privately, and so on. Note that if you wish to reply to the focused message, this can easily achieved by avoiding the context menu entirely and pressing Control+R.
There is a further useful tip relating to replying to messages or using the Context Menu.
You will recall that we had previously pressed Alt+1 through to Alt+0 to listen to the 10 most recent messages. If you wish to reply to (or view the Context Menu for) any one of those messages, press Alt+Windows+1 through to Alt+Windows+0.
For example, if you pressed Alt+2 to hear the second most recent message, and you wish to jump to that message in the list, press Alt+Windows+2.
Sending a Voice Message.
It is possible to send someone a voice message. Upon careful research, it seems there is no limit as to the size of the voice message. Apparently people have sent entire church services for example as WhatsApp messages.
Step 1. Locate a contact or conversation as described in previous sections.
Step 2. Press Enter to move into the chat.
Step 3. Press F1 so as to begin recording a voice message. An ascending tone will indicate that recording is in progress.
Should you wish to pause the recording, press F2. A descending tone will play. You will note that a "Play" Button is focused which, when activated by pressing Enter, will play back the Voice Message.
To resume the recording again, press F2.
To check whether the recording is in progress or in pause mode, press F5.
To send the message, press F3.
If you are creating a Voice Message, and you wish to cancel it, press F4. A Dialog Box will appear, asking if you are sure you wish to cancel. The focused Button is "Yes", so go ahead and press the Space Bar.
In summary, the keystrokes conveniently placed are:
F1 Record.
F2 Pause or resume recording Voice Message.
F3 Send Voice Message.
F4 Cancel Voice Message.
F5 verifies whether the recording is paused or ongoing.
Listening to Audio Messages You Have Received.
As you browse through your list of messages in a chat, (Alt+M), you may hear that someone has sent you a voice message. If this occurs, press Right Arrow. Focus should be on the "Play" Button. Press Enter to play it. The presence of a voice message is also denoted by an audio cue. This means that if you are quickly searching for an audio message, you can quickly skim up or down the list. As soon as you hear the sound play, you know such a message is focused without waiting to hear the output from JAWS which notifies you. If while playing an audio message you wish to change the speed of playback, type the greater than sign. To decrease the speed of playback, type the less than sign.
Audio and Video Calls.
To place an audio or video call:
Step 1. Open up the chat with the person with whom you wish to place the call. Focus should immediately be in the typing Edit Field which JAWS confirms.
Step 2. Press Alt+I for Call Info.
Step 3. Press Tab repeatedly and you should find information regarding the contact including two Buttons: Video and Voice.
Step 4. Press Enter or Space Bar and the call is made within a second or two.
To end the call, from the calling window press Tab to reach the End Call Button and press Enter or Space.
Working With File Attachments.
To attach a file from your computer to a message:
Step 1. Ensure the relevant chat is open.
Step 2. Locate the file you wish to attach using File Explorer.
Step 3. Copy the file to the Windows Clipboard with Control+C.
Step 4. Focus back on the WhatsApp message and paste it with Control+V.
Step 5. Press Enter to send.
If you receive an attached file as part of a message, use the Messages List to locate the item containing the attachment. Press the Right Arrow key and you will find the file name. Press Enter to download it to your computer.
Setting a Nickname.
Have you ever been browsing through WhatsApp messages and you hear a long name or a phone number? If either of those belong to someone you chat with regularly, you want to hear the message as quickly as possible. Now you can by assigning a nickname to a WhatsApp user. So rather than hearing the phone number 001234567, you can hear the word John instead.
Step 1. Open up a chat from the list. It is important you are inside the chat.
Step 2. Press Alt+M so as to focus upon the message history. This can be within a group or individual chat.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find a message containing the long name or phone number.
Step 4. Press Alt+Windows_N for Name.
An Edit Field appears containing the name or phone number which has been captured. In nearly all cases this should be correct. If it is not, you can edit it, but only do so if you are sure there is a problem. In cases where the user is in your contacts list, JAWS is easily able to retrieve the name. However, if a phone number is given, the text in the Edit Field may require editing so as to only include the name and phone number. A typical example of what should be in this Edit Field in such a situation is: Maybe Deborah +123456789.
Step 1. Press Enter and, when prompted, type the new name in its shortened form.
Step 2. Press Enter and it has an immediate effect.
Should you wish to remove the name previously stored, from anywhere in WhatsApp press Alt+Control+Windows+N. A list of previously stored names appears. Press Down Arrow to reach the name you wish to remove and press Enter. The name is removed. If you focus back on a message from the WhatsApp user, you should find it is being spoken again in full.
Keystroke Summary.
JAWS Keys.
Messages.
Change typing indicator: F11.
Report who is typing: F12.
Toggle automatic reading of messages: control+Shift+F12.
Toggle whether original messages are spoken as well as replies: control+Shift+F11.
Place the text from the current control into the JAWS virtual Viewer, particularly helpful when in the Message or Conversation List: F9.
Read the last 10 messages received, Alt+1 through to Alt+0. Press twice quickly to virtualise or to play an audio message if present.
If JAWS does not read the entire message and says, Read More, press Control+Shift+R to virtualise the entire text.
Jump to any one of the last 10 messages received in the message list, Alt+Windows+1 through to Alt+Windows+0.
Imagine having a virtual assistant that can answer questions, improve your writing, and even create summaries for you—all within a few keystrokes. This same convenient, uncluttered experience will guide you when using ChatGPT in Leasey. Whether you’re working on a personal project, professional tasks, or simply feeding your curiosity, ChatGPT will elevate your computer experience like never before.
Ask Almost Anything—ChatGPT Has You Covered!.
With Leasey’s ChatGPT feature, you can ask questions on almost any topic, and you’ll get accurate, detailed responses within seconds. Leasey uses the most advanced and accurate language model available, ChatGPT5, ensuring precise and reliable answers. Many queries are answered in 15 seconds or less!
ChatGPT obtains information from the internet and this is prioritised over any previous data from which it previously learned. It gathers information in real-time, meaning that you always have answers based upon the most up-to-date information available.
Here are some examples of questions you might ask:
What is the weather like in London today?
What is the tallest mountain in the world?
“Summarise the life and contributions of Ada Lovelace.”.
Give me the latest news headlines.
“What are the key ingredients for making a traditional shepherd’s pie?”.
The subject range is limitless—if you can ask it, ChatGPT can likely answer it.
Before You Begin.
There are some important things to know about the ways in which ChatGPT functions, the use of API keys and customisation. So let's break it down in detail before we begin having fun using it!
The Chat Key.
Throughout the three chapters concerned with this subject, we will describe the many functions you can use. To take advantage of these functions, you first press what we call the Chat Key. This is the Control Key and Grave Accent Key pressed together, then release them and type another letter on the keyboard.
You are already used to this concept. Ordinarily to access Leasey functions, you press the Grave Accent Key (which we call the Leasey Key), then another keystroke. This is exactly the same. For example, if you wish to move into Leasey's ChatGPT Menu settings, you press the Chat Key followed by M for Menu.
Understanding API Keys.
Leasey provides access to many functions of ChatGPT. However, to use this facility, you need an API key. An API key is like a digital password that grants you access to ChatGPT services through Leasey.
You may already have a subscription paid to ChatGPT for use in a web browser or on your phone. This is not the same as purchasing an API key and is entirely separate.
Purchasing Your Own API Key.
Ideally, you should purchase your own API key. Through OpenAI’s billing system, you will be required to set up your payment details and purchase credit to use the service. You can choose how much credit to add to your account.
Each time you interact with ChatGPT (for example, when asking a question or summarising text), a small amount of your credit balance is deducted. The amount charged depends on the complexity of the request. An approximate cost would be £0.03 per 750 words of text. In American currency, this is approximately 3.75 cents. By purchasing your own API key, you can control your usage and costs.
Creating Your API Key.
When you sign up for an OpenAI account, you can create an API key—a unique string of characters that only you know. Once you have this key, you can store it within Leasey so you don’t have to enter it every time.
Here is a step-by-step guide to purchasing an API key. Note this procedure could change at any time.
Step 3. Next, Select the Billing section and enter your payment details.
Step 4. Select the link and generate an API key.
Step 5. If necessary, name the organisation. Type "Personal" into the Edit Field and activate the Submit Button.
Step 6. You are then prompted to create your API key.
Step 7. Copy the generated key and keep it safe.
Step 8. Press the Leasey Chat Key followed by M for Menu.
Step 9. Select the option in the list "Enter ChatGPT API Key".
Step 10. Paste the key into the Edit Field and press Enter.
Your API key should not be shared with anyone! Keep your API key safe to avoid unauthorised access.
Using an API Key Provided by Hartgen Consultancy.
If you are unable to purchase your own API key—perhaps due to financial circumstances or difficulty navigating the setup process—we can provide you with an API key. Please think carefully prior to asking us for an API key. We are a small business and it will cost us financially when you use the service. If for example you are in employment, it would be reasonable for you to purchase your own API key.
Conditions for Using Our Provided API Key.
Slightly Slower Response Times.
The first time in any new JAWS session, Leasey will first check our server to confirm that your assigned API key exists before submitting your query to ChatGPT. This typically takes less than one second.
Fair Usage Policy.
If an API key is significantly abused (for example, if thousands of queries are made in a single day), we reserve the right to remove the key without prior notice. This helps us protect the service for all users.
Restricted API Key Use.
The provided API key can only be used within Leasey and cannot be exported or used in other products.
Possible Disruption to Service.
It is sometimes necessary for us to change the API key you have been assigned on our server. If this needs to occur, you will almost certainly receive a period of disruption where the key will not function. Service is always restored as soon as possible but it is important to realise this can occur.
Requesting an API Key.
Send an email to brian@hartgenconsultancy.com.
Include your name and JAWS for Windows serial number in the email.
We will review your request and if appropriate apply the API key to your Leasey account.
What Happens If We Provide An API Key And Leasey Does Not Function With It?.
While testing has proved that in most circumstances this does not occur, it could be in rare situations that Leasey could have difficulty communicating with the Hartgen Consultancy server. In such a situation, a specially encrypted API key can be sent to you by email. This is not the real API key but a special version which Leasey can decode. You can enter this into Leasey manually as directed above.
If You Are Offering An API Key To Everyone, Why Would I Want To Purchase One Myself?.
During our testing, it became very clear that some people wanted to purchase their own API keys and to be completely responsible for the billing and data submitted via the API key.
Important Notes to Keep in Mind.
Privacy: If you have purchased your own API key, this is a secure key and must be stored.
safely.
Billing Responsibility: If you choose to use your own API key, all usage costs are billed.
directly to you by OpenAI. If you use an API key provided by us, we cover the costs on your behalf.
Compliance: This system complies with OpenAI’s terms and conditions. We never share keys directly and only allow usage through Leasey to ensure fair and ethical access.
This policy is designed to keep both you and our services safe and efficient. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out for support—we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Leasey ChatGPT Customisation.
We will now explore some ways in which you can customise the Leasey ChatGPT interface. Before we do that, you need to understand a little about how the system works. In the next chapters, we will explore all of the options in detail. However, in summary, you press a keystroke, type a question, and ChatGPT returns the answer. It's as simple as that. It's what you do with that answer that we will be exploring later.
The HTML View and the Plain Text View.
The first thing to decide is how you would like the responses to be delivered. There are two views: The HTML view and the plain text view. The HTML view is the default setting.
In order to choose which view you would like:
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then letter M to move into the ChatGPT Menu.
Step 2. Select either the option "The Results Viewer Will be Used for a Full HTML Experience", or, "The Virtual Viewer Will be Used for a Plain Text View."
Step 3. Press Enter on the appropriate option. The setting will be retained even if you restart the computer.
The HTML View.
The HTML view has two distinct advantages:
Step 1. When the response from ChatGPT is delivered, it is displayed using the JAWS Results Viewer window. This means that the window stays open, even if you move to a different application. You can make notes on anything you have received and then move back to it at a later time.
The HTML view can contain headings for separation purposes, tables where appropriate and almost certainly links. The links on the page are there for a purpose: they allow you to press Enter on them if you wish so as to verify the sources from where ChatGPT obtained its information. Any AI tool can make mistakes and it may be reassuring to check the original sources. The entire response can be copied to the clipboard by pressing Alt+Control+Windows+C.
The Plain Text View.
The Plain Text view has two distinct advantages:
As soon as the response is received from ChatGPT, it is converted to plain text and instantly displayed. If you are not too concerned about where ChatGPT has obtained its information, you.
want fast reliable responses, and you would like the ability to export those responses, this is the option for you.
A variety of options are available as each response arrives, such as to be able to copy the response to the clipboard or to open it in a word processor.
The disadvantages are:
You cannot keep the response window open and move to an alternative application.
You will not receive headings, links or tables as part of the response. That is why it is called the Plain Text View.
The ChatGPT Menu.
When you press the Chat Key then M, as we have discovered, this moves into the ChatGPT Menu. This menu contains links to core sections of the ChatGPT interface you may wish to use. As you move through each option, you will hear the focused item followed by its shortcut key. For example, the first item is, "New Prompt, Chat Key then N." This means that in order to send a new prompt to ChatGPT, you can either press Enter on this menu item or, in future, press the Chat Key then N.
This menu serves two purposes: you can always access it in order to carry out common tasks if you cannot remember the shortcut keys. It is also a good method of learning the shortcut keys themselves.
Available Menu Options.
New Prompt. Chat Key then N.
Clear Conversation. Chat Key then C.
Save Conversation. Chat Key then S.
Load Conversation. Chat Key then L.
View Session Displayed in the Results Viewer. Chat Key then V.
Delete Session Displayed in the Results Viewer. Chat Key then D.
Tools for Working With Text. Chat Key then T.
Create an image based upon a text description. You should be as detailed as possible.
Transcribe audio from an MP3 file to text. The file must be less than 25 Megabytes.
Translate audio spoken in a language other than English to text. The file must be less than 25.
Megabytes.
Input your own API key. This has already been described.
Delete your own API key. If you have previously input your own API key, this option will remove it.
Check API Key Billing Status. If you have previously input your own API key, this option will take you to the web page where you can check your balance assuming you are logged into ChatGPT.
Enable automatic reading of responses. When ChatGPT returns a response, it is automatically.
announced. This is the recommended setting.
Disable automatic reading of responses. When ChatGPT returns a response, it is not.
automatically announced.
ChatGPT will be context aware. Leasey’s ChatGPT is context-aware, meaning you can ask.
follow-up questions seamlessly.
Example Interaction:.
User: “Summarise the plot of ‘Pride and Prejudice’.”.
Response: [ChatGPT provides a summary.].
Follow-up: “What can you tell me about Elizabeth Bennet’s character?”.
ChatGPT will understand the context and provide relevant insights.
ChatGPT will not be context aware. If you prefer to ask independent, unrelated questions,.
this is the best option for you. We recommend you select this option for now until you become used to working with ChatGPT.
ChatGPT Keystrokes.
Chat Key, Control+Grave Accent pressed together, followed by another key press.
Chat Key then N, New Conversation.
Chat Key then M, Chat Menu.
Chat Key then S, Save conversation.
Chat Key then L, Load conversation.
Chat Key then C, Clear conversation.
Chat Key then V, view chat session.
Chat Key then D, Delete chat session.
Chat Key then T, Tools for working with text.
Chat Key then A, Ask questions about a file.
Chat Key then Control+Shift+P, create prompt for later use.
Chat Key then P, bring into view a list of previously saved prompts to use.
In this chapter, we are going to learn some of the basic principles of using ChatGPT with Leasey. We will walk through with you some typical conversations you may have with ChatGPT, although you can of course use any conversation style you feel is appropriate.
We are going to assume for the moment that you have customised the settings so that it is not context aware and that responses will be automatically spoken when they arrive.
Our First Conversation.
To engage with ChatGPT, you press the Chat Key then N for New Conversation. You will be invited to type a question for ChatGPT.
Type a question, such as, Tell me a joke. Then press Enter.
ChatGPT will then process the prompt you have submitted. In this case, you will receive a message within a short period of time. However, if it needs to research your query, perhaps on the internet, it could take anywhere up to a minute for the response to be available. Because of this, a progress indicator sound will play. You are able to use your computer while ChatGPT is thinking about your prompt. When the response is available, you should hear the response, which in this case is the joke you requested. If you have disabled the automatic reading of responses, you will hear the word, "Ready". You should also be able to read the joke using the JAWS Virtual Viewer or Results Viewer, perhaps a line or character at a time.
If using the Plain Text View, below the response you will find a series of links. We will ignore these for the moment. We will press Escape to return to your usual working environment.
Now, let's press the Chat Key again, followed by N. This time we will type, What would it be like to stand on the planet Mars. Press Enter.
The response is returned as before. You will see that this is a completely unrelated question to the topic we were discussing previously. That is the clear definition of the system not being context aware.
The response is returned and displayed to you. This time, we will discuss the links underneath the response which you will find if you are using plain text view. Just press Enter on the link you wish to use.
Exit this screen and insert any text with this response, selected text will be replaced. The Virtual Viewer screen will be dismissed and the text will be typed into your document. If text in the document was selected prior to invoking the new conversation, the new prompt will replace the existing text.
Open this response in Microsoft Word. A new document in Microsoft Word will be created containing the text of the response.
Open this response in Notepad. A new document in Notepad will be created containing the text of the response.
Open this response using your default text editor. A new document using your default text editor will be created containing the text of the response.
Copy this response to the clipboard. This will copy the response to the clipboard for future use.
Append this response to the clipboard. This will append the response to anything which was previously on the clipboard. This should make it easier for you to copy several responses.
Viewing the List of Unrelated Questions.
You may wish to view the list of questions and responses. We call this viewing the current session. As you ask each question and ChatGPT gives a response, Leasey keeps a record of these.
Press the Chat Key then V. A list of the questions and responses is given. Each item is denoted by a levelled heading. Press Escape to return to your application.
To delete the current session, press the Chat Key then D.
Context Aware.
So far, we have been sending to ChatGPT a series of unrelated questions and gaining responses. Keep practising this. When you are ready, we will advance to the next stage of allowing ChatGPT to be context aware.
First, we will enable context aware mode.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then M to move into the Chat Menu.
Step 2. Select the option "Enable Context Aware Mode".
Step 3. Press Enter.
We can now begin a conversation which is context aware. There are some very important considerations to bear in mind when you are using this mode and we will point them out as we go.
Step 1. First, press the Chat Key then N. You will hear the prompt, "New Conversation". This means it is a new topic we are discussing.
Step 2. Type a prompt such as, "Tell me about the pop group The Beatles".
Step 3. Press Enter.
A response will be returned in the usual way. If ChatGPT needs to research your query, perhaps on the internet, it could take anywhere up to a minute for the response to be available. Because of this, a progress indicator sound will play. You are able to use your computer while ChatGPT is thinking about your prompt. When the response is available, You may hear a prompt such as that the band consisted of four members and they will be named. If you are using HTML View, you may find hyperlinks pointing to sources from where the information was obtained.
Step 4. Press Escape to exit the Virtual Viewer or Results Viewer.
Step 5. Press the Chat Key then N. This time you will hear the prompt, Ongoing Conversation. This is an extremely important point. The next question must relate to the topic you were previously discussing.
Step 6. Type a question such as, Name some of Paul's solo recordings. Press enter. You will notice here that we have not written, Name some of Paul McCartney's solo recordings. This is an ongoing conversation, so ChatGPT should know to whom we are referring.
The response should be retrieved. You can read it and press Escape.
Step 7. Press the Chat Key followed by N once more. This time we will ask, With whom did he collaborate on the song Ebony And Ivory. Press Enter. This time, we are not mentioning Paul McCartney's name. We are already discussing him. We identified who we wanted to discuss in the second question, so it should not be necessary to refer to him by name.
At any time, you can press the Chat Key then V to view the entire conversation so far.
We are now ready to begin a new conversation. This next part is critical! To begin a new conversation which has no bearing on the existing discussion, you must clear the existing conversation first. Press the Chat Key then C to clear.
Subsequently, when you press the Chat Key then N, you will hear, New Conversation. You can then begin a completely unrelated topic.
Saving and Loading a Conversation.
There is a high probability that you will wish to save a conversation, either to review the contents at a later time or to add to it. Here is how you can do that.
At any time in a conversation which is context aware, press the Chat Key then S.
Step 1. When prompted, enter the name for the conversation. This should be something which will be memorable to you later on.
Step 2. Press Enter. The conversation is now saved permanently until you choose to delete it.
To Load a Conversation.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then L.
Step 2. Choose a conversation from the list.
Step 3. Press Enter.
The conversation is loaded. A brief summary of the conversation is given so as to provide some context. ChatGPT is aware of what you have discussed so far.
From this point you can either:
Press the Chat Key then N to continue the conversation with a new question, or.
Press the Chat Key then V to view the interactions so far.
To Delete a Conversation.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then L.
Step 2. Choose a conversation from the list.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key then Delete.
ChatGPT Keystrokes.
Chat Key, Control+Grave Accent pressed together, followed by another key press.
Chat Key then N, New Conversation.
Chat Key then M, Chat Menu.
Chat Key then S, Save conversation.
Chat Key then L, Load conversation.
Chat Key then C, Clear conversation.
Chat Key then V, view chat session.
Chat Key then D, Delete chat session.
Chat Key then T, Tools for working with text.
Chat Key then A, Ask questions about a file.
Chat Key then Control+Shift+P, create prompt for later use.
Chat Key then P, bring into view a list of previously saved prompts to use.
In this final chapter, we are going to review four more utilities for working with ChatGPT.
The Tools Menu.
Leasey’s ChatGPT integration isn’t just for general questions; it’s a versatile tool to help with your daily tasks. You can select text from an email, document, or webpage and apply a range of powerful features selected from a convenient list:
The Tools menu allows you to work with text in different ways. This could be text you are about to create or text which has already been created and is selected. When we are discussing selecting text, this could be within a document, Email message, social media post, web page, etc. We suggest you aim for a target of 4000 characters or less if possible.
You move into the Tools menu by pressing the Chat Key then T. When you enter the Tools menu, you are presented with a List Box containing a series of items. Each item in the list describes its purpose. Pressing Enter on the item will carry out the function.
If no text is selected, an Edit Field will be available into which you can type text.
If text has been selected prior to invoking the Tools menu, the selected text will be in the Edit Field for review or editing.
We will first list all the options in the menu and then go onto describing how you may use a small number of them.
The Tools menu contains the following items:
Spell check the text using UK/US English, correcting capitalisation where necessary.
Use the Dictionary, providing clear definitions of words with examples of how they are used.
Use the Thesaurus, providing a list of choices of appropriate words.
Summarise the main points concisely in plain UK/US English. Ensure the summary maintains the key meaning and structure of the original content, but keep it brief.
Rewrite the text in a formal tone, using UK spelling and grammar conventions. Retain the original meaning and structure but adjust the phrasing to sound more professional.
Simplify the language to make it more user-friendly. Ensure that technical jargon is explained or replaced and that the flow remains coherent for someone unfamiliar with the subject.
Check for grammar, punctuation, and style issues. Correct any errors and improve readability where necessary, using UK English conventions.
Extract the key points from the text and present them as a list. Use simple, concise phrasing and ensure all main ideas are included.
Rewrite the text in plain language for accessibility purposes. Use shorter sentences, avoid complex words, and ensure readability for a general audience.
Rewrite the text in a more friendly and encouraging tone, using UK English conventions. Keep the original meaning intact but adjust the language to be more welcoming and supportive.
Break down the content into simple step-by-step instructions. Ensure clarity and logical order, using numbered lists where appropriate.
Generate a set of relevant FAQs based on the information provided. Include both the questions and the answers.
Rewrite the text with an audience of beginners in mind. Simplify technical terms, explain concepts clearly, and ensure the information is engaging and easy to follow.
Convert the text into a summary email, using polite but concise language. Ensure it addresses the key points clearly and maintains a professional tone.
Extract any action items and create a clear to-do list. Label each task concisely and indicate any relevant deadlines if mentioned.
Paraphrase the text, maintaining the original meaning while using different phrasing and sentence structure. Ensure the content remains clear and accurate.
Rewrite the text as a short social media post of no more than 280 characters. Maintain the key point while making the language engaging and concise.
Summarise the text as a meeting summary, listing key discussion points, decisions made, and next steps. Use a clear and structured format.
Review the text and provide constructive feedback. Highlight any unclear sections, suggest improvements, and note strengths using positive and actionable language.
Rewrite the text as a speech draft, using a conversational tone suitable for verbal delivery. Ensure the sentences are short and easy to read aloud.
You will have noticed from the above options that it is necessary for Leasey to know whether you require UK or US spellings. Let's just check to ensure that this is the case:
Step 1. Press Windows+D to move to the Windows Desktop.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then H for Leasey Hotkey Help.
Step 3. Type the number 1, just above the letter keys. JAWS says "1. Set Default Country for Searches and for ChatGPT".
Step 4. Press Enter and then Down Arrow in order to select your country.
Step 5. Press Enter to save.
Use Case 1: Spell check the text using UK/US English, correcting capitalisation where necessary.
Step 1. Select some text in a document for spell checking.
Step 2. Press the Chat Key then T for the Tools menu.
Step 3. Select the option Spell check the text using UK/US English, correcting capitalisation where necessary.
Step 4. Press Enter. After a short pause, the correct text is returned.
Step 5. Review the text to check it is correct.
Step 6. Press Enter on the link to copy the response to the Windows clipboard.
Alternatively you could select the option to Exit the screen and replace the selection with the response.
Use Case 2: Use the Dictionary, providing clear definitions of words with examples of how they are used.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then T for the Tools menu.
Step 2. Select the option Use the Dictionary, providing clear definitions of words with examples of how they are used.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Into the Edit Field, type the word for which you wish to obtain the definition.
Step 4. Press Enter.
The definition is returned. For example, if we had entered the word "Castigate" into the dictionary, we should receive a response similar to this one:
Castigate (verb):
Definition 1: To criticize or reprimand someone severely.
Example: He was castigated for his reckless behavior at the office meeting.
Definition 2: To punish in order to correct or to improve.
Example: In the olden days, school teachers would often castigate students by making them stand in the corner.
Use Case 3: Use the Thesaurus, providing a list of choices of appropriate words.
Optionally, select the original word. We will be using this word to provide alternatives in the Thesaurus. If you do not select a word, you can type it at a later stage.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then T for the Tools menu.
Step 2. Select the option Use the Thesaurus, providing a list of choices of appropriate words.
Step 3. Press Enter.
At this stage, you are presented with a list of six choices. Use the Down Arrow key to select the appropriate option, then press Enter.
- Synonyms, Words with similar meanings.
- Antonyms, Words with opposite meanings.
- Related Terms, Words that are conceptually related but not exact synonyms.
- Phrases and Idioms, Common phrases or expressions containing the given word.
Similar Words, Words that may not be exact synonyms but are used in similar situations or contexts.
Derivatives, Words derived from the root word with different grammatical forms.
In this example we will choose Synonyms, Words with similar meanings. Press Enter on this item. Into the Edit Field, type a word you wish to look up in the thesaurus. If you had previously selected a word, it will be displayed.
Press Enter.
If we had typed the word "Happy" into the Edit Field, these words would be returned in a List Box as they have similar meanings. Use the Down Arrow key to select the word you wish to use and press Enter. It will be inserted into the document.
blissful.
buoyant.
cheerful.
chipper.
content.
delighted.
ecstatic.
elated.
exultant.
gleeful.
jolly.
jovial.
joyful.
light-hearted.
merry.
overjoyed.
pleased.
radiant.
satisfied.
sunny.
Use Case 4: Summarising Text From a Web Page.
Step 1. Select some text from a web page, such as a news story.
Step 2. Press the Chat Key then T for the Tools menu.
Step 3. Select the option Summarise the main points concisely in plain UK/US English. Ensure the summary maintains the key meaning and structure of the original content, but keep it brief.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Be very careful here. Check the text in the Edit Field. On some web pages, there could be intervening spurious text such as links to items or embedded videos, so be sure that any such items have been removed so you are just left with plain text.
Step 5. Press Enter and the item should be summarised.
Leasey Q&A: Ask Questions About Your Own Documents.
Leasey allows you to submit one of your own documents to ChatGPT and ask questions about its contents. This makes it possible to work with long or complex material conversationally, without needing to search, scroll or read every page manually.
You might use this feature with a product manual, a policy document, meeting notes, a report, a spreadsheet, a presentation, a PDF file, a Markdown document, or a plain text file. For example, you could ask:
What are the main points in this document?
What action items are listed?
Does this document mention refund arrangements?
Summarise the recommendations.
Find information about installing the battery.
Compare the totals in the worksheets.
This can be found on the Chat Menu, Chat Key then M.
In Leasey 11.5, this feature opens as a Leasey application window. This should make the process predictable because you can move through the controls with Tab and Shift+Tab in the usual way.
When the application opens, the first control is the Document file path Edit Field. This is where the full path to the document can be entered. If you already know the path, you can type it. More usually, you may locate the file in File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, copy the full path to the Clipboard, and paste it into this field.
If you are using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, one method is to focus on the document and press Control+Shift+C to copy its full path. You can then return to the Leasey Q&A window and press Control+V to paste the path into the Document file path Edit Field.
There is also a Browse Button. This allows you to browse to the document using standard Windows techniques.
To ask questions about a document, work through the following procedure:
Step 1. Press the Chat Key followed by M to move into the Chat Menu.
Step 2. Select the item for asking ChatGPT about a document, Excel worksheet or PowerPoint presentation. In future, if you wish to reach this item directly, you can press the Chat Key followed by the letter A.
Step 3. Press Enter. The Leasey Q&A application opens.
Step 4. If you already have the full path to the document, paste it into the Document file path Edit Field with Control+V.
Step 5. If you would rather browse for the file, press Tab until you reach the Browse Button, then press Enter or Space.
Step 6. Browse to the document you want to use and confirm your choice.
Step 7. After the document has been selected, you can press Control+Shift+Tab. JAWS should announce the word Document followed by the document name. This can be a useful confirmation that Leasey is working with the file you intended.
Step 8. Wait while the document is uploaded and analysed. You will be advised when this is complete.
Step 9. When the question Edit Field is available, type your question and press Enter.
When the response is ready, JAWS should announce:
Answer Ready.
The answer is placed in an Edit Field where you can read it. You can then ask another question about the same document. This means you can build up a question-and-answer session, refining your questions as you learn more from the document.
Other controls are available after an answer has been returned.
The Clear Button removes the current question or answer content so you can start again.
The Copy Answer Button copies the answer to the Windows Clipboard.
The Save Exchange Button saves the question-and-answer session to a location of your choosing. This is useful if the information is important and you want to keep a record of what you asked and what ChatGPT returned.
As with all AI tools, you should read the answer carefully before relying on it. ChatGPT can be extremely useful for finding and explaining information, but important answers should still be checked against the original document where possible.
Working with Prompts and ChatGPT.
If you’ve spent time working with AI, you’ll already know that the quality of a prompt can make the difference between an average answer and an excellent one. A well-written prompt gives ChatGPT clear instructions about what you want, how you want it delivered, and what constraints to follow.
Leasey introduces the ability to save prompts that you regularly use. This is ideal for recurring tasks, research routines, data lookups, or structured requests where consistency matters.
For example, you might save a prompt that retrieves specific sports fixtures in a strict format, summarises daily news headlines, explains technical concepts in plain language, or generates reusable templates such as emails or reports.
Saving prompts means:
No more rewriting complex instructions.
Consistent results every time.
Faster access to workflows you rely on.
With a library of reusable prompts, Leasey becomes not just a way to access AI, but a way to build a personalised productivity system around it.
Creating a Prompt.
Think carefully about the prompt you are creating. ChatGPT follows instructions very closely, so it is worth being explicit about tone, format, length, and level of detail—especially if you plan to reuse the prompt regularly.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key, then Control+Shift+P. You are asked to enter a name for the prompt. This name is used to retrieve it later, so choose something short but descriptive (for example, “Daily News Summary” or “Explain Technical Terms Simply”). Type the name and press Enter.
Step 2. When prompted, type the prompt itself. Below are some examples of well-constructed, real-world prompts:
Example 1: Daily news summary.
Summarise today’s main technology news in 5 short bullet points.
Use plain English and avoid jargon.
Example 2: Explaining technical information.
Explain the following technical topic in simple terms, as if to a non-technical user.
Use short paragraphs and practical examples.
Example 3: Sports fixtures in a fixed format.
List today’s Premier League fixtures.
For each match, show:
Team A vs Team B – Kick-off time (UK).
Do not include commentary or predictions.
Example 4: Writing assistance.
Rewrite the following text to be clear, professional, and friendly.
Keep the length similar to the original.
Example 5: Research and learning.
Give a concise overview of the following topic.
Include:
A brief definition.
Key points.
One real-world example.
Step 3. When complete, press Enter. The prompt is now saved and available for reuse.
Now it is time to use ChatGPT with your saved prompts. Rather than using the Chat Key followed by N to begin a new conversation, you can start by inserting a prompt.
If you are using Context Aware mode, you will often want to clear the conversation first by pressing the Chat Key then C, although this is not essential. You may also use a prompt in the middle of an existing conversation if that suits your workflow.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key, then P for Prompt.
Step 2. From the List Box, choose one of your previously saved prompts and press Enter.
The prompt is inserted into the usual ChatGPT Edit Field. You may add to or customise it if required. For example, if your saved prompt was:
Summarise today’s main technology news in 5 short bullet points.
You might extend it by typing:
Focus specifically on AI and accessibility.
Step 3. Press Enter. ChatGPT will now respond using both the saved prompt and any additional text you have appended.
The conversation can continue as normal. You may ask follow-up or supplementary questions by pressing the Chat Key then N. From this point onward, it behaves like a standard ChatGPT conversation.
To delete a prompt that is no longer needed:
Step 1. Press the Chat Key, then P for Prompt.
Step 2. From the List Box, choose the prompt you wish to delete.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key, then Delete.
Regularly reviewing and refining your saved prompts helps ensure they remain useful as your needs evolve.
Image Generation for Independence.
Leasey's ChatGPT tools can create an image from a text description. This can be useful if you need an illustration for a document, a web page, a social media post, training material, or a personal project.
This feature is no longer displayed in a web browser. In Leasey 11.5, it opens as a Leasey application window. You can move through the controls with Tab and Shift+Tab. The window contains two Edit Fields.
The first Edit Field asks for the file name you would like to use for the image. Choose a short but meaningful name, because this will help you identify the image later.
The second Edit Field asks for a detailed description of the image you want ChatGPT to create. The more clearly you describe the scene, subject, objects, style and purpose, the more likely it is that the result will be useful.
The window also contains a Combo Box for selecting the image size. The available sizes are:
Square, 1024 by 1024 pixels.
Portrait, 1024 by 1536 pixels.
Landscape, 1536 by 1024 pixels.
Square is useful for a general illustration or profile-style image.
Portrait is useful when the image needs to be taller than it is wide, perhaps for a poster or a mobile-friendly layout.
Landscape is useful when the image needs to be wider than it is tall, perhaps for a web page banner, slide, or wide illustration.
To create an image, work through the following procedure:
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then M to move into the Chat Menu.
Step 2. Press Down arrow to select the option to create an image based upon a text description, then press Enter.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. In the first Edit Field, type or paste a file name for the image.
Step 5. Press Tab to move to the description Edit Field.
Step 6. Type a clear and detailed description of the image you want.
For example:
Create a realistic image of a tidy home office with a laptop, a microphone, headphones and a mug of coffee on the desk. The room should feel warm and professional, with natural daylight coming through a window.
Step 7. Press Tab to move to the image size Combo Box.
Step 8. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to choose Square, Portrait or Landscape.
Step 9. Press Tab until you reach the Submit Button.
Step 10. Press Enter or Space to submit the request.
When the image has been generated, a Save Button is available. Activate this Button to save the image to the computer in a location of your choosing.
Because this feature produces a visual image, you may want to ask a sighted person to check the result if the exact visual appearance is important. You can also use another AI or image description tool to help describe the image after it has been created.
Audio Transcription Made Easy.
Do you have an audio file you would like to convert into text? Leasey can transcribe speech from an MP3 file and place the resulting text where you can read it, copy it, or save it.
This is useful for meetings, interviews, voice notes, lectures, podcasts, training recordings or any MP3 file where you need the spoken content in written form.
In earlier versions of this documentation, audio transcription was described as two separate options, including separate choices for speaker separation and for audio in a language other than English. In Leasey 11.5, this has changed. There is now one option called:
Transcribe audio from an MP3 file to text
This option opens a Leasey application window. It is no longer displayed in a web browser.
Files must be in MP3 format.
To transcribe an MP3 file, do the following.
Step 1. Move into the ChatGPT Tools menu by pressing the ChatGPT Key followed by letter T.
Step 2. Select the option Transcribe audio from an MP3 file to text.
Step 3. Press Enter.
The transcription window opens. You can move through the controls by pressing Tab. The first control is an audio file path Edit Field. If you already know the full path to the MP3 file, or if you have copied the full path from File Explorer, you can paste it into this field with Control+V.
One useful method is to locate the MP3 file in File Explorer, copy its full path with Control+Shift+C, return to the transcription window, and paste it into the audio file path Edit Field.
If you would rather browse for the file, continue with the next step.
Step 4. Press Tab until you reach the Browse Button.
Step 5. Press Enter or Space to activate Browse.
Step 6. Use the standard Windows file selection dialog to locate the MP3 file, then confirm your choice.
Step 7. Press Tab to reach the transcription type Radio Buttons.
There are two choices.
Transcript with speaker separation.
Plain transcript.
Speaker separation means that Leasey will try to identify different speakers or narrators in the audio and label them appropriately. This can be helpful for interviews, meetings or conversations. It may not work well if the recording contains music, background noise, overlapping speech, or unclear voices.
Plain transcript produces a straightforward transcript without trying to separate speakers. This may be the better choice for a lecture, podcast, voice note, single speaker recording, or any recording where speaker labels are not important.
Step 8. Choose the Radio Button you want by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 9. Press Tab until you reach the Transcribe Button.
Step 10. Press Enter or Space to begin.
Leasey gives progress messages while the file is uploaded and processed. How long this takes depends on the size of the file, the speed of your internet connection and the length of the recording.
When the transcription is complete, Leasey tells you that it is ready. An Edit Field is then available containing the transcript.
Step 11. Read the transcript in the Edit Field.
Step 12. If you want to copy the transcript to the Windows Clipboard, press Tab until you reach the Copy Transcript Button and activate it with Enter or Space.
Step 13. If you want to save the transcript as a text file, press Tab until you reach the Save Transcript Button and activate it with Enter or Space.
Step 14. Browse to the folder where you want to save the text file, type a suitable file name if requested, and confirm the save.
As with all automatic transcription, the result may not be perfect. Names, technical terms, music, poor audio quality, overlapping speech and strong background noise can all affect accuracy. It is always sensible to read through the transcript before relying on it or sending it to someone else.
Audio Transcription From Languages Other Than English.
Do you have an audio file containing spoken content in a language other than English? If so you can translate it to English text. Over 100 languages are supported, so the chances are fairly high that the audio content is going to be recognised.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then M to move into the Chat menu.
Step 2. Select the option "Transcribe audio file from another language to English.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. The transcription window opens. You can move through the controls by pressing Tab.
The first control is an audio file path Edit Field. If you already know the full path to the MP3 file, or if you have copied the full path from File Explorer, you can paste it into this field with Control+V.
One useful method is to locate the MP3 file in File Explorer, copy its full path with Control+Shift+C, return to the transcription window, and paste it into the audio file path Edit Field.
If you would rather browse for the file, continue with the next step.
Step 5. Press Tab until you reach the Browse Button.
Step 6. Press Enter or Space to activate Browse.
Step 7. Use the standard Windows file selection dialog to locate the MP3 file, then confirm your choice.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach the Translate Audio Button.
Step 9. Press Enter or Space to begin.
Leasey gives progress messages while the file is uploaded and processed. How long this takes depends on the size of the file, the speed of your internet connection and the length of the recording.
When the transcription is complete, Leasey tells you that it is ready. An Edit Field is then available containing the transcript.
Step 10. Read the transcript in the Edit Field.
Step 11. If you want to copy the transcript to the Windows Clipboard, press Tab until you reach the Copy Transcript Button and activate it with Enter or Space.
Step 12. If you want to save the transcript as a text file, press Tab until you reach the Save Transcript Button and activate it with Enter or Space.
Step 13. Browse to the folder where you want to save the text file, type a suitable file name if requested, and confirm the save.
As with all automatic transcription, the result may not be perfect. Names, technical terms, music, poor audio quality, overlapping speech and strong background noise can all affect accuracy. It is always sensible to read through the transcript before relying on it or sending it to someone else.
Lookup Book Information.
Lookup Book Information is designed for people who would like to obtain information about a book, such as a synopsis and where the book appears as part of a series.
This tool uses the ChatGPT settings which form part of Leasey.
Opening Book Lookup.
Step 1. Press the Chat Key then M to move into the Chat Menu.
Step 2. Type the letter B to reach Book Lookup and press enter.
When prompted on the openingscreen, You must enter the book as:
author - title That is author space dash space title.
For example:
Richard Osman - The Thursday Murder Club
Another example:
J. R. R. Tolkien - The Hobbit
The spaces around the dash are required.
This helps reduce confusion when several books have the same title.
Waiting for the Result.
After you enter the book, ChatGPT gathers the information. This may take a little while since it needs to obtain the synopsis and the series details if appropriate.
When the lookup is complete, the information is displayed in the JAWS Results Viewer.
You may receive:
Title.
Author.
First published.
Publication year.
Series.
Series number.
Synopsis.
Notes.
Series books.
Conclusion.
Leasey’s integration with ChatGPT is designed to make your daily life easier, more productive, and even more fun! Whether you’re seeking information, improving your writing, or creating something entirely new, ChatGPT in Leasey will empower you to do more with less effort!
ChatGPT Keystrokes.
Chat Key, Control+Grave Accent pressed together, followed by another key press.
Chat Key then N, New Conversation.
Chat Key then M, Chat Menu.
Chat Key then S, Save conversation.
Chat Key then L, Load conversation.
Chat Key then C, Clear conversation.
Chat Key then V, view chat session.
Chat Key then D, Delete chat session.
Chat Key then T, Tools for working with text.
Chat Key then A, Ask questions about a file.
Tab and Shift+Tab, move through controls in the ChatGPT document, image and transcription application windows.
Control+Shift+C, copy the full path of a focused file in File Explorer so it can be pasted into the document path Edit Field.
Control+V, paste the copied document path into the document path Edit Field.
Control+Shift+Tab, report the selected document name in the Leasey Q&A application.
Chat Key then Control+Shift+P, create prompt for later use.
Chat Key then P, bring into view a list of previously saved prompts to use.
This application contains one method for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
Talk to ChatGPT can be found on the Chat Menu, Leasey Key then M.
This is a new way of talking to ChatGPT using your voice. It is intended for quick spoken questions and spoken answers, including questions where current information may be needed. For example, you might ask about the weather, a recent news item, or a general question.
You can open this application by moving to the Chat menu with the Chat Key then M and then selecting the item Talk to ChatGPT. Press the Down Arrow key to locate this item and then press Enter to open the application.
When the window opens, focus is placed in the Your question Edit Field. This is deliberate. The best way to use this feature is to stay in that Edit Field rather than tabbing through the controls.
The main window contains:
Your question Edit Field.
Talk to ChatGPT Button.
Ask Button.
Stop speech Button.
Copy answer Button.
Clear Button.
Options Button.
Exit Button.
Continuous conversation Check Box.
Answer Edit Field.
Transcript Edit Field.
Recommended Speech Workflow.
When focus is in the Your question Edit Field:
Press Alt+T to activate the start talking Button.
JAWS should say:
Start talking.
Speak your question. When you stop speaking, Leasey should detect the pause and send the question to ChatGPT. You do not normally need to press Alt+T a second time.
When the question has been sent, JAWS should say:
ChatGPT is thinking.
If the answer takes a little while, JAWS will repeat:
ChatGPT is thinking approximately every ten seconds.
When the answer is ready, ChatGPT should begin speaking. JAWS focus should remain in the Your question Edit Field. This is intentional, because it prevents unnecessary focus announcements from JAWS while the answer is being received.
If you want to interrupt the spoken answer and ask something else:
Press Alt+S.
Alt+S stops the current speech and immediately starts listening again.
JAWS should say:
Start talking.
You can then speak the next question.
Typing a Question Instead.
You can also type a question in the Your question Edit Field. Press Control+Enter to send it.
This is useful if you are in a noisy room, if the microphone is not convenient, or if you want to ask something which is easier to type than speak.
Questions to Try.
If you are using Talk to ChatGPT for the first time, try asking short practical questions. This will help you understand the rhythm of speaking, waiting, and hearing the answer.
For example, you might ask:
What is the weather in London today?
Give me three simple ideas for lunch using eggs and cheese.
What are the main points in the news today?
Explain what inflation means in plain English.
Give me a short checklist for packing for a weekend away.
Write a friendly birthday message for my neighbour.
What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?
You can also ask follow-up questions.
For example, after asking about the weather, you might say:
What about tomorrow?
Should I take a coat?
What time is it likely to rain?
This is one of the most useful parts of the feature. You do not need to repeat all the background information every time. Leasey Conversation keeps the current conversation available during the session, so you can ask a natural follow-up question.
Continuous Conversation.
There is a Continuous conversation Check Box. Press Tab to reach the Check Box and press Space to check it. If this is checked, after ChatGPT has finished speaking an answer, Leasey starts listening again automatically.
You can then speak the next question without pressing Alt+T. If you want to stop the spoken answer and begin a new question immediately, press Alt+S.
Reading and Copying Answers.
The spoken answer is also placed in the Answer Edit Field. Because focus remains in the Your question Edit Field, you may need to Tab to the Answer Edit Field if you want to review the answer manually.
The Transcript Edit Field contains the conversation so far. This includes the questions and answers in order.
Use the Copy answer Button if you want to copy the current answer to the clipboard. Use the Clear Button to clear the current conversation.
Example: Planning a Journey.
You might use Talk to ChatGPT to plan something quickly without opening a browser.
In the Your question Edit Field, press Alt+T and say:
What is the weather in London this afternoon?
After the answer has been spoken, press Alt+S and ask:
If I am travelling by train, what should I remember to take?
If you want to keep the answer, Tab to the Copy answer Button and press Enter or Space. The answer is copied to the clipboard so it can be pasted into another document or message.
Example: Drafting Text.
Talk to ChatGPT can also help with writing.
You might say:
Write a short message to cancel an appointment politely.
If the answer is too formal, press Alt+S and say:
Make it warmer and shorter.
If you like the result, use the Copy answer Button.
If you want to start again, use the Clear Button.
Options.
Press Control+Comma to open Options.
Options contains an Assistant voice Combo Box. Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the available voices. Changing the Combo Box selection does not automatically preview the voice. This is deliberate so that you can move through the voices without unexpected speech.
To hear the selected voice, Tab to the Preview Button and press Enter or Space. When you have chosen the voice you want, Tab to the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Notes.
This is a voice conversation feature, but it is not quite the same as speaking to a person on a telephone. There may be a short pause while your speech is transcribed, while ChatGPT thinks, and while the spoken answer is prepared.
Leasey has been designed to keep JAWS as quiet as possible. In normal use, focus should remain in the Your question Edit Field.
You should mainly hear:
Start talking ChatGPT is thinking and then the spoken answer.
If silence detection does not behave as expected, you can still use the Talk to ChatGPT Button or Alt+T as a controlled way to begin recording. If speech is currently playing and you want to ask something else, use Alt+S.
The quality of the spoken answer may depend on the selected voice. Try the voices in Options to find the one you prefer.
The feature uses the OpenAI API key already used by Leasey ChatGPT features.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
Talk to ChatGPT Keystrokes.
Alt+T starts talking to ChatGPT from the Your question Edit Field.
If recording is already active, Alt+T stops recording and sends the speech for transcription.
Alt+S stops the spoken answer and immediately starts listening again.
Control+Enter sends the typed question from the Your question Edit Field.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Delete clears the current answer when focus is in the Answer Edit Field.
Space toggles the Continuous conversation Check Box when focus is on that Check Box.
Enter or Space activates the focused Button, such as Talk to ChatGPT, Ask, Stop speech, Copy answer, Clear, Options, Exit, Preview, OK, or Cancel.
This application contains three methods for obtaining help at any time.
1. Context Sensitive Help.
Context Sensitive Help is available for each control within the Leasey Social application. When focused upon a control, press Insert+F1 (or Caps Lock+F1) if using the JAWS laptop layout. An Edit Field is available containing the help information. It will briefly describe the purpose of the focused control together with keystrokes you can use.
Press the Arrow keys to read the help and press Escape to cancel. This will return you back to the control which previously had focus.
2. Leasey Command Centre.
Press Control+Shift+C or Insert+H to open Leasey Command Centre.
The dialog contains:
Command Edit Field.
Matching commands list.
OK and Cancel Buttons.
Press the Tab key to move through the controls.
Focus starts in the Command Edit Field. Type part of a command name, shortcut, or related word to filter the list.
If the Command Edit Field is empty, pressing Tab moves to the Matching commands list and shows all available commands. If you have typed text into the Edit Field, the list shows only commands matching the search term.
Use Up and Down Arrow to move through the list. You will hear the command name, followed by the corresponding shortcut key. The list therefore serves two purposes. You can press Enter on a command to carry it out, and you can learn the shortcut key for quicker access next time you need to use it.
3. Where Am I?.
Press Control+Shift+I for Where Am I. You will receive a succinct summary of where you are located within the focused application.
Introduction.
The main objective of Leasey Social is simple: to provide a fast, keyboard-driven, JAWS-friendly Windows desktop client for Mastodon and Bluesky. Mastodon remains the primary platform, with Bluesky support for the core workflows users need day to day. The app does not attempt to reproduce large multi-service clients or every function of other social media applications. The aim is to make the core social media experience practical and efficient for blind users, especially those using JAWS.
Why You Might Want to Use Leasey Social.
Leasey Social is designed for people who want to use Mastodon and Bluesky without fighting a web interface or relying on a client which was not designed around speech and Braille The goal is speed, clarity and control.
It starts quickly. It uses predictable lists. It lets you decide which fields are spoken. It can announce new posts, mentions and notifications. It can display important messages in Braille. It supports soundpacks, global hotkeys and account-specific options. It also gives you a user interface for changing many settings which, in other clients, may require editing configuration files or understanding more technical concepts.
How to Approach This Chapter.
Leasey Social is a large application. It can work with more than one social network, more than one account, several timelines, many post actions, soundpacks, Braille messages and global shortcut keys.
Please do not try to learn all of it at once.
The most useful order is:
Add an account.
Learn the layout of the main window.
Read posts in the Home timeline.
Open one post and read its full details.
Write a simple post.
Reply to someone.
Learn the few post actions you are likely to use every day.
Then customise speech, Braille, sounds and shortcut keys.
That is the order used in the first part of this chapter. Later sections describe the full range of features in more detail.
If you are a confident user, you may wish to move quickly through the first examples. If you are new to social media or new to Leasey Social, take them slowly. The aim is not to remember every command immediately. The aim is to understand what is possible and to know where to return when you need a particular task.
Starting Leasey Social.
Leasey Social is started by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Windows+S. A distinct advantage is that it starts within approximately four to five seconds.
While every effort has been made to provide shortcut keys to operate Leasey Social globally, the primary Leasey Social window is highly recommended. This is because shortcut keys to operate many apps on Windows are at an absolute premium. Too many global shortcut keys can cause conflicts. Applications installed on Windows can create global shortcut keys and you may not know about them.
General Layout.
The main Leasey Social window is deliberately simple. Press Tab and Shift+Tab to move through the controls.
It contains:
Accounts list, if at least one account has been added.
Timelines list.
Posts list.
A small row of Buttons including Refresh, New Post, Reply, View and Links.
The Accounts list remains available even if only one account is configured. This keeps startup focus predictable and makes the account context clear. The intention is that all accounts are immediately available. You do not have to open a separate account manager to switch between accounts during normal use.
The information in each row is built from configurable fields.
The default fields are:
Author.
Post.
Date.
Client.
Status.
Favourites.
Boosts.
Replies.
As you move through the list with Up and Down Arrow, JAWS reads the row. Left and Right Arrow move between the configured fields and speak the selected field. This allows a user to hear just the author, just the post text, just the date, just the client used or the status such as Public, Followers only or Direct message. You can also include engagement
fields such as Favourites, Boosts and Replies. These fields are only spoken when there is something useful to report, so a post with no favourites, boosts or replies does not add extra zero-count information.
The order of these fields, and whether they are included at all, is controlled in Options on the Columns tab. This is account-specific. Later, we will describe the columns tab.
Leasey Social has a standard menu bar. This keeps the command set easier to browse with JAWS, while preserving the context menu for common actions on the focused post. The main menus are File, Post, Navigate, Timelines and Tools.
Accounts.
Leasey Social supports multiple Mastodon and Bluesky accounts.
The Accounts list appears before the Timelines list. If one account is present, it contains that account. If two or more accounts are present, use Up and Down Arrow to choose an account.
When an account is selected, the Timelines list changes to show the timelines configured for that account.
All configured Mastodon accounts are streamed while Leasey Social is running. This means you can receive new posts, mentions and notifications from more than one Mastodon account.
Bluesky accounts are also monitored while Leasey Social is running. Leasey Social checks Bluesky Home, Mentions and Notifications repeatedly and announces new items as they arrive.
When a new item is spoken for a non-current account, the account name is included first so you know which account received it. This also applies if you are focused away from the Leasey Social application.
For example, JAWS should announce:
brian_hartgen. New mention from Team-FM: ...
Working with Accounts.
When Leasey Social is launched for the first time, you are asked to log into an account. This can be a Mastodon or Bluesky account.
In the case of Mastodon, it is recommended that you visit the Home Page of your Mastodon instance in your web browser first and be sure you are signed in. This will make the process of connecting Leasey Social to your Mastodon account much smoother.
Step 1. The selection of account type is made through the use of a Combo Box. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select an account type, such as Mastodon.
Step 2. Press Tab.
Step 3. Type the Mastodon instance. If you are a member of our own instance, leaseysocial.com, type that into the Edit Field now, like this:
leaseysocial.com
If you are part of another instance, type the instance details, such as:
mastodon.social
Step 4. Press the Tab key to reach the OK Button and then press Enter or Space.
Step 5. Your web browser should then open. This is the authorisation page. It is important that you do not close the Leasey Social window. Press ALT+Tab to find the page which has opened in your web browser. If you have difficulty finding it, press JAWS Key+F10 to bring into view the list of running programs. Press Down Arrow to locate the web page in the list and then press Enter.
Step 6. When focused on the web page, locate the Authorise Button. You can usually type letter B to get there. Then press Enter or Space.
Step 7. The next page has generated a code for you. You need to copy this code to the Windows Clipboard in order that you can paste it into the Leasey Social client. Type the letter B again to reach the Button entitled Copy. Press Enter or Space on the Button.
Step 8. With the code on the clipboard, press ALT+Tab to find your Leasey Social application once more.
Step 9. Press Control+V to paste the authorisation code into the Edit Field.
Step 10. Press the Tab key. You will reach a control entitled Open Authorisation Page again. This is in place in the unlikely event that the page did not open correctly in your browser. But we have the code so we can proceed.
Step 11. Press Tab once more to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 12. All being well, you should hear JAWS announce that 100 posts have been retrieved.
Working With Additional Accounts.
A further account can be added via the File Menu.
Step 1. Press ALT+F to activate the File Menu.
Step 2. The first item is Add Account. Press Enter.
In the case of Mastodon, this allows you to work through exactly the same procedure as before to add a second account.
Bluesky accounts use a handle and an app password.
To create a Bluesky app password:
Step 1. Log into the Bluesky account using your web browser.
Step 2. Open Bluesky settings.
Step 3. Go to Privacy and Security:
This can be reached directly by pasting this URL into your browser's Address Bar:
Step 6. If you want the password to be usable later for direct messages, check the option to allow access to DMs.
Step 7. Leasey Social password is used only for logging in to Bluesky. Do not enter your normal Bluesky password in the later step.
Step 8. Focus back on Leasey Social.
Step 9. Press ALT+F for the File Menu and press Enter on the first item which is Add Account.
Step 10. From the list which is now in focus, press Down Arrow to select Bluesky.
Step 11. Press Tab to reach the Edit Field entitled Bluesky Handle. Into this field, you will type or paste your Bluesky address which will have been created for you during sign up.
Step 12. Press Tab and type or paste Leasey Social password you obtained in an earlier step.
Step 13. Press Tab to find the OK Button and then press Enter.
Bluesky support includes:
Adding a Bluesky account.
Reading the Home timeline.
Reading Mentions.
Reading Notifications.
Reading Messages for direct-message conversations.
Reading Sent posts.
Searching for posts and users.
Viewing a user's recent posts.
Finding Bluesky accounts by interest.
Viewing and editing your Bluesky profile.
Posting public Bluesky posts.
Replying and quote-posting where the Bluesky API provides the needed record reference.
Sending direct messages if the Bluesky app password was created with DM access.
Following and unfollowing users.
Favouriting and boosting or reposting posts.
Adding and removing bookmarks.
Viewing the Bookmarks and Favourites timelines.
Muting, unmuting, blocking and unblocking users.
Viewing people you follow and people following you.
Receiving new Home posts, Mentions, Notifications and Messages while Leasey Social is running.
If a Bluesky account stops loading after working previously, use Reauthenticate Bluesky Account from More Actions on the Context Menu and enter the Bluesky app password again. This refreshes the saved Bluesky session without deleting and re-adding the account.
Part 1: Your First Practical Session and Quick Start.
Leasey Social contains a lot of functionality. In addition, much of the configuration is achieved through the Options dialog, activated with Control+Comma. In this part of the chapter therefore, we are going to give you the opportunity of getting up and running quickly with Leasey Social. We will then take you into the Options dialog, show you how to navigate it, and give you some useful getting started tips.
In the second part, we will describe in detail the many ways in which Leasey Social can be used. This is likely to get a little more daunting and you should take time to study it carefully. Because there are a vast range of features to describe, we will pick up the learning pace somewhat in the second part.
Once an account has been added and Leasey Social has loaded posts, the next step is simply to become comfortable with the main window.
The main window is not intended to behave like a web page. You do not need to browse through headings, regions, links or Buttons in order to read posts. The most important information is presented in lists.
The three most important places are:
The Accounts list, if you have at least one account.
The Timelines list.
The Posts list.
If you only have one account, the Accounts list is still present so the layout remains predictable. If you have more than one account, use Up and Down Arrow in the Accounts list to choose the account you want.
The Timelines list contains areas such as Home, Mentions, Notifications, Messages and Sent.
The Posts list contains the posts for the selected timeline.
Press Tab and Shift+Tab to move between these areas.
Example 1. Reading Your Home Timeline.
This is the first task most people will want to perform.
Step 1. Start Leasey Social with the Leasey Key then Control+Windows+S.
Step 2. If you have more than one account, make sure the correct account is selected in the Accounts list.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach the Timelines list.
Step 4. Use Up or Down Arrow until you hear Home.
Step 5. Press Tab once to move to the Posts list.
Step 6. Use Up and Down Arrow to move through posts.
As you move through the Posts list, JAWS speaks the fields which have been configured for that account. By default, these include the author, the post text, the date, the client, the status, favourites, boosts and replies.
If you only want to hear one part of the row, use Left and Right Arrow. For example, you may want to hear only the author, only the text of the post, only the date, or only the number of favourites, boosts or replies.
This is one of the most important concepts in Leasey Social. Up and Down Arrow move from post to post. Left and Right Arrow move through the pieces of information for the focused post.
Example 2. Reading a Post More Carefully.
Sometimes the speech in the Posts list is enough. At other times, you may want to read the post in a more spacious dialog.
Step 1. Move to a post in the Posts list.
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. The Post Details dialog opens.
Step 4. Focus is placed in a read-only Edit Field containing the full post.
Step 5. Use the Arrow keys, Control+Left Arrow, Control+Right Arrow, Home, End, Control+Home and Control+End to read the post in the normal way.
Step 6. Press Tab to move to further information and action Buttons. Next comes a read-only Edit Field containing information such as when the post was published, the author, the full username in the event you wish to copy it, the Mastodon client used to compose the post if known, the number of boosts the post has received, the number of times it has been favourited, the number of people who have replied to it, whether you have boosted the post, whether you have favourited it, whether you have bookmarked it, and more.
Press Tab repeatedly again if necessary to move through Buttons you may like to use, such as Unfollow, read profile, mention, boost, favourite, etc. These are Buttons placed here for convenience. There are plenty of shortcut keys available to perform these actions.
Step 7. Press Escape when you are finished.
The Post Details dialog is useful when a post is long, when it contains quoted material, when you want to review punctuation, or when you want to use commands such as Follow, Favourite, Bookmark, Open Web or Read Profile.
Example 3. Moving to Mentions or Notifications.
Mentions and Notifications are often more important than the general Home timeline because they are more likely to require your attention.
Step 1. From the Posts list, press Shift+Tab to return to the Timelines list.
Step 2. Use Up or Down Arrow to find Mentions.
Step 3. Press Tab to return to the Posts list.
Step 4. Read the Mentions timeline with Up and Down Arrow.
Step 5. Repeat the same process for Notifications.
As you become more familiar with Leasey Social, you can use Control+1, Control+2 and Control+3 to move quickly to the first three timelines. The exact timelines reached by those commands depend on your timeline order in Options which will be described later.
Example 4. Writing a Simple Post.
This example creates a new post without a content warning, poll or media attachment.
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. The Compose dialog opens.
Step 3. Type the text of your post.
Step 4. Press JAWS Key+T to read the window title. This lets you know how many characters you have typed. together with how many characters remain. Pressing the Control+Shift+I for Where Am I will also give this information.
Step 5. The dialog contains a Visibility Combo Box. Choose the visibility you want. Public is suitable for a normal public post. Followers only means only your followers can see it. Direct is intended for a private message-style post on Mastodon. You can press Tab to reach the Combo Box and press Up or Down Arrow to move through the options.
Step 6. Press Tab until you reach OK and press Enter. Alternatively, press Shift+Tab back to the message composition field and press Enter.
Always take a moment to check the visibility before sending. It is very easy on any social media platform to send something more widely than intended.
Example 5. Replying to a Post.
Replying is one of the most common tasks in any social media client.
Step 1. Move to the post you want to answer.
Step 2. Press Control+R.
Step 3. The Reply dialog opens.
Step 4. In the standard configuration, the author's username is already placed at the start of the Edit Field and the cursor is after it.
Step 5. Type your reply.
Step 6. Send the reply by pressing Enter.
Control+R replies to the author of the focused post. Control+Shift+R replies to all relevant people mentioned in the post, excluding your own username where possible.
The distinction matters. If a post is part of a conversation containing several people, Reply answers the author. Reply All includes other participants where appropriate.
Example 6. Opening Links in a Post.
Many posts contain web links.
Step 1. Move to the post containing the link.
Step 2. Press Control+O.
Step 3. If useful links are available, they are normally shown in a list. If you have enabled the General option to open a single post link without showing the links list, and the post contains only one useful external link, the link opens immediately instead.
Step 4. Use Up and Down Arrow to choose the link.
Step 5. Press Enter.
The link opens in your default web browser. If no useful links are found, Leasey Social says so rather than opening an empty dialog.
Example 7. Playing or Reviewing Media.
If a post contains media, the post text may begin with a phrase such as Image attached or Audio attached.
For audio or other playable media:
Step 1. Move to the post.
Step 2. Press Control+Enter.
Step 3. Where possible, Leasey Social passes the media to Leasey Media Centre for playback.
For images:
Step 1. Move to the post containing the image.
Step 2. Open the context menu with the Leasey Social applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Choose More Actions.
Step 4. Choose Describe Image with ChatGPT.
You can also use Control+Shift+D for Describe Image with ChatGPT. This uses the OpenAI API key from Leasey's ChatGPT settings.
Example 8. Voting in a Poll.
Some Mastodon posts contain polls.
Step 1. Move to the post containing the poll.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+V, or open the context menu and choose Vote in Poll.
Step 3. The voting dialog opens.
Step 4. If the poll allows one answer, choose one Radio Button by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 5. If the poll allows more than one answer, check the options you want by pressing Tab repeatedly to move through the Check Boxes, and pressing Space on each one as appropriate.
Step 6. Confirm the vote by pressing Tab to reach the OK Button and pressing Enter or Space.
Leasey Social tries to make it clear that a poll is present. You may hear the poll question, the available choices and the current percentage figures where the server provides them. A sound can also be associated with poll posts if sounds are enabled.
Example 9. Using the Context Menu for Common Actions.
You do not have to remember every shortcut key immediately.
Step 1. Move to a post.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Social applications key or Shift+F10.
Step 3. Use Up and Down Arrow through the context menu.
Step 4. Press Enter on the action you want.
Useful actions include Reply, Quote, Open Links, Play Media, Copy Post, Direct Message, Conversation, User Timeline, View Profile, Boost, Favourite and Bookmark.
The context menu also contains More Actions. This is where less frequent commands can be found, such as Describe Image with ChatGPT, Search, Follow User, Report Post, Mute User, Block User, Open Post on Web and Options.
Example 10. Copying a Post.
Copying a post is useful if you want to quote it in an email, save it in a note, or send it to someone else.
Step 1. Move to the post.
Step 2. Press Control+C.
Step 3. The post is copied to the Windows Clipboard.
Step 4. Move to the Leasey Social application where you want the text and press Control+V.
The copied text includes a readable author line and the post body. For boosts and notifications, it should also include useful context, such as who boosted or favourited the post.
Your First Customisation Changes.
As previously stated, Leasey Social can be customised extensively, but you do not need to customise everything before using it.
Open Options with Control+Comma.
This is a multi-page Dialog Box containing several Tabbed Pages. The first Tabbed Page is General and that is exactly where we want to be. Press Tab to move through the controls. When you reach the series of Tabbed Pages, JAWS will indicate this by announcing it, such as, "General Tab". If that happens, press Right Arrow or Left Arrow to move through the Tabbed Pages. You can also press Control+Shift+1 through to Control+Shift+8 to move to each of the tabbed pages.
We will only work through the essential options at this stage. You may like to revisit this Dialog Box frequently as you learn more tasks and discover Leasey Social's many features. You can always press Insert+F1 on any control to discover its purpose. We will be referring to this Dialog Box frequently.
The following settings are good first choices.
The General Tab.
In terms of getting started quickly, there are some very useful items in the General tab which you may like to configure.
Show newest posts at bottom Check Box. Reverses the visible timeline order. When checked, newer posts appear nearer the bottom of the list. When unchecked, newer posts appear nearer the top. Press Space to change this setting.
Condense multiple leading mentions Check Box. Shortens posts that begin with several usernames. Leasey Social reads the first mention and says how many more are present, making busy replies easier to listen to. Press Space to change this setting.
Remove emojis and other Unicode characters from posts and display names Check Box. Strips non-ASCII symbols from post text, author names, boosted-by names and notification names before they are shown and spoken. This can reduce clutter from emoji or unusual symbols. Press Space to change this setting.
Put reply usernames in a separate recipients field Check Box. Changes Reply and Reply All. When checked, usernames are placed in an editable Recipients field immediately before the reply text. When unchecked, reply usernames are inserted at the start of the reply text. Direct messages always keep the destination separate. Press Space to change this setting.
Show post times in 12 hour format Check Box. Changes post times from 24 hour time, such as 16:44, to 12 hour time, such as 4:44 PM. Press Space to change this setting.
Use Control+Enter to send posts instead of Enter Check Box. Instead of Enter changes compose and direct-message editing. When checked, Enter inserts a new line and Control+Enter sends. When unchecked, Enter sends. Press Space to change this setting.
Having made those adjustments, you can press the Tab key to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space. But you may like to follow along to configure more options.
Deciding What JAWS Speaks in the Posts List.
If the Posts list is speaking too much information, change the Columns options.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+5 to activate the Columns tab.
Step 2. Review the fields in the Columns list by pressing Up or Down Arrow.
Step 3. If you only want the author and post text spoken while arrowing, remove fields such as Date, Client, Status, Favourites, Boosts or Replies. You can do this by pressing Down Arrow to find the item you do not wish to hear and press the Delete key.
Step 4. If you want a field spoken earlier, find the column of interest and press ALT+U. The column moves above the preceding column. Similarly, if you want to move a column down, find the item in the list and press ALT+D. JAWS will confirm the action, such as, "Moved Mentions below Notifications". Your overall objective here is to examine the list and check that the items appear in the correct order. The order the items appear in the list reflects the way in which JAWS will speak the information in the timelines. This setting is account-specific. You can have a detailed layout for one account and a simpler layout for another.
Step 5. If necessary, press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space to save the changes. However we are going to make additional changes in the Options Dialog Box.
Controlling New Item Announcements.
If JAWS is speaking too much while you are working elsewhere, adjust the Speech options.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+6 to activate the Speech tab.
Step 2. Decide whether to mute speech and sounds for the current account completely. This is a Check Box which can be checked or unchecked with the Space Bar.
Step 3. Decide whether to mute speech only for the current account. This silences spoken and Braille new-item announcements for this account, but sounds can still play if they are enabled.
Step 4. If you do not want to mute the whole account, review the individual timeline Check Boxes by pressing the Tab key repeatedly to sequentially move through each one. Press the Space Bar to check or uncheck a Check Box. Your objective here is to uncheck the items you do not want JAWS to announce. You will find a Check Box for each of the timelines available.
For example, you might disable announcements for Home but keep Mentions and Notifications enabled. This is particularly useful if you follow a busy account but still want to know when someone has contacted you directly.
Step 5. Press Tab to reach the OK Button and press Enter or Space to save the changes.
That concludes part 1. We will now graduate to more extensive use of Leasey Social.
Part 2. Detailed Reference.
This second part of the chapter describes Leasey Social in greater detail.
You do not need to learn all of this before using the Leasey Social application. It is here so that, when you want to do something more advanced, you can return to the relevant section and work through it slowly.
The sections are arranged by task rather than by menu. For example, the section on following people explains the Follow command, the Unfollow command and the relationship information together, because those actions are naturally related.
When you are unsure about a control in Leasey Social itself, remember that Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for that control.
Timelines in More Detail.
A timeline is simply a list of items. In most cases those items are posts, but some timelines show users, hashtags or links.
The most common timelines are:
Home.
Mentions.
Notifications.
Messages.
Sent.
Home is the general timeline for the current account.
Mentions contains posts where your account has been mentioned. Notifications contains items such as favourites, boosts, follows and other activity reported by the server. Messages contains direct-message conversations where the platform supports them.
Sent contains posts sent by the current account.
Other timelines can appear as you use Leasey Social. Examples include:
Local.
Federated.
Bookmarks.
Favourites.
Search timelines.
User timelines.
Conversation timelines.
List timelines.
People I Follow.
People Following Me.
Recent posts on this instance.
Recent posts on another instance.
United View.
To move between timelines by using the lists:
Step 1. Press Tab or Shift+Tab until you reach the Timelines list.
Step 2. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose the timeline.
Step 3. Press Tab to move to the Posts list.
Step 4. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to read the items.
There are also shortcut keys for timeline movement.
Control+1 moves to the first timeline in the Timelines list.
Control+2 moves to the second timeline.
Control+3 moves to the third timeline.
The same pattern continues through to Control+9.
The exact destination of these commands depends on the order of timelines in Options. If Home is first, Control+1 opens Home. If Mentions is second, Control+2 opens Mentions.
Alt+Left Arrow moves back to the previous timeline you used. Alt+Right Arrow moves forward again through that same history.
Example:
You are reading Home.
You move to Mentions.
You move to Notifications.
Press Alt+Left Arrow to return to Mentions. Press Alt+Left Arrow again to return to Home. Press Alt+Right Arrow to move forward to Mentions again.
Leasey Social tries to remember your position in each timeline. If you leave Home on post 40 and move to Mentions, returning to Home should put you back near post 40 if that post is still present in the loaded items.
You can also press Control+Right Arrow to move to the next timeline in the list and Control+Left Arrow to move to the previous timeline.
If you have more than one account, Alt+1 switches to the first account, Alt+2 switches to the second account, and the same pattern continues through to Alt+9.
Closing Temporary Timelines.
Some timelines are created because you asked for them. Examples include a search timeline, a user timeline, a conversation timeline or an instance timeline.
To close one of these timelines:
Step 1. Move to the timeline.
Step 2. Press Control+W.
Step 3. If confirmation dialogs are enabled, Leasey Social asks whether you are sure.
Step 4. Press Enter on Yes if you want to close it. You can type letter Y for Yes and N for No.
Home, Mentions, Notifications and Sent are core timelines and cannot be removed in this way.
Server Retrieval and Local Cache.
Leasey Social uses two related ideas which are easy to confuse.
The first is how many posts are retrieved from the server.
The second is how many cached posts are displayed in Leasey Social.
Posts to retrieve from server controls how many posts Leasey Social asks the server for during most refreshes. The default is 100.
Mastodon servers often return about 40 posts in one request. If you ask Leasey Social to retrieve 100 posts, it may need to make several requests. A higher number gives more server history, but it can make startup or refresh slower.
Cached posts to display controls how many posts already stored locally can appear in the Posts list. The cache can hold up to 1000 items per account and timeline.
Example:
You might retrieve 100 posts from the server, but display up to 1000 cached posts in the Home timeline if those cached posts already exist.
This allows Leasey Social to start by showing cached information quickly, then refresh in the background.
Clear Timeline Cache is available on the General tab of Options. Use it only when cached timeline data appears stale, confusing or problematic. After clearing the cache, Leasey Social reloads the current timeline.
United View Timeline.
United View is a combined timeline for the current account.
Its purpose is to reduce the chance of missing important activity. Mentions and Notifications can be easy to overlook if you spend most of your time in Home. United View can bring several sources into one list.
For example, you may want United View to include:
Home.
Mentions.
Notifications.
Messages.
You can still open each of those timelines separately. United View does not replace them. It is an additional timeline.
To add United View:
Step 1. Press Control+Comma to open Options.
Step 2. Press Shift+Tab to reach the list of tabs.
Step 3. Press Right Arrow to move to the Timelines tab.
Step 4. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the Add United View Button.
Step 5. Press Enter or Space.
Step 6. If you want to choose what United View contains, focus on the United tab. One way of doing this would be to press Control+Shift+Tab. Focus lands on the first control of the United Tab.
Step 7. JAWS announces the words Home Check Box checked". The Check Box is checked which means it will be included in the united view. Thereafter, press Tab through the timeline Check Boxes. These control which timelines are brought into the United View.
Step 8. Press Space to check or uncheck each source.
Step 9. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
United View is account-specific. You can have United View enabled for one account and not for another.
United View uses the normal Posts list. Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through items. Left Arrow and Right Arrow move through the configured fields, such as Author, Post, Date, Client, Status, Favourites, Boosts and Replies.
Reading Posts in Detail.
The Posts list is the main reading area.
Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move from one item to another.
Use Left Arrow and Right Arrow to move through the fields for the focused item.
For example, suppose a row contains:
Author.
Post.
Date.
Client.
Status.
Favourites.
Boosts.
Replies.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move to a different post.
Left Arrow and Right Arrow move through those configured pieces of information for the same post.
If a post is long, press Enter to open Post Details.
Post Details opens a dialog containing:
A read-only Post field.
A read-only Post information field.
Action Buttons such as Follow, Unfollow, Read Profile, Edit Profile, Mention, Boost, Favourite, Bookmark, ChatGPT Text Tools, Open Web and Close, depending on the post.
Use the Arrow keys in the Post field to read carefully.
Use Tab to move through the information field and action Buttons.
Press Escape to close Post Details.
If the post is from your own account, Follow and Unfollow are not shown. The profile Button is Edit Profile.
If the post is from someone else, the profile Button is Read Profile.
Boosted posts and quoted posts can contain more than one person. Leasey Social tries to make this clear. For example, it may tell you who boosted the post and who originally wrote it.
Menu Bar and Context Menu.
Leasey Social gives you several ways to reach commands.
The menu bar is reached with the Alt key.
The context menu is reached with the applications key or Shift+F10.
The menu bar contains:
File.
Post.
Navigate.
Timelines.
Tools.
The context menu contains common commands for the focused post. It also contains More Actions, where less frequent commands are placed.
New Posts.
Press Control+N to compose a new post.
Focus starts in the Post text field.
Type your post in the normal way.
Press Tab to move through the fields.
The Compose dialog can include:
Post text.
Character count.
Visibility.
Content warning.
Thread Mode.
Schedule Post.
Poll controls.
Attach media.
Record Audio.
Spell Check.
OK.
Cancel.
Not every control is shown all the time. For example, media controls appear when Attach media is checked. Poll controls appear when Poll is checked.
Visibility.
The Visibility Combo Box controls who can see the post.
Public means anyone can see it. Unlisted means the post is public but not promoted in public timelines in the same way. Followers only means only followers can see it. Direct is intended for a direct style Mastodon post.
Always check visibility before sending something sensitive.
Sending.
By default, Enter sends the post.
If the General option Use Control+Enter to send posts instead of Enter is checked, Enter inserts a new line and Control+Enter sends the post.
Sending a post is best achieved by focusing upon the composition Edit Field and pressing Enter or Control+Enter.
Character Count.
The title bar contains a character count, such as: Characters: 123 of 5000. Press JAWS Key+T to read it.
Where Am I also reports the current composition information.
Press Control+Shift+I.
Spell Check.
Press F7 to run spell check from the compose field.
If no errors are found, Leasey Social says so and returns you to the post.
If errors are found, the spell check dialog lets you review suggestions, change the word, ignore it, ignore all occurrences or add the word to the dictionary.
The spelling language follows the regional setting where possible. US English uses US spelling. UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India use UK spelling.
Auto-complete.
Press Alt+A to use account completion.
A list of possible options is displayed. Press Down Arrow to move through them.
If you have typed part of a username beginning with the at sign, such as @bri, Leasey Social searches for matching accounts.
If there is no at sign fragment, Leasey Social offers people you follow. This is useful when you know the person but cannot remember the exact username.
When the desired name is located, press Enter to paste it into the composition Edit Field.
ChatGPT Text Tools.
Press Control+Shift+T in an editable text field to open ChatGPT Text Tools. You can also press the Chat Key then T.
If text is selected, the selected text is used. If no text is selected, the whole field is used.
The tool can rewrite, summarise, check grammar, simplify text, use Dictionary, use Thesaurus and perform other writing tasks.
Press Down Arrow to move through the choices and press Enter to apply.
Content Warnings.
A content warning is a short warning shown before the post text.
Examples might include:
Politics.
Health.
Spoilers.
Long post.
To add a content warning:
Step 1. Open the Compose dialog.
Step 2. Type the post.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach Content warning.
Step 4. Press Space to check the box.
Step 5. Press Tab to the warning Edit Field.
Step 6. Type the warning.
Step 7. Continue moving through the Dialog Box and complete fields as appropriate.
Step 8. At the end of the process, activate the Send Button with Enter or Space.
Reading content warnings is controlled from the Reading tab in Options.
The choices are:
Show post text only.
Show content warning followed by post text.
Hide post text and show content warning only.
This setting is account-specific.
Replying and Reply All.
Press Control+R to reply to the author of the focused post.
Press Control+Shift+R to reply to the author and other relevant mentioned users.
This distinction matters.
Example:
If Sarah writes a post to you, Control+R replies to Sarah.
If Sarah, David and Julia are all in a conversation, Control+Shift+R tries to include the relevant participants, while excluding your own username where possible.
Reply usernames can be handled in two ways.
The standard method places the usernames at the start of the reply text.
Example:
@sarah@example.social Thank you for this.
The optional method places the usernames in a separate Recipients field. This option is called Put reply usernames in a separate recipients field on the General tab of Options.
When that option is checked:
The reply text field starts empty.
The Recipients field contains the usernames.
From the reply text field, Shift+Tab moves to Recipients.
When the reply is sent, Leasey Social combines the Recipients field and the reply text.
This is useful if you often press Control+A and Delete when rewriting a reply. It prevents the usernames from being deleted accidentally.
Quoting.
Press Control+Q to quote the focused post.
If the Mastodon instance supports native quote posts, Leasey Social uses the server's quote post feature.
If the instance does not support native quote posts, Leasey Social falls back to inserting a link to the original post in a simple reply-style format.
Native Mastodon quote posts cannot include a media attachment or a poll. If you try to combine these, Leasey Social gives an error before sending.
Quoted posts should be included when reading the full post, and links inside quoted posts should be available through Open Links where the server provides them.
If a quote initially appears as Quote Pending, Leasey Social checks again in the background. A manual refresh should not normally be needed.
Concluding Notes on Composing Posts.
So far, we have taught you a great deal about composing posts. However, there are two areas which require fuller explanation.
Spell Checking.
As previously stated, when composing a post, press F7 to begin spell checking.
If text is selected, Leasey Social checks only the selected text. If no text is selected, Leasey Social checks the whole post from the beginning unless usernames are at the start. If this is the case, the spellings are checked after the usernames.
Leasey Social uses the Leasey Spell spelling component. If the Leasey Spell settings do not specify a language, Leasey Social detects the Windows regional setting. For example, United States English uses US spelling, while United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India use UK spelling.
The Spell Check dialog contains:
Suggestions list.
Replacement Edit Field.
Change Button.
Change All Button.
Ignore Button.
Ignore All Button.
Add Button.
Finish Button.
Cancel Button.
The main spell checking keystrokes are:
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or Alt+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the sentence containing the current misspelled word.
Alt+A activates Change All.
Alt+G activates Ignore All.
Alt+D activates Add.
Alt+F activates Finish.
When a misspelled word is found, JAWS should announce:
Misspelled word followed by the word and its letters. For example "Misspelled word receive, r e c e i v e." Move through suggestions with Up Arrow and Down Arrow. When a suggestion is selected, JAWS speaks the letters of that suggestion after a short delay. When the Spell Check dialog first moves to a misspelled word, JAWS also spells the first suggestion automatically. Press Enter or Alt+C on a suggestion to change the current word to that suggestion. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore the current spelling issue. Press Control+R to read the sentence containing the current misspelled word. Press Alt+A for Change All. Press Alt+G for Ignore All. Press Alt+D to add the word to the Exceptions Dictionary. Press Alt+F to finish spell checking. These are keystrokes standard to many spell checking tools. If you wish to type your own corrected spelling, press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field and edit the text. Then press Enter or Alt+C to change the current word to the text in the Replacement Edit Field. Press Escape to cancel spell checking. When Escape is pressed, focus returns to the post.
Words ignored with Ignore All stay ignored while the post remains open. Ordinal numbers such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 13th are not treated as spelling errors. Contractions such as don't, wouldn't and shouldn't are treated as whole words.
Using Change.
Use Change when the current word is wrong in this one place and you want to replace only this occurrence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is announced, move through the Suggestions list with Up Arrow and Down Arrow.
Step 2. When you hear the correct suggestion, press Enter.
Leasey Social replaces the current word and moves to the next spelling issue.
Step 3. If none of the suggestions are correct, press Tab to move to the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 4. Type the correct spelling.
Step 5. Press Enter, or Tab to Change and press Enter or Space.
Using Change All.
Use Change All when the same incorrect word appears several times in the text and should always be corrected in the same way.
For example, if you have repeatedly typed accomodation instead of accommodation, Change All can save time.
Step 1. When the misspelled word is shown, choose the correct suggestion or type the correction in the Replacement Edit Field.
Step 2. Press Alt+A, or Tab to Change All and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Leasey Social changes this occurrence and automatically changes later matching occurrences during the same spell check.
Using Ignore and Ignore All.
Use Ignore when the current word is acceptable in this one place, but you do not want to add it to the dictionary.
Use Ignore All when the same word appears several times and should be accepted throughout this spell check only.
For example, a project code, a temporary abbreviation, or a made-up name in a story may not need to be stored permanently.
Step 1. When the word is reported, listen to the word and its spelling.
Step 2. Press Delete or Alt+I to ignore this occurrence.
Step 3. If the word should be ignored for the rest of this spell check, press Alt+G instead.
Adding a Word to the Dictionary.
Use Add when the word is correct and you expect to use it again.
Names of people, towns, products and companies are often reported as spelling mistakes even when they are correct.
Step 1. Press F7 to invoke Spell Check if it is not already active.
Step 2. When the word is reported, listen carefully as JAWS speaks and spells it.
Step 3. If the word is correct, press Alt+D, or Tab to the Add Button and press Enter or Space.
The word is added to your personal dictionary. Leasey Social should not report it as an error in future.
Hearing the Sentence Again.
Sometimes a word may be spelled correctly in one context but not another. It can help to hear the sentence.
Step 1. When a misspelled word is shown, press Control+R.
Step 2. JAWS reads the current sentence without moving focus away from the current control.
This helps you decide whether to change the word, ignore it, or type your own replacement.
ChatGPT Text Tools.
As described in a later chapter, ChatGPT Tools can be used to rewrite part of (or the entire) post using a different writing style or to assist with clarification. A dictionary and thesaurus are also provided.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+T or the Chat Key then T. As described later in this postation, The Chat Key is the Leasey key with Control pressed together. So press the Chat Key, release it, and then type the letter T. Because this is integrated into Leasey Social however, you can simply press Control+Shift+T in this context.
Step 2. The ChatGPT Text Tools dialog contains:
Tools list.
Text Edit Field.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
Step 3. The Tools list contains writing and review tools such as:
Spell check.
Dictionary.
Thesaurus.
Summary.
Formal rewrite.
Plain language rewrite.
Frequently asked questions.
Action items.
Constructive feedback.
Speech draft.
Step 4. Press Down Arrow to select an option.
Step 5. If text was selected before opening the dialog, the Text Edit Field contains the selected text.
If no text was selected, the Text Edit Field contains the whole post. You can press the Tab key to focus upon the Edit Field for reading and then press Shift+Tab to return back to the list.
You can review or edit the text before activating the OK Button. For Dictionary and Thesaurus, if no text was selected, Leasey Social uses the word at or just after the cursor.
Step 6. Press Enter to confirm that you wish to use one of the tools.
For most tools, when ChatGPT returns the result, Leasey Social replaces the original selection. If no text was selected, Leasey Social replaces the whole post. You can also press Control+Z to undo the amendments ChatGPT has made.
Dictionary results are different.
They are shown in a read-only Edit Field and do not change the post.
Constructive feedback results are also different.
They are shown in a read-only Edit Field and do not change the post.
Thesaurus results are also different.
They are shown in a List Box.
Press Enter on an alternative to replace the selected or current word.
Boosts, Favourites and Bookmarks.
These commands are quick ways to react to or save posts.
Boost.
Press Control+B to boost or repost the focused post.
Remove Boost.
Press Control+Shift+B to remove your boost from the focused post.
Favourite.
Press Control+Shift+F to favourite the focused post.
Unfavourite.
Press Control+Alt+F to remove your favourite.
Bookmark.
Press Control+K to bookmark the focused post.
Remove Bookmark.
Press Control+Shift+K to remove the focused post from your bookmarks.
Bookmarks are private to you. Favourites and boosts may be visible to others depending on the platform and post visibility.
Editing and Deleting Your Own Posts.
You can delete or edit posts that belong to the current account.
To delete your own post:
Step 1. Focus upon the post.
Step 2. Press Delete.
Step 3. Confirm the deletion if confirmation dialogs are enabled. Type Y for Yes or N for No. Pressing Enter is possible as Yes is the default control.
You cannot delete another person's post.
To edit your own post:
Step 1. Focus upon the post.
Step 2. Press Alt+E.
Step 3. Edit the text in the dialog.
Step 4. Send the updated post by pressing Enter or Control+Enter.
After editing, Leasey Social refreshes the relevant timeline so the edited version should be visible.
If the server does not allow the action, Leasey Social gives an accessible error.
Direct Messages.
Press Control+D to create a direct message from the focused post or focused user.
The Direct Message dialog contains:
Username field.
Message Edit Field.
Auto-complete Button.
Spell Check Button.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
If a post is focused, the username is filled in for you.
Focus starts in the Message field when the recipient is already known. Shift+Tab moves from Message back to Username.
Direct messages always keep the recipient separate from the message text. This is different from ordinary replies, where you can choose whether reply usernames are separate or inserted into the text.
Alt+A performs account completion. If the Username field is empty, it offers people you follow. This process was described earlier.
The message is sent with direct visibility where the platform supports it.
For Bluesky direct messages, the Bluesky app password must have been created with direct message access.
Incoming Mastodon direct messages may also appear in Mentions, but Leasey Social uses the Messages timeline and the Direct message received sound where possible.
Scheduling Posts.
Scheduling is available for Mastodon posts in the Compose dialog.
To schedule a post:
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. Type the post.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach Schedule Post.
Step 4. Press Space to check the box.
Step 5. Choose the date, hour, minute and AM or PM from the Combo Boxes. Press the Tab key to move to each Combo Box in turn.
Step 6. Continue through the dialog and send the post by pressing Enter on the Send Button.
The post is sent to the Mastodon instance as a scheduled post. It is not published immediately.
Mastodon normally requires a scheduled post to be at least five minutes in the future. If you choose a time that is too soon, Leasey Social shows an error.
Scheduled Posts is available from the Timelines menu, ALT+T. It opens a timeline of posts you have scheduled but which have not yet been published.
To delete a scheduled post:
Step 1. Open Scheduled Posts.
Step 2. Focus the scheduled post by pressing Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press Delete.
Step 4. Confirm the deletion if asked. Type Y for Yes or N for No. Pressing Enter is possible as Yes is the default control.
Scheduled posts can include media where the server supports it. Leasey Social stores the scheduled media information so it can be attached when the scheduled post is sent.
Thread Mode.
Thread Mode helps you write a sequence of connected posts.
To use it:
Step 1. Open the Compose dialog with Control+N.
Step 2. Compose the post.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach Thread Mode.
Step 4. Press Space to check the box.
Step 5. Send it by pressing Tab until you reach the Send Button then press Enter or Space.
Step 6. Leasey Social reopens the compose field so you can write the next post.
Step 7. Keep repeating the process of composing and sending.
Scheduling and Thread Mode are not intended to be used together.
Media, Audio Recording and Image Description.
Attaching Media.
To attach media to a post:
Step 1. Open the Compose dialog.
Step 2. Type some text in the post.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach Attach media.
Step 4. Press Space to check the box.
Step 5. The media file field, Browse Button, Record Audio Button and Alternative text field appear. Press Tab to move through them.
Step 6. Type or paste a media file path, or use the Browse Button by pressing Enter on it, whereupon you can browse to a file using standard Windows techniques.
Step 7. If the media is an image, type useful alternative text. Press Tab to reach the field for the purpose.
Step 8. Send the post by pressing Tab to reach the Send Button and press Enter or Space.
Mastodon does not allow a poll and media attachment in the same post. If Poll is checked, the media controls are hidden.
Recording Audio.
The Record Audio Button lets you record an MP3 without leaving the compose workflow.
To record:
Step 1. Having begun composing a post with Control+N, potentially add some text to it.
Step 2. Press Tab to reach the Attach media Check Box. Press Space to check it.
Step 3. Press Tab to the Record Audio Button.
Step 4. Press Enter or Space.
Step 5. In the recording dialog, leave Record in stereo unchecked for normal mono recording, or check it if you need stereo and your input supports it. Press Tab to reach the Check Box and check or uncheck as appropriate.
Step 6. Tab to the Start Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. Speak into the microphone.
Step 8. Activate the Stop Button.
Step 9. Use the Play Button if you want to review the recording.
Step 10. Activate the Save Button.
The recorded MP3 is returned to the Compose dialog and attached automatically. You do not need to browse for the file.
Image Description.
If a post contains an image, press Control+Shift+D to describe it with ChatGPT.
You can also find Describe Image with ChatGPT from More Actions, available from the Context Menu.
The OpenAI API key is read from Leasey's ChatGPT settings.
Playing Media.
If a post contains playable media, press Control+Enter. Where possible, Leasey Social passes the media to Leasey Media Centre.
Polls.
Polls are available for Mastodon accounts. Bluesky poll creation and voting are not shown because Bluesky does not currently provide native poll support.
To create a poll:
Step 1. Press Control+N.
Step 2. Type the main post text. This is usually the poll question.
Step 3. Press Tab until you reach the Poll Check Box.
Step 4. Press Space to check it.
Step 5. Type the first option in the Option text field.
Step 6. Tab to the Add Option Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. Type the next option, Tab to the Add option Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 8. Continue until the choices are complete.
Step 9. Choose the poll duration by pressing Tab to reach the Poll Duration Combo Box. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to set the duration.
Step 10. If appropriate, check the Allow multiple selections Check Box.
Step 11. If appropriate, check the Hide vote counts until poll closes Check Box.
Step 12. Send the post by pressing Tab to reach the Send Button and pressing Enter or Space.
At least two poll options are required.
The number of poll options depends on the Mastodon instance. Many hosted instances allow four options. If you need more, ask the instance administrator or host whether the maximum number of poll options can be increased for your instance.
Leasey Social checks the instance's poll limits where the server provides them.
To vote in a poll:
Step 1. Focus a post containing an open poll.
Step 2. Press Control+Shift+V, or choose Vote in Poll from the context menu.
Step 3. If it is a single-choice poll, choose one Radio Button.
Step 4. If it is a multiple-choice poll, check the choices you want. Each choice has a Check Box. Press the Tab key to move through them.
Step 5. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
After voting, the server may prevent you from voting again.
When reading poll results, Leasey Social includes vote counts, percentages and total voters where the server provides that information.
Detailed Example of Creating a Poll.
It is worth reiterating the steps for creating a poll as there is an additional aspect of this Dialog Box we have not shown to you as yet.
Step 1. Press Control+N to create a new post.
Step 2. Type this text. Which are your favourite days of the week?
Step 3. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the Poll Check Box.
Step 4. Press Space to check it.
Step 5. Focus is in the Option text Edit Field. Type Monday.
Step 6. Press Tab to reach the Add Option Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 7. Focus is in the option text Edit Field. Type Tuesday.
Step 8. Press Tab to reach the Add Option Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 9. Type January into the Option text Edit Field.
Step 10. Press Tab to reach the Add Option Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 11. January is obviously wrong. Press the Tab key repeatedly to reach a control we have not identified as yet which is the Poll Options List Box.
Step 12. Find the January entry with the Up or Down Arrow keys.
Step 13. Press the Delete key. The option is no longer present.
Step 14. Press Shift+Tab back to the option text Edit Field.
Step 15. Type Wednesday.
Step 16. Press Tab to reach the Add Option Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 17. Continue to add as many days as your server instance allows.
Step 18. Press Tab to reach the Poll Duration Combo Box and use the Up and Down Arrow keys to set the duration to your liking.
Step 19. Press the Tab key to reach the Allow Multiple Selections Check Box and check it by pressing the Space Bar.
Step 20. Press the Tab key to reach the Hide vote counts until poll closes Check Box. We will leave this unchecked.
Step 21. Press Tab to reach the Post Text Edit Field and check the question is still present.
Step 22. Press Enter or Control+Enter to send.
Search and Find.
Leasey Social has two different search features. Search asks the server for results. Find searches the currently visible list.
Server Search.
Press Control+Slash to open Search.
The Search dialog contains:
Search text Edit Field.
Search type Combo Box.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
The search type can be:
All.
Posts.
Users.
Hashtags.
Example:
To search for posts about radio:
Step 1. Into the Edit Field type the word radio.
Step 2. Press Tab and from the Combo Box select Posts with the Up and Down Arrow keys.
Step 3. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
Search results open as a timeline named Search followed by the search term.
Search timelines can remain in the Timelines list if you leave them there. To remove one, open the Timelines tab in Options or use Control+W when focused on that timeline.
Find in the Current Timeline.
Press Control+F to search the visible Posts list. Type the search string and press Enter.
Press F3 to move to the next match.
Press Shift+F3 to move to the previous match.
Find does not ask the server for anything new. It searches only what is currently loaded.
Opening Links.
Press Control+O to open links from the focused post.
If useful links are present, Leasey Social opens a list.
Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose a link.
Press Enter to open it in your default browser.
If the General option Open a single post link without showing the links list is checked, and the focused post contains exactly one useful external link, Control+O opens that link immediately instead of showing the list.
Links from quoted posts are included where the server provides the quote data.
If there are no useful links, Leasey Social says so and does not open an empty dialog.
Leasey Social tries to prioritise external web links over Mastodon profile or status links when those profile or status links are not likely to be the link you wanted.
Copying and Exporting.
Copying One Post.
Press Control+C to copy the focused post to the Windows Clipboard.
The copied text includes readable context. For example, a notification may include who favourited or boosted the post, not only the post text.
After copying, move to another application and press Control+V to paste.
Export Current Timeline.
Export Current Timeline is available from the File menu with ALT+F and Leasey Command Centre.
It writes the currently visible timeline to a text file.
Export All Timelines.
Export All Timelines is available from the File menu with ALT+F and Leasey Command Centre.
It exports configured timelines to text files, using cached data where available and loading timelines as needed.
This is useful if you want to archive information, send a list of posts to someone, or review a timeline outside Leasey Social.
Restore Settings Backup.
Restore Settings Backup is available from the File menu with ALT+F and Leasey Command Centre.
Leasey Social automatically keeps a small number of backups of the critical settings files. These backups include your accounts and general settings. They do not include cached posts.
If your account or settings information becomes damaged, choose Restore Settings Backup. Leasey Social opens a list of readable backup dates. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose the date you want, then press Enter or Space on Restore.
After a backup is restored, Leasey Social closes. Start it again to use the restored settings.
Discover.
The Discover submenu is on the Timelines menu, ALT+T.
For Mastodon accounts, Discover can include:
Trending Posts.
Trending Hashtags.
Trending Links.
Followed Hashtags.
Open Hashtag Timeline.
Trending Posts opens posts the server currently considers popular.
Trending Hashtags opens a list of popular hashtags.
Trending Links opens links the server currently considers popular.
Followed Hashtags opens hashtags followed by the current account.
When you are in a list of hashtag results, press Enter on a hashtag to open a timeline of posts using that hashtag. Open Hashtag Timeline asks for a hashtag and opens a timeline of posts using it.
You can type the hashtag with or without the number sign.
Example:
You can type technology or #technology.
For Bluesky accounts, Discover can include:
Bluesky Suggested Follows.
Find Bluesky Accounts by Interest.
Bluesky Suggested Follows asks Bluesky for accounts you may want to follow.
When a command asks you to choose a user, Leasey Social uses a standard selection dialog. Focus starts in a Suggested usernames list. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose from the names Leasey Social found in the focused post or notification. Press Tab to move to the Username Edit Field. This field contains the selected username, without labels such as Favourited by or Boosted by. You can accept it, edit it, or replace it completely. Tab to OK and press Enter to continue, or press Escape to cancel.
Find Bluesky Accounts by Interest asks you to type a subject, such as music, radio, accessibility, sport or politics. Leasey Social then searches for relevant Bluesky accounts and opens the results in a Users timeline.
Use Enter on a user result to view the profile. Use the normal Follow and Unfollow commands if you decide to follow the person.
Conversations and Context.
A conversation is a thread of related posts.
Press Control+G to open the conversation for the focused post.
The conversation opens as a temporary timeline.
Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through it.
Press Control+W to close it when finished.
If the focused post is a reply, Control+Shift+Semicolon speaks the post to which it is replying where that information is available.
This is useful when you land on a reply and need to know what prompted it.
User Timelines.
Press Control+U to open a User Timeline.
If a post is focused, Leasey Social opens the user selection dialog with suggested names from the post or notification. The first suggestion is copied into the Username Edit Field.
You can accept the username or type a different one.
For a user on the same instance, you may be able to type only the username.
Example:
JemimaPuddleDuck For a user on another instance, type the full address.
Example:
JemimaPuddleDuck@quack.space.
Press Enter to confirm.
For boosted posts, and posts containing multiple mentions, Leasey Social may offer both the original author and the person who boosted the post.
Following, Followers and Relationships.
Leasey Social can show several account lists.
- People I Follow.
- People Following Me.
- People I Follow Who Don't Follow Me.
- People Who Follow Me That I Don't Follow.
These are available from the Context Menu More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Each opens a timeline-style list of users.
Leasey Social loads these lists in pages where the platform supports it. It currently loads up to 2000 accounts for each following or follower list, including the comparison groups.
Follow User.
Press Control+L to follow a user.
When used from a post, Leasey Social opens a dialog containing users found in the post. This can include the author, the boosted-by user, the quoted author and mentioned users.
Focus starts in the Suggested usernames list. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose the user. The Username Edit Field is updated with the selected username.
If the user is not in the list, type the full username.
Unfollow User.
Press Control+Shift+L to unfollow a user.
The selection dialog works in the same way as Follow User.
When you unfollow someone, Leasey Social also tries to remove that user's existing posts from the cached Home timeline for the current account. This reduces confusion where old cached posts remain visible after the unfollow.
Speak Relationship.
Press Control+Shift+Y to hear relationship information for the focused user.
Example:
I am following Example User. Example User is not following me. Speak Relationship works on posts and on user-style timelines such as followers, following, suggested follows, blocked users and muted users.
Profiles.
Press Control+Shift+P to view a profile.
If a post is focused, Leasey Social opens the user selection dialog with suggested names from the post. You can accept the selected username or type a different one.
Press Enter to display the profile.
From Post Details, use Read Profile for someone else or Edit Profile for your own account.
Edit My Profile is also available from the File menu and Leasey Command Centre.
Viewing a Profile.
The profile view can include:
Display name.
Username.
Profile text.
Follower count.
Following count.
Post count.
Profile URL.
Most recent post date, where the platform provides it.
Editing a Mastodon Profile.
For Mastodon accounts, Edit My Profile opens a multi-page dialog.
The Text tab contains:
Profile details.
Display name Edit Field.
Profile text Edit Field.
The Images tab contains:
Avatar image Edit Field into which a path can be typed or pasted.
Header image Edit Field into which a path can be typed or pasted.
Browse Buttons allowing you to browse to a file.
The Options tab can contain:
Approve follow requests Check Box.
This account is a bot Check Box.
List this account in profile directories Check Box.
Hide follows and followers Check Box.
Allow public search engines to index this profile and public posts Check Box.
Show Featured tab on profile Check Box.
Mark posts as sensitive by default Check Box.
Default post privacy Combo Box. Use Down Arrow to move through the choices.
Who can quote my public posts Combo Box. Use Down Arrow to move through the choices.
Default language Edit Field.
The Fields tab contains profile fields. These are the extra profile entries many Mastodon users use for web site, location, pronouns or similar information. Each field has a name and value. They are all Edit Fields.
Editing a Bluesky Profile.
For Bluesky accounts, Edit My Profile opens a Bluesky profile editor.
It supports:
Display name.
Profile text.
Avatar image.
Banner image.
Bluesky allows a display name of up to 64 characters and profile text of up to 256 characters. Avatar and banner images must be PNG or JPEG files no larger than 1 MB.
Reports, Mute and Block.
Report Post and Report User are available from the Post menu, Alt+P, Context Menu More Actions and Leasey Command Centre. Report Post reports the author of the focused post and can include the focused post as evidence.
Report User reports a user without attaching the focused post.
The report dialog contains:
Reason Combo Box. Press Down Arrow to move through the choices.
Comment Edit Field.
Include focused post in report Check Box.
Forward report to remote instance if available Check Box.
OK Button.
Cancel Button.
This feature is Mastodon-only.
Mute and Block.
The Context Menu More Actions includes:
Mute Conversation.
Mute User.
Unmute User.
Block User.
Unblock User.
Mute Conversation mutes notifications for the current conversation where the server supports it.
Mute User, Unmute User, Block User and Unblock User use the same user selection dialog.
described above. Choose a suggested username from the list, or Tab to the Username Edit Field and type the username manually.
Blocked Users and Muted Users are available from the Timelines menu, Alt+T. Each opens a timeline-style list of accounts so you can review who is currently blocked or muted.
Local and Instance Timelines.
Available from the Timelines menu Alt+T or by using Leasey Command Centre and search for the word Instance. Recent Posts on This Instance opens recent local posts from the current instance. Recent Posts on Another Instance asks for an instance name.
Example:
leaseysocial.com
Leasey Social then retrieves recent local posts from that instance. These timelines are saved for the current account if they remain in the Timelines list. To remove one, use Control+W on the timeline or remove it from the Timelines tab in Options.
Lists Manager.
Lists are Mastodon server lists. They group accounts so you can read posts from those accounts in one timeline.
Press Control+Shift+S to open Lists Manager.
The Lists Manager contains:
Lists list.
New List Button.
Edit Button.
Delete Button.
Add Account Button.
Members list.
Open Timeline Button.
Refresh Button.
Close Button.
Creating a List.
Step 1. Open Lists Manager, Control+Shift+S.
Step 2. Tab to the New List Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Type the name of the list into the focused Edit Field.
Step 4. Press Tab to the reply policy Combo Box. Press the Down Arrow key to choose an option.
Step 5. Decide whether to hide list members from the Home timeline. Press Tab to reach the Check Box.
Step 6. Save the list by pressing Tab to reach OK and press Enter or Space.
Reply Policy.
The Show Replies to Combo Box can include:
List Members Only.
No one.
People you follow.
When the list is saved, JAWS gives a summary of the list configuration.
Adding an Account to a List.
Step 1. Focus the list in Lists Manager. Press Control+Shift+S and select the list from the List Box with the Down Arrow key.
Step 2. Press Tab to reach the Add Account Button and press Enter or Space.
Step 3. Type the username into the Edit Field.
Step 4. Tab to OK and press Enter or Space.
Mastodon normally requires that you follow an account before it can be added to a list.
Opening a List Timeline.
Step 1. Focus the list in Lists Manager. Press Control+Shift+S and select the list from the List Box with the Down Arrow key.
Step 2. Press Tab to reach the Open Timeline Button and press Enter or Space.
The list opens as a normal timeline.
Filters Manager.
Filters Manager is available from Context Menu More Actions and Leasey Command Centre. In Leasey Command Centre, search for the word Filter.
It has two main parts:
It is a multi-page Dialog Box with two Tabbed Pages.
Press the Tab key to move through the options in each tab.
Leasey Social filters.
Server keyword filters.
Leasey Social Filters.
Leasey Social filters are local. They affect what Leasey Social displays, speaks, Brailles and sounds. They do not change what is stored on the Mastodon server.
A local filter can hide:
Original posts.
Replies to others.
Replies to me.
Threads.
Boosts or reposts.
Quote posts.
Posts with media.
Posts without media.
Your posts.
Your replies.
You can also type text in Contains text.
Example:
If you create a filter for boosts, boosts disappear from the visible timeline when the manager closes. The cached data itself is not deleted.
Server Keyword Filters.
Server keyword filters use the Mastodon server filter API.
When creating a server filter, you can set:
Filter name.
Contains text.
Whole word only.
Where the filter applies.
Server action.
Duration.
Server contexts can include:
Home timeline.
Notifications.
Public timelines.
Conversations.
Profiles.
Server actions can include:
Hide completely.
Warn before showing.
Blur media where supported.
Server filter behaviour depends on the Mastodon instance and the permissions available to Leasey Social.
Nicknames Manager.
Nicknames Manager is available from Context Menu More Actions and Leasey Command Centre. In Leasey Command Centre, search for nicknames.
It acts like a small speech dictionary for people and accounts.
Press the Tab key to move through the Dialog Box.
It lets you enter:
Name or username.
Say instead.
Example:
You might change @verylongcomplexusername to: John. Nicknames are account-specific.
They can affect:
Visible timeline columns.
Post list speech.
New item speech.
Braille status messages.
Copied post text.
Post Details text.
Nicknames are useful where usernames or display names are long, difficult to hear, difficult to remember or full of punctuation. As a starting point, press Tab to reach the New Button and press Enter or Space. Into the respective Edit Fields, type the username or long-form. This should be captured from the user's post which originally had focus prior to activating this utility. You can edit the text or type new text.
Press Tab and type the short-form.
Press Tab to reach OK and press Enter or Space.
Focus returns to the Nicknames Manager. You can see a list of your nicknames. If you wish to delete one at any point, find it in the list and press the Delete key. The list displays entries such as, "MyVeryLongName becomes Belinda".
Streaming, Monitoring and Quiet Mode.
Streaming starts automatically. Mastodon uses the Mastodon streaming connection. Bluesky is monitored by repeatedly checking Home, Mentions and Notifications. The first check establishes the current position. Later checks announce items that arrived after that point. If multiple accounts are configured, all accounts are monitored.
Timeline speech and sound settings are respected when new items arrive.
Mute Speech and Sounds for This Account silences new-item speech, Braille and sounds for the current account only.
Mute Sounds for This Account silences sounds for the current account only.
Mute All Speech, Braille and Sounds is the full quiet mode. Press Control+Alt+M to turn it on. Press Control+Alt+M again to restore the normal settings.
This is useful if you want Leasey Social to keep running but you do not want it to interrupt a meeting, book, movie or phone call.
If a local Leasey Social filter hides a streamed item, the item should not be inserted into the visible list, spoken, Brailled or a sound played.
Startup Mentions and Notifications Summary.
At startup, Leasey Social checks whether there are new Mentions or Notifications since the last time Leasey Social saw those timelines.
If there are new items, it can say something like:
brian_hartgen: 2 new mentions and 3 new notifications.
This is intended to draw attention to activity which may require a response.
Leasey Social avoids false large counts when the previously seen item is no longer in the first loaded batch.
Options.
Open Options with Control+Comma.
Options is divided into tabbed pages so related settings are grouped together.
Use Tab and Shift+Tab to move through controls on the current tab. You can also move to each tabbed page using shortcut keys.
The tabs are:
General, Control+Shift+1.
Reading, Control+Shift+2.
United, Control+Shift+3.
Timelines, Control+Shift+4.
Columns, Control+Shift+5.
Speech, Control+Shift+6.
Sounds, Control+Shift+7.
Shortcut keys, Control+Shift+8.
Press Insert+F1 on any setting for context sensitive help.
General Tab.
data location.
This will be fully described in the chapter of this documentation relating to the Backup and Restore Manager and should generally not be changed here.
Manage Accounts Button. Opens the account manager. Use it to add accounts, delete accounts or move accounts up and down in the accounts list.
Show newest posts at bottom Check Box. When checked, newer posts appear nearer the bottom of the Posts list. When unchecked, newer posts appear nearer the top.
Condense multiple leading mentions Check Box. When checked, posts that begin with several usernames are shortened in the main list. For example, Leasey Social may read the first name and say that there are three more. The full text is still available in Post Details.
Read only the first sentence in notification announcements Check Box. This shortens automatic spoken notifications. When checked, a favourite, boost, poll or similar notification speaks only the first sentence of the related post. The full post is still available in the Notifications list and Post Details.
Open a single post link without showing the links list Check Box. When checked, Control+O opens a post link immediately if the focused post contains exactly one useful external link. If there are several useful links, the normal Links list still opens so you can choose one.
Remove emojis and other Unicode characters from posts and display names Check Box. When checked, non-ASCII symbols are stripped from post text, author names, boosted-by names and notification names before display and speech. This can reduce clutter from emoji or unusual symbols.
Put reply usernames in a separate recipients field Check Box. When checked, Reply and Reply All place usernames in a separate Recipients field before the reply text. When unchecked, reply usernames are inserted at the start of the reply text. Direct messages always keep the destination separate.
Show post times in 12 hour format Check Box. Changes times such as 16:44 to 4:44 PM.
Show post times as relative times Check Box. Changes timestamps to wording such as 3 minutes ago, 1 hour ago or 1 day ago. When this is checked, it takes priority over exact 12 hour or 24 hour times.
Word wrap composition fields Check Box. When checked, long lines wrap visually inside compose, reply and direct-message edit fields. When unchecked, long lines stay on one line.
Minimize to system tray Check Box. When checked, minimizing Leasey Social keeps it running in the Windows notification area.
Provide confirmation dialogs Check Box. Controls whether Leasey Social asks before actions such as closing a timeline, deleting a post, deleting a filter, removing a list member, changing the data location or deleting an account.
Use Control+Enter to send posts instead of Enter Check Box. When checked, Enter inserts a new line in compose and direct-message fields, and Control+Enter sends. When unchecked, Enter sends.
Posts to retrieve from server Combo Box. Controls how many posts Leasey Social asks the server for during most refreshes. Higher values can retrieve more history but may slow refreshes.
Cached posts to display Combo Box. Controls how many local cached posts can be displayed in a timeline. This is separate from the number retrieved from the server.
Clear Timeline Cache Button. Clears cached timeline items for the current account and reloads the current timeline.
Reading Tab.
Content warnings Combo Box.
Controls how posts with content warnings are presented. The choices are:
Show post text only.
Show content warning followed by post text.
Hide post text and show content warning only.
Sync home timeline position with Mastodon Check Box.
This appears for Mastodon accounts. It attempts to update the Mastodon Home marker as you move through the Home timeline. This may help another Mastodon app know where you were, depending on server and app support.
United Tab.
The United tab contains Check Boxes for timelines that can be included in United View. Press Tab to move through them. Check a timeline to include it. Uncheck a timeline to leave it out. Use the Timelines tab discussed below to add or remove United View itself from the timeline list.
Timelines Tab.
Timelines list.
Lists the timelines shown for the current account. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to choose a timeline.
Move Up Button. Moves the selected timeline earlier in the list. This affects the main window timeline order and Control+1 through to Control+9, together with Control+Right Arrow and Control+Left Arrow.
Moves the selected timeline later in the list.
Remove Button.
Removes the selected timeline if it is removable. Home, Mentions, Notifications and Sent.
cannot be removed.
Adds United View to the timeline list.
Restore to Defaults Button.
Restores the default timeline order. It does not recreate custom timelines that have been.
removed.
Columns Tab.
Post fields spoken and Brailled list.
Controls what Leasey Social speaks and Brailles for each item in the Posts list.
The available fields are:
Author.
Post.
Date.
Client.
Status.
Favourites.
Boosts.
Replies.
Move Up Button.
Moves the selected field earlier in the speaking and Braille order.
- Move Down Button.
Moves the selected field later.
- Remove Button.
Removes the selected field. At least one field must remain.
- Restore to Defaults Button.
Restores Author, Post, Date, Client, Status, Favourites, Boosts and Replies.
Speech Tab.
Silences speech, Braille announcements and new-item sounds for the current account only.
Other accounts are not affected.
Mute speech for this account Check Box.
Silences speech and Braille announcements for the current account only. Sounds for this.
account can still play if they are enabled on the Sounds tab.
Timeline speech Check Boxes.
Each timeline Check Box controls whether new items from that timeline are spoken and Brailled for the current account. United View does not appear here because United View is a combined view. Speech is controlled by the individual source timelines included in United View, such as Home, Mentions, Notifications, a user timeline or a hashtag timeline.
Example:
You can turn off Home announcements but keep Mentions and Notifications enabled.
Sounds Tab.
Mute sounds for this account Check Box. Turns off sounds for the current account only. Speech and Braille are not muted by this setting.
Controls whether the ready sound plays when Leasey Social has finished loading.
Soundpack Combo Box.
Chooses which soundpack is used for the current account. Choose None for no soundpack.
Soundpacks Manager Button.
Opens the Soundpacks Manager for adding, editing, deleting and previewing soundpacks.
Sound volume slider.
Controls the playback volume for Leasey Social sounds.
Available sounds list.
Lists the sound events in the selected soundpack.
Preview Sound Button.
Plays the selected sound at the current volume.
Timeline sound Check Boxes.
Each timeline Check Box controls whether new-item sounds play for that timeline on the current account. Boundary and command sounds can still play when sounds are otherwise enabled.
Shortcut Keys Tab.
Actions list.
Lists commands that can have app or global shortcuts.
Description field.
Explains what the selected action does.
Shortcut key Edit Field.
Type the shortcut you want to assign.
Example:
Alt+Shift+Up.
Make this shortcut global Check Box.
When unchecked, the shortcut works only while Leasey Social is focused. When checked, Leasey Social tries to register the shortcut with Windows so it can work from outside the app. Global shortcuts can conflict with Windows, JAWS, Leasey or other applications.
Stores the typed shortcut for the selected action.
Clear Button.
Removes the shortcut from the selected action.
Reset This Shortcut Button.
Restores the selected action to its default shortcut.
Restore Defaults Button.
Restores all shortcut keys to their defaults.
The Actions list includes ordinary commands and extra reading commands such as Repeat Focused Item, Repeat Last Spoken Message, First item, Last item, Open item, Close item, Up in current timeline and Down in current timeline. Many of these are unassigned by default so that users can choose shortcuts that do not conflict with their own system.
Soundpacks Manager.
Leasey Social includes a Soundpacks Manager so you can add your own Soundpacks, edit existing custom Soundpacks, delete Soundpacks you no longer want, and preview sounds before using them. You open it from Options, Sounds, Soundpacks Manager. Soundpacks are account-specific. This means you can choose one Soundpack for one account and a different Soundpack for another account. You can also choose None for an account if you do not want a Soundpack for that account.
The Soundpacks Manager contains an Add Soundpack Button, a Soundpacks list, Edit Soundpack Button, Delete Soundpack Button and Close Button. To create a new Soundpack, Tab to the Add Soundpack Button and press Enter or Space.
The Add Soundpack dialog asks for a soundpack name. Type a clear name, such as:
Soft Sounds You then move through the Sound events list. Each item in this list represents one event for which Leasey Social can play a sound. Take note because these are the activities you need to create sounds for if you are creating your own soundpack.
Examples include:
Startup sound.
New home post.
New mention.
Direct message received.
New notification.
Boundary, top or bottom of list.
Post contains an image.
Post contains playable media.
Favourite or like.
Bookmark added.
New post sent.
Reply sent.
Error.
When you select a sound event, the next field is "Name of WAV file". This is an Edit Field and tells you the file name Leasey Social expects to use for that event inside the Soundpack. The Path to sound file field contains the sound file that will be copied into the sound pack for the selected event. You can type a path, or use Browse to choose a WAV file.
Only WAV files can be added through the Soundpack Editor. Press Tab to the Preview Button, and then press Enter or Space, to hear the sound currently assigned to the selected event. You do not have to provide a sound for every event, but a complete Soundpack is usually easier to understand because each important action has its own sound. What makes the Soundpacks Manager particularly appealing is this. In the Soundpack Editor, the important thing is the event you have selected in the Sound events list. The WAV file you browse to can be called anything, as long as it is a valid `.wav` file.
When you save the soundpack, Leasey Social copies that file into the soundpack folder and renames it to the filename expected for that event.
So for example, if you select:
New mention and choose a file called:
nice-little-chime.wav Leasey Social will copy it into the soundpack using the correct internal event filename for New mention. You do not have to memorise all the exact sound filenames or be sure to name them appropriately.
When you have finished assigning sounds, Tab to Save and press Enter or Space. Leasey Social copies the selected WAV files into the Soundpack folder and makes the new Soundpack available in Options, Sounds.
To edit a custom Soundpack, choose it in the Soundpacks list, Tab to Edit Soundpack and press Enter or Space. You can then change the sound files used for its events and save it again. The Default Soundpack cannot be edited in the Soundpacks Manager. This protects the original sounds supplied with Leasey Social. If you want a variation of the Default sound pack, create a new Soundpack and choose the sounds you want to use. To delete a custom Soundpack, choose it in the Soundpacks list, Tab to the Delete Soundpack Button and press Enter or Space. Leasey Social asks you to confirm before the Soundpack is removed. The Default Soundpack cannot be deleted.
After creating or editing a Soundpack, return to Options, Sounds, choose the Soundpack from the Soundpack Combo Box, adjust the volume if required, and Tab to the OK Button. Press Enter to save your settings.
The timeline sound Check Boxes on the Sounds tab control whether new-item sounds play for each timeline on the current account. These Check Boxes do not remove the Soundpack itself. Boundary and command sounds can still play when a Soundpack is enabled.
Sharing a Soundpack with Other People.
Once you have created your special soundpack, you may like to share it with someone else.
Step 1. Press Control+Comma for Options.
Step 2. On the General tab, the first control is the data location Edit Field. This is where all your data is sent to. As you will discover in the Backup and Restore Manager chapter of this documentation, this is an important location. It means that if the data folder is on a cloud storage service such as Dropbox, all your Leasey Social settings can be synchronised across devices. We need to take note of this location. Select the text in the Edit Field and copy it to the Windows Clipboard. It will end with the word, Data.
Step 3. Press Escape to exit the Options dialog.
Step 4. Press Windows+R to move into the Windows Run Dialog Box.
Step 5. Paste the contents of the Clipboard into the Run Dialog Box and press Enter to move into the folder.
Step 6. Inside this folder, locate the Sounds sub-folder and press Enter.
Step 7. Your new soundpack will be in its own dedicated folder inside the folder you have just entered. The name of the folder reflects the title of the soundpack you previously named. Take a copy of the folder. That is your Leasey Social soundpack.
Step 8. Anyone wishing to use your new soundpack will work through the above procedure and paste the folder into the Data/Sounds folder on the machine.
Troubleshooting.
If LeaseySocial behaves unexpectedly, do not assume immediately that your account has been damaged. Social media clients keep local data, and sometimes the local copy can become stale or confused after a crash, a network problem or a server problem.
If a timeline contains the wrong posts, posts appear to be missing, United View looks wrong, Mentions contains items which are not mentions, or a timeline looks different from what you expect, try clearing the timeline cache first.
Step 1. Press Control+Comma to open Options.
Step 2. On the General tab, Tab to Clear Timeline Cache.
Step 3. Press Enter or Space.
Step 4. Confirm that you want to clear the cache.
Step 5. Restart LeaseySocial and check the timeline again.
Clearing the cache does not delete your accounts, settings, Soundpacks, posts on the server or login information. It only removes local timeline copies so LeaseySocial can fetch fresh items.
If United View is missing, or the order of your timelines, accounts or other settings appears to have changed, use Restore Settings Backup from the File menu. LeaseySocial keeps a small number of backups of critical settings such as accounts and settings. Choose a backup from before the problem began.
Restoring a settings backup is more significant than clearing cache. It may roll back settings or accounts changed after the backup was created, so clear cache first when the problem appears to involve timeline contents.
If the app reports that a server request failed, try refreshing the timeline with F5. If the problem continues, wait a few minutes and try again, because Mastodon and Bluesky servers can be temporarily busy or unavailable.
If a single post, media item or notification causes unusual behaviour, move away from it if possible and refresh the timeline. If the problem persists, make a note of the account, timeline and approximate time, because that can help diagnose whether the issue is local cache, server data or a particular post.
If LeaseySocial closes unexpectedly, restart it and check whether the problem is still present. If timelines look wrong after restarting, clear the timeline cache before restoring settings.
Keystroke Summary.
General Leasey Help and Orientation.
Insert+F1 opens Context Sensitive Help for the focused control.
Caps Lock+F1 also opens Context Sensitive Help if you are using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Control+Shift+I reports succinct location information through the Where Am I utility.
Control+Shift+C or Insert+H opens Leasey Command Centre for reviewing commands.
Escape closes most Leasey windows or cancels the current dialog.
General Navigation.
Tab moves to the next control.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control.
Control+Tab moves to the next Options tab or dialog tab where tabs are present.
Shift+Control+Tab moves to the previous Options tab or dialog tab where tabs are present.
Applications key or Shift+F10 opens the context menu.
Enter opens the focused post or activates the focused Button.
Numpad Enter also opens the focused post.
Main Window Lists.
Up Arrow moves to the previous item in the focused list.
Down Arrow moves to the next item in the focused list.
Left Arrow moves to the previous virtual column in the Posts list.
Right Arrow moves to the next virtual column in the Posts list.
Home moves to the top of a list.
End moves to the bottom of a list.
Accounts and Timelines.
Alt+1 through to Alt+9 switches to accounts one through to nine.
Control+1 through to Control+9 switches to timelines one through to nine.
Control+Right Arrow moves to the next timeline in the list.
Control+Left Arrow moves to the previous timeline in the list.
Alt+Left Arrow moves to the previous timeline in the timeline history.
Alt+Right Arrow moves to the next timeline in the timeline history.
F5 refreshes the current timeline.
Control+W closes the current temporary or custom timeline.
Posting and Replying.
Control+N creates a new post.
Control+R replies to the author of the focused post.
Control+Shift+R replies to the author and relevant mentioned users.
Control+Q quotes the focused post.
Control+D opens a direct message.
Alt+E edits your own focused post.
Delete deletes your own focused post, or removes a removable item in some manager dialogs.
Enter sends a post or message when the setting is configured that way.
Control+Enter sends a post or message when Use Control+Enter to send posts instead of Enter is enabled.
F7 starts spell check in compose, reply and direct-message fields.
Tab moves to the next control in the Spell Check dialog.
Shift+Tab moves to the previous control in the Spell Check dialog.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow move through the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Suggestions list.
Enter or Alt+C changes the current word when focus is in the Replacement Edit Field.
Delete or Alt+I ignores the current spelling issue.
Control+R reads the sentence containing the current misspelled word.
Alt+A activates Change All.
Alt+G activates Ignore All.
Alt+D activates Add.
Alt+F activates Finish.
Alt+A starts account completion in compose, reply and direct-message fields.
Control+Shift+T opens ChatGPT Text Tools where available.
Post Actions.
Control+B boosts or reposts the focused post.
Control+Shift+B removes your boost or repost.
Control+Shift+F favourites the focused post.
Control+Alt+F removes your favourite.
Control+K bookmarks the focused post.
Control+Shift+K removes the focused post from bookmarks.
Control+Shift+V opens voting choices for a poll.
Control+C copies the focused post.
Reading and Understanding Posts.
Control+O opens useful links from the focused post.
Control+Enter plays media attached to the focused post.
Control+Shift+D describes an attached image with ChatGPT.
Control+G opens the conversation for the focused post.
Control+Shift+Semicolon speaks the context for a reply where available.
Control+U opens a user timeline.
Control+Shift+P opens View Profile.
Control+Shift+Y speaks relationship information for the focused user.
Control+F finds text in the current visible list.
F3 moves to the next Find result.
Shift+F3 moves to the previous Find result.
Following, Muting and Reporting.
Control+L follows a user.
Control+Shift+L unfollows a user.
Mute Conversation is available from More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Mute User is available from More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Unmute User is available from More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Block User is available from More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Unblock User is available from More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Report Post is available from the Post menu, More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Report User is available from the Post menu, More Actions and Leasey Command Centre.
Managers and Tools.
Control+Shift+S opens Lists Manager.
Control+Slash opens Search.
Control+Comma opens Options.
Control+Shift+M toggles sounds for the current account.
Control+Alt+Shift+M toggles speech and sounds for the current account.
Control+Alt+M toggles quiet mode for the entire app.
Commands Available from Menus or Leasey Command Centre.
Edit My Profile.
Open Post on Web.
People I Follow.
People Following Me.
People I Follow Who Don't Follow Me.
People Who Follow Me That I Don't Follow.
Pinned Posts.
Scheduled Posts.
Blocked Users.
Muted Users.
Recent Posts on This Instance.
Recent Posts on Another Instance.
Discover: Followed Hashtags.
Discover: Trending Posts.
Discover: Trending Hashtags.
Discover: Trending Links.
Discover: Open Hashtag Timeline.
Discover: Bluesky Suggested Follows.
Discover: Find Bluesky Accounts by Interest.
Filters Manager.
Nicknames Manager.
Pin Post to Profile.
Unpin Post from Profile.
Export Current Timeline.
Export All Timelines.
Restore Settings Backup.
Start Streaming.
Stop Streaming.
Minimize or restore from system tray.
Shortcut Keys Which Can Be Assigned.
The Shortcut Keys tab in Options also includes commands which are unassigned by default.
These can be useful if you want app-only shortcuts or global shortcuts.
Repeat Focused Item repeats the currently focused row.
Repeat Last Spoken Message repeats the last message Leasey Social sent through speech.
Next timeline moves to the next timeline in the timeline list.
Previous timeline moves to the previous timeline in the timeline list.
Up in current timeline moves to the previous item in the current timeline.
Down in current timeline moves to the next item in the current timeline.
Start of current timeline moves to the first visible item in the current timeline.
End of current timeline moves to the last visible item in the current timeline.
First item moves to the first visible item in the current timeline.
Last item moves to the last visible item in the current timeline.
Open item opens the focused item, matching Enter.
Close item closes the currently open item, matching Escape.
X is a micro-blogging service which can be used to exchange quick frequent messages. Particularly in recent months at the time of writing, X has undergone many changes to the extent that there are now two levels of X access available. The standard usage is a free X account allowing you to compose messages of up to 280 characters in length. The second is X Premium allowing messages of up to 25 thousand characters and other features for subscribers.
For many years, a small number of specially developed applications were available to screen-reader users which made the management of X posts quick and easy. However, again due to recent changes, the majority of such X clients are no longer permitted to access the service. As far as access to X using the Windows operating system is concerned, it is therefore necessary to use either the X app from the Microsoft App Store or the web site at X.com. The access you will receive is exactly the same.
While many people would say that X itself provides a number of accessibility enhancements to allow people to use either of these methods of access, the reality is that it is not the most optimum experience. The output from the screen-reader is very verbose, since it delivers a great deal of information potentially you would not wish to hear. When using some versions of JAWS, it requires that the JAWS Virtual Cursor is disabled in order that the special shortcut keys can be used. Those shortcut keys are not particularly easy to remember. There are a number of other reasons. To this end, the X scripts provide some support so you can still access X fairly efficiently using any one of the above mentioned methods of access. The level of access is not going to be of the same high quality and efficiency as previously provided by the older specialist clients. That access is a thing of the past. But it is our hope that the assistance given here will at the very least allow you to keep up-to-date, especially with mainstream organisations who are present there. X is a thriving community of people with millions of users and it is important that you are not locked out of having quality access to it.
It is the view of Hartgen Consultancy that at the time of writing, you would not wish to use X for everyday conversation and interaction, despite the support which has been put in place here. If you are using a screen-reader with Windows, the days of doing that efficiently are gone. The purpose of what follows is to allow you to keep abreast of X activity which may be essential.
What follows is a brief summary of how you might accomplish tasks you may typically wish to work through on X. It is by no means exhaustive and improvements to this access will, if possible, be made over time.
It is also worth mentioning that this is not a tutorial on using X. It does not attempt to explain X terms. The below documentation sections summarise specifically how the X scripts can assist you in working with X and nothing more.
Let's Get Started.
When X is launched, at least for the first time, you will want to press Insert+Q (or Caps Lock+Q if you are using the JAWS Laptop Layout). If JAWS announces that the scripts for X are loaded, you can proceed.
A Note About the JAWS Virtual Cursor.
As previously indicated, in order for you to gain a meaningful experience with X, the JAWS Virtual Cursor needs to be disabled. In terms of The JAWS scripts for X, this occurs by default. As soon as you launch X from the web site or via the official app, the Virtual Cursor is switched off and, to a large extent, you can navigate X as if it was a standard application. However, there may be times when you wish to enable it, particularly when customising settings as an example. You can do this at any time by pressing Insert+Z (or Caps Lock+Z if you are using the JAWS laptop layout). This is a toggle action and will enable and disable the feature. Once enabled, X can be accessed in the same way as you would read (and interact with) a regular web page.
X Basic Principles.
From this point forward, when X is accessed, you will probably be on your Home timeline where you will see posts from the people and organisations you follow. Press Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the posts. You will probably hear the author name, the X username, the time the post was sent, the post itself and, if appropriate, statistical information such as the number of likes.
You may find that you wish to abbreviate some of this information. To do this, activate Abbreviated Mode. This can be toggled on and off with Alt+Windows+A. Once enabled, this setting will remain in effect until you disable it. Enabling Abbreviated Mode has the effect of reducing the output so you hear all the details with the exception of the X username and the time, so it makes navigation a lot less of a chore.
Should you wish to hear all of this information, you can use the JAWS command to read the current line, Insert+Up Arrow (or Caps Lock+Up Arrow if you are using the JAWS laptop layout). Pressing this keystroke twice quickly will allow you to read all of the information in the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer examination, perhaps word by word. Press Escape to close.
There are two ways in which posts can be displayed: using the "For You" Tab or the "Following" Tab. The "For You" Tab is the default. The advantage of the "For You" Tab is that you can meet different people who share your own interests. The more posts you reply to or like influences the X algorithm and will display items which may match your interests. Using older Twitter clients designed for visually impaired people, users were forced to only receive posts from those people being followed. This meant that an important element of social media was lost.
To change to the "Following" Tab, activate the Virtual Cursor with the JAWS Key+Z. Then, from the top of the page, Use the Up and Down Arrow keys until you reach the Tabs. You will find "For You" and "Following". JAWS does announce which Tab is selected. Press the Space Bar on the appropriate Tab.
The Navigation Experience.
You will notice that your most recently received posts are at the top of the list. In the majority of cases, as you enter the X platform, the top of the list is the focus. This means that you are reading your posts in reverse time order which is not the best experience and there is no way of changing it. We cannot think of anyone who, for example, would want to start by reading the concluding part of a news story coverage and to work backwards.
Every effort has been made to ensure that, as you move through a timeline, focus does not move away from the list of posts. Should this happen, press the Tab key once, then try moving through the posts again with the down Arrow key.
There is also an added difficulty in that it does not seem possible to stop the timeline from refreshing which causes focus issues.
If you think you may have more recent posts available than those displayed, press full-stop or period to refresh the timeline.
Should you wish to access a link referenced as part of the post, press the Tab key repeatedly until JAWS announces the link. Then press Enter. The page referred to should open up as a new tab in your web browser. When you have finished reviewing the page, press Control+F4 so as to return to X.
Keystrokes you may wish to use at this point are:
Alt+Windows+H: Home timeline.
Alt+Windows+M: Mentions timeline.
Alt+Windows+N: Notifications timeline.
Alt+Windows+D: Direct Messages timeline.
Alt+Windows+K: Likes timeline.
Alt+Windows+I: Lists.
Alt+Windows+P: Profile.
Alt+Windows+S: Settings.
Alt+Windows+C: Change Account.
L: Like a post.
Forward Slash: Search.
B: Block a user.
Control+C, copy focused post to Clipboard. If Abbreviated Mode is enabled, only the output spoken is copied, removing the username and the time the post was posted. This is recommended.
U: Mute.
Enter: Open Post.
One of the most valuable aspects of using X is being able to scan and interpret images which are frequently posted. This especially means that you can join in conversations from which you may otherwise have been excluded. This can be an essential aspect of social media participation. This can be achieved using JAWS 2024 and Picture Smart AI.
Find a post containing an image. JAWS will announce if an image is present. Then, press Control+Windows+I. The image is scanned and the text presented. You are then able to read it and, if necessary, obtain a more thorough explanation using two AI chat services and even ask further questions. For example, if a general description is given of an outfit someone is waring, you can ask for more description about it.
Press Escape to exit the description. In the event that focus is now not located on the post you were previously reading, press function key F12. The X scripts will try to locate this for you.
Post Composition.
To compose a new post, press Control+N. Start typing your text into the Edit Field. If you wish to know how many characters have been typed, press Insert+T (or Caps Lock+T if you are using the JAWS laptop layout).
To send the message, press Enter or Control+Enter.
Should you wish to attach an image (such as a photo) to the post, press Alt+Windows+P. This takes you into a standard Windows "Browse" Dialog Box. Locate the image and press Enter. Fields are then available which you can move through by pressing Tab and Shift+Tab to allow you to tag the image with alternative text.
To reply to the focused post, press Control+R.
To resend a post without quoting, press Control+Shift+R.
To Resend a post with quoting, (adding a comment), press Control+Shift+Q.
Viewing a Conversation.
There is a strong likelihood that an X post which is focused will be a reply to a previous message. This is known as being part of a conversation thread. To open up the post so as to view other elements of the conversation, press Enter. You ought then to be able to use the Up and Down Arrow keys to explore the other messages. To return to the timeline with which you were previously working, press the appropriate keystroke to go back. For example, if prior to pressing Enter you were viewing your Home timeline, press Alt+Windows+H. Focus should return to the appropriate timeline and also to your previous position in the timeline.
Viewing a Profile.
In the event you wish to view a profile of a user, when you hear the post details press Tab to reach the user name, then press Enter.
From this point, activate the Virtual Cursor with Insert+Z (or Caps Lock+Z if you are using the JAWS Laptop Keyboard layout). From here, you can use the Up and Down Arrow keys to review the bio, number of followers, etc. Don't forget to deactivate the Virtual Cursor with the same keystroke once again to return to normal operation.
Playing a Video.
If the post contains an embedded video, open it up by pressing Enter, then press Tab to reach the "Play Video" Button and press the Space Bar. You can press the Space Bar again to pause and resume playback. Depending upon your settings, the video may already be playing. If this is so, and you cannot hear it, press Space Bar on the Unmute Button. Another way of achieving the same thing is as follows. Do not open up the post. Instead, press Tab repeatedly until you reach the total time of the video. This is displayed in the format of minutes colon seconds, such as, 3:11. From this point, press the Home key and the video should start playing. Press the Space Bar to pause and resume.
Switching Accounts.
If you have multiple X accounts, the chances are fairly high that you will wish to switch to a different one. To do this, press Alt+Windows+C. Then press the Tab key repeatedly to reach the account you wish to switch to. When the desired account is announced, press Enter.
Sending a Direct or Private Message.
Sending a direct message is one of the most difficult things you can do using the X's interface. This section of the documentation explains how you might go about it.
Step 1. To begin a new message, or reply to an existing one, press Control+D.
Step 2. You are now in a search Edit Field. Type the name (or part of it) into the text edit area. This searches X for names which match your requirements. If you know the full name, type that so as to narrow the search criteria.
Step 3. Press the Tab key repeatedly. You will reach two items. The first is a Check Box pertaining to the name and the second is a Button, again containing the name. Press the Space Bar on the Button.
Step 4. Focus returns to the search Edit Field. If necessary, you could add someone else to the conversation using the above procedure.
Step 5. When you are ready to move to the next stage, press Shift+Tab to reach the "Next" Button, then press the Space Bar.
Step 6. You are almost ready to compose your message, but focus is not in the correct location. To move to the "Start a New Message" Edit Field, press Control+Windows+S.
Step 7. Now type your text and press Enter to send.
Searching.
To search for an X account to follow, press Forward Slash. Type what you would like to search for and press Enter.
A list of results is displayed. Press Down Arrow to move through the results. When you wish to follow an account, press Enter to open it.
Now, you can either press the Tab key once to reach the Button to follow the account and press the Space Bar, or to carry out other actions, activate the Context Menu by pressing Alt+Windows+F10.
Working With the Context Menu.
If a post is focused, you can activate the Context Menu on it by pressing Alt+Windows+F10. This allows you to follow or unfollow the user, mute the user so you will not see posts again, and other actions. Locate the item you would like with the Up and Down Arrow keys, and press Enter. There is in addition an item listed which is "Not Interested". This again influences the X algorithm described above.
Taking Advantage of Nicknames.
Many people do have usernames on X which do not reflect their individual names. They can also contain emoji characters or the term, "Verified Account". This means that it can take time for the screen-reader to announce. You can condense this spoken output through the assigning of a nickname; a short-form.
Step 1. Focus on a post containing the username and press Alt+Windows+X. Check to ensure that the correct username is in the Edit Field and press Enter.
Step 2. Next, type the abbreviated form and press Enter.
That's it. From this point, JAWS should announce (and display in Braille) the abbreviated form. To delete any of your nicknames, press Alt+Control+Windows+X to bring into view a list of these. Find the one you want with Down Arrow and press Enter.
If you wish to share your nicknames across computers, in your JAWS Settings/ENU folder, find the file TwitterNames.ini and just copy it to the other machine.
Keystroke Summary.
Next tweet, Down Arrow.
Previous tweet, Up Arrow.
Toggle Abbreviated Mode, Alt+Windows+A.
New tweet, Control+N.
Speak character count of composed tweet, Insert+T.
Send the composed tweet, Enter.
Open tweet, Enter.
Context menu for tweet, Alt+Windows+F10.
Reply to tweet, Control+R.
Photos or videos, Alt+Windows+P.
Retweet a tweet, Control+Shift+R.
Quote a tweet, Control+Shift+Q.
Like a tweet, L.
Block a user, B.
Mute a user, U.
Load new tweets, full-stop or period.
New Direct Message, Control+D.
Start a new message, necessary for composing a Direct Message, Control+Windows+S.
If you are using Leasey Word as your text editor, please refer to the appropriate chapter. Leasey Word contains the same functionality accommodated within a slightly different interface. It may be easier for you to work with that.
Many people are creating text for blogs, web pages and HTML documents. But in order for the presentation to look visually appealing and to enable a high standard of navigation by screen-reading software, it is important to include HTML markup. This enables you to create text at specific Heading levels, create bulleted or numbered lists or even insert tables and pictures.
Remembering the HTML syntax however to include in your text can be tricky. If one important character is not included, chances are that your formatting will not be present when you read the document at a later date, or maybe a link you insert will not function correctly. This is where the HTML Assistant can help.
There are many advantages of the HTML assistant:
You do not need to remember the characters to insert for the HTML code.
There is only one keystroke to remember in order to carry out all the tasks the HTML Assistant is capable of doing.
The HTML Assistant is intelligent enough to know which task you are working on and will always guide you.
In some instances, you can apply the HTML syntax to text you have already composed, although the preference is that you should use it while you are writing the original document. In summary, try to get into the routine of using the HTML Assistant as you write rather than after the event.
What the HTML Assistant Can Do.
To bring into view the HTML Assistant, hold down all three keys to the left of the Space Bar on a standard desktop keyboard, (Alt+Windows+Control), and while doing so, tap the letter H, for HTML.
A list of 19 items appears. When you press Enter on any option, you will be asked at least one question, possibly more.
Remember, this is the only keystroke you need to remember to perform all HTML-related tasks.
The choices presented to you are:
Heading 1 through to Heading 6.
Line.
Paragraph.
Link.
Email Link.
Numbered List.
Bulleted List.
Block Quote.
Table.
Image.
Title Including New Document.
Create an Item in the Table of Contents.
Build the Table of Contents.
Clear the Table of Contents and Start Again.
Before using any of the options described below, be sure that the cursor is placed in a text composition area where you would like the code to be inserted. This could be a plain text document such as in Microsoft Notepad, or something more elaborate, for example a form field in a blogging platform or web page.
When you use any of the items in the HTML Assistant, going back into the menu will set focus to the place in the menu you had previously worked with. So if you had selected to insert a Heading at level 2, going back to the HTML Assistant will ensure that your focus is at the Heading Level 2 item in the menu.
Heading Levels 1 through to 6.
Pressing Enter on any one of these options will ask you for the text you would like to appear on the Heading. Simply type it in and press Enter. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary HTML code.
If text has been highlighted or selected prior to choosing one of the Heading level options, it is assumed that you would like the text to be the title of the Heading and so you will not be asked for it.
Line.
Activating this option includes a line break in the HTML.
Paragraph.
Pressing Enter on this option will invite you to type the text for the paragraph. Please do so and press Enter. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary HTML code. Note that if you wish to create a line break in your paragraph, press the Leasey Key followed by Enter. You will hear that a line break has been inserted and a new blank line is focused in the display area for the paragraph so it is easier to read.
If text has been highlighted or selected prior to choosing this option, it is assumed that you would like the text to comprise the paragraph and so you will not be asked for it.
Creating a Link.
Selecting this option asks for two pieces of information.
You are first asked for the full URL (or web page address) of the Link you wish to create. You should type it and press Enter to move to the next stage. A good example would be http://www.mydomain.com/test.
Leasey Tip: If the URL of the page you wish to point to is a long complicated one, it may be an idea to ensure this is on the windows Clipboard first, prior to invoking the HTML Assistant. In that way, you can paste the URL into the first Edit Field when prompted.
The next question asks for the text you would like to be placed on the Link. A good example might be, "Please activate this link to contact me". Please type this and press Enter. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary HTML code.
Creating an Email Link.
Selecting this option asks for two pieces of information.
You are first asked for the Email address to be contained on the Link. You should type it and press Enter to move to the next stage. A good example would be support@hartgenconsultancy.com.
The next question asks for the text you would like to be placed on the Link. A good example might be, "Please Email me". Please type this and press Enter. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary HTML code.
Numbered and Bulleted Lists.
This is one of the more complex parts of creating HTML code because not only is it necessary to insert characters to denote and terminate a list, but also it varies depending upon the type of list you wish to create. You would under normal circumstances have to place a tag at the start and end of each list item. Leasey takes care of this for you.
A bulleted list means that a bullet will be placed at the start of each list item. A numbered list means that the figures 1, 2, 3, etc, will be placed at the start of each list item.
Go ahead and select a bulleted or numbered list option. You are asked for the first item to be placed on the list. Type it in and press Enter.
The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary HTML code.
You will also notice that characters have been placed above the text you have just typed, which indicates that a new bulleted or numbered list has begun.
Press the HTML Assistant key again. Rather than taking you back into the list of options with which you will already be familiar, Leasey knows that you are in the middle of creating a list, so she just asks you for the next item to be placed on it. Type it in and press Enter. Repeat the process as many times as necessary so as to complete your list.
You will notice each time you are asked for the next list item, you also hear this prompt:
"Please Type the next Item of the Numbered List, then press Enter. To end the
list, type the word, end."
So, as instructed, when you wish to end the list, into the Edit Field type the word, "end", and press Enter.
Your list is now created and Leasey has terminated it with the necessary tag.
You could encounter a situation where you have already composed text and you would like it to be formatted as a list. In that case you should work through the following procedure:
Step 1. Select the line of the prepared text you would like to use as the first list item.
Step 2. Press the HTML Assistant key and choose one of the list types. Press Enter to select.
Step 3. When asked for the first list item, type the word, "text", instead. Indeed Leasey prompts you to do this if you wish. Press Enter.
You should now see that the text which had been previously selected is now surrounded with HTML code and the tag to commence a list item is also just above the cursor in the document.
Step 4. Go ahead and select the next line for the list.
Step 5. Press the HTML Assistant keystroke again. Review the text in the Edit Field, which should consist of the text you had previously selected, then press Enter. Repeat as many times as necessary.
Step 6. When you wish to terminate the list, press the HTML Assistant keystroke once more, and this time, type the word, "end", then press Enter.
Tables.
A table consists of information presented in rows and columns. Initially, you need to insert column headers. Underneath the column headers you should insert information for each column in the row. This sequence is repeated until you have included all items you wish to appear in the table.
Choose the Table option from the HTML Assistant and press enter.
You will first be asked for the Table Caption. This information is important particularly for screen-reader users and should be used as a summary for the data which appears in the Table. Type in the caption and press Enter to move to the next stage.
When prompted, type the first column header and press Enter. When you press the HTML Assistant key again, Leasey knows that you are creating a table and will ask you for the next column header. Type it in and press Enter. Repeat as necessary until you have typed all your column headers. When you have completed this task, press the HTML Assistant key, and this time, type the word, "stop". Then press Enter.
You are now asked for the first item to appear at row 2, column 1, of the table. Type it in and press Enter. Press the HTML Assistant key, and type the data for row 2, column 2, etc. Keep repeating this process. Leasey is clever enough to know when you are starting a new row of the table and will remind you this is happening as you add more and more items.
When you have completed all the items in the table, press the HTML Assistant key and, when prompted, type the word, "end". Then press Enter.
Creating a Block Quote.
Pressing Enter on this option will invite you to type the text for the Block Quote. This is generally used to emphasise a point or to quote from a particular source. Please type the text and press Enter. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary HTML code.
If text has been highlighted or selected prior to choosing this option, it is assumed that you would like the text to comprise the block quote and so you will not be asked for it.
Image.
An image presented on a web page can be a logo or maybe a photograph. When you select the Image option from the HTML Assistant, Leasey asks you for four pieces of information. You can move through each step by pressing Enter.
First you are asked for the path to the image on your web server. Usually, images are stored in a separate folder, such as in a folder called "Images", and so you would type, "forward slash images", like this: /images
Next you are asked for the alternative text you would like to be included for the image caption. This is critical for screen-reader users. Type it in and press Enter.
Next, you are asked for two pieces of information concerning the dimensions of the picture. First you are prompted to enter the width of the image and then the height. These values are entered in pixels, however Leasey gives you some guidance in terms of how many pixels equate to 1 inch.
When the dimensions have been entered, Leasey will enter the necessary code into your text and will give a measurement approximation in inches as to the width and height of the image so it is easier to understand.
Leasey Tip: We strongly recommend that when your web page is uploaded containing images, you should ask a sighted person to visually check that the presentation is satisfactory. Hartgen Consultancy are not responsible for the content or presentation of images on web pages. If the image is not as you intend, you might try changing the dimensions.
Title Including New Document.
This option should be selected in a new document containing no text. The purpose of this option is to create a new HTML document or web page with the necessary code so as to establish the page title and body text. You are prompted to enter the title. Please type it in and press Enter. You will note that the cursor is placed at a point in the document prior to the tag which terminates the body text.
This option should only be used when creating web pages outside a blogging platform, content management system, or similar. In most cases, such environments require that you enter the title in a completely different way.
Creating a Table of Contents.
A Table of Contents, as far as a webpage is concerned, is where you have a long document or web page, and you wish to create what you might call same page links to strategic points within it. This not only assists users of screen-readers to get to where they need to be, but it also means that sighted people can click on one of the links as well, which saves a good deal of scrolling.
The concept is that you will have a series of links close to the top of the document reflecting the items in the Table of Contents. In addition, each strategic point in the document will have some corresponding HTML code alongside it. When a person clicks the appropriate link in the Table of Contents, focus is moved to the anchor point within the document.
Step 1. Move through the document and find the first heading you wish to include in the Table of Contents. We are going to ensure that each of our Table of Contents items sets focus to just below each heading.
Step 2. Select the text of the heading to appear in the Table of Contents.
Step 3. Move into the HTML assistant with alt control windows H, and select the option to Create an item in the Table of Contents.
Step 4. The index marker is created, just below the heading.
Step 5. Find the next block of text which will form an entry in the Table of Contents and select the text.
Step 6. Again, go into the HTML Assistant and activate the Create an item in the Table of Contents option.
Step 7. Keep repeating this process until all the headings are included in the Table of Contents
Step 8. When you are ready to build the Table of Contents, move to the point in the document where this is to be displayed, probably near the top of the document.
Step 9. Now go back into the html assistant, and this time, select the item, build the Table of Contents. It will be created and you will be advised when it is complete.
There is one other item on this menu, Clear the Table of Contents. Sometimes, you may want to start again with building the Table of Contents. If this applies to you, that is the item you will need.
Keystroke Summary.
Use the HTML Assistant, Alt+Control+Windows+H.
Insert a line break in a paragraph, Leasey Key then Enter.
If you are using Leasey Word as your text editor, please refer to the appropriate chapter. Leasey Word contains the same functionality accommodated within a slightly different interface. It may be easier for you to work with that.
Markdown is a lightweight markup text language that can be used to add formatting elements to documents and other text areas. Created by John Gruber in 2004, Markdown is now one of the world's most popular markup languages.
When you create a Markdown formatted file, you add syntax to the document which represents the attributes or formatting you wish to create. There are special codes for applying bold text, headings, even tables. However, it is not always possible to remember the syntax or spacing to use in order to gain the effect you want. The precision of how Markdown is applied is essential so that when it is converted to an alternative format, such as a Word document, the conversion tool interprets it correctly and can apply the necessary formatting.
Markdown can be used when composing web sites, Microsoft Word documents and even podcast Show Notes in some cases. There are also other tools to create journals which support Markdown. To repeat, it is widely used and accepted.
Why would you want to create a Markdown document rather than use a tool such as Microsoft Word? Markdown is cross-platform. If you create a Markdown document, then it is likely it will be accepted whichever application you try to import it into. Admittedly in some cases, a small amount of adaptation is sometimes required, but it does make sharing documents much more viable. It is also completely accessible since you can read the necessary code with your screen-reader. Once you become familiar with reviewing it, you will know that the required formatting has been applied and you can ensure the end result will be of a good standard.
How Does Leasey Help With Markdown?.
Leasey gives you three ways to assist with composing Markdown text. Before these are described, Leasey contains what is referred to as the Markdown Key. This is similar to the Leasey Key in operation. You press a key on the keyboard, release it, and then press a number or letter key. The Markdown Key is the Alt key and the Leasey Key pressed together.
The ways of accessing Leasey Markdown functions are:
Through a menu system. Press the Markdown Key then M. All the items described in this Chapter can be found on the Markdown menu.
Through shortcut keys. While using the Markdown menu is good, we hope you will over time begin to use the shortcut keys. Using these keys mean that the flow of writing is not interrupted.
Through BrailleEas. When using BrailleEas on a Braille display, described in its own Chapter of this documentation, you can enter abbreviations into BrailleEas to carry out the formatting. This is one of the features which really makes Markdown stand out; the fact that, without using any complex key sequences, you can create some very well formatted documents with not too much effort.
A Markdown document can be created and saved using any text editor. Notepad or Notepad++ would be good examples of text editors with no frills which can be used to compose a Markdown compatible file. Leasey Word is of course preferred! You do not need anything special in order to create or save a Markdown document. You save the file with its name and an.MD extension. The title of this document for example might be Leasey.MD. You would type that into your text editor's "Save As" Dialog Box.
How To Apply Formatting.
You can use any of the Leasey Markdown functions before you type text or you can apply it to text you have already composed. In order to do the latter, you will need to select it first. For example, if your document contained the sentence "This is my first Markdown document", and you wanted to embolden the word "First", you would select that word and then apply the command for bold. You either do that through the Markdown menu, (Markdown Key then M), through one of the provided shortcut keys, or using an abbreviation typed into BrailleEas. Don't forget that the Markdown Key is Leasey Key together with Alt. Think alternative Leasey commands.
Creating a New Paragraph.
To create a new paragraph in a Markdown document, just press Enter twice.
The Markdown Menu.
Press the Markdown Key then M.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: menu.
This contains a list of all the items you can apply in Markdown. Use first letter navigation or the Up or Down Arrow keys to find the item you want. Then press Enter. The Markdown menu also contains a reminder of the shortcut keys in the hope you will over time remember them for more efficient use.
Headings.
Press the Markdown Key then numbers 1 through to 6.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: headinga through to headingf, where the word heading followed by letter A represents heading 1.
To create a new heading, just activate this item before the text for the heading. For example, press Markdown Key then 1 followed by the text "This Is My Heading". Then press Enter twice to create a new paragraph which terminates the heading.
Bold.
Press the Markdown Key then B before and after the text to be emboldened.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: bold.
If text is selected, the necessary characters to indicate emboldened text are placed before and after the selection.
Italics.
Press the Markdown Key then I before and after the text to be italicised.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: italic.
If text is selected, the necessary characters to indicate italicised text are placed before and after the selection.
Bold and Italics.
Press the Markdown Key then L before and after the text to be italicised.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: both.
If text is selected, the necessary characters to indicate bold and italicised text are placed before and after the selection.
Block Quote.
Press the Markdown Key then Q before the text to be included in the block quote. Pressing Enter twice terminates this.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: quote.
If text is selected, the necessary character to indicate a block quote is placed at the start of the text to be included in the quotation.
Creating a Link.
Press the Markdown Key then K.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: link.
Selecting this option asks for two pieces of information.
You are first asked for the full URL (or web page address) of the Link you wish to create. You should type it and press Enter to move to the next stage. A good example would be http://www.mydomain.com/test.
Leasey Tip: If the URL of the page you wish to point to is a long complicated one, it may be an idea to ensure this is on the windows Clipboard first, prior to invoking this item. In that way, you can paste the URL into the first Edit Field when prompted.
The next question asks for the text you would like to be placed on the Link. A good example might be, "Please activate this link to contact me". Type this and press Enter. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary Markdown code.
Note that if text was selected prior to invoking this option, the second screen will not appear, since the selected text is assumed to be the link title.
Numbered or Ordered List.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: ordered.
There are two ways of approaching the creation of a numbered list.
Method 1.
Step 1. Prior to creating the numbered list, first activate the item by pressing the Markdown Key then O.
Item 1 is created with a number at the start.
Step 2. Type the text for item 1 and press Enter.
The moment you press Enter, item 2 is created. You do not need to enter the new numbered value for this and any subsequent paragraph which requires it.
Step 3. When you reach the final item in the list, do not press Enter. Use the same command again so as to terminate the list, such as Markdown Key then O. You can then proceed by pressing Enter twice so as to create a new paragraph.
Method 2.
Step 1. Write each item first but do not include the actual numbers for the text to be included in the list. Be sure to separate each item with a line break by pressing Enter.
Step 2. Using any text selection method of your choosing, select all of the text you have just written.
Step 3. Use the item to create a numbered or ordered list, such as the Markdown Key then O.
Leasey works through all of the items within the selection and precedes each of them with a number.
Bulleted or Unordered List.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: unordered.
A bulleted list means that a bullet will be placed at the start of each list item. A numbered list means that the figures 1, 2, 3, etc, will be placed at the start of each list item. You will observe in our documentation that we always use numbered lists where step-by-step examples are given, but bulleted lists when highlighting a series of points to consider where you should not follow a particular routine.
Step 1. Go ahead and select a bulleted or numbered list option from the Markdown menu. Alternatively, press the Markdown Key then U for an unordered list, a bulleted list, or Markdown Key then O for an ordered list, which is a numbered list. You are asked for the first item to be placed on the list. Type it in and press Enter.
Step 2. The text is inserted surrounded by the necessary Markdown code.
Step 3. Press the Markdown menu key, Markdown Key then M.
Step 4. Rather than taking you back into the list of options with which you will already be familiar, Leasey knows that you are in the middle of creating a list, so she just asks you for the next item to be placed on it. Type it in and press Enter. Repeat the process as many times as necessary so as to complete your list.
You will notice each time you are asked for the next list item, you also hear this prompt:
"Please Type the next Item of the Numbered List, then press Enter. To end the list, type the word, end."
So, as instructed, when you wish to end the list, into the Edit Field type the word, "end", and press Enter.
Your list is now created and Leasey has terminated it with the necessary tag.
You could encounter a situation where you have already composed text and you would like it to be formatted as a list. In that case you should work through the following procedure:
Step 1. Select the line of the prepared text you would like to use as the first list item.
Step 2. Press the Markdown menu key and choose one of the list types. Press Enter to select. Don't forget you can press the Markdown Key then U for an unordered list or O for an ordered list.
Step 3. When asked for the first list item, type the word, "text", instead. Indeed Leasey prompts you to do this if you wish. Press Enter.
You should now see that the text which had been previously selected is now surrounded with Markdown code.
Step 4. Go ahead and select the next line for the list.
Step 5. Press the Markdown menu keystroke again. Review the text in the Edit Field, which should consist of the text you had previously selected, then press Enter. Repeat as many times as necessary.
Step 6. When you wish to terminate the list, press the Markdown menu keystroke once more, and this time, type the word, "end", then press Enter.
Tables.
Press the Markdown Key then T to create a new table.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: table.
Whether Microsoft Word or an alternative text editor is used, the creation of tables is one of the more difficult word processing tasks. Using Leasey and Markdown it should be super easy!
Prior to creating your table, you may like to give some thought as to how many columns will be required for it. The number of rows does not matter as much but you will want to think about the number of columns. If you have a table recording a person's name and the number of points in a match that person has obtained, this would be a three column table: First Name, Last Name and Total.
Step 1. Start the table creation process from the Markdown menu or by pressing the Markdown Key then T.
Step 2. You are guided through the process of creating the table. Type the first column title, such as First Name, then press Enter.
Step 3. When you are ready to type the next column header, press the Markdown Key then T again. Type it in, such as Last Name, then press Enter.
Step 4. When you are ready to type the next column header, press the Markdown Key then T again. Type it in, such as Total, then press Enter.
Step 5. Now we need to tell Leasey that we have finished entering column titles. Press the Markdown Key then T again, but this time, type the word Stop, then press Enter.
Step 6. It is now necessary to type the cell data for each of the columns. Press the Markdown Key then T. JAWS announces the title of the first column so as to remind you of what it is you are meant to be typing in this space. Type the person's first name, such as Joe, then press Enter.
Step 7. Press the Markdown Key then T again, type the word Johnson, and press Enter. If you forget which row and column you are in, press the Markdown Key then C. BrailleEas Abbreviation: column. You will hear the column number together with the column title.
Step 8. Press the Markdown Key then T again, type the number 200 to represent the total, and press Enter. If you forget which row and column you are in, press the Markdown Key then C. BrailleEas Abbreviation: column. You will hear the column number together with the column title.
Step 9. Now we will move to the next row of the table. Press the Markdown Key then T again. Before being prompted for the next item to be placed in the First Name column, JAWS announces that you are starting a new row of the table.
Step 10. Repeat as necessary until all of the information in the table is entered.
Step 11. To complete the table, press the Markdown Key then T a final time. On this occasion, type the word End, and press Enter. This is a very important step so that the table can be concluded.
Footnotes.
Press the Markdown Key then `F.
BrailleEas Abbreviation: foot.
Footnotes are notes that are placed at the end of a document and used to reference parts of the text (generally using superscript numbers). Writers use footnotes for several purposes, including citations, parenthetical information, outside sources, copyright permissions, background information, and more.
Now that you understand what footnotes are, you might be wondering: why use them? The truth is, long explanatory notes can be difficult for readers to work through (especially when they occur in the middle of a paper). Providing this information is necessary, but doing so in the main text can disrupt the flow of the writing.
There is a specific procedure within Leasey you need to follow in order to create Footnotes.
Step 1. Write the text in the document. If the text has already been written, place the cursor at the point in the text where you wish the Footnote to appear. For example you may have this sentence:
I use a screen-reader.
Step 2. This is where we want the Footnote. Invoke the Leasey option for this, for example, press the Markdown Key followed by F.
Step 3. This takes you into a list of three items. Select the first option, Create Footnote, and press Enter.
Step 4. Type the number for the Footnote. In our example, this will be achieved by typing number 1, just above the letter keys. Then press Enter. Why don't we number the items for you automatically? Simply because Footnote references do not need to be numbered. If you wanted to, you could call it, "My Wonderful Footnote Number 1", if you were so inclined. But 1 will do just fine for now.
Step 5. Having pressed Enter, you are asked for the text to represent the Footnote. This will be placed at the end of the document. We will come to that later. Type it into the Edit Field. We will type, It is called JAWS for Windows. Then press Enter.
Step 6. In the document, you will now see the Footnote reference number but not the text relating to the Footnote.
Step 7. Now write this sentence: It is used to help blind people.
Step 8. Invoke the Leasey Footnote item once more by pressing the Markdown Key then F.
Step 9. This takes you into a list of three items. Select the first option, Create Footnote, and press Enter.
Step 10. This time, type the number 2 to represent the Footnote reference number and press Enter.
Step 11. Type the text to represent the Footnote. We will type, like me. Then press Enter.
Step 12. Continue to work through this procedure as necessary.
Step 13. When you have completed the document, you need to insert all your Footnote explanations. Be sure that the cursor is at the end of the document. press the Markdown Key then F once again.
Step 14. This takes you into a list of three items. Select the second option, Insert Footnotes, and press Enter.
Step 15. All your Footnote references are then entered into the document.
Step 16. Finally, go back to the Footnotes area, Markdown Key then F. This time, select the third item down, "Clear Footnotes From Leasey", and press Enter. If you do not do this, the next time you create a document containing Footnotes, the old Footnotes will be inserted into the new document together with any newer items.
Markdown Converter.
The Markdown Converter is available from the Markdown menu.
This launches a separate Leasey app which can convert a Markdown document into one of two formats.
The first option is Microsoft Word format. This is useful if you have written a document in Markdown but would like to edit it, review it, or distribute it as a Word document. The converter is designed to preserve the structure of the Markdown document, including headings, lists and tables, so that the resulting Word document is easier to work with.
The second option is HTML. This is useful because Markdown is plain text. It is efficient to write, but it does not always give a blind person an immediate sense of how the finished document might appear to someone reading it on a web page. Creating an HTML version can help you understand the rendered result. It can also be useful if you are preparing material for a blog post, a web page, or another online resource.
To use the Markdown Converter, work through the following procedure:
Step 1. Open the Markdown menu by pressing the Markdown Key then M.
Step 2. Select Markdown Converter and press Enter.
Step 3. When the Markdown Converter app opens, browse to the Markdown file you would like to convert, or type the full path to the file into the file path Edit Field.
Step 4. Move to the group of Radio Buttons and choose the output format you want. Select Word if you would like a Microsoft Word document. Select HTML if you would like a web page version of the document.
Step 5. Start the conversion.
Step 6. When the conversion has finished, choose where you would like to save the output file.
The conversion should usually take place very quickly. Once the output has been saved, you can open the Word or HTML file in the usual way and review the result.
Keystroke Summary.
Markdown Key, Alt+Leasey Key together.
Markdown menu, Markdown Key then M.
Bold, Markdown Key then B.
Italic, Markdown Key then I.
Block quote, Markdown Key then Q.
Link, Markdown Key then K.
Ordered or numbered list, Markdown Key then O.
Unordered or bulleted list, Markdown Key then U.
Heading 1 through to 6, Markdown Key then 1 through to 6.
Tables, Markdown Key then T.
Report column and row information when creating table, Markdown Key then C.
You may have come across a situation where you need to enter a character into your text edit area which is not present on your keyboard. As a basic example, what if you need to enter a pound sign and your keyboard layout does not accommodate it? This is where Alt codes come into play.
In some situations, there is a very nice and efficient way of entering such special characters by pressing and holding the Alt key, and simultaneously entering the character's decimal value on the numeric keypad. This is where the term Alt codes comes from. For example, to enter the ellipsis, you could press and hold the Alt key, and enter 0133. This would give you the appropriate character. For the ' character, you could enter the code 0149. However, this requires you to turn NumLock on, (not intuitive for screen-reader users needing the NumPad), and this also presupposes that either there is a NumPad on your keyboard, or at least you can turn the central part of your keyboard into a numPad.
Unfortunately, on some modern notebooks, there are keyboards that do not have these possibilities. There is no NumLock key, and there is no mode to enter numbers, other than on the regular number row.
Sighted people experience this issue of being unable to enter Alt codes on modern notebook keyboards. There are two solutions to this one, and none of them works efficiently if you are blind. The solutions require you to use the Character Map application, or, alternatively, to use the On-Screen Keyboard to simulate NumLock.
What Can Leasey Do To Help?.
Leasey has a special tool for entering the Alt codes available. Pressing the key to start the process, (Leasey Key then Alt+C), asks for the Alt code to be typed. For those who are very familiar with this practice, it is simply a matter of typing the code, pressing Enter and the relevant sign is inserted into the text area. If the user presses the same key combination again, Leasey Key then Alt+C, the Edit Field contains the same code as previously entered in the event the sign needs to be repeated.
For those who are not familiar with the codes, if the Edit Field is vacant, pressing Enter will bring into view a list of all the Alt codes available. The description is given together with the code number. This serves two purposes. First, a code can be selected from the list and the Enter key pressed to insert the relevant sign. Second, giving the code values in this way helps anyone in learning them so that they can be entered manually at a later time, bypassing the list.
In the event a person prefers to use the list of codes constantly, focus never returns to the top of it each time it is entered. The option just used gains focus automatically in the event that the sign needs to be repeated.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then Alt+C: Opens the Leasey Alt Codes tool.
Enter: Inserts the typed or selected Alt code character.
Emoji characters are graphical images which are used in electronic messages and on webpages. They exist in various genres, including facial expressions, animals, common objects, the weather, and so on. They have become increasingly popular as a result of their use on portable phones and similar devices.
If someone posts Emoji characters on social media for example, JAWS is able to announce them. This makes it very easy for you to understand the true meaning of the person's intentions. Leasey provides you with a list of Emoji you can use anywhere you like, particularly on social media. You can bring into view a list of Emoji signs, divided into 15 categories. Pressing Enter on any item will insert it into the text edit area. It's very easy!
The 15 categories are:
Smileys - Happy and Affectionate.
Smileys - Thinking, Sad and Unwell.
Hearts and Emotion Symbols.
Hands and Gestures.
People and Accessibility.
Family and Relationships.
Animals - Common and Mammals.
Animals - Birds, Sea and Small Creatures.
Plants, Weather and Sky.
Food and Drink.
Activities, Games and Sports.
Music, Entertainment and Celebration.
Technology, Office and Study.
Travel, Places and Transport.
Fantasy, Objects and Symbols.
Please note: As we understand it, the JAWS support for emoji has not been updated for some time. Therefore, if you enter an emoji into your text, what JAWS says may not match up exactly with what you intended. JAWS may speak it correctly, it may speak an approximation of it, or it may not speak it at all. We have tried hard to avoid signs where JAWS does not speak at all. That is disappointing because many emoji people use as language in 2026 could not be inserted into this tool. Indeed we had to remove an entire modern category because of this issue. But you should find all the signs we have used are accurate.
In order to use Emoji:
Step 1. Place the cursor in the area where you would like to insert Emoji.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+E.
Step 3. You are now in a list of Emoji. You can either navigate the list with the Up or Down Arrow keys, type the first letter or two of the item you want (such as "SM" for "Smiley Face"), or type numbers 1 through to 15. Typing any of these numbers will take you to each of the 15 categories.
Step 4. When the desired item is located, press Enter to insert the sign.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then Control+Shift+E: Opens the list of Emoji.
Up Arrow and Down Arrow: Move through the Emoji list.
1 through 15: Move to one of the Emoji categories.
As you can imagine, the ability to command the functions of the Windows operating system using a Braille entry keyboard, usually integrated into a Braille display where the regular Windows keys are not at your disposal, is not easy. While a concept built into JAWS can make this possible, it is not particularly easy to learn. Moreover, the ability to easily find text in documents is not straightforward. We hope that all of these issues are addressed in Leasey and will be described here.
BrailleEas has been tested using the Focus range of Braille displays, the Humanware Brailliant range and the BrailleSense. However, BrailleEas can be modified to work alongside almost any display with a Braille input keyboard. If you have an unsupported model, please ask us to work with you so that BrailleEas can work with your particular model.
Controlling Windows With a Braille Entry Keyboard.
Braille displays give you a lot of flexibility in order that you can use your favourite Windows applications while on the go. However imagine using only 8 keys to perform all those Windows functions you take for granted. The concept on the Focus line of displays is that you press various keyboard combinations to effect Windows keystrokes. So if you want to execute Alt+F4 to close a program down, you hold down dot 8 with space which says to the display "I want to do a Windows keystroke now", and you also press dot 6 which represents "ALT", and dot 1, which means "A function key is now going to be pressed". Release those keys, and press letter "D", representing 4. Furthermore, if using the BrailleSense connected to your computer, it is completely impossible to control all Windows functions or screen-reading commands using the Braille entry keyboard alone. This is likely to be the case with other models of display.
Leasey makes this much easier. We call this functionality BrailleEas. It gives you complete control of your device without the need to remember complex key sequences, and it also means you can do so within a matter of minutes. That is how it should be. You've purchased a sophisticated device and you want to get up and running as quickly as possible. BrailleEas allows you to do this while you get to learn the more complex Braille input keys, if that is what you wish to do.
The concept is that you press a key on the keyboard which is "Of-Sign Chord", or dots 1-2-3-5-6 with the Space Bar.
You are now in a Dialog Box entitled "Keystroke?" BrailleEas is now waiting for you to control the device with an appropriate command.
Type a command, such as :
windows D That is windows space d, and press the Enter key. When you press the Enter key, in our example this sets focus to the Windows Desktop. Now use the same procedure to run a windows application. Press Dots 1-2-3-5-6 with the Space Bar, wait for the dialog, and type windows R, that is Windows space R, and press Enter. The Run Dialog Box appears, into which you can type Notepad and then press the Enter key to launch it.
Please note that when you are typing instructions into the Edit Field, computer Braille is required.
Here are some other commands you may like to enter. You can of course substitute these strategies for other keyboard commands.
Control Space F4.
Alt Space F4.
Control Space Shift Space P.
Windows Space E.
Alt+Windows+RightArrow.
You can also carry out any JAWS screen-reading command. Provided you know the keyboard action to perform the command, you can enter it on the device. Here are some examples.
Insert Space F7. Brings into view a list of links on a web page.
Insert Space UpArrow. Reads the current line.
Insert Space F11. Brings into view a list of icons in the System Tray area of Windows.
It is possible to abbreviate any one of the above keystrokes. This saves a great deal of time when controlling your device, since the full word of the keyboard action does not need to be spelled out, such as Windows. The abbreviations are:
Windows equals W.
Alt equals A.
Control equals C.
Shift equals S.
I equals Insert.
Here are some examples of how you might use these abbreviations.
W Space R. Brings into view the Run Dialog Box.
I Space F7. Presses the keystroke Insert+F7 so as to bring into view the list of links Dialog Box.
Finally, Leasey-related keystrokes can be entered by substituting the Leasey Key for the abbreviation, L E. Here are some examples:
LE Space Control+L. This brings into view the list of Leasey Cuts.
LE Space Control Space Semicolon. This brings into view a list of Leasey Cuts pointing to web pages.
LE Space F1. Copies text to Leasey Clip 1.
There are a small number of utilities built into Leasey which can be accessed in this way.
If you enter the word "Start", the Leasey Start Menu appears. Please refer to the section of this documentation relating to the Leasey Start Menu.
If you type the word "AddStart" into BrailleEas, the focused application will be added to the Leasey Start Menu.
BrailleEas also contains a number of commands specifically for use with Markdown. Please see the relevant section of this documentation in relation to using Markdown to create text documents.
Advanced Functionality of BrailleEas.
Now we have outlined the basic principles of using BrailleEas for BrailleSense, we will go onto describing how it can become more sophisticated and how you can make it do tricks.
The above discussion is all very well if you are content to type out the various keystrokes in full, but this can be a little time consuming. However BrailleEas gets a little better, because you can customise your own shortcuts and abbreviations to carry out a number of tasks.
This is done by launching BrailleEas using dots 1-2-3-5-6 with the Space Bar and typing the word, braille, then press Enter. This opens up a file in notepad, a simple text editor. We have provided a sample file for you. You can delete or change any entry in this file, and we encourage you to create your own entries so the device will do what you want it to do with the minimum of effort.
The concept is that you specify the abbreviation you would like to type, then write an equals sign, and follow it up with the action you would like to carry out as a result.
Below, you will find contents of the sample file provided, and we will go through it with you here so that you can see some of the actions which are possible. It will also teach you how this file should be constructed so you can create your own abbreviations and shortcuts.
Conventional windows keystrokes.
desk=windows+d
run=Windows+R
close=Alt+f4
What does this all mean? Simply this. If you add such an entry to the Elegance file, in the future you can just type the abbreviation to carry out the task. You do not even need to press Enter so as to terminate the special mode. In the above examples, if you pressed dots 1-2-3-5-6 with the Space Bar, then the term Desk, you would automatically be focused on the Windows desktop. If you pressed dots 1-2-3-5-6 with Space, and typed the word Run, the Windows Run Dialog Box would appear.
Let us now look at some other examples.
JAWS keystrokes
sp=Control+NumPad5
If you used this abbreviation, pressing dots 1-2-3-5-6 and Space Bar, followed by the characters SP, would cause JAWS to read out the current paragraph. The default command for that on an display device by the way is LEFT SHIFT+RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-3-5-6-7-8, so it's quicker and easier to do it this way.
links=insert+f7 If you used this abbreviation, pressing dots 1-2-3-5-6 and Space Bar, followed by the word Links would cause the list of links Dialog Box to appear.
For the TWBlue Mastodon client
rt=Alt+windows+rightarrow
lt=Alt+windows+leftarrow
Whenever you press Of-Sign Chord followed by RT, you would advance to the next buffer in a Twitter application, such as TWBlue.
It is even possible to run specific files if you care to create abbreviations for them.
For ElNotes ElNotes=C:\Program Files (x86)\Elita Group\ElNotes\ElNotes.exe
This means whenever you type Of-Sign Chord followed by the word ElNotes, the ElNotes application will launch. What we are doing here is specifying in our elegance.ini file the abbreviation, an equals sign, then the full path of the file to be launched.
Finally, if you have created Leasey Abbreviations which are attached to Leasey Texts, you can even type those through this feature. For example, if you had an abbreviation assigned to the characters SIG, this may type your signature, such as name, company position, etc. In this example, you would press Of-Sign Chord, followed by the characters SIG, to reproduce the signature.
When you have added your various abbreviations, press Control+S to save the file, followed by Alt+F4 so as to close it. As soon as the file is saved, you can begin using the abbreviations.
Concluding Notes on BrailleEas or Brilliance for BrailleSense.
It could be that you enter Elegance or Brilliance Mode with Of-Sign Chord, and then change your mind. For example, you may enter the mode and misspell the word Control, to represent the control key. That is not a problem. Just press Z-Chord, or Z with Space, and this mode is terminated. You will hear a sound to indicate it has been terminated.
Finally, there is a conventional Windows Desktop keyboard shortcut which allows you to enter Elegance or Brilliance mode. This is Alt+Windows+F12. This allows anyone to test this functionality using a standard Desktop keyboard if necessary.
Word Processing, display or Focus Display Only.
If you prepare files in a word processor, you are going to want to find text quickly. There will always be words or phrases you need to locate. Using the display by default, you would have to press the keystroke for Control+F, (dot 8 with space and dot 3), then F, type in the phrase, press Enter, then Z chord for escape. You then should be on the correct instance of the word. If you are not, you will either need to press Shift+F4, remembering you need to locate the Braille equivalent first, or maybe F3, depending on the word processor. We can just press F with Shift 1 on the display. Type what you wish to search for, press Enter, and the cursor is on the desired line and it is spoken. If that is not the correct instance, press letter N together with Shift 1 for next.
Still in a word processor, delete the current word with D chord, or D with space. Delete the current line by pressing shift 2 with letter D. Select text by pressing dots 2 3 4 5 6, or With sign chord to mark the beginning of the selection, move to the end of the text, and then press Of sign chord or dots 1 2 4 5 6, whereupon you can manipulate it in whichever way you wish.
Finally, if you have created Leasey Texts and associated them with Leasey Abbreviations, you can type the series of characters and then press Shift 2 with dots 4 5 and 6. This is the Abbreviation Lookup key. This means that you can create your own Braille shorthand, reproducing even long passages of text with the minimum number of keystrokes.
JAWS Speech History enables you to review previous announcements spoken by JAWS. It is a very useful feature for reminding yourself of previously spoken messages, such as Windows notifications or the contents of a Dialog Box.
Ordinarily, Speech History can be brought into view by pressing JAWS Key+Space then H. It is rendered in the JAWS results viewer which is a separate application window, taking focus away from the application in which you were working. It can take a number of seconds for the results viewer to display the last 500 entries spoken by the synthesiser.
Leasey makes it possible for you to have access to your Speech History without leaving your currently focused application. You can move back and forth through the history items, review individual items and copy any number of them to the Windows clipboard.
The concept is as follows:
Press the Control and Grave Accent keys together then release them. We call this the History Key. Once you have done that, you are taken into a special history browse mode, whereupon a number of other keys can be pressed by themselves. These will be described in the paragraphs below.
Changing the History Voice.
As you scroll through your speech history items, you will hear them using a special voice which you can customise. You may like to adjust the voice so you can differentiate between those items in the Speech History and the speech JAWS uses to report on-screen activity. Press the History Key then:
Alt+Up Arrow by itself repeatedly.
Alt+Down Arrow by itself repeatedly.
Pressing the first of these keys raises the pitch of the voice while the second lowers the pitch. JAWS will speak some text using the newly selected pitch so you can hear what it sounds like.
As you use these keys, you will at some point reach the default pitch. This is referred to as "pitch 0". A sound will play and you will be advised this is the regular pitch.
When you have adjusted the pitch to your liking, press Escape to save. The setting will be saved even if you restart JAWS and is available on all machines if you use Leasey Cloud.
Using Speech History.
When the History Voice has been set, for day-to-day use you can press the History Key followed by either Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Shift+Left Arrow, Shift+Right Arrow or Space by themselves.
Let's go through the keys one by one.
History Key then Up Arrow, This captures the Speech History. You have to start with this one. Whenever you want to examine the Speech History entries, press this key combination. Anything which the speech synthesiser says subsequently is not part of your Speech History capture until you press this key combination again. JAWS announces the most recent entry. You may decide that is enough as you have reviewed the item spoken most recently, in which case, press Escape to exit out of history browse mode and continue on with your work in your current application.
From this point, assuming Speech History has been captured as described above, you are already in the Speech History layer. Press Left or Right Arrow keys by themselves. You'll probably want to start with Left Arrow repeatedly, which will take you back through the Speech History items one by one. JAWS will speak and Braille each item. The item will be spoken using the special history voice you have previously set. Because you are in the special history browse mode, you can quickly skim back and forth through the items to find the one you want. Press Escape to stop browsing.
Having heard a Speech History item, press Down Arrow. This will copy it to the clipboard. You can do this for as many segments as you like. Each one will be separated by a blank line on the clipboard. So if you want to copy the most recent, the third most recent, and the fifth most recent, you can do that.
If you wish to review an item in the JAWS Virtual Viewer you have heard, perhaps to check spelling, press Space. You have now left history browse mode and can continue to examine the text in the Virtual Viewer a character or word at a time.
Some points to note.
The Speech History you have captured will stay available to you until you restart JAWS or until you reset it by pressing History Key then Up Arrow. This means, if you wanted to, you could examine something from the Speech History, continue with your work, then go back to it in about an hour to remind yourself of important information which had previously been spoken. It should still be there. In that event, just press History Key then Left Arrow to enter the special history keyboard layer and start browsing with Left or Right Arrow keys by themselves.
Examples of Using Speech History.
Step 1. Browse your Inbox in Microsoft Outlook by moving through the messages with the Up and Down Arrow keys.
Step 2. When you find the message from Mary Domingo, remember that JAWS has just spoken her last name and the subject line of the message.
Step 3. Press History Key then Up Arrow to capture the Speech History.
Step 4. Press Left Arrow repeatedly until Mary's name is spoken.
Step 5. Press Space to review it word by word or character by character.
Step 6. Press Escape to exit the Virtual Viewer and return to Outlook.
Now we will move into the JAWS Help/About Dialog Box. We want to copy our JAWS serial number and the JAWS version number to the clipboard so as to send it to someone.
Step 1. Having moved into the About Dialog Box, press History Key then Up Arrow to capture the Speech History.
Step 2. The serial number was the last item spoken. Copy it to the clipboard with Down Arrow.
Step 3. Press Left Arrow repeatedly. Each time you do this, JAWS will announce the item previously spoken. Keep doing this until you hear the JAWS version and build number, then press Down Arrow to copy it. The version number is likely to be some way back, but because you only need to press Left Arrow by itself repeatedly, you can skim through the items quickly.
Step 4. Press Escape to exit history browsing mode.
If you now press Leasey Key then X to read the clipboard contents, you should hear the two items of information spoken.
Finally, you've just received a Windows notification. You were talking to someone at the time JAWS announced it, so you missed hearing the details.
Step 1. Press the History Key then Up Arrow to capture Speech History.
JAWS announces the notification text because it was the last item spoken. Even that has enormous value. The keystroke used in JAWS by default to repeat the last spoken notification, JAWS Key+Space then Shift+N, does not obey any special Notification Manager rules you have set up, so you are going to get the notification in full including plenty of verbal clutter. Using the method just demonstrated here, you will just have the notification repeated including any special condensing of speech which may have been applied by a notification rule.
But it gets better. You can now press Space to review that text which is presented in the form you would like it to be. The only way in which you could review that notification in native JAWS is either by going into Speech History or the Notifications Manager which are both separate applications. Even then, the Notifications Manager will not allow you to review that text using your preferences.
Copying Items in a Continuous Range.
There is a possibility that you may like to copy items from the speech history in a continuous range. Here is an example of how you might like to go about that.
Step 1. Press the History Key then Up Arrow to capture the speech history.
Step 2. Press Left Arrow repeatedly until you reach the first segment you would like to copy.
Step 3. Press Shift+Right Arrow. JAWS reports the segment of speech history has been copied to the clipboard.
Step 4. Continue to press Shift+Right Arrow. Each time you do this, the next segment of speech history is automatically copied to the clipboard. JAWS will always inform you of this while speaking the copied segment so you can monitor your progress. It's like selecting one character at a time.
Step 5. If you press Shift+Right Arrow too many times, you can move back by pressing Shift+Left Arrow. Each time you do that, the last copied segment is removed from the clipboard. Again, JAWS advises you which segment is no longer on the clipboard. It's like unselecting a character.
Step 6. When all required segments have been copied, press Escape to stop browsing.
Final Note.
There is a further method of accessing Speech History which is an alternative method if the conventional keystroke of JAWS Key+Space then H is not giving you what you need. You can press the History Key followed by letter H. When you press this key combination, a sound will play, letting you know that the Speech History is available. Focus is placed on the final entry, so press Up Arrow to explore previous Speech History entries.
To exit out of Speech History, press Escape.
Keystroke Summary.
Capture speech history, Control+Grave then Up Arrow.
Speech history back, Control+Grave then Left Arrow.
Speech history forward, Control+Grave then Right Arrow.
Speech history item review, Control+Grave then Space.
Speech history copy item to clipboard, Control+Grave then Down Arrow.
Speech History copy items in a continuous range, Control+Grave then Shift+Right Arrow.
Speech History remove item from clipboard, Control+Grave then Shift+Left Arrow.
A Progress Indicator is generally given in percentage terms to advise a user of the progress of an event which is taking place in Windows. This could be the installation of a program, but it could also be the downloading of a file from the internet, or perhaps copying a large folder from one storage location to another.
JAWS does give a good indicator as to the percentage of most progress bars. However, Leasey does have a sound scheme, (activated by pressing the Leasey Key then letter O). This has three states: Off, which means speech only. Sounds On, which is self-explanatory, and Sounds with Speech, where you hear both the sounds and the speech; a tutorial mode if you will. The Sounds Scheme allows sounds to represent specific events rather than speech output, for example when a web page loads or when text is being highlighted or selected.
Assuming the Sounds Scheme is enabled, and when JAWS is in contact with a Progress Bar, you will hear tones which represent 5 percent increments, with the lowest tone representing 5 percent and the highest 100 percent.
During other percentage increments, you will hear a soft tick sound. While we could have just stopped at the 20 tones, we wanted users to know that progress was occurring at the other percentage points in a discrete way. For example, if a large video file is being copied from an iPhone to a computer, this can take several minutes. The tick sounds will indicate that things are progressing, but if there is a pause in the tick sounds, this should let you know that no further progress is being made.
Naturally, we want users to learn what the sounds represent, so there is a tutorial mode which plays the tones from lowest to highest, together with the soft tick. Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+P.
Two further notes. There is a setting within JAWS to change the frequency of the progress indicator reports. This is honoured by the Sounds Scheme.
Secondly, in the case of downloading files using Google Chrome, there is no progress bar as such. But with Leasey, you will hear a sound to indicate that a file is downloading, and there is also a mechanism by which you can ascertain the amount of a file which has been downloaded together with the total size of the potential download. Press the Leasey Key followed by Windows+P to learn this information.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then O: Changes the Leasey sound scheme.
Leasey Key then Windows+P: Plays the Progress Indicator sound tutorial, or reports the progress of a downloaded file in Google Chrome.
Working with tables has always been one of the biggest friction points for screen reader users. Whether dealing with a complex web table, a spreadsheet-style layout, or a structured report, extracting usable information has often meant slow navigation, unreliable copying, and extensive cleanup.
Leasey Table Capture changes that. This feature is designed to make capturing table data faster, more reliable, and dramatically more flexible than traditional copy-and-paste. Capture exactly what you need — instantly.
With Leasey Table Capture, you can quickly capture:
An entire table or set of tables.
A single cell.
An entire row.
An entire column.
Column headers only.
Row headers only.
A custom selection of individual cells.
Each capture is appended to a dedicated Leasey capture buffer, allowing you to collect information from different areas of a table — or even from entirely different tables — and review it all together.
You can also choose how cells are separated, such as by new lines, new paragraphs, spaces, vertical bars, or commas. This makes it easier to move captured data into documents, spreadsheets, emails, or reports without needing to reformat it afterwards.
Not all tables are created equal. Many websites fail to mark up headers properly, causing traditional screen reader table navigation to break down. Leasey Table Capture intelligently handles both:
True structural headers when they exist.
Fallback headers (first row or first column) when they do not.
The result is meaningful, usable header information even on poorly coded websites.
Instead of struggling with manual selection and copying, Leasey allows you to:
Build a running collection of captured table data.
Review it instantly in a virtual viewer.
Copy everything in one step when you are ready.
This makes Table Capture ideal for research, auditing, form filling, data verification, report writing, comparison tasks, and any situation where structured information needs to be gathered quickly and accurately.
Important Notes.
It is helpful to be familiar with the standard JAWS table navigation keystrokes. At a basic level, these include Alt+Control combined with the Up, Down, Left, and Right Arrow keys to move between rows and columns.
Table Capture currently supports tables displayed in web browsers and Microsoft Word.
All captured information is rendered as plain text. This feature is designed for gathering and reviewing table data, and at present does not export directly to specific structured file formats such as Excel. However, captured data can easily be pasted into other applications for further use.
Table Capture Concepts.
The concept behind the Table Capture feature is simple and efficient. You press a key combination known as the Table Capture Key. This key is Windows+Grave Accent pressed together. You are already familiar with the location of the Grave Accent key, as it is also used as the Leasey Key.
When you press this key combination, JAWS announces “Table,” confirming that Table Capture mode is active.
You can then press one of several additional keys to capture specific parts of the table. A complete list of keystrokes is provided at the end of this chapter. For example:
To capture the entire table: press Table Key, then T.
To capture the current cell: press Table Key, then E.
Each capture adds information to a virtual buffer. This is a temporary storage area that collects captured data until you choose to review or copy it to the clipboard.
Choosing the Separator.
Before capturing data, you may wish to choose how captured cells will be separated within the buffer. This determines how the data will appear when viewed or pasted into another application.
To choose a separator, press Table Key then O. Available options include:
Line (each cell on a new line).
Paragraph.
Space character.
Vertical bar.
Comma.
Select the desired option and press Enter. Your choice is remembered until you change it again.
Managing the Buffer.
Before beginning a new capture session, it is recommended that you clear the buffer to avoid mixing previous data with new content.
To clear the buffer, press Table Key then Up Arrow.
You may now capture as many cells, rows, columns, or tables as needed from one or multiple tables.
To view the contents of the buffer at any time, press Table Key then Space. The captured data is displayed in the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer inspection. Press Escape to close the viewer.
To copy all buffered data to the clipboard, press Table Key then Down Arrow.
Working With Tables.
We will now work through some practical examples of using the Table Capture keystrokes. It is not necessary to demonstrate every function in detail. If you are familiar with tables, reviewing the keystrokes listed at the end of this chapter should make it clear what will be captured when a particular command is used. However, the following exercises will help illustrate typical real-world usage.
You may use any table you wish for practice. In these examples, we will use the web page:
This page contains a radio schedule presented as seven separate tables — one for each day of the week. Each table has four columns: Start, End, Show, and Description.
Capturing An Entire Table.
Step 1. Press the Table Key then O to open Table Capture Options.
Step 2. Select the second item, Paragraph. This inserts a blank line between each captured cell, making the output easier to read.
Step 3. Press Enter to save the setting. This only needs to be done once unless you later choose a different separator.
Step 4. Clear the buffer by pressing Table Key then Up Arrow.
Step 5. Press Control+Home to move to the top of the web page.
Step 6. Press the letter T to move to the first table (Monday schedule).
Step 7. Press the Table Key then T to capture the entire table. JAWS confirms that the table has been captured.
Step 8. Press the Table Key then Space to view the buffer. Each cell of the table should now be displayed, separated by a blank line. Press Escape to return to the web page.
Step 9. If you wish, you may now copy the table to the clipboard by pressing Table Key then Down Arrow. Alternatively, continue with the next exercise to see how multiple tables can be combined.
Step 10. Press the letter T again to move to the second table (Tuesday schedule).
Step 11. Press Table Key followed by T. The second table is added to the existing buffer. Previously captured data is not overwritten.
Step 12. When ready, press Table Key then Space to review the combined buffer, or Table Key then Down Arrow to copy everything to the clipboard.
Copying Data From Multiple Tables.
In this example, we will capture specific cells from different tables. The programme Totally 90's appears on Saturday and Totally 80's appears on Sunday. We will capture the show title and description for both entries.
Step 1. Clear the buffer by pressing Table Key then Up Arrow.
Step 2. Press Control+Home to move to the top of the web page.
Step 3. Press Control+F for JAWS Find and type the word Totally.
Step 4. Press Enter. JAWS announces “Totally 90's.” This is the first cell to capture.
Step 5. Press Table Key then E. JAWS announces “Cell captured.”
Step 6. To confirm, press Table Key then Space. The text “Totally 90's” should appear in the buffer. Press Escape to close.
Step 7. Press Alt+Control+Right Arrow to move to the Description column.
Step 8. Press Table Key then E to capture the description.
Step 9. Press F3 to find the next occurrence of “Totally.” JAWS announces “Totally 80's.”
Step 10. Press Table Key then E to capture the show title.
Step 11. Press Alt+Control+Right Arrow to move to the Description column.
Step 12. Press Table Key then E to capture the description. Four items are now stored in the buffer.
Step 13. Press Table Key then Space to review the captured data. Press Escape to close.
Step 14. Press Table Key then Down Arrow to copy the captured information to the clipboard.
This example demonstrates how data can be gathered from different locations and combined into a single, clean output without needing to manually select or copy text.
Keystroke Summary.
The Table Key is the Leasey Key together with the Windows key pressed together. Use the Table Key followed by:
The Leasey Backup and Restore Manager is extremely powerful. It not only allows you to backup and restore your JAWS settings but it also makes it possible for you always to keep your Leasey settings and configuration files safe. In respect of modern Leasey applications specific to version 11.5, it allows the data stored as part of those to be synchronised across devices. Finally, there are utilities which allow you to make a backup of folders which are not related to JAWS or Leasey. This is known as Leasey Personal Backup. In the first part of this chapter, we will work through the process of backing up and restoring Leasey and JAWS settings. In the second part, we will describe how to backup and restore other files and folders.
Part 1. Backing Up JAWS and Leasey Settings.
Why Would I Want to Use the Backup and Restore Manager?.
Here are some common situations why you would want to use this tool rather than relying on your computer's hard disk to preserve your settings.
If your computer's hard disk develops a fault, you've potentially lost everything you have previously customised.
You can have access to all your configurations on multiple devices. This is ideal especially if you rely extensively on tools such as Leasey Texts for both work and home use.
If Leasey needs to be re-installed at a later time, perhaps due to a repair of JAWS, files which Leasey needs to install as a consequence will not be overwritten.
All your JAWS settings (as well as those belonging to Leasey) can be stored in a safe location and can be used again, perhaps when you upgrade to a new version of the screen-reader, or if a repair is required. It can take some time to customise JAWS speech and Braille settings, so it makes sense to have them backed up safely.
Backing Up, Restoring and Synchronising Settings.
There are three parts to this process of backup and synchronisation and it is very important we explain the differences as to what each function does. Then we will go onto show you how to carry out each of them.
Data Synchronisation of Modern Leasey Applications.
Starting with Leasey version 11.5, there are some modern applications where the data can be synchronised between devices. Over the coming years, it is hoped this will apply to all Leasey applications and features. But for now, it applies to:
Leasey Connect.
Leasey Cuts.
Leasey Database Manager.
Leasey Diary.
Leasey File Manager.
Leasey Media Centre.
Leasey Notes.
Leasey Social.
Leasey Spell Check.
Leasey Word.
This is very useful. If you use Leasey on multiple devices, you can use a cloud storage service such as OneDrive or Dropbox to share the data to devices having access to them. That means for example that if you have configured Mastodon or Bluesky accounts with Leasey Social, that data will be available on other devices so you will not have to set them up again. If you have built a database using Leasey Database Manager, stored Notes using Leasey Notes, or set radio station presets with Leasey Social, those too will be available on the other devices.
Leasey and JAWS Settings.
Now we come to the other two parts mentioned earlier. Leasey contains many other features which have been in place for a long time. Unfortunately, those settings cannot be synchronised to other devices. What you can do however is to back them up from one device to a cloud storage location for safekeeping. They could always be restored at a later time if necessary. The same is true for JAWS settings.
Workflow for Synchronising Settings for Modern Leasey Applications.
If you would like to ensure your data is synchronised on multiple devices, follow these steps:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to access the Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the first item: "Backup and Restore JAWS or Leasey Settings".
Step 3. Press Enter to launch the Leasey Data Manager.
Step 4. You are now in a Dialog Box containing a number of choices. Press the Tab key to move through each of the controls in the Dialog Box.
Step 5. The first option is an Edit Field labeled "Backup Location". If you know the full path of the folder name where you would like the data synchronised to, type it in full. For example, if you wanted the data synchronised to Dropbox, so it was readily accessible with other devices, you would type as an example: "c:\Users\John\Documents\Dropbox" You could also copy the full path using File Explorer or the Leasey File Manager and paste it into the Edit Field.
Step 6. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the next control. This is labeled "Browse" and is a Button. Activating this Button would allow you to browse to the desired location instead.
Step 7. The next Button is entitled "Use this location for modern Leasey applications". There are other controls in this dialog but that is the Button we are looking for. Press the Space Bar.
Step 8. You are asked if you would like to set the newly selected location as the default for storing data. The new location is confirmed provided to you to confirm this is correct. Type letter Y for Yes to confirm this.
Step 9. From this point forward, all Leasey modern applications will use this new location. Your existing data will be copied to the new location first so you will not lose anything.
Should you wish to reverse this procedure, go back into the Leasey Data Manager, and this time, press Enter or the Space Bar on the Button entitled "Restore modern Leasey applications from this location to drive C".
Making a Backup of Your Leasey or JAWS Settings.
To reiterate, this would only be used if you wish to make a backup of your existing Leasey or JaWS settings to an external location for preservation and for possible restoring at a later date. For example, if you have purchased a new computer and you wish to have those settings available to the new machine. Provided the new machine has access to the same external or cloud storage location, you will be able to restore.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to access the Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the first item: "Backup and Restore JAWS or Leasey Settings".
Step 3. Press Enter to launch the Leasey Data Manager.
Step 4. You are now in a Dialog Box containing a number of choices. Press the Tab key to move through each of the controls in the Dialog Box.
Step 5. The first option is an Edit Field labeled "Backup Location". If you know the full path of the folder name where you would like the data copied to, type it in full. For example, if you wanted the data copied to Dropbox, you would type as an example: "c:\Users\John\Documents\Dropbox" You could also copy the full path using File Explorer or the Leasey File Manager and paste it into the Edit Field.
Step 6. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the next control. This is labeled "Browse" and is a Button. Activating this Button would allow you to browse to the desired location instead.
Step 7. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you reach either "Make a Backup copy of your Leasey settings using this location" or "Make a Backup copy of your JAWS settings using this location".
Step 8. Press the Space Bar or Enter on one of those two Buttons. Leasey will ask if you would like to make a copy of the settings and will confirm the new location to you.
Step 9. Press the letter Y for Yes to proceed with the copying process.
Should you wish to restore your settings at any point, work through this procedure. This should only be necessary if you feel that you would like to restore from a previous backup or if you are wanting to copy settings to a new machine.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to access the Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the first item: "Backup and Restore JAWS or Leasey Settings".
Step 3. Press Enter to launch the Leasey Data Manager.
Step 4. You are now in a Dialog Box containing a number of choices. Press the Tab key to move through each of the controls in the Dialog Box.
Step 5. The first option is an Edit Field labeled "Backup Location". If you know the full path of the folder name where you would like the data copied from, type it in full. For example, if you wanted the data copied from Dropbox, you would type as an example: "c:\Users\John\Documents\Dropbox" You could also copy the full path using File Explorer or the Leasey File Manager and paste it into the Edit Field.
Step 6. Alternatively, press Tab to reach the next control. This is labeled "Browse" and is a Button. Activating this Button would allow you to browse to the desired location instead.
Step 7. Press the Tab key repeatedly until you reach either "Restore a copy of your Leasey settings from this location to Drive C" or "Restore a copy of your JAWS settings from this location to Drive C".
Step 8. Press the Space Bar or Enter on one of those two Buttons. Leasey will ask if you would like to restore the settings and will confirm the new location to you.
Step 9. Press the letter Y for Yes to proceed with the copying process.
Part 2. Leasey Personal Backup.
Introduction.
Leasey Personal Backup is a feature designed to provide users with a reliable and efficient way to protect important files and folders by creating backup copies that can be restored when needed. Whether safeguarding personal documents, work-related materials, or cherished media collections, this tool simplifies the backup and restore process, ensuring that your data remains secure and accessible.
Backing up files and folders is often an overlooked aspect of computer maintenance, yet it can prevent significant frustration and loss if something goes wrong. Accidental deletions, unexpected system failures, and hardware malfunctions can happen at any time, making it essential to have an up-to-date backup. Leasey Personal Backup offers a straightforward method for selecting which folders to back up, storing them in a designated location, and keeping them synchronized over time. The process is designed to be as effortless as possible, only backing up modified files after the initial backup, which drastically reduces time and system resource usage.
A key advantage of this feature is its flexibility. You can back up your folders to a location on your computer, an external USB drive, or a cloud-based service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. The ability to specify, edit, and change both the backup source and destination ensures that users retain full control over their backup strategy. Additionally, Leasey Personal Backup provides a Selective Restore option, allowing users to restore only specific folders rather than all backed-up data at once.
This utility is not designed to make a backup of your entire computer or to restore an entire machine back to a previous condition, nor is it designed to restore your JAWS for Windows settings.
Setting up Leasey Personal Backup is a simple process. You begin by specifying the target location where the backup files will be stored. Once this is set, you can choose the folders that should be included in the backup. The system ensures that no duplicate folders are added to the backup list, keeping everything organised. Running the backup is just as straightforward; after the initial backup, only changed or newly added files are copied, reducing the time required for future backups. If files are removed from their original location, they are also deleted from the backup to maintain consistency.
Restoring files is equally efficient, with two methods available. You can restore all backed-up folders to their original locations, or you can use Selective Restore to choose specific folders to recover. This flexibility ensures that you are not forced to restore unnecessary files, saving time and storage space.
Specifying the Target Location.
The first decision to be made is where to backup the folders and files. It could be a local drive or folder on your computer, but more likely, it will be a USB external drive or a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Step 1. Using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, browse to the folder where you wish to backup the folders and files. We call this the target.
Step 2. If you are using File Explorer only, press Enter to open up this folder.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key then Control+B for Backup.
Step 4. An Edit Field appears which contains the full path to the drive or folder, such as, e:\ or d:\Dropbox\John James.
Step 5. Using the Left and Right Arrow keys, examine the path character by character. If you do not see a full path such as that described above, you have not customised Windows correctly to display the full path in the window title of File Explorer and you should revisit the Installation section of this documentation. For example, if the Edit Field contains just the folder name and not the full path, Windows is not configured correctly.
Step 6. At this point you can adjust the path by editing the text in the field if you wish.
Step 7. When the full path to the potential Backup folder is correct, press Enter. This is saved permanently until you change it.
Specifying the Source Locations.
You can now decide which folders you would always like to be backed up to Leasey Personal Backup. The procedure for adding folders to the backup process is almost identical to that which we have been through for storing the target location.
Step 1. Using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, browse to each folder in turn.
Step 2. If you are using File Explorer only, press Enter to open up this folder.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key followed by Alt+B.
Step 4. An Edit Field appears displaying the path to the folder. As before, you can edit this location if necessary.
Step 5. When the path is displayed correctly, press Enter. The folder is then added to your backup list and is stored permanently until you change it. If Leasey identifies that the folder already exists in the backup list, it is not added a second time.
Running Personal Backup for the First Time.
It is now time to backup your folders to Personal Backup. The copying process is very efficient. However, if you are backing up a large number of Gigabytes of data, this can take a minute or two. Future backups of the same folders will be much faster.
Step 1. Open up the Leasey Backup and Restore Manager by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to select the option "Backup Folders Using Personal Backup".
Step 3. Press Enter and the backup will begin. You will be requested to "Please wait". A sound will play periodically to notify you that the backup is ongoing, however in many situations it will only play out once or twice as the backup is very fast!
Step 4. In time you will be advised that the backup is complete and the sound will no longer play.
Step 5. Finally, using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, browse to the folder containing the backup and verify all the content is present.
What Happens With Subsequent Backups?.
It is highly likely that you will make regular backup copies of the same folders. When you run Personal Backup as directed above, Leasey will only copy files which have been modified since the last backup was run. In many cases, this means that the backup will take place in only a few seconds.
If you have removed some files from the original source locations, the removed files will also be removed from the backup.
Backing Up Selected Folders Only.
There may be situations where on a temporary basis you may only like to backup selected folders from your core source locations.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to enter the Leasey Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the item "Select individual folders to copy to Personal Backup".
Step 3. Press Enter. An Edit Field is displayed containing a list of all the paths to folders which are currently in the Personal Backup. There is one path on each line. Using standard Windows editing techniques, remove all the folder paths you do not wish to be part of the backup process on this occasion. In short, the Edit Field should only contain a list of those folders you wish to be backed up this time.
Step 4. Press Enter and the backup process will begin.
Note that the selection of sources in the list is temporary. The next time you repeat the above steps for a selected backup, all the sources originally set for Personal Backup are displayed.
Restoring Folders.
The reason why we are making a backup of folders is that there could be a need to restore them at a later time. There are two methods for doing this. You can either restore all folders back to the point where they were last backed up or you can use what we call Selected Restore.
To restore all folders from the target back to the original sources:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to move into the Leasey Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the option "Restore all folders from Personal Backup".
Step 3. Press Enter and the restoration process will begin. A sound will play periodically as the restore is taking place. How long the restoration takes will depend upon a number of factors including the speed of the drive where the folders are stored and the size of the folders.
Step 4. When the process is complete you will be advised of this and the sound will no longer play.
You should now revisit the original source folders to check everything is in place.
We will now describe the process for restoring specific folders from the backup only:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to enter the Leasey Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the item "Restore individual folders from Personal Backup".
Step 3. Press Enter. An Edit Field is displayed containing a list of all the paths to folders which are currently in the Personal Backup. There is one path on each line. Using standard Windows editing techniques, remove all the folder paths you do not wish to be part of the restore process. In short, the Edit Field should only contain a list of those folders you wish to be restored.
Step 4. Press Enter and the restoration process will begin.
Note that the selection of sources in the list is temporary. The next time you repeat the above steps for a selected restore, all the sources originally set for Personal Backup are displayed.
Changing the Target Location.
If you wish to change the target location for the Personal Backup, you can:
Step 1. Using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, browse to a new folder for the Personal Backup.
Step 2. If you are using File Explorer only, press Enter to open up this folder.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key then Control+B.
Step 4. Check the new target location in the Edit Field.
Step 5. Press Enter. The new target will be used for future backups.
Alternatively:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B to move into the Leasey Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the item Edit Personal Backup Target Storage Location".
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. An Edit Field will appear containing the current path to the target location. If you are just using this as a mechanism to remind yourself of the target location, read the content of the Edit Field and press Escape. However, you can change this if you know the path to the new target location.
Step 5. Press Enter to save.
Points to Bare In Mind When Backing Up and Restoring Folders.
We do not recommend backing up Windows system folders or those internal to core applications your computer is using, such as those used by Microsoft Office programs. JAWS Settings folders can be part of your backup if you wish.
Be mindful of program or system updates which may be occurring at the time you wish to make the backup. It would be sensible not to backup or restore folders if events were taking place keeping the computer busy.
This next point bears repeating. If you work through the process of adding a folder to the backup list, and you do not see a full path to the folder, such as "c:\Users\Joe\Documents", the backup will not be able to take place.
If you wish to backup your Downloads folder, there is possibly an important consideration if you are using Microsoft OneDrive. If Microsoft OneDrive is enabled, Windows might redirect C:\Users\XXX\Downloads to C:\Users\XXX\OneDrive\Downloads. The first thing to consider if this occurs is this: should you be backing up the Downloads folder anyway? Downloads is meant to be a temporary storage area. When you download a file, the hope is that you are then going to do something with that file, such as move it to a more permanent location. If you receive Email messages, hopefully if they are important, you file them away in folders for the purpose. The same is true of files you download. If you still wish to pursue this however,open up the Downloads folder. If the folder referenced in the title or address bar refers to OneDrive, then the true Downloads folder is now in OneDrive. You should specify the OneDrive/Downloads path in the Backup.
Hartgen Consultancy is not responsible for any loss of data caused by misuse or incorrectly specifying paths to source or target folders.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B: Opens the Leasey Backup and Restore Manager.
Leasey Key then Control+B: Adds or confirms a folder as the Personal Backup target location when used in the context described.
Enter: Activates the selected backup or restore option, saves paths, or begins the backup or restore process.
Escape: Leaves the Edit Field or dialog without changing the Personal Backup target location where described.
There are several additional utilities which do not fall into other categories but which nevertheless are worth documenting here. All of them are going to provide you with an enhanced level of accessibility to applications.
Windows Notifications.
Controlling how much your computer speaks when specific events occur is always a good thing to know about. Quite often, you will receive Windows notifications or application alerts which vocalise (or display in Braille) far more information than you need. This section of our documentation explains a way in which this can be customised.
Starting in JAWS 2022, Vispero have introduced into the screen reader a utility called the notification history list. The term "notification" in this context is a very broad one. It could be an announcement emanating from a proper Windows notification, such as that sent out by WhatsApp, Outlook or Teams, but it could also be what we call an alert, and that is a message sent by an application to the screen reader to convey information, such as in Microsoft Edge. Have you ever been in Microsoft Edge and it said, for example, "Loading page", "Load complete"? That is what we call an alert. It's not an official Windows notification.
Regardless of what kind of alert or notification it is, you can press the insert key or the caps lock key if you're using the laptop layout together with space. Then the letter N for notification. This shows a list of the last 500 entries comprising notifications and alerts. You can leave this list open all day if you really wanted to because it's constantly going to refresh with the most recent notification at the top. You can always alt-tab over to it if you want to review the last few notifications that you've received.
If you are using JAWS version 2023 or above, you can create "special" rules so as to manage some of the speech and braille output when a notification is captured by JAWS. Because this process is somewhat unwieldy and not particularly easy to understand, you can import our own special rules so as to handle these notifications more efficiently.
Rules are available at present for Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Edge and the FileZilla FTP client.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B so as to move into the Backup and Restore Manager.
Step 2. Select the option to "Import Leasey Notification Rules" and press Enter.
Step 3. You will be asked if you are sure you want to import the rules. This question is important. If you have created notification rules yourself, we cannot merge the Leasey rules with those you have previously created. You can create rules afterwards if you wish, but if you choose to import those created for Leasey, at least initially any previously defined rules will be overwritten.
Step 4. Assuming "Yes" is activated, the latest set of rules will be downloaded from the Leasey Central web site and you can start using them right away.
You are free to remove or modify any of the Leasey imported rules and use them as you see fit, assuming you have the skills to do that.
In the event you wish to remove the Leasey rules and reinstate those you previously created, return to the Backup and Restore Manager, and this time, select the option to Reinstate Old Notification Rules. Again, you will be asked if you would like to proceed. Select "Yes". The Leasey rules will be removed and your old rules reinstated.
Miscellaneous.
Pressing the Leasey Key then P will cycle between the various options concerning how JAWS announces punctuation. The options are none, some, most and all.
Pressing Control+Windows+Shift+Up or Down arrow keys will increase or decrease the computer's system volume. This is ideal especially if you have purchased a new laptop computer and have no idea how to change the volume settings.
Pressing Control+Windows+Shift+Left or Right Arrow will change the volume level in smaller increments.
Press the Say Window Title keystroke twice quickly, Insert+T or Caps Lock+T, to place the title of the Windows application into the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer inspection.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Down Arrow will read the time.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Up Arrow will read the date.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Windows+Down Arrow will read the time including seconds.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Left Arrow will insert the current time into your document or edit area.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Windows+Left Arrow will insert the time into your document or edit area including seconds.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Right Arrow will insert the current date into your document or edit area.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Left Bracket, (to the immediate right of letter "P"), will speak the Leasey version and build number currently running.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Right Bracket, (two keys to the immediate right of letter "P"), will speak the JAWS version currently being used.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Left Bracket will speak the Windows version number being used.
Press the Leasey Key then letter U to hear the JAWS serial number being used. This information is also copied to the Windows clipboard.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Windows+Delete will delete the current line of text.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Delete will delete all text from the cursor position to the start of the line.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Alt+Delete will delete all text from the cursor position to the end of the line.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Alt+D will report the status of your Dropbox activity if it exists. Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+D will open the Dropbox Preferences, while the Leasey Key then ALT+Control+Windows+D will launch the Dropbox folder. When entering the Dropbox Preferences Dialog Box for full customisation of this service, you will find that this is now much more accessible than it otherwise would have been. Press Tab to move from one field to another, or Control+Tab to move through Tabbed Pages.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Alt+G will report the status of your Google Drive activity if it exists. Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+G will open the Google Drive Preferences, while the Leasey Key then Windows+G will launch the Google Drive folder.
Pressing the Leasey Key then Alt+O will report the status of your Microsoft OneDrive activity if it exists. Pressing the Leasey Key then Control+O will open the Microsoft OneDrive Preferences, while the Leasey Key then Windows+O will launch the Microsoft OneDrive folder.
Pressing the Insert Key with figure 2 on the main QWERTY keyboard will cycle through the JAWS "Typing Echo" modes. Unlike JAWS default behaviour, the setting is permanently stored. In addition, there is a further option, "Characters without special keys such as Enter or Escape". When this option is selected, all characters are echoed but not those related to Windows functions.
If you wish to hear useful information about the document or webpage, (such as the number of characters, words or lines), press the "Speak Information" keyboard shortcut, Leasey Key then I. Important notes:
- If text is selected prior to pressing the above keyboard command, the number of items reported relates to the selected text.
- If focused on a webpage and you execute this keystroke, in addition to other useful information you will hear whether the JAWS Forms Mode is active or not.
Pressing Alt+Control+Windows+Page Up will increase the JAWS speech rate. Pressing Alt+Control+Windows+Page Down will decrease the JAWS speech rate. Both settings are permanently stored.
If you have a Pearl camera attached to your computer, pressing the Leasey Key then Alt+P will cause the item under the camera to be scanned automatically.
Social Media Specialist Clients.
Specialist social media clients for platforms such as Mastodon and Bluesky often use global “invisible interface” keystrokes that work across applications.
Some of these keystrokes have conflicted with Leasey commands. Version 11 introduces an option to use alternative Leasey Keystrokes where conflicts occur.
For users of these clients, this frees up keys for social media access. For everyone else, the existing Leasey layout continues to work exactly as it always has. What this means in practice is for options including changing the system sound volume, and moving through audio, the keys have a Leasey prefix. For example, if you wish to increase the volume for the default Windows sound source, ordinarily this key combination would be Alt+Control+Windows+Up Arrow. However, using this special mode, it would be the Leasey Key followed by Alt+Control+Windows+Up Arrow.
Please note that Leasey users have enjoyed working with the default keyboard layout for over 10 years. While undoubtedly the specialist social media clients referred to in this section are useful, they are created by volunteers who can withdraw their client at any time or cease supporting it. Hartgen Consultancy cannot guarantee that the method used above will allow for the adjustment of all keystrokes to support each client. The company will make every effort to adjust this feature over time, but this is not high priority. In any event, Leasey has never stopped anyone from using the Graphical User Interface for such clients.
Obtaining a Computer Report.
Computer Report is a small Leasey app which creates a detailed HTML report about your computer. This can be useful if you are trying to understand what is installed, checking a computer for support purposes, or gathering information before asking someone for help.
Start Computer Report with the Leasey Key then Control+Right Bracket. The Right Bracket key is two keys to the right of the letter P.
The main window is deliberately simple. It contains:
Output folder.
Browse Button.
Status.
Generate Report Button.
Open Report Button.
Open Folder Button.
Close Button.
The Output folder is where the HTML report will be created. By default, this is:
C:\ComputerReport
You can leave this unchanged unless you want to store the report somewhere else.
Press Tab to move through the controls.
The main shortcut keys are:
Alt+F moves to the Output folder field.
Alt+B activates Browse.
Alt+G activates Generate Report.
Alt+O activates Open Report.
Alt+D activates Open Folder.
Alt+C closes the app.
Context Sensitive Help is available with Insert+F1. This opens a Leasey Help window. Read the help text with the Arrow keys and press Escape to close the Help window.
Escape also closes the Computer Report app.
If focus is not in the Output folder field, pressing Enter starts report generation.
To create a report:
Step 1. Start Computer Report with the Leasey Key then Control+Right Bracket.
Step 2. Leave the Output folder as C:\ComputerReport unless you want to choose another folder.
Step 3. Press Alt+G, or press Tab until you reach Generate Report and press Enter.
The app should say that the report is being generated. This can take a little while because Windows has to gather a lot of information.
When the report is complete, you should hear a short confirmation. A message box should also confirm that the report has been created.
After the report is created, focus should move to the Open Report Button. Press Enter to open the report in your default web browser. The report is an HTML page with headings. This means it can be opened and reviewed in a web browser using normal JAWS web navigation commands.
The report can include information such as:
Computer name.
User name.
Date and time the report was generated.
Windows version.
Processor and architecture.
Windows product and build information.
Drive information, including total, used and free space.
Installed applications.
DxDiag information, where available.
System information.
Network configuration.
Driver information.
Windows services.
Startup commands.
BIOS information.
Computer system information.
Memory chip information.
Logical disk information.
Installed Windows hotfixes.
Some parts of the report depend on what Windows allows the app to collect. If a particular command is not available on a computer, the report should show a clear message rather than causing the app to fail.
After a report has been generated during the current session, use Open Report to open the latest report.
Use Open Folder to open the folder containing the reports. This is useful if you want to find an older report or attach a report to an email.
File Explorer File or Folder Properties.
Anyone familiar with File Explorer will know that it is possible to access the properties of a file or folder. Properties include details of the size of the item, together with when it was last updated. If focused on a folder, the number of files contained within it is displayed there.
JAWS provides no easy way to read the information in the properties Dialog Box. Leasey however allows you to access it.
Step 1. When focused on a file or folder in File Explorer, press Alt+Enter to bring into view the Properties Dialog Box.
Step 2. Press Alt+Enter once and you will hear the size of the folder or file together with the last modification date.
Step 3. Press Alt+Enter twice quickly to place the above information into the JAWS Virtual viewer, together with how many files are contained within the folder, assuming a folder was selected prior to invoking the Properties Dialog Box.
Step 4. If you are reading the information in the Virtual viewer, as prompted on the final line, press Escape to return to the Properties Dialog Box.
Step 5. Press Escape to exit the Properties Dialog Box.
Converting a Scanned PDF to a Text File.
Leasey Word has tools which are preferred for this purpose.
Have you ever had a PDF file which is a scanned image of a document? You will know if you have such a file because, when you launch it and try to read its contents, JAWS will say, "Document is empty".
JAWS provides a facility where the document can be scanned and the results are delivered back to you within the Results Viewer, a webpage-like environment allowing you to read the text. To carry out such a scan, with the file loaded press Insert+Space, then O then D. After a short pause, you should be able to read the results of the scan.
If you would like a text file containing the contents of the file, with the scanned document in focus press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+F. When prompted, type in the full path where you would like the file saved and press Enter. The full path may look like, "c:\temp\phone information.txt", although you do not need to include the ".txt" extension. The file should now be present on the machine with the required output.
Audio Splitter.
If you are using stereo headsets or speakers, you can route all JAWS or Fusion speech to one ear while routing audio from all other applications to the other ear. This helps make it easier to continue getting work done with JAWS while following along during a Zoom or Teams meeting or a YouTube video.
To split audio, press Insert+Space, (or Caps Lock+Space if using the JAWS Laptop Keyboard Layout), then:
Left Arrow to route JAWS to the left and audio to the right.
Right Arrow, to route JAWS to the right and audio to the left.
Up Arrow, to restore sound balance.
Note: Before attempting to split your audio, make sure your headset or speakers are properly oriented. For instance, if you route JAWS speech to the left and instead hear it in your right ear, your headset is most likely reversed.
Once you split your JAWS speech and application audio, it remains in effect until you restart JAWS, or use the command to restore the audio balance.
Press Insert+Space or Caps Lock+Space then Down Arrow to move through soundcards.
Bookmarking Windows.
You can bookmark up to 10 application windows to return to at a later date. These are likely to be applications you wish to return to frequently. Good examples might be Microsoft Outlook, the Winamp audio player or your social media client.
To bookmark up to 10 windows, ideally focus upon the application you wish to return to and then press JAWS Key+Space then Windows +1 through to Windows+0. When you do this, an Edit Field appears. The title of the application is placed in the Edit Field for verification purposes. In the vast majority of cases however, the title is unsuitable. For example, if you do this within Microsoft Word, the text which is likely to be displayed in this Edit Field would be "Microsoft Word Document 1". It is extremely unlikely that you would want to return to Document 1 each time, so you will want to edit this to reflect a generic title for this application, such as "Microsoft Word". This term is always displayed no matter the document being worked upon. Always try to find a word or phrase which will appear in the window title no matter the circumstances. Change the text as necessary and press Enter. This application is now set to your preferred keyboard shortcut and will be available even if you restart JAWS or your computer.
To return to the previously bookmarked windows press JAWS Key+Space then Alt+1 through to Alt+0. Assuming the application assigned to the slot is running then it will be focused.
AI Tools.
Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+T to bring into view a list of AI services you can access on the web. These are Leasey with ChatGPT (described in this documentation), ChatGPT on the web, Microsoft CoPilot, Ask Microsoft Accessibility, FSCompanion, Innosearch for shopping and flights, Google Gemini and Perplexity. Press Enter to open up one of these services in your browser. Note that in many cases a subscription or additional purchasing may be required.
Keystroke Summary.
This section incorporates many useful keystrokes mentioned in this chapter and which fall into other miscellaneous areas.
Custom Help, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+h.
Enable or disable whether Leasey automatically maximizes windows, Leasey Key then Alt+Space.
Speak Time, Leasey Key then Down Arrow.
Speak Date, Leasey Key then Up Arrow.
Speak Time With Seconds, Leasey Key then Windows+Down Arrow.
Insert Time, Leasey Key then Left Arrow.
Insert Date, Leasey Key then Right Arrow.
Change System Volume, Control+Windows+Shift+Up or Down Arrow.
Change System Volume by a small increment, Control+Windows+Shift+Left or Right Arrow.
Speak the Leasey Version and Build Number, Leasey Key then Left Bracket.
Speak the JAWS version being used, Leasey Key then Right Bracket.
Copy the JAWS serial number to the Clipboard, Leasey Key then U.
Speak the Windows version being used, Leasey Key then Control+Left Bracket.
Restart JAWS, Alt+Windows+F9.
Speak Dropbox Status, Leasey Key then Alt+D.
Launch the Dropbox folder, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+Windows+D.
Speak Microsoft OneDrive Status, Leasey Key then Alt+O.
Mute or unmute speech, JAWS Key+Space then Alt+S.
Permanently change the Typing Echo, Insert+2.
Increase the Rate of JAWS Speech, Alt+Control+Windows+Page Up.
Decrease the Rate of JAWS Speech, Alt+Control+Windows+Page Down.
Access file or folder properties information in File Explorer, Alt+Enter. Press twice quickly to display the information in the JAWS Virtual Viewer.
Convert virtual environment to text, such as a PDF File, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+F.
Virtualise Notification in the Action Centre, Insert Up Arrow twice quickly.
Bookmark any one of five applications to return to, Insert+Space then Windows+1 through to Windows+0.
Return to any application previously bookmarked, Insert+Space then Alt+1 through to Alt+0.
Leasey Backup and Restore Manager, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+B.
copy a URL to the Clipboard in a Web Browser, or the Path of a File in File Explorer, Press Alt+Control+Windows+c.
Enable or disable the Leasey Sound Scheme, Leasey Key then O.
Hear the Progress Indicator sounds, or learn the progress of a downloaded file in Google Chrome, Leasey Key then Windows+P.
Bring window title into the Virtual Viewer, press Insert+T or Caps Lock+T twice quickly.
Play Leasey Games, Leasey Key then G.
scan a file with a camera such as the Pearl, Leasey Key then Alt+P.
obtain a technical report of your computer, Leasey Key then Control+Right Bracket.
return to a list of search results carried out in Leasey Search, podcasts or Radio Browser, Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow.
Toggle the Announcement of the Latest Leasey Bite, Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+B.
Map a drive, focus on a folder in file Explorer then Leasey Key Windows+M.
Delete a map drive, Leasey Key then Windows+D.
Leasey Start Menu, Leasey Key then Windows+S.
Add an application to the Leasey Start Menu, Leasey Key then Windows+A.
To add text to the Virtual Notes buffer, select it using the Leasey selection keys; Leasey Key then Comma and Leasey Key then Period or full-stop.
Show the Virtual Notes buffer, Leasey Key then B or Alt+Control+Windows+Forward Slash.
Clear the Virtual Notes buffer, Leasey Key then Shift+B.
Capture speech history, Control+Grave then Up Arrow.
Speech history back, Control+Grave then Left Arrow.
Speech history forward, Control+Grave then Right Arrow.
Speech history item review, Control+Grave then Space.
Speech history copy item to clipboard, Control+Grave then Down Arrow.
Speech History copy items in a continuous range, Control+Grave then Shift+Right Arrow.
Speech History remove item from clipboard, Control+Grave then Shift+Left Arrow.
List of AI Tools, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+T.
Along long time ago, we mentioned Leasey Custom Help which forms part of the Leasey Hotkey Help system. But what exactly is it?
Leasey Custom Help allows you to create notes to help you when working with computing applications or environments. We all need a reminder from time to time as to how to work with a program. Perhaps you may care to create a list of shortcut keys you can use for it. Maybe you need to note some reminders as to the best ways of navigating it; quick shortcuts and tricks to assist you in doing things that little bit faster. You can make notes of them to be accessed wherever you are on the computer, or perhaps associate them with the application for which the notes are intended.
If you are training a Leasey or JAWS user, Custom Help is the ideal tool for you to create text notes for your student. You then have confidence that he or she can access the notes at any point in the future. You can even create them if you are away from the student and Leasey is not installed if you know the format to use to create the file.
We will now work through some examples of how to create Custom Help, accessing it and managing it.
Working with Custom Help.
Leasey Custom Help can be accessed from anywhere by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H. Think of it as help which you are controlling!
This takes you into a menu containing a number of choices.
Read Custom Help. Read the Custom Help which is global or for the application which has focus prior to initiating this function.
Search Custom Help. Search for a word or phrase which may be in your Custom Help.
Create or Edit Custom Help. Create Custom Help notes globally or for an individual application. You can also edit them here.
Deleting Application Custom Help. Deletes the Custom Help for the application which has focus prior to executing this function if it exists.
Delete Global Custom Help. If you've created notes to be used anywhere, this function allows you to delete them all.
Browse to Custom Help folder. Using File Explorer, this takes you into the folder where the training notes live. You could paste additional files in this folder if you wish which correspond to the file format described below.
The last three items on the menu allow you to manage all aspects of the Custom Web Text feature described in the next section. They are placed here for convenience so that everything relating to creating custom notes is in the one central location.
Creating Global Custom Help.
First of all, we will create some notes that remind us how to launch an application from the Windows Start menu. This is something potentially you would carry out from any location which is why it should reside as part of Global Custom Help.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H. The Custom Help menu appears.
Step 2. Find the third option, "Create or Edit Custom Help".
Step 3. Press Enter. You are asked if you would like this to be associated with the focused application.
Step 4. In this example, because we want the help to be available anywhere, we will press letter N for no.
Step 5. A special Help file is created. You can write anything you like in this file and edit it in the same way in which you would manipulate any text file. Write something like this:
To launch a program such as Microsoft Word:
Step 1. Press the Windows key to bring into view the Start Menu.
Step 2. Type part of the program name, such as Word.
Step 3. Press Enter.
***
Step 4. Now press Enter so as to create a new line of text, and we will create another exciting set of instructions!
"To bring into view a list of running applications, press Windows+Tab".
***
Press Enter again to create a new line. Note how we are presenting this text. You can create as many lines as you like; ideal for step by step examples. However, the end of each instruction must end with three asterisk characters ("***"). This will ensure that when you are searching your Custom Help, the entire text of the result will be available to you. You will observe in our second example, we only have one line of text as an instruction. This is fine, provided you terminate it with the three asterisk characters.
We now have our Custom Global text so we can save it. You can change or add to it at any time. Press Control+Enter and the notes will be saved and the text editor will close.
Creating Application Specific Help.
Now we will create notes for an application. Let us assume we would like to instruct someone how to move through a list of messages in Microsoft Outlook.
Step 1. First, launch Microsoft Outlook. The location as to where you are within the application is not important.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H. The Custom Help menu appears.
Step 3. Find the third option, "Create or Edit Custom Help".
Step 4. Press Enter. You are asked if you would like this to be associated with the focused application.
Step 5. In this example, because we want the help to be available only for Microsoft Outlook, we will press letter Y for yes.
A special Help file is created for Microsoft Outlook. If you read the title bar of your text editor with Insert+T or Caps Lock+T if using the JAWS laptop layout, you will notice that it contains the name of the application, Microsoft Outlook. You can write anything you like in this file and edit it in the same way in which you would manipulate any text file. Write something like this:
"To move through messages, press Up or Down Arrow.
***
Now press Enter so as to create a new line of text, and we will create another exciting set of instructions!
"When composing a message, if you wish to change the Email account from which the message will be sent:
Step 1. Press Alt+M.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to reach the account of interest, then press Enter.
***
Press Enter again to create a new line. Note how we are presenting this text. You can create as many lines as you like; ideal for step by step examples. However, the end of each instruction must end with three asterisk characters ("***"). This will ensure that when you are searching your Custom Help, the entire text of the result will be available to you.
We now have our Custom application specific text so we can save it. You can change or add to it at any time. Press Control+Enter and the notes will be saved and the text editor will close.
Note that if you launched a web browser, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, and then you decided to create application specific help, this will apply to the entire browser. So any notes should pertain to general web page navigation. If you do this, you are presented with a short message within the JAWS Virtual Viewer, stating this and advising you that you can use the Custom Web Text feature to create notes for specific sites and pages.
Reading the Global Custom Help.
So at some point in the future, you may like to read everything that is in the Global Custom Help.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H. The Custom Help menu appears.
You are on the first option, "Read Custom Help".
Step 2. Press Enter.
Step 3. The help for all applications is displayed. It is shown in the JAWS Results Viewer which is a separate application. You can keep this window open, move to another application if you wish by pressing Alt+Tab, work in the program, and then move back to your notes again by pressing Alt+Tab.
Reading the Application Specific Custom Help.
Now we will examine the application specific help we created for Microsoft Outlook.
Step 1. Launch the Microsoft Outlook application.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H. The Custom Help menu appears.
Step 3. You are on the first option, "Read Custom Help".
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. The help for Microsoft Outlook is displayed. It is shown in the JAWS Results Viewer which is a separate application. You can keep this window open, move to Microsoft Outlook if you wish by pressing Alt+Tab, work in the program, and then move back to your notes again by pressing Alt+Tab.
You will notice that the Global Custom Help is displayed underneath the application specific text. This is displayed for two reasons. First, whenever you want to read any help text at all, whether it is for a specific application or not, all you need to do is focus on the first option in the Custom Help menu, "Read Custom Help". That is the only thing you (or your student) really needs to be concerned with. Second, it could be that you need reminding of global help procedures while you are focused within an application for which help has been created. The Global Custom Help begins with a levelled heading.
Searching Custom Help.
Let us assume you have lots of notes you have created in Custom Help. You may wish to search for something specific rather than reading either the application specific (or global) help right the way through. Leasey allows you to search for a key word or phrase to bring back the necessary results.
The way Leasey works with search is as follows. If there is application specific help for the program which has focus, it is assumed that is the help you wish to search through. If the chosen word or phrase is not found there, she will search the global help instead. It is possible that you may have forgotten where you placed the help text; whether it was application specific or global. It does not matter. Leasey will find it anyway.
In this example, we would like to find the details relating to how to send messages from specific accounts in Microsoft Outlook.
Step 1. Launch the Microsoft Outlook application.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H to launch custom Help.
Step 3. Select the second option, "Search Custom Help".
Step 4. Press Enter. You are asked what you would like to search for. Type the word "Account" and press Enter.
The following text is displayed using the JAWS Results Viewer so you can keep the window open.
"When composing a message, if you wish to change the Email account from which the message will be sent:
Step 1. Press Alt+M.
Step 2. Press Down Arrow to reach the account of interest, then press Enter.
Searching Global Help.
Now we wish to search Global Custom Help instead. The procedure is almost identical to that described above.
Step 1. From within any application, press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H to launch custom Help.
Step 2. Select the second option, "Search Custom Help".
Step 3. Press Enter. You are asked what you would like to search for. Type the word "running", because we want to remind ourselves how to bring into view a list of running applications. Press Enter.
The following text is displayed.
To Bring Into View A List Of Running Applications, Press Windows+tab".
Editing Application and Global Custom Help.
If you wish to edit any aspect of the application or global Custom Help, this can be achieved easily.
If the help you wish to edit belongs to a specific application, be sure you have launched it first and that it is focused. In our example, this is Microsoft Outlook.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H to bring into view the Custom Help menu.
Step 2. Select the option "Create or Edit Custom Help".
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. You will be asked if the help is for the focused application. If you press letter Y for yes, then you will be editing your Custom Help for that application. It will be launched in a text editor such as Notepad. You can then edit it. If there was no Custom Help for the application, it will have been created.
Step 5. If you had pressed N for no in the above step, you will be editing Global Custom Help. It will be launched in a text editor such as Notepad. You can then edit it. If there was no Global Custom Help, it will have been created.
Deleting Application and Global Custom Help.
Deleting all the notes in Global Custom Help is self-explanatory. Having activated the Custom Help menu with the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H, select the item to delete the Global Custom Help.
Press the Enter key and you are asked if you are sure you wish to do this. Press letter Y for yes and the Global Custom Help is removed.
If you wish to delete Custom Help for a specific application:
Step 1. Open up the application of interest. In our example, this is Microsoft Outlook.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key followed by Control+Shift+H to enter the Custom Help menu.
Step 3. Select the option "Delete Application Custom Help".
Step 4. Press Enter. You are asked if you are sure you wish to do this. Press letter Y for yes. The application specific Custom Help is removed.
Creating Custom Help When Away From The Computer on Which Leasey is Installed.
If you wish to create Custom Help if you are away from the computer on which Leasey is installed, please follow these steps:
Step 1. First, you need to make a decision as to whether this is Global Custom Help referring to training concepts which can be used anywhere or for a specific application.
Step 2. If it is Global Custom Help, you should create a text file containing the instructions, with each set of instructions separated by three asterisk characters. This has been illustrated above.
The file name should be CustomHelp.txt.
Step 3. If it is application specific Custom Help, you should create a text file containing the instructions, with each set of instructions separated by three asterisk characters. This has been illustrated above.
Step 4. If it is application specific help, you need to know how JAWS interprets the name of the application. For example to do this, from within the focused application press Insert+Q (or caps lock+Q if you are using the laptop keyboard layout) twice quickly. The following is displayed on screen and in the JAWS Virtual Viewer. "Microsoft Outlook settings are used in the OUTLOOK.EXE application." The key to this is the part which comes before ".exe", in this case, "Outlook". So your text file will be named "OutlookCustomHelp.txt".
Step 5. When you are next at the computer where Leasey is installed, you will press the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H to bring into view Custom Help.
Step 6. Select the option to browse the Custom Help folder.
Step 7. Press Enter. This is where all the Custom Help files live. Paste your newly created files into this folder.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H: Opens the Custom Help menu.
Enter: Activates the selected Custom Help option, submits a search term, or confirms a deletion where described.
Y: Confirms that help is for the focused application, or confirms deletion of Custom Help where described.
N: Chooses No when asked whether help is for the focused application.
Insert+Q pressed twice quickly: Reports the application name JAWS is using, so you can name application-specific Custom Help correctly.
Caps Lock+Q pressed twice quickly: Performs the same command when using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Much earlier in this document, we discussed some useful tools we can use when navigating the internet. These included Leasey Points and Leasey Alerts. Using the internet is one of the best things in life, there's so much you can do. But sometimes, you need a reminder of good strategies for navigating the site itself. After all, the web is a very unpredictable place to be.
When you visit a web site initially, the first thing you are going to do is to explore the page, so as to hopefully gain some navigational techniques you can employ in the future. Are there headings on the page which will take you to strategic points within it for fast navigation? Does the page contain tables, in which case it may be helpful to turn on the JAWS Smart Navigation mode so that it is easier to read? Do you need to use the JAWS Find facility to locate a word or phrase as a useful starting point? There are many more examples, and whichever trick works for you on a web site, you'll want to remind yourself what you did to get to where you need to be, so that the next time you go back there, you can do it all over again. Let us introduce you to Leasey's Custom Web Text.
How to Use Leasey's Custom Web Text.
When you visit a web site or a specific page, you have the opportunity of creating some custom notes for it. When you revisit the site again, you'll be told that there is custom text available, and to press a keystroke to read it. Remember, Leasey puts you in control, so she is not going to automatically speak the text, or place it into the Virtual Viewer thus interrupting your web browsing. You decide when you want to read it.
The first thing we need to decide is whether we want to create custom text for a domain or a specific page. This can be changed at any time. Lets just expand on that.
When we talk about a domain, we mean that the Custom Text will be applied to the entire website. So if you create Custom Text for
if Leasey is set to store Custom Text for the domain, she is going to tell you that it exists on every page of that site.
For this documentation, we will choose to create text for specific pages because that is probably the most useful. Most Home Pages of web sites for example are quite straightforward to navigate. Often the tricky part is how to access specific forms or tables which could be located on other pages as you delve deeper down into the site.
To change to specific pages, we're going to focus on a web site, and press the Leasey Key followed by Alt+Windows+C. So go ahead and open up a page in your web browser. The title of the page is irrelevant at this point as we're just setting up what we want to do in the future.
Pressing this key combination brings into view a screen using the JAWS Virtual Viewer. Because we haven't created any custom text for this web site as yet, Leasey assumes that you either want to create some, or you want to change modes. Press Enter on the appropriate Link to switch between options. The link is called, "Change between Page Mode and Domain Mode." Keep pressing Enter on this link until you reach the mode you want. In this case, you should be listening out for, "Custom Text Will Apply to the Webpage".
Page Mode is now set, so press Escape to close the screen and return to the web site.
We now need to enable the Custom Web Text feature. As usual, it is off by default. To enable it, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+W. It is a toggle keystroke. If you decide you no longer want it, press it again to disable it. But in most cases, once you've set it, you will probably want to keep it switched on.
Now we're going to create some Custom Text. Please browse to this page. This document is all about how to read tables on the internet with JAWS for Windows. It would be useful to set a reminder to use the JAWS Smart Navigation feature on this page. Smart Navigation allows you to read web page elements more easily including tables. When Smart Navigation is on, we can use the up, down, left and right arrow keys to move through the cells in a table. It saves holding down the Alt and Control keys as well as pressing the Arrow keys. So it sounds like a good piece of advice and we'll remind ourselves to take advantage of it.
Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+C when you are on the page we've pointed you to. A screen using the JAWS Virtual Viewer appears. Activate the first link to create some Custom Text.
Now, type the reminder text for yourself. For example, you might type: turn on smart navigation for this page by pressing Insert+X. JAWS will say, "Controls and tables". When I leave this page, I mustn't forget to turn it off!
When you have typed this text, press Control+Enter to save it.
Press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+C when you are on the page we've pointed you to.
A screen using the JAWS Virtual Viewer appears. Activate the first link to create some Custom Text.
Now, type the reminder text for yourself, and press Control+Enter to save it. For example, you might type: Press the letter F to move from one form field to another, or I can press Insert+F5 to bring into view a list of form fields and press Enter on the one I want.
When you have typed this text, press Control+Enter to save it.
Our Custom Text is now created for both pages. To test it, revisit this page.
Notice that JAWS says "Custom Text", alerting you to the fact that Custom Text is available. To read it, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+C, as we have done before. The following text is displayed using the JAWS Virtual Viewer, which you can read with the Arrow keys. turn on smart navigation for this page by pressing Insert+X. JAWS will say, "Controls and tables". When I leave this page, I mustn't forget to turn it off!
Then there are three links:
Edit Custom Text. Pressing Enter on this item will open up your Custom Text notes and allow you to edit or add to them.
Delete Custom Text. Pressing Enter on this Link will of course remove the Custom Text associated with this page only.
Change between Page Mode and Domain Mode. This has already been documented earlier.
As a final note, JAWS contains a feature called Custom Labels. If there are elements of a web site where the accessibility could be improved upon, you can label those elements to speak something more useful. Form controls are a good example as to where this may occur. If at Hartgen Consultancy we have created any custom labels to improve the web experience for users, they are not only downloaded in the background, but installed in the correct location on your machine. So the next time you visit the site, it should be a more pleasant experience for you. This only occurs if, and only if, Custom Web Text is enabled. You have to make the decision first that you would like this additional support.
A Note About Custom Web Text Options.
If you cannot remember the keystrokes to work with any aspect of the Custom Web Text feature, the options can be manipulated through Leasey's Custom Help utility explored in the previous main section of this documentation, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H. There are three options. The first two of these relate to enabling and disabling the automatic reporting of whether Custom Web Text is available. The last option takes you into the main interface for customising and reading Custom Web Text described above.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+C: Opens the Custom Web Text screen for the current web page or domain.
Leasey Key then Alt+Windows+W: Enables or disables automatic reporting that Custom Web Text is available.
Enter: Activates links in the Custom Web Text screen.
Escape: Closes the JAWS Virtual Viewer and returns to the web page.
Insert+X: Toggles JAWS Smart Navigation, as used in the example note.
Control+Enter: Saves Custom Web Text after you have typed it.
F: Moves through form fields on a web page.
Insert+F5: Opens a list of form fields on a web page.
Leasey Key then Control+Shift+H: Opens Custom Help, where Custom Web Text options can also be reached.
The Leasey Clock not only tells you the time! It contains very powerful and flexible stopwatch facilities as well as timer functions. It can also be set to play Westminster chimes at varying intervals which are controllable by you. Finally, you can even cause the minutes and seconds to be output to your Braille display regardless of the model of display you are using.
In this Chapter, we will walk you through all aspects of the Leasey Clock. All of the functions can be activated, deactivated and managed globally, so you can easily work within another program running on the computer and still use the Leasey Clock in whichever way you would like to.
Introducing the Leasey Clock.
If using Leasey, The Leasey Clock can be accessed through the Leasey Main Menu by selecting the item 'Open the Leasey Clock'. Alternatively, you can press the Leasey Key then control+Shift+C to access it directly. Moreover, most of the Leasey Clock functions have shortcut keys associated with them so you can access them without working through the menu system. Please refer to this document or the Leasey Hotkey Help, (Leasey Key then H), to get a full list of the shortcuts.
We will work through all of the functions of the Leasey Clock in the order they appear on the menu. Global keystrokes will also be given. In many cases, the Leasey Clock keystrokes can easily be accessed by holding down the Alt+Control+Windows keys, (usually the three keys to the immediate left of the Space Bar), and while doing so, press any one of the function keys from F1 through to F9.
Hear the Current Time, Insert+F12 or Leasey Key then Down Arrow. Simply causes the current time to be announced. Please also refer to the last item in this list for modification of the time announcement.
Hear the time including seconds, Leasey Key then Windows+Down Arrow.
Insert the time into your document or edit area, Leasey Key then Left Arrow.
Start the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+F1. Will start the stopwatch counting up. This can run for an indefinite period, weeks if necessary.
Stop the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+F2. Will stop the watch, however if it is restarted again using the option above, the watch is not cleared and continues counting from the time it was stopped.
Insert the Stopwatch total time into your text edit area, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+Windows+F3.
Hear Elapsed Time, Alt+Control+Windows+F3. Speaks the elapsed time for which the stopwatch has been running.
Clear the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+F4. If the stopwatch has been stopped it is cleared. When it is restarted, the count begins at 0.
Change the Number of Decimal Places, Alt+Control+Windows+F5. Changes the number of decimal places spoken by the stopwatch. It rotates between 0, 1, 2 or 3 decimal places.
Set recurring sound for the stopwatch, Alt+Windows+F5. This brings into view an Edit Field so you can specify the number of minutes after which the sound will play. For example, if a figure 5 is typed into this field, and then you press Enter, Leasey will begin playing the sound at 5 minute intervals when you start the stopwatch with Alt+Control+Windows+F1. It will do so until you stop it with Alt+Control+Windows+F2. Note that if figure 0 is typed into this edit box the sound will not play.
Set Countdown timer by entering the number of minutes, Alt+Control+Windows+F6. When prompted, enter a value between 1 and 59 to represent the number of minutes for the countdown timer. Press Enter to begin. When the desired minutes have elapsed, a chime sound will play. Press this keystroke a second time to stop the countdown timer.
Set Alarm Time, Alt+Control+Windows+F7. When prompted, enter an alarm time, 2 figures for the hour, then a colon, followed by 2 digits for the minutes. Press Enter to set the alarm. When the alarm time is reached, a tune will play. Please press Alt+Control+Windows+S to stop the alarm sound.
Hear How Many Minutes Remain on the Countdown Timer or Alarm, Alt+Control+Windows+F8. When the countdown timer or alarm is running, use this option to hear how many minutes remain.
Customise Chime Sounds, Alt+Control+Windows+F9. Leasey can play Westminster chimes throughout the day. This is a very useful method of being able to keep track of time. If you press this keystroke repeatedly, you will cycle through the available options. These are "Chimes will be heard every 15 minutes", "Chimes will be heard every 30 minutes", "Chimes will be heard every hour", or "None" to disable chime sounds. When the option you would like is spoken, it is immediately set and will remain so even if you restart the computer. You can change it at any time by pressing the same keystroke, Alt+Control+Windows+F9. The chimes can be stopped by pressing either Alt+Control+Windows+S or, if you are listening to (or watching) a YouTube video, press the Leasey Key then Alt+Control+Windows+F9. In the latter case the chimes will stop and the video will continue to play.
Time Monitor, Alt+Control+Windows+F10. Allows you to monitor for when the next minute point occurs. Please see the below description of the "Time Monitor".
As previously stated there is one further item on this menu which deliberately does not have a shortcut key associated with it. This is an item which can be activated or deactivated by pressing Enter on it. It is disabled by default. When enabled, from that point pressing JAWS Key+F12 to hear the time will cause JAWS to announce it in hours, minutes and seconds format. This is preferred in rare situations.
If you find that the alarm or chime sounds are not at an acceptable volume, press Alt+Control+Windows+Up or Down Arrow to change the level. If an alarm or chime sound is not playing, you will hear a tune instead so you can adjust the volume to your requirements. When the desired level has been reached, and if the tune is playing, press Alt+Control+Windows+S to stop it, although it will automatically be stopped after one minute. If you reach 100 per cent of the volume level, you will be advised of this. If the lowest level at 0 per cent is reached, you will be advised of this, followed by the words, "Not Recommended".
The Time Monitor.
You may wish to manually synchronise a clock you have access to. Becoming aware of when you have reached the start of a minute can be troublesome. Leasey helps with this by providing information as to when the next minute commences. This is called "Time Monitor".
Press Alt+Control+Windows+F10 to begin the "Time Monitor". This can also be found on the Leasey Clock menu as described above, activated by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+C. You will hear the words, "It is", followed by the time, such as "It is 10:55".
If only ten seconds or less remain in the current minute, you will be advised of this and that Leasey will begin monitoring the next minute. We assume that if there are less than 10 seconds to run, you will not have time to set the clock correctly.
If you press the keystroke, or activate the menu item, and there is less than 50 seconds to run before the minute point, you will hear how many seconds remain prior to this.
When Leasey is monitoring a minute of time, a soft tick sound will play every second. You will also hear an announcement every 10 seconds to advise you of the progress.
When 55 seconds is reached, you will hear an announcement every second.
When the minute point is reached, you will hear the word "Stop", followed by the new time.
Sending the Time Each Second to Your Braille Display.
You may encounter a situation where you are needing to know exactly when you reach a specific point in time, such as the top of an hour. This may be to end a broadcast precisely or to stop hosting a presentation in a conference.
If you have a Braille display, you can ensure the computer's system clock is sent to it, so as to show the time including seconds. The display is updated each second until you stop it, which can easily be achieved by pressing any key on the keyboard. Note that a Braille display containing status cells is not required. You should be able to use this with any display of your choosing.
Step 1. Press Alt+Windows+F10. Deliberately, no speech output has been put in place when this keystroke is pressed.
Step 2. You will be able to read the system clock output on your Braille display second by second.
Step 3. Press any key to stop it.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Clock Menu, Leasey Key then Control+Shift+C.
Hear the Time, Leasey Key then Down Arrow.
Hear the Time with Seconds, Leasey Key then Windows+Down Arrow.
Insert the Time into a Document or Edit Area, Leasey Key then Left Arrow.
Start the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+f1.
Stop the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+f2.
Hear Elapsed Time of the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+f3".
Insert the elapsed time of the Stopwatch into a document, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+Windows+F3.
Clear the Stopwatch, Alt+Control+Windows+f4.
Clear the Number of Stopwatch Decimal Places, Alt+Control+Windows+f5.
Start or Stop the Countdown Timer, Alt+Control+Windows+f6.
Start or Stop the Alarm, Alt+Control+Windows+f7.
Hear How Many Minutes Remain on the Countdown Timer or Alarm, Alt+Control+Windows+f8.
Customise Chime Sounds and time announcements at specific intervals, Alt+Control+Windows+f9.
Increase the Volume of Chimes, Alt+Control+Windows+Up Arrow.
Decrease the Volume of Chimes, Alt+Control+Windows+Down Arrow.
Stop the Chimes, Alt+Control+Windows+S.
Stop the Chimes and continue to listen to YouTube video, Leasey Key then Alt+Control+Windows+F9.
Output the system clock to the Braille display second by second, Alt+Windows+F10.
While many functions of Leasey relate to carrying out tasks which are essential to everyday computing, the product also provides a considerable amount of entertainment. This includes aspects of Leasey Search, Leasey Audio, Leasey Radio and so on. The entertainment value of the product is very much strengthened through the inclusion of the Leasey Games Module.
Leasey contains many games which can be played either alone, online with other people, or against the computer. The Leasey Games are divided into three broad categories:
Online Games, those played over the internet.
Traditional easy-to-play games, where you can take your time in terms of play.
Arcade Games, requiring either strategic game play or quick reaction to events.
This Chapter will describe each of the three categories of games together with how to access them and obtain help which is specific to the individual game being played.
Common Factors in Leasey Games.
All the games contained in the Leasey Games Module have several common factors associated with them:
They can all be accessed from the Leasey Games menu described below after Leasey Games has been opened.
All games are completely accessible using just a few easy-to-remember keystrokes. Many of the keystrokes you will be familiar with already, such as the Up and Down Arrow keys, the Space Bar, Enter and Escape. While other keyboard commands are introduced depending upon the complexity of the game being played, they are very easy to locate and will not present any challenges. All games have been chosen specifically because of their ease of navigation.
While the approach to keyboarding is straightforward, this does not in any way mean that all of the games are easy to play. In line with Leasey's philosophy of learning and building confidence, many of the games will not only make you think, but will also improve both your listening and keyboard coordination skills.
Many of the games have been provided for users of Leasey by external sources. There are several exceptions to this:
The games Treasure Troll and Truffle Troll, (developed by Hartgen Consultancy in cooperation with Elias Software).
Q9 Action Game, developed by Blastbay Studios, for which Hartgen Consultancy now own the rights.
My Country Place, developed by Hartgen Consultancy in collaboration with VGStorm.Com.
Matchmaker, developed by Hartgen Consultancy in collaboration with Giggajoy Creations.
In addition to the providers already stated, we would like to thank RS Games, NA Soft and Spoonbill Software for their kind generosity in allowing us to bring you an extremely wide range of games as a springboard for future developments.
Please note: In terms of fixing any problems with the games stated below, Hartgen Consultancy are responsible for, (and are in a position to remedy), difficulties with games which are exclusive to Leasey. However, where we have been given permission to distribute games at no additional cost from external providers, we cannot accept responsibility for any bugs which may be found within them. We will do our best to work with the game developers to resolve them, however we are providing these merely as a service to users and as a convenient platform for easy access and distribution.
Before You Begin.
In order to play any games, the Leasey Games module must be downloaded and installed. We strongly recommend that you refer to the "Setup" chapter of this User Guide and install the Leasey Games Module according to the instructions given in the appropriate sub-section. Note that if you have previously downloaded the Leasey Games Module for Leasey version 2, you will need to do so again in order to take advantage of our complete range of games now available.
If the Leasey Games Module is not installed, when attempting to play a game for the first time you will be advised of this and will be asked if you would like to install it. Again, please refer to the "Setup" Chapter which will describe precisely what to expect in this regard.
We must now spend some time discussing how the games make it possible for you to play them with appropriate speech output. These fall into two specific categories:
Where the text is announced by JAWS. No interaction is required on your part to facilitate this.
Which are self-voicing. This means that the games were designed to speak using your Microsoft Windows Text to Speech voice. Such voices are often referred to as being "SAPI Compliant". Windows has a number of text to speech voices pre-installed, and these can be individually selected through the Windows Control Panel under the option "Text to Speech Preferences". We would describe these voices as "Adequate". However, many people prefer to purchase additional higher quality voices which you may care to think are more natural and "human sounding". If you require advice or assistance with installation of such voices, please contact us.
We will describe into which of the two above categories each game falls.
Accessing Leasey Games.
Open Leasey Games by pressing the Leasey Key then G. You will be taken into Leasey Games directly from any application.
The Leasey Games Menu.
At the time of writing, there are 44 possible options which can be selected from the Leasey Games menu. These are arranged in alphabetical order. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select a game to play or use first letter navigation to locate the one you want. Press Enter to play one of the games.
When the Enter key is pressed, (and if using Leasey), Leasey will let you know that she is loading the game and to please wait while this takes place. The loading of the game should only take a few seconds.
While we will not describe how to play each game provided, we suggest you read the below sections carefully prior to playing any one of them.
Playing Leasey Games.
Online Games.
With the exception of our Leasey Dice Roller, Online games are provided via the RS Games client. To access online games, please select the option "RS Games Online". All prompts are announced by JAWS.
RS Games is a revolutionary game client that allows people to play games against each other through a central server hosted by the organisation. In addition to making available a number of games, (which can be played alongside your friends or against a "bot" or a computer), a social element to the client means you can chat with people or listen to radio stations while you play.
The most important aspect of the RS Games client is the menu. Menus are used when choosing from several options. For example, each game has a main menu, with options such as "New Game", "Join Game" and "List Games". You might also use menus to choose from a hand of cards or answer "Yes" or "No" to a prompt.
To select an item from a menu, use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the options, and press Enter to select. Further keyboard commands are specific to each game, and are referred to in the individual documentation for it.
Logging In.
Prior to playing any of the games, you will need to create an RS Games account. If you don't yet have an account, you should choose "Create a New Account" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your desired username, together with an email address. The email address you supply must be valid, since a temporary password will be sent to it. We strongly recommend you change your password to something you can remember. You can do this by choosing the "change password" option from the main menu.
If you already have an account, choose the first option in the menu, "Login with an Existing Account", and enter your username and password.
Auto Login.
When you login to the server for the first time, you will be asked if you'd like to enable auto-login. This feature allows the game to remember your login information so you do not have to type it in each time you play. If you'd like to enable this feature, choose "yes". Once it is enabled, an option will appear in the main login menu. For example, if your username is BobCat, you will see an option entitled "Login as BobCat". Simply choose that option and you will be automatically logged in.
When within the main menu, moving through the options will allow you to view all the games provided. Press Enter to select a game to play. If the game sounds have not been downloaded to your computer, the RS Games client will do this and advise you that it is taking place. This should only take a few seconds.
Other important keystrokes to note are:
To exit a game, a menu or the RS Games client at any time, press the Escape key.
To view game documentation, press the Leasey Key then H. Please note that an internet connection is required to access game documentation.
Spoonbill Software Games.
Leasey includes a large number of SpoonBill Software games, all of which are self-voicing, meaning that the output is generated by your default Windows Text to Speech Voice, (see above). Keys usually associated with Leasey, such as to access the Leasey Main Menu, cannot be pressed when accessing these games.
The catalogue of Spoonbill Software games included is as follows:
Aces Up.
Battleship.
BG2048.
Boggle.
Brainiac.
Chess.
Code Breaker.
Cribbage.
Cribbage Solitaire.
Crossword.
Draw Dominoes.
Elevens.
Fifteen.
Fives Dominoes.
Freecell.
Hearts.
Klondike.
Lap.
Mastermind.
Mine Sweeper.
Nomination Whist.
Penguin.
Poker Solitaire.
Pyramid Solitaire.
Scorpion Solitaire.
Scrabble.
Simon.
Spider Solitaire.
Sudoku.
Tri-Peaks Solitaire.
Uno.
Word Builder.
Word Jumble.
Word Solitaire.
Word Target.
Word Yahtzee.
Yahtzee.
As game play progresses, you will be advised which keystrokes to use when appropriate. However, in order to close a game at any time, press the letter Q. To access help for the game being played, press F1. When you do this, JAWS will reload and you will be taken to a page where you can read help for it. Use standard text reading commands in order to work through the help. Press Alt+F4 to return to the game.
The above games in this category can be played at what we might describe as a "leisurely pace", meaning that you can take your time. To this end, Leasey users can switch to an alternative program and return to the game later, perhaps to process Email or carry out any one of a number of other activities. To do this, launch your chosen program from the Start Menu or Desktop, press Alt+Tab, or press Insert+F10 to access a list of running applications.
Park Boss.
The aim of Park Boss is to build an amusement park from the ground up. As the boss everything regarding your park is under your control. The rides you add, the staff you employ and how much you pay them, the types of meals you serve, how much to charge for them, the advertising, dealing with situations which arise and balancing the need to keep your visitors happy with making money. Remember that unless you make money you can't build new attractions.
There is no end to the game. You can keep playing and building as long as you like. There are over 70 attractions you can build along with 15 different zones which can be setup. Every so often you'll get an offer to by the park. This is equivalent to selling up and taking the money. When you do sell then you invest all the funds in to purchasing new land and you start all over again.
The output from Park Boss is delivered as a mix of human narrated audio and speech emanating from your default Windows Text to Speech voice. Keys usually associated with Leasey, such as to access the Leasey Main Menu, cannot be pressed when accessing this game.
Almost all of the game play is delivered through menus. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys and Enter to select a choice. Pressing Escape will save the current setting and moves back a level in the game play.
Spoken assistance is required throughout the game so there is little need for the provision of help information. However, the following may assist you:
The Control key silences speech.
F1 announces the week number and what day it is. Weeks start on a Monday. Park state is assessed at the beginning of the week so expect emails and your customers view of the park to change at that time.
F2 reports your current bank balance.
F3 brings into view your Email window, which can also be accessed from the office. Use the Delete key to remove emails you've dealt with, press Escape to leave your inbox.
F4 pauses the game. Pressing f4 again or Escape resumes game play. By pausing the game you stop time but cannot interact with Park Boss.
;; Treasure Troll: a Simple Arcade Game for Beginner and Intermediate Gamers.
As stated previously, Treasure Troll is part of a series of games developed exclusively for Leasey. Treasure Troll combines quality and fully orchestrated music (which changes depending upon how effective you are at game play), original sound effects and vocal production. The music emanates from the Elias engine. Used in specialist and mainstream gaming products, through Elias the music is just as dynamic and flexible as the corresponding composition would have been in a movie. Simple yet challenging, as with all the Leasey Games the interface is easy to use with few keystrokes to remember.
The output from Treasure Troll is delivered as a mix of human narrated audio and speech emanating from your default Windows Text to Speech voice. Keys usually associated with Leasey, such as to access the Leasey Main Menu, cannot be pressed when accessing this game.
Story.
You are a troll who, while walking through a forest, finds the ground suddenly disappearing beneath your feet. You fall into a cave where a vast golden treasury is guarded by a hoard of sleeping fairies. Fairies and trolls are on notoriously bad terms and if they find you in their cave, stealing their treasure, the consequences for you are likely to be painful! Can you play through ten levels of increasing difficulty, and steal the treasure from under their noses without waking them?
Main menu.
The game begins with a main menu. Use your Up or Down arrow keys to navigate through it. To choose an option, press Enter. At the end of each game you will be automatically returned to the main menu.
Game play.
This game is purely sound driven with no graphics, so you must use the sound effects and audio environments within the game to move from place to place and to avoid enemies and obstacles. For this you will need either a pair of stereo headphones or speakers that are positioned so that it is possible to hear what comes from the left and right, as this plays a crucial role in the game's navigation.
The game takes place inside the fairies' cave. Listen to the ambience and you will hear quiet breathing in the far left and far right of your stereo field. This will tell you where the walls are. You begin in the centre of the cave, moving right or left with your arrow keys. You may repeatedly tap the Arrow keys to walk or hold them down continuously to run.
Treasure.
Every few seconds you will hear treasure. It will appear in a random place and begin sliding along the floor until it hits a wall, when it will disappear. The treasure is represented by the sound of coins. You must collect it before it reaches the wall. To do this, walk or run until the treasure is centred in your sound field then press the Space Bar to pick it up. You will hear a chime when a treasure is successfully collected and a soft thud if it has hit the wall.
Hazards.
You must not bump into the walls. If you do, the fairies will awaken and the consequences will cost you a life, you only have three to begin with. Walls can be avoided by listening to the breathing and by getting a feel for the game space.
Every now and then boulders will fal from the ceiling. These will fall more often and faster as you progress. You must take care they don't hit you, or the noise you make will awaken the fairies which will result in you losing a life.
We all know that caves harbour bats. now and then a hungry bat will fly down from the roof. The bats come more often and get faster as you progress. These bats are inteligent and will come after you. You must take care they dont' land on you because if they bite you will be frozen for five seconds, which will make you miss treasure. If you miss too many treasures you will get frustrated and make too much noise which will awaken the fairies, resulting in you losing a life.
Bonuses.
From time to time bonuses will fall from the ceiling, making a distinctive sound. You need to catch them before they shatter. Centre them in your sound field and press the Space Bar to collect them. The bonuses are as follows:
Sleep spell: gives you fifteen seconds in which the fairies will not notice any noise you make. When the Sleep Spell is in progress, you will hear a ticking clock sound. When the time has elapsed, this is represented by an alarm clock sound.
Extra Life: Very useful, especially if you manage to collect severall of these.
500 extra points: a useful addition to any score.
Scoring.
You are given your score at the end of each level and at the conclusion of the game. There is also a menu option to view your top ten best scores so you can keep a record of how well you are doing!
The scoring system is based upon many factors, for example the time taken to collect treasure, how quickly you collect bonuses, whether you hit a wall, whether a bat bites you, and so on. While you may eventually be successful in beating all 10 levels, you can improve your game play by developing your quick reactions and dodging skills so as to improve your overall score!
Keystrokes.
Hold down the Left or Right Arrow to move.
Space Bar collects an item.
Letter P pauses and resumes game play.
Letter T speaks the remaining number of treasures that must be picked up in the current level.
Letter L speaks remaining lives.
Page Up and Page down will adjust the music volume.
Enter key will skip introductory cut scenes and other audio.
Escape will go back a level in menus or will cancel the current game round.
Alt+F4 pressed at any time will exit the game.
Truffle Troll: The Tantalisingly Tasty Game from Elias Software and Leasey Games!.
As with Treasure Troll (referred to Above), The output from Truffle Troll is delivered as a mix of human narrated audio and speech emanating from your default Windows Text to Speech voice. Keys usually associated with Leasey, such as to access the Leasey Main Menu, cannot be pressed when accessing this game.
Story.
Have you met our bumbling but lovable troll, who, at the end of our last game, was catapulted out of the fairies' cave with a heap of stolen treasure with which he went on a huge spending spree? One of the things he bought was an ice cream parlour. Unfortunately, though trolls might be good at making ice cream, they're not terribly good at keeping staff, so now he has to run it all by himself. He must run to the freezer, collect bowls of ice cream on his tray, then run back and deliver orders. Unfortunately his customers aren't the most patient people in the world, so he needs to be quick or the customers will get angry and start wrecking the place. Over five minutes the action gets faster, more flavours are ordered and there's less time before the customers get irate. Can you deliver enough orders to make a profit? Can you also manage to serve the luxurious rum truffle ice creams for premium prices?
Main menu.
The game begins with a main menu. Use your Up or Down arrow keys to navigate through it. To choose an option, press Enter. At the end of each game you will be automatically returned to the main menu. Please note that there are two modes of game play: "Easy" and "Expert". The differences are described below.
Game play.
This game is purely sound driven with no graphics, so you must use the sound effects and audio environments within the game to move from place to place and to locate your customers. For this you will need either a pair of stereo headphones or speakers that are positioned so that it is possible to hear what comes from the left and right, as this plays a crucial role in the game's navigation.
The game takes place inside the ice cream parlour. When the game begins, you are advised which flavours of ice cream can be sold. More flavours are added as the game progresses. As your ice cream parlour grows in popularity, the more flavours people will wish to buy!
The freezer containing your current stock of ice creams is located on the extreme right. You will hear a sound when you reach the freezer door. In order to open or close it, press Enter. With the freezer door open, use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the available stock, and press the Left and Right Arrow keys to adjust the quantity of those items you wish to carry on the tray. The more bowls of ice cream you carry, the greater the chance of you being able to serve your customers quickly. However:
Within "Easy" level, only ten bowls of ice cream can be accommodated on the tray at any time. It is possible to run to your customers and serve them in this mode, however you will need to frequently return to the freezer so as to replenish your items on the tray.
In "Expert" mode, your tray can hold an unlimited number of items. But be careful! If you are carrying too many bowls of ice cream and you are running, you may drop the tray, causing bowls to be smashed, profits lost, and many angry customers!
As the game progresses, each customer will ask you for a choice of icecream. You need to be fast as more and more customers will enter the store. In order to serve a customer, use the Left or Right Arrow keys to locate him or her in the centre of the stereo field and press the Space Bar. Hold down the Left and Right Arrow keys to run, tap each key to walk.
Should you wish to check your stock levels, press the letter S. To hear the time remaining in the game, press the letter T.
Game Objective and Scoring.
The objective of the game is to make as much profit as possible. At the end of each game, you are told how much money was made in sales, whether costs were incurred in replacing broken furniture your angry customers had damaged, and, (when appropriate), whether icecream bowls needed to be replaced due to them being dropped. Money is deducted to replace furniture or bowls. Hopefully, you will hear how much profit has been made overall. There is also a menu option to view your top ten best scores so you can keep a record of how well you are doing!
Keystrokes.
Hold down the Left or Right Arrow to run, tap each key to walk.
Enter opens and closes the freezer door.
With the freezer door open, Up and Down Arrows Move through available stock in the freezer.
With the freezer door open, Left and Right Arrows change the quantity of bowls to be carried on the tray.
Space Bar serves a customer.
Letter P pauses and resumes game play.
Letter T speaks the remaining time within game play.
Letter S speaks the current stock.
Page Up and Page down will adjust the music volume.
Home and End will vary the rate of speech.
Enter key will skip introductory cut scenes and other audio.
Escape will go back a level in menus or will cancel the current game round.
Alt+F4 pressed at any time will exit the game.
Q9 Action Game.
Finger numbing action, stunning audio imagery and a touch of morbid comedy is combined in this game, promising hours of thrilling and challenging game play.
The game features pristine sound effects and original orchestral music, carefully combined to create a truly unique gaming experience. Fight your way through four virtual worlds filled to the brim with all kinds of murderous monsters, treacherous traps and other surprises, and finally attempt to defeat the boss who is patiently waiting for you at the very end.
This game is what is called a "side-scroller" which means you control Q9's direction by using the Arrow keys on your keyboard; moving him left and right to navigate through the levels. This game is purely sound driven with no graphics, so you must use the sound effects and audio environments within the game to move from place to place and to avoid enemies and obstacles. For this you will need either a pair of stereo headphones or speakers that are positioned so that it is possible to hear what comes from the left and right, as this plays a crucial role in the game's navigation.
The output from Q9 is delivered as a mix of human narrated audio and speech emanating from your default Windows Text to Speech voice. Keys usually associated with Leasey, such as to access the Leasey Main Menu, cannot be pressed when accessing this game.
Story.
You assume the role of the little alien Q9 who has had the misfortune to crash on Earth, managing to lose his spaceship somewhere in the process. Now it's your job to guide him through numerous dangers and exciting adventures so that he can, with some luck, find his spaceship in order to return home again.
The Main Menu.
The game begins with a main menu. Use your Up or Down arrow keys to navigate through it. To choose an option, press Enter. At the end of each game you will be automatically returned to the main menu.
How to Play.
To move Q9 left and right, hold down the respective arrow keys, i.e. Left arrow moves Q9 to the left and Right arrow moves him to the right.
To run, first hold down the Ctrl key along with either one of the directional arrows. If you change direction by pressing the opposite arrow key to the one you are holding, you will quickly change direction without taking a step. This is a good way of spinning around when you need to attack something quickly, without wasting time.
To jump, press the up arrow. Holding this key down results in continuous jumping and pressing an arrow key whilst in the air enables you to move faster or slower, depending on the speed at which you press the arrow keys. You have to press the arrow keys in quick succession to move, rather than holding the key down. You can use this key combination to avoid falling into the pits and jumping over certain enemies.
Q9 is armed with a number of weapons from the start. The default weapon is a Large wooden club which is always available and can be used an unlimited number of times. However, using the club forces you to be close to the enemy you are attacking and does less damage than your other weapons.
You also have a slingshot equipped with rocks - use this to hit enemies from a greater distance. Be careful though as the slingshot has a limited amount of ammunition (you will need to pick up rocks along the way).
Finally, you have a weapon with a difference; the Deus Shield. This weapon acts as both attack and defense by protecting Q9 for a short time and also by hitting enemies with their own attacks twice as hard. Obviously your Deus Shields are limited, but like the rocks, you have the opportunity to collect more as you move through the worlds.
You are automatically equipped with the club from the beginning.
To change weapon, use the number keys 1, 2 and 3. 1 is the Large wooden club, 2 is the slingshot and 3 is the Deus Shield. There is also a fourth weapon somewhere, but we shall conveniently forget to mention how to access it...
You may also press the Alt key to quickly switch between the weapons, which is good when you are hard pressed in a battle and need to activate a Deus Shield at lightning speed for example.
To hear how much ammunition you have left for a particular weapon, select it either with one of the number keys or the Alt key and then press "A".
During the game you will run across (literally in some cases!) pits here and there. You'll have to jump over these unless you want to see poor little Q9 hurtle down hundreds of feet to his death! These pits are represented by a howling wind (you can of course learn this sound in the "Learn Game Sounds" menu). Around the edge of each cliff are two small, muddy patches which will help you clear the gap. To do this, it is best if you approach the mud slowly and walk onto the second patch and jump from here. Remember! You have to press the arrow key quickly whilst airborne for you to cover enough distance and avoid falling. The distance between each cliff increases depending on which difficulty level you are playing, so if you are on Easy the pits will be smaller while on Insane, well good luck!
Every so often you'll hear a constant "blip" sound which you should run after wildly as these are bonus items. To get your bonus just run to the place you hear the "blip" and once the sound is in the centre, you should get your bonus item. The various bonus items you can get are:
Extra strength.
Extra lives.
Extra points.
More rocks for the slingshot.
Deus Shields.
If you're not fast enough the bonus items will hit the ground and shatter, so run run run! How quickly they fall depends on the difficulty level set.
As you are running along, you will eventually find yourself faced with a strange something that makes a peculiar humming sound that rises and falls in pitch. This, without a doubt, is a fortune field. Tread carefully around these as they may have quite drastic results. Whenever you step on a fortune field it will either take away, or give you 50 strength. This means that you can either be extremely lucky, or find yourself a tad closer to the grave... You may simply jump over these if you are not feeling brave enough. The fortune field will have exactly the same effect on any enemy that runs over it, though of course they will also jump over the fields at times.
Once Q9 reaches the end of a level safely he will come across the Level Portal which transports him to the next level or world. All you need to do to move on in the game is move so that the portal sound is centralized in your headphones/speakers and wish Q9 good luck in the next stage of his quest!
Worlds & Levels.
There are 4 worlds which Q9 must complete before he can go home and these are as follows:
The Jungle World.
The Cave World.
The Mountain World.
The Death World.
Every time you transport to the next world you will encounter 1 or more new enemies. The only exception is the aptly named "Death World" which features every enemy from every level! (excluding the gorillas) All of the worlds, however, contain pits and bonus items and of course, the Level Portal at the end.
In each world there are 3 levels which gradually increase in difficulty. For example, the 1st level of the Jungle World is the easiest while the 3rd level of the Mountain World is a nightmare and the entirety of the Death World is, let's just say - very very difficult!
When you lose a life you will be taken back to the beginning of the level at which you died, and once you run out of lives you have to start all over again.
Between Levels 2 and 3 in each world, there is a rather nice bonus level which gives you the chance to try and pick up as many bonus items as possible in a roughly 30 second time limit. These bonus levels are located near waterfalls, as you will hear, and when the allocated time is over, Q9 falls through the water and down into the next level.
NOTE: Navigation is slightly different in the bonus levels. All you have to do is run left and right by tapping the arrow keys (no Ctrl this time) as fast as you can and collect the falling bonus items. There is no speed limit, so try and press those Buttons with lightning speed! Each keystroke moves you 1 step.
Enemies.
What would an action game be without enemies? There's certainly a nasty bunch ready to make Q9's life difficult in this game, so make sure you learn how to recognise them in the "Learn Game Sounds" menu.
Below is a list of the enemies you're going to encounter and a brief description of what they do:
Gorillas - You'll find these grumpy apes in both the Jungle and Cave worlds. They may be pretty stupid, but they like nothing more than bashing little aliens on the head, so be careful! They don't inflict too much damage, (apart from a headache) and they are relatively slow when attacking.
Leopards - These only inhabit the Jungle World and the Death World. Being faster and smarter than the gorillas, you may find them a bit more difficult to kill. Keep on your toes, as leopards love to dodge Q9's attacks and then strike for a tasty morsel of alien meat.
Rhinoceros - Keep an eye, or an ear out for these stampeding creatures as they'll quite easily flatten you where you stand if you don't jump quickly over them! There is no way to kill the Rhinos, just jump and if you should run into the front end of one, just hope you have some lives left! Luckily, these are only found in the Jungle and Death Worlds.
Bats - Ugh! These squeaking, irritating little things can be found flapping around in the Cave World and the Death World. Whilst Q9 stays on the ground the Bats just fly around his head and are a general annoyance, but if you jump into the air they might give you a nasty bite. To kill them, jump up and quickly strike out (preferably with your club), otherwise they can distract you so you might not hear the wind howling around the pits...
Bears - In the Cave World, Mountain World and Death World, you're better off keeping your distance from these as they are very hard to kill and do a huge amount of damage in a few strikes. Stay away and take them down with your slingshot or activate a Deus Shield and let them do the attacking for you!
Wolves - Found in the Mountain World and the Death World, wolves attack in a pack, hitting you from in front and behind and running around to avoid your attacks. When they attack you, they take a medium amount of your strength away, making them even more of a nuisance to kill, but you didn't think this would be easy, did you?
Boars - Easily one of the most dangerous animals you'll meet throughout your quest, however they are also quite vulnerable. In the Mountain World and Death World, these enraged pigs will run at you much like the Rhinoceros, and like the Rhinos, Q9 can simply skip over these, or, if you're feeling particularly sadistic or angry, you can kill them with one blow!
Mini Demons - Look out! In the death world, these devilish little fiends are more than happy to sneak up on you to steal a large chunk of your health and then quite conveniently teleport somewhere else as soon as you try to defend yourself. They are not very strong but they do a fair amount of damage per hit and so should certainly not be dealt with casually...
Saving.
The game automatically saves itself whenever you complete a level. This means that you are able to resume from the last level that you arrived at, with exactly the same number of lives and rocks and other properties as when you left off. The saved game file is automatically deleted when you complete the game, as well as when you lose your last life.
Survival Mode.
In survival mode you start with twice your usual resources (which is to say 200 strength, 100 rocks for the slingshot and 4 Deus Shields). However, you only have one life and you cannot get any extra ones by grabbing bonus objects. This means that you have to make your way through the adventure in a slightly more realistic manner. If you die once, then you are dead and that's the end of it. Good luck!
Keystrokes.
Left arrow key moves Q9 to the left.
Right arrow key moves Q9 to the right.
Hold down Ctrl with either of the above keys to run in each direction.
Up arrow makes Q9 jump.
When airborne, you can press the Left and Right arrow keys to move in that direction, and there is no speed limit unlike when you're on the ground.
Space Bar press to use your currently selected weapon.
Number keys 1, 2, 3 and 4 switch between your weapons.
Alt switches between your weapons in order.
Letter P pauses the game. Press again to return to the game.
Letter S tells you how many points you have on the current level.
Letter T tells you how much strength you have remaining.
Letter L tells you how many lives you have left.
Letter A tells you how much ammunition is left for your selected weapon.
Page Up and Page Down adjusts the background music volume.
Escape exits the active game and takes you to the Main Menu.
Enter skips introductory, cut scenes and some other messages throughout the game.
Alt+F4 closes the game.
Dice Roller.
Have you ever needed to roll dice during a game but didn't have any physical dice handy? Maybe you tried using your phone, only to find that the app wasn't accessible or that the screen kept locking. Or perhaps you found an older dice roller that didn't work well with your screen reader.
The Leasey Dice Roller solves these problems.
It provides a simple, accessible way to roll dice directly from your keyboard. Whether you're playing Dungeons and Dragons or any other game that requires dice, Leasey makes it quick and easy.
All results are displayed in the JAWS Virtual Viewer so you can easily read and review them.
Using the Dice Key.
All Dice Roller functions are performed by pressing the Control key together with the Leasey Key. In this context, we call that combination the Dice key.
Once you press the Dice key, pressing the numbers 1 through to 0 gives you access to different dice-rolling features. The numbers used are those located above the letter keys on your keyboard.
Dice Key Functions.
Dice Key then 1: Type a Dice Roll Type the dice you want to roll using standard dice notation. For example:
1d20 rolls one twenty-sided die.
2d6 rolls two six-sided dice.
2d10+3 rolls two ten-sided dice and adds three to the total.
Sample output:
Rolling 2d10+3:
1, 8
Modifier: +3
Total: 12
Dice Key then 2: Save a Dice Roll
Save a roll you use frequently, such as 1d20. Enter it and press Enter. You can save as many rolls as you like.
Dice Key then 3: Roll a Saved Dice
Select one of your saved rolls (such as 1d20, 2d8, or 1d100) and roll it again.
Dice Key then 4: Delete a Saved Dice
Select a saved roll and remove it from the list.
Dice Key then 5: Create a Custom Die
This lets you create a die with words instead of numbers.
For example, to make a pizza topping die:
Type the name 'pizza' and press Enter.
Enter a list of toppings separated by commas, such as:
Leasey will save this custom die so you can roll it whenever you like.
Dice Key then 6: Roll a Custom Die
Select a custom die, such as 'pizza,' press Enter, and type the number of times you want to roll it.
For example, roll 'pizza' three times.
Leasey might return: pepperoni, spinach, sausage.
Dice Key then 7: Delete a Custom Die
Remove a custom die, such as 'pizza,' if you no longer need it.
Dice Key then 8: Roll Multiple Custom Dice
Roll more than one custom die at the same time.
Dice Key then 9: Repeat Last Roll
Roll the same dice again as your previous roll.
Dice Key then 0: Say Last Result Again
Hear the most recent result repeated if you missed it.
Summary.
The Leasey Dice Roller provides an easy, accessible way to roll dice for all kinds of games. Whether your game is simple or complex, you can roll, save, repeat, and manage your dice rolls entirely from your keyboard with JAWS.
My Country Place, the Ultimate Farm Simulation Game.
Overview.
My Country Place is a farming sim game. You are responsible for a farm consisting of twenty plots of land and a large house. You can lay your farm out in any way you like, raise a large variety of crops, buy animals, build farm buildings, buy farm machinery to improve crop yields, and furnish your house with the best that money can buy. Each year there will be tasks to perform together with new challenges to meet. You will see your farm grow and improve as you play.
This game is purely sound driven with no graphics, so you must use the sound effects and audio environments within the game to assist in moving from one location to another. The output from My Country Place is delivered using speech emanating from your default Windows Text to Speech voice. You will need either a pair of stereo headphones or speakers that are positioned so that it is possible to hear what comes from the left and right, as this plays a crucial role in the game's navigation. Keys usually associated with Leasey, such as to access the Leasey Main Menu, cannot be pressed when accessing this game.
Please note that the game events do not correspond exactly to a farm's conventional calendar.
Story.
You have lived most of your life in the big city but have always dreamed of getting away from the heat and noise, escaping to the country. You're not afraid of hard work and you think a house and a plot of land would just suit you. Suddenly you receive a windfall. This, together with the money you've saved enables you to buy a good piece of land and a sound, sprawling old ranch house. You even have $100,000 over to give you a start. You clear away your old life, pack the bare essentials and head off for your country place.
The Main Menu.
When you first launch the game you will enter the Main Menu in which there are four options.
'New Farm' will enable you to create a new farm containing no crops or animals.
'Load Farm' will load a previously saved farm. Please note that there is only one saved game possible, so starting a new farm will destroy the existing one.
'Configure your text to speech settings' will be discussed in the next section.
'Exit' will terminate the game.
As with all List Boxes within the game, the Main Menu is navigated by pressing the Up or Down Arrow keys.
Configuring Text to Speech Settings.
Before you begin your first farm you may like to configure your text to speech settings. Do this by pressing Enter on the appropriate item in the main menu. This will bring into view a List Box.
To change the voice, press the Up or Down Arrow keys. Doing so will cycle between all of the Text to Speech voices installed on the computer. Selecting a voice will cause sample text to be spoken using the selected Text to Speech engine.
To adjust the rate of speech, press the Left and Right Arrow keys.
To adjust the volume press the letters V to increase and Shift+V to decrease the level.
To adjust the pitch of speech, press the Left Bracket to decrease and the Right Bracket to increase. Typically, these keys are situated to the immediate right of the letter P on a standard QWERTY keyboard.
Press Enter at any time to save the settings.
Before Setting up a new farm.
Before beginning to set up your farm you may need to give it some thought, as when the game begins you have only a limited time to get your first crop sewn. Failure to do this on time means you will have a year with your fields lying fallow. Bills still have to be paid whether you are making money or not, so fallow fields are not a good thing. So consider the following.
Do you want your farm to be arable or mixed? If you intend to buy animals you will need to build a barn to house them, plus a grazing pasture so that they can eat grass for most of the year. You will also need to purchase some fodder for them or they will starve before you can get them out to graze. Fodder is not cheap, but buying too little can have disastrous consequences very fast. You can check fodder at any time by pressing letter F.
Decide which crops you want to plant. Fruit costs more money to plant and maintain but fetches more. If you're going to have animals you need to grow at least four fodder crops, these are all the grains plus sugar beet, clover and hay. Do you need to have clover and hay or is one better than the other? Fresh flowers and salad vegetables both grow in greenhouses. They are both expensive but is one better than the other? Are you going to have one or both greenhouses?
Here is a list of crops and their planting costs. Please note other costs will be incurred during the year.
Apples: $1,500.
Barley: $1,000.
Black-eyed peas: $500.
Cherries: $1,500.
Clover: $750.
Corn: $1,000.
Fresh flowers: $3,000.
Grapes: $3,000.
Hay: $500.
Lemons: $2,000.
Mixed Vegetable Market Garden: $1,000.
Oats: $1,000.
Oranges: $2,000.
Peaches: $1,500.
Peanuts: $500.
Pomegranates: $2,000.
Potatoes: $500.
Rapeseed: $500.
Salad Vegetables: $3,000.
Strawberies: $1,500.
Sunflowers: $500.
Sugar Beets: $1,000.
Watermelons: $1,500.
Wheat: $1,000.
Grazing Pasture. $500.
You may only plant one field of any type of crop on your farm.
There are three kinds of animals you can buy. They are:
Cow: $5,000.
Angora Goat: $3,000.
Sheep: $2,000.
You are allowed to buy five of each type of animal.
You also have a chicken field containing five chickens. This is a great way to make money in spare moments as will be discussed later.
Setting Up a Farm.
To start a new farm, use your Up and Down Arrow keys to focus on New Farm in the Main Menu and press Enter. After the introductory scene has been played, you will be asked to name your farm. Type in a name and press Enter. You will immediately hear music and your farm's ambience. To adjust the music volume, use the Page Up and Page Down keys. The game can be paused and resumed at any time by pressing the letter P.
Layout.
You are standing on the farm's main thoroughfare. Behind you is the front door to your house, you can hear it, that buzzing type of sound. To your left is a rustling hedge with ten openings in it which lead into ten fields. Across the path to your right is a similar rustling hedge with openings into ten large fields.
The fields are arranged vertically. It is important to note that the bottom lefthand field for example is considered to be 'the first field on the left'. It will be useful to know this information when you begin to plan your farm and for later exploration.
If you walked straight up the middle of the farm you would come into the chicken field. We'll have time to explore later, right now we have work to do.
The Management Menus.
To access the Management Menus you can press F1 from anywhere on the farm. These menus give you access to planting, building, buying, selling and more.
There are several points to bare in mind when navigating the Management Menus.
Pressing Enter on any item from the Management Main Menu will take you into a sub-menu relative to the item you have chosen. For example, if you select the first item relating to planting crops, the sub-menu for this will appear. Pressing the Escape key will return you to the Management Main Menu, a Leasey concept with which you should already be familiar. You will be advised that you are back in this menu. Pressing Escape once more will return focus to the farm, which is not confirmed through speech output.
Planting crops.
Crops can only be planted from the beginning of September to the beginning of November. To check the date at any time, press letter Y. To plant crops, press F1 to bring up the Management Main Menu', focus on 'Plant Crops' and press Enter. You will find an alphabetical list of crops together with their planting costs and which type of field it requires. It is not possible to use first letter navigation in this menu, so please press the Up or Down Arrow keys instead.
Some crops, for example fruits and greenhouses, can only be planted on large fields. Press Enter on a crop you would like to plant and you will be asked where you would like to plant it, together with a list of available fields. Use your Up and Down arrow keys to find the one you would like and press Enter.
Managing Buildings.
If you are planning on raising animals on your new farm, one of the first things you will need is a barn. Make sure you have left a field free for it. To build a building, press F1 to open the 'Management Main Menu', focus on 'Build a Building' and press Enter. Here you will see a list of buildings together with their costs. Find the one you want to build and press Enter. You will be asked where you would like to place it. If there is more than one space free you can use your Up and Down Arrow keys to cycle through them till you find the one you want, then press Enter.
As your farm grows richer you may want to build more buildings to improve the yield of your farm. Fruit juice brings in much more money than the raw fruit, the dairy comes with all kinds of exciting upgrades for you to buy and if you make enough to build the winery well, who doesn't like a nice glass of wine? You'll really see your profit margins spiral!
Of course it may happen that you fall on hard times or want to change things around. You may need to put building land back out to crops again. If you need to tear down a building simply open up the 'management Menu' by pressing F1 and press Enter on 'Tear Down Building'. You will be asked which building you wish to tear down. The appropriate building can be selected with the Up and Down Arrow keys and press Enter to select. You will get back a small per centage of the price you paid to build it and your field will be usable for crops again.
The Farm Year.
The new farm year always begins in September. In game time a day runs for about 6 seconds, so a year lasts about 36 minutes. This gives you ample time to perform farm tasks, explore, make improvements, buy upgrades for your house and grab some spare cash by playing mini games.
Throughout the year you need to perform set tasks to care for your crops and animals. Failure to do anyone of a number of things can result in your crops or animals dying. You also need to keep a close eye on your cash. Check how much is in the bank from anywhere on the farm by pressing letter C. You have money going out all year: household bills, crop maintenance, etc, if you have cows and goats you may have income during the year but your main income is at harvest time. You need to manage your money so that you have enough to pay for everything through the year as well as your new crop planting. You start with $100,000. You are permitted an overdraught of $20,000 but this has to be repaid within three months or your farm will go bankrupt.
Basic Orientation.
When you begin playing for the first time, your farm house will be behind you, (slightly to the right), and the chicken field some distance ahead.
If you press the Left Arrow once or twice, you are likely to hear the sound of the hedge. The hedge is your guide for navigating to different farm locations.
When located at the hedge, press the Up or Down Arrow keys to move through the farm. Periodically, you will hear the sound of an opening, indicating that a field can be examined. Press the Left Arrow key to determine the field's existence, and if appropriate, any crop or building which may be situated within it.
You are now inside the field. Press the Right Arrow key, and the word, 'Farm', will be announced, indicating that you are once again located on the main farm thoroughfare rather than the field previously entered.
A corresponding number of fields are located on the righthand side of the farm, which can be reached by pressing the Right Arrow key several times. You will know that you are on the righthand side as you will once again hear the sound of the hedge.
Naturally, when navigating through the fields with the Up and Down Arrow keys in this situation, you would press the Right Arrow key when focused on an opening, so as to determine the field and anything which may be found there. The Left Arrow key will, in this scenario, return you to the farm.
Tip: When wishing to interact with a field as discussed in later sections, you only need to take one or two steps into it. Taking further steps could result in you losing orientation on the farm.
SMS Text Messages.
As you walk your farm you're always accompanied by your trusty cell phone. This is a very good thing as you will receive periodic SMS reminders which let you know what needs to be done next.
To access your SMS messages, press F5. Your messages will appear in a list with the most recent first. Press Enter to open and read a message. Press the Delete key to delete it. Press Escape to exit the SMS list. Press F6 to hear the most recent SMS message.
The Context Menu.
We now need to introduce you to the Context Menu. As the name suggests, the Context Menu is context sensitive, and will provide you with a list of choices you can make relative to where you are located.
To access the Context Menu, press the Space Bar. All tasks which you can perform with the Context Menu are discussed in the next few sections.
Fertilization.
The first task of the year is fertilization. All the crops need fertilising or they will die. You need to walk to each field in turn. Once there, press the Space Bar to bring up the Context Menu. You will be asked if you'd like to perform the task, simply press Enter and you will hear a sound to let you know the task is going ahead.
Animals Out to Grass.
In the spring your animals, if you have them, can be turned out to grass. Do this by walking to the barn, entering it and pressing the Space Bar to bring up its Context Menu, finding the item 'Take Animals Out to Graze' and pressing Enter. It's a good idea to check how much fodder is left in the barn at this stage too.
Spraying and pruning.
From March to May the crops are sprayed and pruned, but not all in one go. Watch your phone so that you know which ones have to be done next. Perform each task by entering a field and pressing the Space Bar to bring up the Context Menu. If you enter a field where nothing needs doing that particular month, and press the Space Bar, no menu will appear. If you're unsure you've done everything, walking the farm and checking each field in this way sets the mind at rest.
Watering.
It's a hot summer and some of the crops need water. Keep a close eye on your phone so that you know which ones need doing. Enter the relevant field and press Space Bar to bring into view the Context Menu. Take particular care with the grapes during the summer if you have them.
Dipping Sheep and Goats.
In July the sheep and goats have to be dipped or they will get scab and the wool will be lost. Worse, you will incur a hefty vet's bill. When you receive the SMS text message, go to the grazing pasture, press the Space Bar to bring up the Context Menu, find 'Manage Animals' and press Enter.
Harvest.
It's harvest time, hurray! Go to each field in turn, press the Space Bar and reap the reward for your hard work. Once the crop is harvested you'll be asked if you'd like to replant the same crop in that field. If you'd like to change things around simply press Down Arrow to the option 'No', and press Enter. You will then have an empty field to plant or build on as you like.
Don't forget, the grazing pasture is a part of your harvest if you have sheep and goats, so walk into it, press the Space Bar and select 'Manage Animals'. Wool fetches a good price.
Placing Fodder.
Before you go to market it's a good idea, if you have animals, to make sure they have plenty to eat for the winter. Go to the barn and press the Space Bar to activate the Context Menu. The first item you'll hear is 'Place Fodder', together with how many pounds of fodder you have. Press Enter on this and you will be given a list of fodder to select from, together with how many pounds you have of each. You need to work out how much your animals are going to eat during the winter, check on it closely and buy more if you have underestimated.
Visiting the Market.
There are a few things to remember when visiting the market.
Firstly, prices vary, so if your top crops are getting bottom prices you might want to wait a few minutes and try again.
Secondly, crops go bad. You can't leave them for more than two months before selling or you won't have anything to sell. If something is about to go off you will hear a warning, a series of peremptory tones which sound every five seconds or so. When you hear this, immediately press F1 to open the 'Management Menu' and press Enter on the item 'Visit the Market'. You will be asked what you would like to sell, together with a list of available crops and the prices they are fetching. Press Enter on the one you'd like to sell. You will be asked for confirmation. Press Enter and you will hear a cash register ring to confirm the sale has been made.
If you have cows and goats or have chicken eggs to sell you will grow used to visiting the market roughly once a month. These three things are good to have and can really help with the bills.
Fetching In the Animals.
Before the farm shuts down for the winter the animals must be brought safely into the barn. You will receive an SMS message mid-November telling you that it is time. Go to the grazing pasture, press the Space Bar to open the Context Menu, and press Enter on 'Bring Animals into the Barn'. Be sure to check during the winter that they have enough fodder. If the fodder runs out they will immediately starve.
Exploring the House.
Before we discuss the benefits of purchasing upgrades for your house, lets learn how to explore it.
As previously stated, you can hear the door of the house as you navigate with the Down Arrow key, since it is located at the opposite end of the farm to the chicken field.
Be sure that the sound of the front door is located in the centre of the stereo field and simply press the Down Arrow key to walk through it.
You are now in the main hallway and you will note that the sound of the music has changed. As you would expect from a hall, at either side of you are rooms which can be entered. On the left can be found the Master Bedroom, Bedroom 2, and the Bathroom. On the righthand side is located Bedroom 3 and the Living Room. Entering the Living Room does reveal further rooms which will be explored later.
The concept of walking into each room can be explained in the following way. Use the Arrow keys until you hear the loudest part of the door's entry point on either the left or right. This may take some practice. When it is located, press the corresponding Left or Right Arrow key to locate the door and walk through it with the Up or Down Arrow keys.
For example:
Step 1. Press the Down Arrow key from the farm thoroughfare to enter the house.
Step 2. Press the Left Arrow key so that you walk a step or two to the left.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list until you hear the door which indicates the Master Bedroom. This is the room we wish to enter.
Step 4. When the opening of the door is in view, indicated by listening for the loudest indication of the door, press Left Arrow repeatedly to locate and walk through it.
If you explore the Living Room, you will find that it contains the Sun Room straight in front of you, located by pressing Up Arrow, and the Dining Room behind you and to the right. You need to walk through the Dining Room in order to reach the kitchen area.
As described in the next section, you will certainly want to spend money upgrading your house to include the best luxuries money can buy. When you do buy the items, you will want to find out what they look or sound like.
Locate the item you have bought with the Arrow keys. It will be denoted by either an ambience or beep sound if it is furniture. Ensure it is located in the centre of the stereo field and press Enter to read its description.
Buying Upgrades.
The winter is a time for taking stock, exploring and, if you have the money, buying upgrades. If you open the 'Management Menu' by pressing F1 you will see two kinds of upgrade, 'Farm Upgrades' and 'House Upgrades'.
For your farm you can buy machinery such as a tractor, a sheller harvester, a combine, an oil press and, once you have it, all kinds of nice things for your dairy. Each upgrade affects a different crop and will dramatically improve its yield. Some upgrades affect more than one crop. There's even an upgrade for the animals.
The house upgrades are arranged by room. Nothing is cheap, but then you are not planning on moving anywhere, so you want everything for your home to be the very best you can get. Once you have it you can explore the house, find where it is within the room, it may have its own special sound, and each and every item has its own unique description.
Mini games.
'My Country Place' comes with four mini games. One of these is a way to make extra money in your spare moments while the other three come up randomly as part of the annual challenge.
The Challenges.
As we know, things don't always run smoothly and once a year, in August, there is a crisis. You will receive an SMS message informing you that there is a problem and telling you which field is in danger. When you enter the field you will be plunged into a fun mini game. Instructions on how to play will be automatically given to you. If you win, the crop will be saved. If you lose, you fail and the crop will die. No crop is safe so take care!
The Chickens.
At the back of your farm is a field containing five chickens. When you enter this field they will run around you then bounce away. They lay eggs which you can collect and sell, they fetch $15 per egg, but it's not so easy! The eggs make a bleeping sound and they are not all pitched the same. The bleep gets lower when the egg is behind you. You must get the eggs in the centre of the stereo field and then walk over them to collect them, whereupon you will hear an 'egg cracking' sound. It is likely that you will need to use all four Arrow keys to achieve this. And there's one thing more. You can only find these eggs while they're warm. After a while they go cold and you can't hear them anymore. Practice makes perfect, however, and the quiet winter's a great time to make a good stash of egg money before it's time to start the year's tasks again.
Saving the Game.
The game is automatically saved every time you exit. Just press Alt+F4 and the game will close. When you wish to reopen the game, select 'Load Farm' on the Main Menu. You should hear the message 'Welcome to '' and your farm name. You will be placed at the exact location where you were when you exited the game. For example, if you exited in the chicken field, that is where you will be when you restart. If you are not quite sure of game time, simply press letter Y to check the date.
Backing Up and Restoring a Farm.
We hope that you are going to spend many hours building up your farm, gaining profit, and purchasing items for your new home. It could well be therefore that you will want to take a backup of your farm and restore it if software needs to be reinstalled for any reason. You also may wish to copy your farm for playing the game on another machine without having to start again. This section will show you how you can do these things.
In order to backup a farm:
Step 1. Be sure that the 'My Country Place' game is not running, even in the background.
Step 2. Using File Explorer, browse to the folder in which you wish to place the backup. This could be an alternative drive, (such as a USB storage device), a folder using Dropbox, or elsewhere. Be sure you are located inside the folder by pressing Enter on it.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key, then Alt+B. An Edit Field will be presented to you containing the path of the potential backup. This can be amended if you change your mind or if it is inaccurate in any way. When the Enter key is pressed, you will be advised that the backup is taking place and it should take less than a second.
To restore the backup, perhaps to an alternative location:
Step 1. Be sure that the 'My Country Place' game is not running, even in the background.
Step 2. Using File Explorer, browse to the folder where the backup of the farm was previously stored. This could be an alternative drive, (such as a USB storage device), a folder using Dropbox, or elsewhere. Be sure you are located inside the folder by pressing Enter on it.
Step 3. Press the Leasey Key then Alt+R. The farm will be copied to the correct location for Leasey to use.
Keystrokes.
Arrow keys: Navigate game board and menus.
Page up and Down: adjust music volume.
P: Pause and resume game.
F1: Open the Management Menu.
F5: Open SMS Text Message list.
F6: Hear most recent SMS Text Message.
Delete: delete SMS Text Message.
Escape: Exit SMS Text Message list or menu.
Space Bar: Open the Context Menu.
Enter: Skips introductory cut scene, reads text descriptions of house items and is used in the mini games.
C: check cash.
F: Check Fodder.
Y: Check Date.
Alt F4: Exit and save game.
Leasey Key then Alt+B: Backup farm.
Leasey Key then Alt+R: Restore farm.
Matchmaker, the Perfect Tile Matching Puzzle Game.
Overview.
Matchmaker is a simple matching tile puzzle game which takes its inspiration from a multitude of matching games, among them Candy Crush, Pudding Pop, BeJeweled etc. It is meant to be fun, relaxing and unstressful.
Where our game differs from most is that it is infinitely customisable. Instead of playing on one size of board with one set of tiles, or only a limited choice, you can customise the board to be as large or as small as you like, you can also customise the levels to be as simple or as challenging as needed, plus there are a large number of tile sets, with more being frequently added.
This game is purely sound driven with no graphics, so you must use the sound effects and audio environments within the game to assist in moving from one location to another. The output from Matchmaker is delivered using speech emanating from the JAWS screen-reader.
The Puzzle.
The puzzle consists of a board laid out with tiles. Each tile contains a value according to which set you are playing with, it might be fruits, gems, colours, numbers etc. You need to match a line of three or more tiles to clear them from the board. You may make lines of tiles vertically or horizontally but not diagonally. As tiles are cleared, tiles from the row or column above slide down to fill the empty places on the board and new tiles are added at the top, you will never see an empty space on the board. The more tiles you clear, the more points you score, you also earn bonus points for making more than one match at a time. When you have cleared a certain number of tiles you complete a level and can move up to the next, which scores higher, but the number of tiles you need to clear each level usually increases. The object of the puzzle is to make as many matches and score as many points as possible before all the matches run out.
The main menu.
When you first open Matchmaker you will be placed in the main menu. This contains three options:
Play: Takes you into a new game or your saved game.
Configure: Takes you into the customisation options.
Exit: Leaves the game.
Configuring speech.
To make any changes to your speech configuration, select 'Configure" from the Main Menu, then select 'Configure speech Verbosity'. We recommend initially however that the settings in this menu are left at their default values at least while you are becoming used to playing the game, although you will almost certainly want to change one of the options as and when you become more accomplished.
Pressing Enter on this option allows you to configure whether you would like JAWS to announce cleared tiles, announce clearing score, announce multi-match bonus scores and announce total score. Pressing Enter on any item in this menu will cause a further sub-menu to appear, containing the options "On" and "Off". Press Enter to select an item, whereupon you will be returned to the "Speech and Verbosity" configuration menu.
Configuring the game.
Matchmaker comes preconfigured and ready for you to play with an eight by eight board and the fruit set of tiles. You may, however, want to customise the game further. It is worth noting that changing any of the settings overwrites all the game configuration settings you have, so do make sure to go through the game configuration thoroughly or Matchmaker will not play properly.
Configure Board.
First you need to decide what size of board you would like to play on. Follow these steps.
Step 1. Select 'Configure' from the Main Menu, then 'Configure Game'. You will be warned your saved settings will be overwritten.
Step 2. Select 'Configure Board Size' and press Enter.
You will be asked to select board length. Enter a number between five and twenty and press Enter.
You will be asked to select board width. Enter a number between five and twenty and press Enter.
You will be asked to select object variants to scatter on the board. You will be prompted to enter a number between 5 and the maximum number of values your list contains. Press Enter to complete.
Your board is now configured, you will be returned to the configuration menu. Note, a square board, for example length 10, width 10, object variants 10 is easier to play on than an irregular board.
Configuring Board Values.
You're still in the 'Configure Game' menu. You now need to decide which set of tiles you want to play with. To do so, follow these steps.
Step 1. Select 'CONFIGURE BOARD VALUES' and press Enter.
Depending on how you have configured your board you will see the number of tile sets which are available for you to play with. Some sets have only a small number of tiles, some are a full set of twenty tiles. You will only see the ones which are available to you.
Step 1. Choose the set of tiles you want and press Enter.
You will be returned to the 'Game Configuration' menu.
Configuring Round.
Next you need to configure how many tiles need to be cleared before a level is complete. To do this, follow these steps.
Step 1. Select 'CONFIGURE ROUND' and press Enter.
Step 2. Select 'CONFIGURE MINIMUM CLEARED TILES TO PROCEED TO NEXT LEVEL', and press Enter. This takes you into a choice of numbers of tiles to clear between 20 and 100. Press Down Arrow to reach the one you want and press Enter.
Step 1. Select 'CONFIGURE SUBSEQUENT DIFFICULTY FACTOR', and press Enter.
Step 2. This takes you into a list of choices between no change and 100. Press Down Arrow to the choice you want and press Enter.
You will be returned to the 'Game Configuration' menu.
Configuring the Timer.
You do not need to configure the timer unless you are planning to play a timed game. If you would like to configure the timer, follow these steps.
Step 1. Select 'CONFIGURE TIMER' and press Enter.
You will be asked to choose how long you are allowed before tiles are taken away from your score.
You will then see a list of time choices. Press Down Arrow to reach the one you want and press Enter.
You will be returned to the 'Game Configuration' menu.
Important! On completing Configuration.
Important! On completing game configuration, tap the Escape key once to exit the 'Game Configuration' menu. You will find yourself in the main 'Configuration Menu'. Press Up Arrow to reach the 'Save Settings' option and press Enter. You will then be returned to the 'Main Menu'. If this last part is not completed your settings will not be saved and you will have to begin again.
Playing The Game.
To begin playing matchmaker, select 'Play' from the 'Main Menu' and press Enter. You will be asked to select a difficulty level. There are three difficulties, but as game play is the same whichever level you work with we will discuss the levels in a later section.
When the game starts you are placed at the top lefthand corner of your board which is laid out with tiles. You can now move around the board using all four Arrow keys, exploring either in horizontal rows or vertical columns. When you see two tiles of the same value together, for example two apples, that is the start of a potential match. Explore till you find a third apple. It does not have to be on the same row or in the same column, it can come from anywhere. When you find a match, select it using your Space Bar. You will hear a symbol sound to tell you it has been selected.
Now, navigate back to where you saw the pair of tiles and move to where you want to put the third one to make a line of three either vertically or horizontally. There will be a different tile already there. Press your Space Bar to swap that tile for the one that will make a match. You will hear a tambourine sound if the swap is valid and the game will tell you if the match has been made and how many tiles have been cleared. A swap is only valid if it will make a line of three or more matching tiles. If you have made an invalid swap you will hear a double buzz sound, your tile will be de-selected and you will need to try that match again.
If, at any time, you wish to cancel a swap, you can do so by pressing the Delete key. If you would like to check how many tiles you have cleared, press T. To find out your score, press S. To check what level you are on, press L. To adjust the volume of the music, press page up or page down. To adjust the volume of the sound effects, press control page up and control page down.
Strategy and Bonuses.
If, by the sliding down of tiles and the swapping of others, you manage to find several matches with one swap, you will earn bonus points. The more matches you make with one swap, the more bonus points you will earn. Also if you can visualise in your head what your board looks like you may be able to employ strategy to manage your swaps so that large numbers of matches can be made at one time.
Saving The Game.
You can always exit the game quickly by pressing Alt+F4. If you exit this way your game will be saved. You can also tap Escape from inside the game to return to the 'Main Menu'. If you do this your game will be terminated and you will be warned to this effect.
Difficulty levels.
Beginner: In this difficulty there are always moves to make, tiles may be added in pairs or triplets. If you always save your game you can go on playing it for as long as you want to.
Normal. The standard game, the tiles are added at random and finding matches, particularly on the larger boards, is not quite so easy. It is possible to run out of matches.
Timed Game. The most difficult. You play against the clock. Make matches as quick as you can, because every few seconds items are removed from the board. The less tiles there are, the less matches you can find.
Keystrokes.
Four Arrow Keys: Navigating the board and menus.
Enter key: Select menu items.
Space Bar: Select and swap tiles.
Delete: Cancel Swap.
T: check cleared number of tiles.
S: Check Score.
L: Check level.
Page Up and Page Down: Adjust music volume.
Control+Page Up and Control+Page Down: Adjust Sound Effects volume.
Alt+F4 or Escape: Save and Exit.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then G: Opens the Leasey Games menu.
Arrow Keys: Move around game boards and menus.
Enter: Selects menu items and confirms game configuration choices.
Space Bar: Selects and swaps tiles in Matchmaker.
Delete: Cancels a tile swap in Matchmaker.
T: Reports how many tiles have been cleared in Matchmaker.
S: Reports the score in Matchmaker.
L: Reports the current level in Matchmaker.
Page Up and Page Down: Adjust music volume in Matchmaker.
Control+Page Up and Control+Page Down: Adjust sound effects volume in Matchmaker.
Escape: Returns to the main menu or exits the current game screen where described.
Leasey Sports and Games is here;and it's been one of our most requested features ever! Whether you're a die-hard fan or just like to keep tabs on your favourite teams, this powerful module brings the pulse of live sports right to your fingertips (and your ears), thanks to Leasey!
This isn’t just another scoreboard. This is your personal sports assistant, built to help you stay in the action;without lifting a finger.
With Leasey Sports and Games, you can:
Track games in real-time: Choose the matches you care about, and let JAWS announce score changes as they happen; no refreshing, no digging, just pure adrenaline.
Instantly check scores: Want the latest from a match you're not currently monitoring? Just ask; Leasey delivers.
Browse today’s sporting events;or any date you choose: Whether it’s a packed weekend or a quiet Tuesday, you can view everything going on, or filter the list by team or keyword.
Check the latest score for a team or player.
Check the dates of the next three games for a team or player.
Retrieve the latest sports headlines.
We are slowly rolling out the Leasey Sports and Games module. Each sport has its own set of requirements and terminology, so it is important that we carefully manage one at a time. We have focused on worldwide soccer, baseball, basketball, American football, tennis and cricket.
To gain the full benefit of this feature, you are advised to read this chapter of the documentation fully as there are a number of procedures involved so as to gain the most from it.
Quality of Support.
Many hours have been spent testing and developing this module. You are currently reading the documentation for version one of Leasey Sports and Games. Over time, you may find that the interface (and the information reported) change as we learn more about what can be achieved.
We have chosen to use some of the most respected services available to provide sports information. For some sports, we have needed to take advantage of at least two different services to bring you accurate information. As a result, we can state the following:
You are advised to check the current score or beginning monitoring for score changes at least a minute after a game has begun.
If a particular score (or game details) cannot be obtained, we would ask please that you do not report this to Hartgen Consultancy. Leasey only relays what the individual service provides. If it is inaccurate in any way, there is nothing which can be done.
As with all services we use (such as ChatGPT), changes are being made all the time and it is likely that some services will improve. When they do, we will bring them to you.
Having said all of that, we're confident that if you follow the documentation carefully, this will be an invaluable resource and we hope you enjoy using Leasey Sports and Games.
Before You Begin.
A number of the features of Leasey Sports and Games relate to notifying you of upcoming events at specific times of day, so it is important they are delivered within your own timezone. We will first set the timezone.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then H to move into Leasey Help.
Step 2. Type number 4, just above the letter keys, to reach the item "4. Set Default Timezone for Upcoming Sporting Events."
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Focus is now in a list of timezones. The most commonly used timezones are at the top of the list, followed by a list of those remaining in alphabetical order. Use first letter navigation or the Up and Down Arrow keys to select a timezone and then press Enter. The timezone is permanently saved. You should not need to set the timezone again.
Accessing the Leasey Sports and Games Options.
The vast majority of the options for this module can be found on the Leasey Sports and Games menu, activated by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Shift+G for Games. This chapter will now describe the different activities you may like to carry out.
Useful Tip: Many of the options relate to soccer, baseball, international basketball, American football, tennis or cricket. Each of the important options in this regard therefore begin with the name of the sport. You can type the initial letter repeatedly to more quickly find the option you want.
If you have not carried out the previous step in respect of setting a timezone, Leasey detects this and will not allow you to continue unless you have done this. If you wish to change timezones, you will find an option to reset this on the Sports and Games menu.
Listing Upcoming Events.
Before we are able to monitor the progress of live games, we need first to find out which games will be played on a specific day!
Step 1. Move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Shift+G.
Step 2. Using the Down Arrow key, or by typing an initial letter of the sport of interest, find the option to view events for today or a specific date. For example, if you would like soccer, type letter S to reach "Soccer Events Today or on a Specific Date", or type the letter B repeatedly until you reach "Baseball Events Today or On a Specific Date".
Step 3. Press Enter and you move into the first of two screens. Each screen contains an Edit Field into which you may type information. If you wish to keep things simple, just press Enter twice without typing anything. All games relating to the current day in your local timezone are displayed for the chosen sport.
However, if you wish, you can enter information into the two Edit Fields to carry out some very powerful filtering. The first screen asks for the date for which you wish to retrieve events. If you would like details of events for the current day, press Enter without typing anything. If you would like events for the following date, type the word "tomorrow" and press Enter. If you would like events for the current hour, type the word "hour". Finally, if you would like events for a specific date during 2025, type the month first followed by the date. A good example would be 0525 for May 25. This sounds rather like an automated telephone service doesn't it? We're sorry about that, but it does at least keep the number of screens to a minimum.
Step 4. Press Enter to move to the next screen. This is the filtering screen.
Step 5. If you press Enter without typing anything, all events for the selected day or hour will be returned within the JAWS Results Viewer. Alternatively, you can type a keyword or keywords. This is a very sophisticated filtering tool. You can, for example, type the word "England" to return all English games or "Scotland" to return those relating to Scotland. Type "Chicago" to return baseball games where the team name refers to Chicago. Type "Liverpool" or "West Ham" to see if those teams are playing on the chosen date. In summary, you ought to be able to type a geographical location or a team name to apply filtering.
Step 6. Press Enter and within a second or two the results should be returned. Note that in the case of tennis, it will take a few seconds longer to compute the results because Leasey has more work to do than is the case with the other sports.
You can read the events in the Results Viewer and if necessary press Escape to exit. However, there are reasons why you may wish to keep this window open and we will return to this later.
Here is typical output as to what may be returned for Saturday April 26:
Soccer
Date: April 26, 2025 | Timezone: Europe/London
Filtered by: england
- 3:00 PM: Brighton vs West Ham
- 3:00 PM: Newcastle vs Ipswich
- 3:00 PM: Southampton vs Fulham
- 3:00 PM: Wolves vs Leicester
- 3:00 PM: Blackburn vs Watford
Baseball
Date: April 26, 2025 | Timezone: America/New_York
Filtered by: cubs
- 4:05 PM: Chicago Cubs vs Philadelphia Phillies
- 7:15 PM: Louisville Bats vs Iowa Cubs
Useful Tips.
If you carry out a further search for events on a specific date, the filter keywords previously entered will still be in use unless you change them. For example, if you had previously applied the filter keyword as "Cubs", and you move into the option to search for events on a specific date, when you reach the second screen JAWS will say this: "Type a keyword such as Chicago or Cubs, then press Enter. The current filter is Cubs".
It is important that you listen to the entire prompt in order that you know which filter is about to be applied. If you do miss the reading of the prompt, you can check the contents of the Edit Field with the Left and Right Arrow keys prior to pressing Enter.
There is a real advantage to this feature. If you know that you always want games specific to England, just set up the filter once and you should never need to change it again. Just pressing Enter on the filter screen without typing anything should always apply it. Each sport has its own individual filter. So in the previous example, if you had entered the word "England" into the soccer filter, that will not be applied to the other sports.
As previously described, you do not need to use the filtering option. If you would like to hear all events of today, regardless of the location or the teams and players taking part, move into the option described above. Then press Enter twice. Similarly, move into one of the menu options, type a date into the first Edit Field and nothing at all into the second Edit Field. Just be sure there really is nothing in the second Edit Field. If in doubt, press Backspace to erase the text prior to pressing Enter.
Finally, do not forget the feature to restrict the view to the current hour. This is very useful if you want to see which games are taking place during the current hour. Into the first Edit Field type the word "hour". You can apply a filter if you wish by typing into the second Edit Field or just leave it empty of content.
In summary, we have tried to make the Events selection screens easy to use while allowing some powerful filtering to be applied if needed. Try to become familiar with how the Events screens work because it is likely you will need them in the following sections. You cannot do any harm by trying them out.
Additional Information in the Events Screens.
There are two special circumstances where the events screens will display additional information.
If you have chosen to see all events for a specific day, and games have already been played, the final score will be displayed. For example, if a game was played at 10:00 AM, and you are viewing an events screen for a day at 7:00 PM, you should see the final score for the 10:00 AM game.
Theoretically therefore, if you wish to see the final scores for all games on the preceding day, all you need do is type the previous day's date into the first Edit Field. All games listed will be displayed together with their final scores.
The second point to mention relates to cricket games which are a special case.
Cricket games can be played over a series of days. If you enter today's date into the first Edit Field, you may have found that the game you are wishing to know about is not listed. This is because the first day of play does not fall on the date you entered.
The cricket listings are therefore divided into two sections: the first half contains any live games which are ongoing. The second half displays the list of games where the scheduled start day is the date you entered.
Determining the Current Score For a Live Game.
You will now learn how to check the current score for an ongoing game and how to monitor the score in real-time.
Before we begin, let us define the two processes: checking for a live score of an ongoing game and monitoring.
You are about to learn how to check a live score. If you are not necessarily interested in monitoring a game constantly, described below, this is a useful option. You can simply move into this option and check the score.
However, you may wish to monitor the result of a game. This means that Leasey is regularly going to check the score for an ongoing game and notify you of any changes. We will fully discuss monitoring in the next section.
All of the sports follow exactly the same structure in terms of obtaining a live score or monitoring. The terminology you hear or read in Braille will vary according to the sport, but the process for managing them is identical. Every effort has been made to ensure that JAWS reports only the item which has changed; in other words, the latest score for a game which has been updated. If you are monitoring multiple games, Leasey tries to indicate which game or player the score relates to. This is essential from a screen-reading standpoint.
If a game is in progress, and you would like to learn the current score for it, there are two methods you can work through.
Checking the Score, Manual Player or Team Entry.
Step 1. Move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+G.
Step 2. Select one of the options to ascertain the current score when a game has begun. Good options might be "Soccer Live Score, Used When Games Have Begun", or "Baseball Live Score, Used When Games Have Begun". As the titles suggest, you should use these options when games have commenced and not in advance of a game starting.
Step 3. Into the Edit Field, type one of the team or player names participating in the game of interest. In the case of tennis, you need to type the name of a player participating in the game. This can be any player name participating in a singles or doubles match.
Step 4. Press Enter and the score will be returned within the JAWS Virtual Viewer like this:
Sydney 0, Home United 0, first half. 45 minutes
This tells you the current score, first or second half, and the number of minutes through the game in progress.
Alternatively:
Chiba Lotte Marines 0, Nippon Ham Fighters 0, Inning 1
Step 5. You now have a choice. You can either press Escape to exit the Virtual Viewer. Alternatively, a link below the score may be present, containing the text "Start Monitoring". The text on the link reflects the type of sport you are about to monitor. For example, the text on the link may be "Start monitoring a cricket game" or "Start monitoring a tennis game". You can press Enter in order to begin monitoring.
Checking the Score From an Events Screen.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+G to move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 2. Select one of the upcoming events screens, such as "Soccer Events Today or on Specific Date". Then press Enter.
Step 3. Press Enter to select events of today.
Step 4. Press the Backspace key to ensure there is no text in the filtering field. This is going to ensure that we are retrieving all events of today relative to the sport selected. If you are experienced at using this tool, you can apply filtering.
Step 5. Press Enter and the events are returned within the JAWS Results Viewer.
Step 6. Press Down Arrow until the game you want to check is selected and spoken.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+Z. Leasey will check to see if a game is in play and the current score. This will be announced if it is detected.
Checking the Score For Multiple Games.
There are particularly busy days when many games are taking place at the same time. Here is how to check the latest score for each game.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+G to move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 2. Select one of the upcoming events screens, such as "Soccer Events Today or on Specific Date". Then press Enter.
Step 3. Press Enter to select events of today.
Step 4. Press the Backspace key to ensure there is no text in the filtering field. This is going to ensure that we are retrieving all events of today relative to the sport selected. If you are experienced at using this tool, you can apply filtering.
Step 5. Press Enter and the events are returned within the JAWS Results Viewer.
Step 6. Press Down Arrow until the game you want to check is selected and spoken.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+Z. Leasey will check to see if a game is in play and the current score. This will be announced if it is detected.
Step 8. Focus is still in the Results Viewer. The cursor is still on the line for the game you just checked.
Step 9. Press Down Arrow to find another game of interest.
Step 10. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+Z to check the score for that game.
Step 11. Repeat this process until you have worked through all the games you wish to check.
Step 12. Optionally press Escape to exit out of the Results Viewer or keep the window open for later use. You may wish to check the scores for those games again in which case you can press Alt+Tab to focus back on the Events screen and repeat the process.
Useful Tip: If you want to get back to the same events screen at any time, press the Leasey Key followed by Alt+Left Arrow. For example, you may have inadvertently closed the Results Viewer window by pressing Escape. Pressing this key combination will display the last search which had taken place.
Monitoring for Score Changes.
Before you begin to learn how the monitoring process works, it is important to discuss some key options on the Leasey Games and Sports menu specific to this topic.
Stop or Clear Monitoring Live Score. This is the first item on the menu. As the name suggests, it stops Leasey from monitoring any games. However, if you know that you are likely to be monitoring games in the immediate future, it is useful to press Enter on this item before you begin. This ensures that Leasey "forgets" about games which have past which you previously have been monitoring. At the end of a game, Leasey will automatically clear the monitor, but it is good to be sure that you are starting fresh.
Enable Sounds When Monitoring, a Click Sound Will be Heard When Leasey Checks For a Change in Score. When monitoring is in progress, Leasey will by default check for a score change every 30 seconds. This sound will be heard whenever Leasey checks for a change in score, even if the score has not changed. This feature is useful if you wish to check that monitoring is progressing as it should.
Disable Sounds When Monitoring, a Click Sound Will Not be Heard When Leasey Checks For a Change in Score. This has the opposite effect of the previous setting. You will not hear a click sound when Leasey checks for a change in score. This is the ideal setting to use if you are perhaps listening to sports commentary on your computer. In that event, you would not want to hear the click sound spoiling the radio commentary.
Enable Speech Interrupt, If JAWS is speaking, and the game score changes, speech will be interrupted. When you are navigating applications, JAWS speaks a lot of information. If this option is enabled, and Leasey detects a change in score for a monitored game, the current speech output will be interrupted and the new score given.
Disable Speech Interrupt, If JAWS is speaking, and the game score changes, speech will Not be interrupted. This has the opposite effect of the above option. If JAWS is speaking information, it will continue speaking until such time as the current output has concluded. Following that, the score of the game will be spoken if it has changed.
Set Sports Timer, a very important option. As you begin monitoring, Leasey will check for the latest score every 30 seconds by default. This could be useful for soccer matches, but in the case of basketball, you could be hearing too much information. Every time the score changes, JAWS will report it to you. If you are using other applications, this may give you too much detail too frequently. On the other hand, you may be caught up in the excitement of a tennis or cricket game, and you may like to keep constant track of the score. Press Enter on this option to choose between 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes or 5 minutes.
Important Note: under no circumstances can you monitor a mix of games, such as tennis or cricket. All the games being monitored must be of the same type.
Monitoring a Live Game.
It is now time to learn how to monitor a live game. In theory, you should be able to monitor as many games as you like, but we would suggest you aim for a maximum of 10. Start by monitoring just one game so as to get used to the process. Most certainly, people who are unused to working with this kind of technology should only monitor one game at a time.
The more games you monitor, the slower the response time will be. You should keep this in mind. For example, it takes approximately two seconds to check the score of a game. So if your timer is set to 30 seconds, and you are monitoring 10 games, that is an additional 20 seconds you are adding. There is likely to be a 50 second delay between JAWS reporting a change in score. In summary: if a game is really important to you, just monitor that one and set a timer for 30 seconds.
There are two methods for monitoring games.
Monitoring Games, Manual Player or Team Entry.
Step 1. Move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+G.
Step 2. Select one of the options relating to the sport of interest, such as "Soccer Live Score, Used When Games Have Begun", or "Baseball Live Score, Used When Games Have Begun". As the titles suggest, you should use these options when games have commenced.
Step 3. Into the Edit Field, type one of the team or player names participating in the game of interest.
Step 4. Press Enter and the score will be returned within the JAWS Virtual Viewer.
Step 5. Below this statement, a link should be available to begin monitoring a game, such as "Start Monitoring a Soccer Game" or "Start Monitoring a Baseball Game". Press Enter on the link and monitoring will begin.
Step 6. You can now press Escape to exit out of the Virtual Viewer screen.
Monitoring Games From an Events Screen.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+G to move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 2. Select one of the upcoming events screens, such as "Soccer Events Today or on Specific Date". Then press Enter.
Step 3. Press Enter to select events of today.
Step 4. Press the Backspace key to ensure there is no text in the filtering field. This is going to ensure that we are retrieving all events of today relative to the sport selected. If you are experienced at using this tool, you can apply filtering.
Step 5. Press Enter and the events are returned within the JAWS Results Viewer.
Step 6. Press Down Arrow until the game you want to check is selected and spoken.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+Z. Leasey will check to see if a game is in play and the current score. This will be announced if it is detected. This is very important. There is no value in trying to monitor an event which does not exist.
Step 8. To begin monitoring the game, press the Leasey Key then Shift+X. The Results Viewer window will still be in focus but monitoring will have commenced and will be confirmed by JAWS.
Comments On Monitoring Games.
However you have chosen to begin monitoring, from this point you can use any application on your computer while the game is ongoing. You will hear the current value of the timer, such as "Timer set for 30 seconds". As the game progresses, one of two things may happen:
You may hear a click sound every 30 seconds (or at the interval for which the timer has been set), depending upon the setting you have selected. This indicates that Leasey is monitoring for a score change.
You will hear an announcement from JAWS if a notable event occurs. Notable events include a change in score, whether you are entering half time in a soccer game or a change of innings in a baseball game. In the case of some sports such as tennis, Leasey will indicate who is leading in a specific game or set. The terminology used is specific to each sport and is designed to provide you a succinct summary of events to keep you informed of progress.
If you miss the announcement, it can always be repeated by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Shift+Z. A summary of all games being monitored is placed into the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer inspection. Press Escape to return to your regular working environment. In fact, that keystroke doesn't just repeat the last announcement. It will check for the latest score of all monitored games. So if you had set a monitor time for five minutes, but you're desperate to know what the latest score is, you can always press that keystroke to do a fresh check.
Monitoring should automatically stop when Leasey detects the game is over. However, in the event this does not happen, you can always stop monitoring at any time by moving into the Leasey Games and Sports menu and selecting the first item, "Stop or Clear Monitoring Live Score".
Monitoring Multiple Games.
The process for monitoring multiple games is almost identical to that used for monitoring a single game.
Monitoring Multiple Games, Manual Player or Team Entry.
Step 1. Move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+G.
Step 2. Select one of the options relating to the sport of interest, such as "Soccer Live Score, Used When Games Have Begun", or "Baseball Live Score, Used When Games Have Begun". As the titles suggest, you should use these options when games have commenced.
Step 3. Into the Edit Field, type one of the team or player names participating in the game of interest.
Step 4. Press Enter and the score will be returned within the JAWS Virtual Viewer.
Step 5. Below this statement, a link should be available to begin monitoring an additional game, such as "Start Monitoring an additional Soccer Game" or "Start Monitoring an additional Baseball Game". Press Enter on the link and monitoring will begin.
Step 6. You can now press Escape to exit out of the Virtual Viewer screen.
Monitoring Multiple Games From an Events Screen.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+G to move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 2. Select one of the upcoming events screens, such as "Soccer Events Today or on Specific Date". Then press Enter.
Step 3. Press Enter to select events of today.
Step 4. Press the Backspace key to ensure there is no text in the filtering field. This is going to ensure that we are retrieving all events of today relative to the sport selected. If you are experienced at using this tool, you can apply filtering.
Step 5. Press Enter and the events are returned within the JAWS Results Viewer. Of course you may already have the Results Window open if you had previously been checking scores, in which case you can ignore the above steps.
Step 6. Press Down Arrow until the game you want to check is selected and spoken.
Step 7. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+Z. Leasey will check to see if a game is in play and the current score. This will be announced if it is detected. This is very important. There is no value in trying to monitor an event which does not exist.
Step 8. To begin monitoring the additional game, press the Leasey Key then Shift+X. The Results Viewer window will still be in focus but monitoring will have commenced and will be confirmed by JAWS.
Comments On Monitoring Multiple Games.
The audio feedback you will receive is identical to that you experienced when monitoring a single game. However, when announcing an important event, JAWS will only speak details of the game which has changed. For example, if you were monitoring two games, and a team had scored within game two, you will only hear the details relating to the second game. This ensures that you only hear the information of interest.
If you miss the announcement, it can always be repeated by pressing the Leasey Key followed by Shift+Z. However this time, there is an important difference as we are monitoring multiple games. The Virtual Viewer will show a summary of all the games being monitored even if the score has not changed for some time. Press Escape to exit out of the Virtual Viewer.
Monitoring should automatically stop when Leasey detects that all games being monitored are over. However, in the event this does not happen, you can always stop monitoring at any time by moving into the Leasey Games and Sports menu and selecting the first item, "Stop or Clear Monitoring Live Score".
What About The Item on the Menu, Reinstate Sports Session. What Is That Used For?.
Good question. There are two reasons why you may need this option.
Let us assume that you are monitoring a lengthy game or series of games. Unfortunately, at some point during the monitoring, JAWS stops responding and you need to restart it. All your monitored games are lost. Here is how to reinstate the games you were monitoring:
Step 1. When JAWS is restarted, move into the Leasey Sports and Games option by pressing Leasey Key then Shift+G.
Step 2. Select the item on the menu, "Reinstate Sports Session".
Step 3. Press Enter. Monitoring of your game or games will begin again.
You may be monitoring a game or a series of games, but this needs to be stopped temporarily, perhaps because of a phone call you need to take or you have to work on your computer and not be interrupted by sports results.
Step 1. Move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu by pressing the Leasey Key then Shift+G.
Step 2. Select the first option, "Stop or Clear Monitoring Live Score".
Step 3. Press Enter and monitoring is stopped.
Step 4. When you wish to resume monitoring, move back into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 5. Select the option "Reinstate Sports Session".
Step 6. Press Enter and monitoring picks up from where it left off.
Changing the Timer.
It is worth pointing out that you can change the timer midway through monitoring a game or a series of games. Remember, this is the mechanism used by Leasey to periodically check for changes in score.
You may have set the timer for five minutes, so in that event, Leasey will check for a change in score every five minutes. However, the game is getting more exciting, and you want to keep up with the score as quickly as possible. Go back into the Leasey Sports and Games menu, select "Set Sports Timer", and change it to 30 seconds. You will then receive more frequent notifications.
Important Considerations When Monitoring.
Many tests have been carried out to monitor a large number of games. However it is important to keep the following in mind:
JAWS is a screen-reader. It is probably not designed to do half the things we are doing with it, and that includes monitoring for sports event changes! So, we ask you to exercise some care. Try not to monitor too many games at once. A discussion relating to the impact of that can be found above.
Enabling the click sound to denote when Leasey is checking for a score change is recommended. You then are aware that the monitor is still working.
If possible, try to disable any other automatic checking functions. Monitoring for weather changes is a good example. Tests have been conducted with weather monitoring enabled, but the less pressure you can place upon JAWS, the better it will be.
If monitoring stops for whatever reason, don't forget that you can always enable your sports monitoring session again by moving into the Sports and Games menu and selecting the item to reinstate the existing session.
In the event that all games have completed, and Leasey is still trying to monitor for games, you should move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu and select the first item to stop monitoring.
Checking the Most Recent Score for a Team or Player.
With hundreds of sporting events taking place every day, there's a good chance you may have missed the result for a favourite team. Here is how you can check that.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+G to move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 2. Select one of the Recent Score options, such as "Baseball Recent Score, Retrieve the Last Score for a Team".
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Type a team or player name.
Step 5. Press Enter and the score for the most recent game should be returned to you within the JAWS Virtual viewer. Press Escape to exit.
You should receive details like this:
New York Mets 1, Arizona Diamondbacks 5 (Final).
The word, "Final", in this context means that the game is no longer in play.
Checking Details of Upcoming Games of a Team or Player.
It is possible to check details of upcoming games for a team or player.
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key then Shift+G to move into the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Step 2. Locate one of the options for the next upcoming games, such as "Soccer Next Games, Retrieve Details of Upcoming Games in Which the Team Participates" or "Baseball Next Games, Retrieve Details of Upcoming Games in Which the Team Participates".
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Type a team or player name and press Enter.
Step 5. The upcoming games should be displayed within the JAWS Virtual Viewer. Press Escape to exit.
The information gathered in relation to upcoming games is retrieved from various sources on the internet. Dates and times are subject to change. However, we have made every effort to ensure that the structure is consistent across all sports.
You should see results like this:
Liverpool vs. Arsenal. Saturday, May 10, 2025. 3:00 PM BST.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool. Sunday, May 18, 2025. 3:00 PM BST.
Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace. Sunday, May 25, 2025. 4:00 PM BST.
Note that the game times should be relative to the timezone previously selected.
Sports Headlines.
You can retrieve the latest sports headlines relative to one of a number of countries. In point of fact, this is a shortcut to one of the components of Leasey News. Let's remind you of how to set this relative to your desired country:
Step 1. Press the Leasey Key followed by H to move into Leasey Help.
Step 2. Type number 1, just above the letter keys, so as to reach the option "1. Set Default Country for Searches and for ChatGPT".
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Select one of the available countries and then press Enter.
If you now select the option on the Leasey Sports and Games menu, "Sports News", you should receive headlines for the supported country.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then H: Opens Leasey Help.
Leasey Key then Shift+G: Opens the Leasey Sports and Games menu.
Leasey Key then Shift+Z: Checks or repeats the score for the selected or monitored game.
Leasey Key then Shift+X: Starts monitoring the selected game from a Results Viewer screen.
Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow: Returns to the same events screen where described.
Enter: Activates the selected Sports and Games option, submits a date or filter, or follows a link in the Results Viewer or Virtual Viewer.
Escape: Closes the Results Viewer or Virtual Viewer.
Backspace: Clears the filtering field before retrieving events where described.
Down Arrow: Moves through menu options, event results or country and timezone lists.
Up Arrow: Moves backward through menu options or returns to Save Settings where described.
Left Arrow and Right Arrow: Review text in an Edit Field where described.
Spotify gives you millions of songs at your fingertips. The artists you love, the latest hits, and new discoveries just for you. It allows you to stream songs over the internet and listen to them as if they were stored on your computer. Imagine being let loose in a music store with permission to play anything you want, old and new. You can play any song, any time! There are also hundreds of playlists other people have created to suit any mood or music genre. Why search for songs when someone else has done the work? Whether you want to relax, have music to exercise to or hear the latest hits, Spotify has you covered.
Sometimes only your favourite artist will do. You can play all their music on shuffle, for free. There are two types of Spotify account, 'Free' and 'Premium'. Among other considerations, 'Spotify Premium' allows you to play all the music you want without the interruption of commercials. If you enjoy listening to music, particularly albums in their entirety, it is worthwhile purchasing a monthly subscription to 'Spotify Premium' for this useful addition alone.
Signing Up for a Spotify Account.
Even if you wish to use 'Spotify Free', this does require the creation of an account. Visiting the website at www.spotify.com will allow you to create one.
There are two ways in which an account can be created. The first is to log in with your Facebook cridentials if you have a Facebook account. If this is selected, then many of your details will be retrieved from your Facebook profile directly. This includes your Facebook Email address and password. You will use the Email address as your username.
The recommended option however is to create an account using your Email address, since you will be able to choose the username and password in order to use Spotify. The password can be something which is memorable to you.
When the account is created on the Spotify website, you can then elect to choose 'Spotify Premium', submitting your credit card information. Indeed the company may give you a trial of 'Spotify Premium' at no cost if you would like to evaluate the experience.
When Spotify loads, you will be asked for your username and password. With Leasey installed, it is not necessary to enter 'Forms Mode'.
Step 1. Focus is automatically set to the 'Username' field. Please type it in and press Tab.
Step 2. Type the password for your account and press Enter.
Note that if you press Tab rather than Enter, focus will now be set to a Check Box. At the time of writing, it is not possible to toggle this Check Box by pressing the Space Bar and the status is always reported as being 'Unchecked'. The purpose of the Check Box is to allow automatic log into Spotify each time it is started. However by default, the Check Box is set to allow automatic log in, so press Tab once more.
You are now on the 'Sign In' Button. Press the Space Bar, not Enter, on this Button.
You should now be logged into Spotify. press Insert+T which will cause JAWS to announce the account type you have access to, such as 'Spotify Free' or 'Spotify Premium'. If JAWS announces 'Spotify', you are not logged in.
Using Spotify.
Having logged into Spotify, we can now begin to find music to listen to!
When working through the rest of the tasks in this Chapter, please pay particular attention to the instructions and carry them out precisely in order that Leasey Spotify will work correctly for you.
To the average user, Spotify appears as a series of web pages. So any techniques you have learned in order to browse content on the internet can be used here, together with the additional keystrokes and methods of navigation which will be detailed below. Pay particular attention to moving by Heading (by pressing the letter "H"), accessing a list of Links (Insert+F7), and using the JAWS Find facility (Control+F).
Searching for Songs.
Let us start with a simple task, searching for a song. Working through this procedure should introduce you to the concept is a good training ground.
There are two methods in respect of searching for a song. There is a method you can use from within Leasey Search, or alternatively, the more traditional way. If you are using the Leasey Search method, Spotify does not need to be running at this point. However, we will first relate the traditional method.
Step 1. Press Control+Shift+F to find a song.
Step 2. Type a song title such as 'Thinking Out Loud'.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. The search is carried out and in a second or two you should be focused upon the first search result. JAWS will speak the title of the song assuming it exists.
Step 5. Focus is now in a list of results. You can press the Down Arrow key to review them. First you will see what Spotify deems to be the "Top Result", followed by a list of the most popular songs matching the search criteria.
Song Details.
As you press the Down Arrow key to move through the songs which have been found, you are likely to discover a number of elements.
A Button inviting you to play the song.
The song name as plain text.
A hyperlink to the artist. Pressing Enter on this item will take you to the artist page from where you can view their catalogue.
A Button to save the song to your library.
The length of the song.
A Button entitled "More". Activating this Button will reveal options such as to share the item, add it to your playlist, and more. We will return to this later.
Press Enter on any of the Buttons to perform the desired action.
Note that when songs are playing, you can use the following keystrokes to control the playback.
Pause and Play Song, Alt+Control+Windows+P.
Volume Up, Alt+Control+Windows+Up Arrow.
Volume Down, Alt+Control+Windows+Down Arrow.
Next Track, Control+Shift+N.
Previous Track, Control+Shift+P.
Fast Forward, Alt+Control+Windows+Right Arrow.
Rewind, Alt+Control+Windows+Left Arrow.
Toggle Shuffle, Control+S.
Toggle Repeat, Control+R.
Browsing Around.
Within this Chapter, we are going to describe some specific strategies you can use to get the most from Spotify when reading the pages. However, you may wish to explore the individual pages yourself, given that it has been made very accessible for you in the most part. You can read any of the text on the pages and activate the Links and Buttons in order to move to different sections of Spotify.
Here are some useful tips when navigating:
Press Enter on any Link or Button, not the Space Bar.
Use the list of Links, (Insert+F7), for fast navigation through sections.
When focused on a new page, press Control+Shift+R (for 'Results'), and Leasey will try to set focus to the starting point of the text on the page, bypassing any repeated Links or sections at the top.
Press the letter 'H' to move through Headings if needed.
While every attempt has been made to instruct JAWS to refresh the new page when it is loaded, particularly with older versions of JAWS this is not always achieved. If you have loaded a new page and you feel that the text displayed is not what you expect to see, press Insert+Escape to refresh the Virtual Buffer, then try reading the page again.
You can listen to songs continuously in Spotify while safely navigating to other sections. Playback will not stop unless you choose to terminate it.
To move back to the previous page, press Alt+Left Arrow.
To move to the Spotify 'Home Page', press Control+Shift+H.
If you wish to search for a word or phrase on the page, press Control+F.
Using Leasey Search to Find Items on Spotify.
This method is useful if you quickly want to find a song on Spotify and you may not have the application running or if you wish to locate an item fairly quickly. The concept is that you will find the item in a List Box, press Enter, and the relevant page on Spotify will be loaded into the application. You will then need to do a little work in order to begin playing the item.
Step 1. Move into Leasey Search by pressing the Leasey Key then Control+Shift+S.
Step 2. Select Spotify and press Enter. If the Spotify application is already in focus, you can go straight to this method of search by pressing Control+Shift+S without the Leasey Key.
Step 3. Type a song title and press Enter. Note it is important to be as specific as you can if possible, so if you are searching for a song, include the artist or group name to ensure the results are to your taste. You could also type an artist or group name by itself, or with the album name, etc.
Step 4. A list of results will be displayed. Press Down Arrow to find the result you want. Note that the list contains anything Spotify holds including this term, such as songs, albums or playlists with this title. Find something which may interest you by pressing Down Arrow and press Enter. If you have searched for a song, and you have entered the artist or group name as well, in the vast majority of cases the first result will be the one you want.
Step 5. The Spotify application will then run if it was not previously launched and the page for the item will be available. Hopefully, the song will begin to play if that is what you have searched for and focus should be on the "Pause" Button.
Step 6. Now you should use any browsing techniques discussed above.
Step 7. To return to your search results list, you can press the Leasey Key then Alt+Left Arrow.
Selecting an Artist.
You will have noticed while browsing the list of results in our song search that the artists are displayed as Hyperlinks. You can press enter on any one of the Links so as to display the artist page. Press Insert+T to verify that the artist page is loaded and you should find the name of the artist reflected there.
Having done this, press number 2 on the keyboard, above the letter keys. This takes you to the first level 2 heading where the results start, whereupon you can explore the page. This is usually under Spotify's Heading of 'Popular', meaning that they are played by users more frequently. If you want to examine songs under this Heading, Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to review the available options.
If on the other hand you wish to move through albums of the artist selected, press H to move through the Headings. Each album is denoted by a hyperlink. Press Enter to move to the album page. Again, the window title reflects the album which has been selected.
Moving to the first table by pressing the letter T will show all the tracks on the album. The layout is a very similar arrangement to search results, except that the items also contain statistical data, such as the number of times the item has been played. You can press the Space Bar on any item to play it.
You will find just above the songs listed on the album details of the number of tracks, the total playing time and, crucially, a Button labelled "Save". Pressing Enter on this Button will save the album to "Your Music" if desired.
Selecting Playlists.
We will now introduce you to the concept of Playlists. Playlists are a compilation of tracks a person has prepared, usually to reflect a particular musical style. These can make for good listening and, if you are not tempted to look at the track list, you can get a surprise when you listen to the music and perhaps one of your favourites is played. 'Shuffle Mode' is also very appealing when listening to music in a Playlist.
From the Home Page, the easiest way to find your Playlists is to press the letter B to reach the Button "Create a Playlist". Just below this you will find your Playlists with each one denoted by a hyperlink. Press Enter to move into it. However, if you explore the home page, you will find plenty of Playlists advertised for you based on those songs you have played recently.
When you find a Playlist you would like to hear, press Enter on the Link containing its name.
When inside a Playlist, there are a number of things you can do:
Step 1. Press Control+Home to move to the top of the page.
Step 2. Press letter "H" to move to the first Level 1 Heading which is the Playlist title.
Step 3. Press Down Arrow to read the page. You will first find a 'Play Pause' Button. Press Enter to play all the songs from the beginning or in a random order of 'Shuffle Mode' is on.
Step 4. Next comes a 'Follow' Button. If you are already following the Playlist, you will hear the word 'Following'. Press Enter to unfollow or conversely, if you are not following the Playlist and you would like to do so, press Enter to follow it.
Step 5. Next comes the name of the Playlist creator, the total number of songs and the running time.
Step 6. The results are displayed in a table, so you can always move straight to this by pressing the letter "T".
Step 7. If browsing through the results, you can play a track by placing the cursor on the "Play" Button relative to the track and pressing Enter. But in most cases, the purpose of selecting a Playlist is to hear a collection of songs and to enjoy them!
Creating Your Own Playlists and an Introduction to the Context Menu.
For each individual music track you search for, it is possible to activate a Context Menu so as to interact with it. You can add the song to a Playlist, start a radio station playing based on the track, add it to the playing queue, and more. In this section, we will work through how to use the Context Menu.
Before we do this, we need to create a new Playlist.
Step 1. From any Spotify page, press the letter "B" repeatedly until you reach a Button entitled "Create New Playlist".
Step 2. Press Enter on the Button, (or press Control+N), and an Edit Field will be in focus.
Step 3. If necessary, activate Forms Mode by pressing Enter. Type the name of the Playlist into the Edit Field. We will use the title "Leasey" as our example.
Step 4. Press Tab to reach the "Create" Playlist" Button and press Enter. You will note that there is a field for adding a description. This is optional.
Step 5. Our Playlist is now created. We will add a song to it. Press Control+Shift+F and type a song title you know to be on Spotify. When this is done, press Enter. Alternatively you can use the Leasey Search method of access.
Step 6. After a short pause, you will be placed within the search results. Press the Up or Down Arrow keys until the song you wish to add is spoken.
Step 7. Press Enter on the appropriate Button to play it. This is for two reasons: first because you can determine if it is the correct version and second because this loads up the appropriate song or album page.
Step 8. Press letter "B" to reach the "More Options For" Button and press Enter. Tip: If you do not find this Button right away, it could be that the Button is not visually available. To work around this issue, press Control+End to move to the bottom of the page and press Shift+B repeatedly. Then press Enter.
Step 9. You are now in a Context Menu. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to find the item "Add to Playlist" and press Enter.
Step 10. A list of your Playlists is displayed. Move to the name of the Playlist by pressing Down Arrow. In our example, this is, "Leasey".
Step 11. Press Enter, and the song is now in the Playlist. JAWS says "Added to Playlist".
Note that if you wish to add other songs, you should repeat the procedure.
To be thorough, we should check that the song is in the Playlist, however when adding multiple songs it is unlikely you will carry out this process. It is worth describing however because at some point, you are going to want to listen to it.
Step 1. From the Home Page, press the letter "B" until you reach the Button "Create a Playlist".
Step 2. Press Down Arrow, and you will find all your Playlists. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the available Playlists. When you reach one you would like to select, press Enter.
Step 3. The procedure for listening to the content of the playlist is exactly the same as that which we have already explored. In summary, press the letter "T" to reach the table of song titles and locate the song.
Step 4. Underneath the Playlist title is a "Play Pause" Button. Press Enter to listen to the songs in the Playlist.
Step 5. If you wish to activate the Context menu for the playlist, Press Enter on the "More" Button for it.
Step 6. Press Down Arrow to move through the options on the Context Menu. The options include:
Start Playlist Radio. Starts a radio station based upon the content of the Playlist, containing similar songs to those listed.
Share. Allows the sharing of the Playlist on social media. This includes copying the URI to the Clipboard. This is a link which can be shared in order that anyone can listen to it on Spotify.
Copy Playlist Link. Copies a Link to the clipboard of the Playlist which can be shared with someone else, perhaps in an Email. When the second user activates the Link, the Spotify web player will load in the browser, and will play the songs in the Playlist.
Collaborative Playlist. Activating this option means you can then copy the Playlist URI (as above), and send it to a friend. When he or she opens the Playlist in Spotify, songs can be added, with them being available then to you and your friend.
Make Secret or Make Public. This is simple. If made secret, the Playlist is not visible to the public. If Make Public is selected, it will be available to everyone potentially.
Rename. Allows you to rename the Playlist. An Edit Field is made instantly available. Edit the existing name, or type a new one, then press Enter.
Delete. This displays a new window with a "Delete" Button at the bottom of the page. Press Control+End, and you should be focused on the "Delete" Button. Press Enter to remove the Playlist.
Step 7. To activate an item on the Context Menu, press Enter.
Deleting a Song from a Playlist.
If you wish to delete a song from a playlist:
Step 1. Be sure you are located on the Playlist page as described in the previous section.
Step 2. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move to the song you wish to delete.
Step 3. Press Enter to play the song to be sure it is the correct one.
Step 4. Press Alt+Control+Shift+P to pause the playback.
Step 5. Find the "More Options" Button underneath the song and press Enter to activate the Context Menu.
Step 6. When the Context Menu is displayed, press Down Arrow until you reach "Remove from Playlist".
Step 7. Press Enter to remove the song from the Playlist.
Context Menu Items Relating to Tracks.
We have already explored the Context Menu relating to tracks, as we used it to add to our Playlist. However, there are other items on the Context Menu which are useful. These are very similar to the options we've just worked through when exploring a Context Menu for the Playlist. However, we have not covered:
Add to Queue. If you are listening to a song, and you have a sudden need to hear a piece of music which comes into your mind, you can find the song on Spotify and use this menu item to add to the playing queue. It will be played when the currently playing song finishes.
Start Song Radio. This is similar to the above option in relation to a Playlist, except that a radio station will be created based upon the selected song. This is excellent as it introduces you to new music of a similar genre.
Sharing a Track or Playlist With Others.
You may talk about music with your friends and family. They may well be Spotify users and hear songs you might enjoy. Now, they can send you Links to songs or Playlists they may have created and you can listen to them. How cool is that?
As we briefly described earlier, Spotify contains what is known as a "U R I". This is a Link pointing to a music track or Playlist on Spotify. When the Link is activated, the appropriate song or Playlist is automatically available in the application.
Leasey makes it easy for you to open such Links directly, whereupon you can then follow a Playlist or listen to the music track.
When activating either the Context Menu for a track or Playlist, you will see the option "Copy URI". Press Enter on this. It is then available on the Clipboard, which you can verify by pressing the Leasey Key followed by X. It can then be pasted into a tweet, Email or other text edit environment and sent to someone else for listening.
If on the other hand someone sends you a Spotify U R I, as you are using Leasey you can first copy the U R I to the Clipboard, then press Control+Shift+U, or activate the appropriate option on the Leasey Spotify Menu. An Edit Field is available, with a prompt requesting that you paste the U R I there. Please do this, then press Enter. Spotify will load the appropriate item.
If the U R I points to a Playlist, you will be taken to the page relating to it, whereupon it can be played or followed. Please refer to the earlier section concerning viewing a Playlist page.
If you have been sent a URI for a song, it is likely Spotify will take you to the album on which it appears. Now you have the ability to run a Spotify URI easily, ask your friends to share their Playlists or favourite songs with you, and, enjoy the music!
Choose the Device to Play On
You may care to use your mobile device on which to listen to Spotify. If you have a number of Playlists which you are following, you have a large collection of songs in 'Your Music', or you just want to hear songs which can be quickly found using Leasey Spotify, you can hear these on your mobile device. Particularly if you have an external speaker or speakers, this can make for a wonderful listening experience as you can hear your music independent of the computer.
Certainly, the app for Spotify on I O S devices is particularly accessible and indeed using that, it is possible to create Playlists and add tracks to them yourself, then listen to those on the computer if you wish, in a simlar way to that described above.
If you are using Spotify on the computer, and you wish for your mobile device to immediately take over and start playing the music output, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the Spotify app on your mobile device and ensure it has an internet connection.
Step 2. Using the computer, press Control+End to move to the end of any Spotify page.
Step 3. Press Shift+B to reach the 'Choose the Device to Play On' Button.
Step 4. Press Enter.
Step 5. Press down Arrow repeatedly and you should see a list of devices detected, including your computer and the name of your mobile device.
Step 6. Press Enter on the name of your mobile device. It may take a second or two but the audio playback should begin. If it does not, exit 'Browse Mode' by pressing F12, then press the Space Bar. All being well, you should hear the music from your mobile device.
If while the mobile device is connected, and you carry out any of the steps described in this Chapter such as playing a song by pressing the Enter key, communication will be sent to your mobile device as this is now the primary source for audio output. This means that all the control of Spotify can be carried out using the computer while you are listening to the music and it is reflected on the mobile device. It's like magic!
If while browsing any page you press Control+End, you should be able to read the line of text stating that you are listening on a mobile device.
To re-enable your computer as the output source, work through the procedure described above. In summary, select the 'Choose the Device to Play On' Button by pressing Enter on it, but this time, select 'This Computer' in the list of devices which appears. Assuming a song is playing, playback should cease on the mobile device and you should hear it through the computer's sound source instead.
Spotify Radio.
Leasey Spotify supports the ability to be able to listen to the SpotifyRadio 'Genre Stations'. You can select a radio station pertaining to a genre and Spotify will play many songs matching the category.
Step 1. From any page, press Insert+F7 to bring into view the list of Links.
Step 2. Press the letter 'R' for 'Radio'.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. Press Control+End to move to the end of the page.
Step 5. Press Shift+H to locate 'Genre Stations'.
Step 6. Press the letter 'B' repeatedly in order to move through the genres.
Step 7. Press Enter to select the one you want. You should now begin to hear the radio station.
Step 8. Optionally, press Alt+Control+Windows+T to hear the current song title.
Keystroke Summary.
Find on Spotify, Control+Shift+F.
Find on Spotify via Leasey Search, Control+Shift+S.
VLC Media Player and Additional Winamp Functionality.
Many people enjoy using Winamp or VLC Media Player. This section discusses the use of VLC and an additional function you can use in conjunction with the Winamp player.
VLC is an extremely widely used player which will handle just about any audio or video file you throw at it. It also gives you the ability to play CD's and DVD's if you have a necessary drive attached and that includes audio description content.
First of all, you are going to download VLC Media player. It will not take a degree in computer science to find it. Just google the term, download VLC media player, and you will be there.
Keystrokes and Concepts.
There are many keystrokes in VLC. Leasey interacts with a good many of them so as not to provide conflict with JAWS native commands and also to ensure that in certain conditions it speaks or sends to Braille appropriate information. You can activate or deactivate "Verbosity Mode" by pressing Control+Shift+V. When enabled, this mode will announce additional information, such as the file name when you move to the next track, the cursor position as you move through the item, etc.
So first of all, we will load a folder into VLC. You can do this by pressing Control+F. If you want to open a file it is Control+O, or of course you can just launch it from File Explorer. CTRL + D : Opens disk, such as a DVD
The first item begins to play. Here are some keystrokes you may care to use.
Space equals Play and Pause.
Control+Up and Down Arrow will change the volume level.
N moves to the next track.
P moves to the previous track.
S stops item from playing.
Left bracket next to P: Decrease playing speed. If verbosity is on, speedh is announced.
Right bracket: Increase playing speed. If verbosity is on, speedh is announced.
Left and Right Arrow: 10 seconds forward or back.
Shift with Left and Right Arrow: 3 seconds forward or back.
CTRL + RIGHT or Left ARROW : 1 minute forward or back.
Alt+Shift+T: Announce elapsed time.
Shift+Control+T: Announce remaining time.
Alt+Control+T: Announce total time.
B: Cycle through available audio tracks, for example on a DVD.
M: Mute sound on and off.
Shift+A: cycles through all the audio devices available.
Control+L: switch to playlist or back to media.
Control+T Go to Time. Listen to the instructions provided and type the format exactly as described.
Control+V followed by Enter, launch a specific URL. This can be a YouTube video, SoundCloud audio, radio station and so on. If you have the URL for a video or audio source you can use that too.
Alternatively, you can press Control+N to open a network stream, paste it in and press Enter.
Locating a Previously Saved Position in Winamp or VLC.
You may well be interested in hearing audio books in MP3 format or similar. In this event, you may wish at a later time to pick up from the point where you left off reading.
Step 1. Pause the playback of the book by pressing the Space Bar.
Step 2. Close the program down by pressing Alt+F4 in the usual way.
Step 3. Open up the file again at a later time and it will begin playback.
Step 4. Press Alt+Windows+K so as to move back to the previously stored position.
Please note that the storing of the saved position is file specific, that is to say that the position is retained relative to the file you were previously playing.
Setting And Locating Bookmarks in VLC.
It is possible to set bookmarks in VLC Media Player so as to return to strategic points within the audio at a later time.
Step 1. Locate the point in the file where you wish to set the bookmark.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then Control+1.
Step 3. Type a name for the bookmark and press Enter.
Step 4. To locate a bookmark, press the Leasey Key then 1. A list of bookmarks relative to the current file is available. Select the one you wish to move to and press Enter. The audio should then begin playing at the desired location.
Step 5. To delete a bookmark, press the Leasey Key then 2. A list of bookmarks relative to the current file is available. Select the one you wish to remove and press Enter.
Keystroke Summary.
Play or Pause, Space.
Volume Up or Down, Up or Down Arrow.
Mute or unmute audio, M.
Open folder, Control+F.
Open file, Control+O.
Open disk, Control+D.
Next track, N.
Previous track, P.
Stop track, S.
Increase speed, Right Bracket.
Decrease speed, Left bracket.
Say speed, Control+Shift+S.
10 Seconds back or Forward, Left and Right Arrow.
3 Seconds back or forward, Shift+Left and Right Arrow.
1 Minute back or forward, Control+Left and Right Arrow.
Say elapsed time, Alt+Shift+T.
Say remaining time, Control+Shift+T.
Say total time, Control+Alt+T.
Cycle through available audio tracks on disk, B.
Cycle through audio sources available, Shift+A.
Switch from media window to playlist view, Control+L.
Go to time, Control+T.
Launch source if you have the URL, Control+V then Enter.
Open network stream, Control+N, Control+V then Enter.
Relocate stop time of previous playback, Alt+Windows+K.
If you are fond of typing a folder path into the Windows Run, Open or Save As Dialog Boxes, you could find yourself entering something which is quite lengthy. If the path to a folder location is reasonably difficult to get to, and you use it regularly, it would be good if you could save yourself some time in order to save items there more quickly. A feature available in Leasey allows you to map folders to drive letters.
Your Windows computer already has specific drive letters assigned. Almost certainly one of these will be drive letter C, containing your operating system and program files. But you might have drive D which takes you to a secondary drive you may have installed. This means that if you want to save a file to a folder on the drive, you can type "D Colon Backslash Folder Name Backslash File Name". But if you want to save a file in a folder several sub-folders deep, such as "D Colon Backslash Dropbox Hartgen Consultancy Backslash Jim Jones Backslash Documents", it can take a while to type that into an appropriate Edit Field. Wouldn't it be better if we could assign a vacant drive letter to that folder or a similar one, so that all we have to do is type the drive letter colon backslash, then the document name?
How It Works.
Let us assume you have a folder on a drive called Leasey. We are going to assign drive letter L to it.
Step 1. Using File Explorer or Leasey File Manager, browse to the folder you wish to assign to the drive letter. In our example, that is "Leasey". Don't press Enter to open up the folder.
Step 2. Press the Leasey Key then ALT+Windows+A.
Step 3. You are asked for the name you would like to assign to this mapped drive. This is for your reference only. It is only used in the event you wish to remove the newly mapped drive in the future so you are aware of which one you are removing. In this case, we will type the word "Leasey" and press Enter.
Step 4. You are now given the location of the folder to which the drive letter will be assigned. This is in an Edit Field, so you can change this if Leasey has detected an incorrect path. It must look something like "D Colon Backslash Leasey". It should not be "Backslash Backslash Leasey" as occurs with some network sources.
Step 5. If you are satisfied with the location, press Enter to move to the next screen.
Step 6. Finally, you are asked for a drive letter. Type it without a trailing colon character, such as, "L".
Step 7. Press Enter. If the drive has already been assigned, Leasey will advise you of this and you will need to repeat the process. Otherwise, you will be advised that the process is complete.
The drive is instantly mapped. You can always try it by pressing Windows+R to move to the Windows Run Dialog Box, type "L Colon", and press Enter. You should now be in the folder you assigned to the drive letter.
Important Notes.
When the computer starts, the drive must immediately be accessible for the mapping to take place.
On some machines, JAWS may give some extraneous speech output for a second or two while the mapping of the drive takes place.
If you have assigned a Dropbox folder to a drive letter, and you wish to access items on the Context Menu, such as to copy a Dropbox link, you will find these are not available in such a situation. Should you wish to do this, you would need to browse to the Dropbox folder using the older method.
The convenience of mapping drives in this way however far outweigh these slight disadvantages.
Deleting a Mapped Drive.
Should you wish to remove one of the mapped drives from being used, from anywhere press the Leasey Key then ALT+Windows+D. To repeat, you do not need to be in File Explorer to do this.
You will be presented with a list of your mapped drive names. Use Down Arrow to find the one you wish to delete and press Enter.
You are asked if you are sure you wish to remove the mapped drive association? Press Enter, since the "Yes" Button is in focus. The association is then removed. Note that this does not in any way remove the original folder from your computer. All we are doing is removing the association between the drive letter previously assigned and the folder.
Keystroke Summary.
Leasey Key then ALT+Windows+M: Maps the selected folder to a drive letter.
Windows+R: Opens the Windows Run dialog, useful for testing a mapped drive.
Leasey Key then ALT+Windows+D: Deletes a mapped drive association.
Down Arrow: Moves through the list of mapped drive names when deleting one.
Enter: Confirms names, paths, drive letters and deletion prompts where described.
WordWeb is a dictionary which can be downloaded to the computer. The program has a full dictionary and thesaurus for American, British, Canadian, Australian, Indian, and global English. The WordWeb program does not form part of the Leasey installer, but it can be downloaded at no cost from the organisation's website. Leasey ensures that the program is very accessible.
WordWeb can be launched by selecting it from the Windows Start Menu in the same way that you would launch any other Windows program. Note that in WordWeb's Settings dialog, (activated by pressing Alt+O then P), an option exists to start WordWeb when Windows is launched, if you wish to activate it.
One way of using WordWeb is as follows:
Step 1. Find a word for which you wish to know its meaning. This can be done from within any application.
Step 2. Copy it to the Windows Clipboard by selecting it first and then pressing Control+C. Note that in many cases, selecting the text is sufficient. However, JAWS often presents text in a virtual environment, such as when browsing web pages. Therefore, the safest option is to copy it to the Windows Clipboard.
When copied, press the shortcut key for WordWeb, Alt+Control+W. This brings the WordWeb program into focus and the first definition will be announced automatically now Leasey has been installed.
Step 3. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to review all the definitions for the word. These will be announced.
Step 4. You do have the option of pressing the Tab key to move through the choices. JAWS has been scripted so as to read all the information, including the series of Tabbed Pages available. For example, if you press the Tab key to reach the Tabbed Pages, you may find the Synonyms Tab, the Antonyms Tab, and so on.
Step 5. When any Tabbed Page is selected, press the Tab key once more to focus on a list of words relative to the Tabbed Page which are associated with the original word.
Step 6. Use the Up or Down Arrow key to move through the list. When you reach the desired word, press Enter, and again you will be automatically focused in the list of definitions.
You may like to work through the following example:
Step 1. In a document, type the word, "ridiculous".
Step 2. Select the word so it is highlighted, and then copy it to the Clipboard with Control+C.
Step 3. Press Alt+Control+W so as to launch WordWeb.
Step 4. The list of definitions is available. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through (and hear) them.
Step 5. Press the Tab key. You will note you are focused on the Synonyms Tab. You can if necessary press Tab once more to focus upon a list of Synonyms.
Step 6. Press Enter on a word to review the definitions for that word.
Step 7. Alternatively, while on the series of Tabbed Pages, press Right Arrow. You will find that focus is now on the Antonyms Tab.
Step 8. If you wish, press Tab to move into this Tabbed Page. As before, locate the desired word with the Arrow keys and press Enter to explore the definitions.
Step 9. To close the WordWeb window, press Alt+F4. This does not exit WordWeb. You can repeat the above procedure at any time by copying a word to the Clipboard and pressing Alt+Control+W so as to browse definitions.
Keystroke Summary.
Alt+O then P: Opens WordWeb Settings.
Control+C: Copies the selected word to the Windows Clipboard.
Alt+Control+W: Opens WordWeb for the copied or selected word.
Down Arrow and Up Arrow: Move through definitions and word lists.
Tab: Moves through WordWeb choices, including Tabbed Pages and word lists.
Right Arrow: Moves to another Tabbed Page, such as Antonyms.
Studio Recorder is a seriously underrated software package from APH, the American Printing House for the Blind, and is ideal for anyone who wishes to record speech perhaps for podcasting, to produce and edit the reading of a book, or some other purpose. While not widely recognised, it also can be used to mix music with speech. Indeed we would go as far as saying that unless you want to use multi-track software, it beats every other mainstream product hands-down for mixing sound on sound for some very compelling reasons! We have a training course available for purchase relating to how to use Studio Recorder.
Some JAWS scripts were created for the training course mentioned above. In addition to providing additional spoken information when visiting some fields within Dialog Boxes, there are some additional utilities.
Ordinarily, pressing the Space Bar will activate the Play and Pause function of Studio Recorder. Pressing Enter will stop the audio playing, relocating the cursor back at the point where play had commenced. However, some people used to working with other audio editors would prefer that pressing the Enter key paused playback. For very precise editing on extremely small fragments of audio this makes the process easier. Should you require this functionality, press Alt+Windows+F12. This is a toggle action and will enable and disable this special setting.
Other keystrokes you may find helpful in Studio Recorder are:
To report the current time press Shift+control+M.
To report the total file length press Insert+Delete or Caps Lock+Delete if using the laptop layout.
To report the selection length press Shift+Insert+Down Arrow.
To hear a sound indicating whether recording is in progress press Alt Grave Accent next to number 1 Alt+`.
To toggle whether the time is announced when the Enter, Escape or Space Bar is used press Alt+Windows+F11.
Keystroke Summary.
Space Bar: Plays or pauses audio in Studio Recorder.
Enter: Stops audio playback in the default Studio Recorder behaviour.
Alt+Windows+F12: Toggles whether Enter pauses playback instead of stopping and returning to the original cursor position.
Shift+Control+M: Reports the current time.
Insert+Delete: Reports the total file length.
Caps Lock+Delete: Reports the total file length when using the JAWS laptop keyboard layout.
Shift+Insert+Down Arrow: Reports the selection length.
Alt+Grave Accent: Plays a sound indicating whether recording is in progress.
Alt+Windows+F11: Toggles whether the time is announced when Enter, Escape or Space Bar is used.