MS PowerPoint File Menu With Screen Readers

Overview

The Microsoft PowerPoint File menu, typically found in the top-left corner of the application window, contains various options for managing presentations. Here’s an overview of what you might find in the File menu:

1. New: Create a new presentation. You can start from a blank slide, use templates, or access recent files.
2. Open: Open an existing presentation from your computer or cloud storage services like OneDrive or SharePoint.
3. Save / Save As: Save the current presentation. “Save As” allows you to save a copy or choose a different file format.
4. Print: Access printing options for your presentation. You can select the printer, set print preferences, and preview before printing.
5. Share: Collaborate or share the presentation with others. Options might include sending via email, sharing a link, or inviting others to collaborate.
6. Export: Save the presentation in various formats such as PDF, video, image, or as an editable PowerPoint file.
7. Close: Close the current presentation while keeping PowerPoint open.
8. Account/Sign In: Manage your Microsoft account, including sign-in, account settings, and subscription options.
9. Options/Settings: Access PowerPoint settings to customize preferences, configure add-ins, and adjust other application settings.
10. Feedback: Provide feedback to Microsoft about the PowerPoint application.
11. Help: Access help resources, support, and documentation for using PowerPoint.
12. Exit/Quit: Close the PowerPoint application completely.

Navigation In MS PowerPoint File Menu Using Screen Readers

A step-by-step guide to navigating through various options in the File menu of Microsoft PowerPoint using a screen reader:

Accessing the File Menu:

1. Launch PowerPoint.
2. Use the Keyboard Shortcut: Press Alt + F to access the File menu directly. You’ll hear your screen reader announce that you’re in the File menu.

Navigating Options in the File Menu:

1. Arrow Keys: Use the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to navigate through the options in the File menu. Your screen reader should announce each option as you move.
2. Reading the Options: As you navigate, the screen reader will announce the options available in the File menu. For instance, “New,” “Open,” “Save,” etc.
3. Entering Submenus: If you encounter options with submenus (e.g., Save As), press the right arrow key to enter the submenu. Your screen reader should announce the submenu options.
4. Choosing an Option: When you reach the desired option, press Enter to select it. For submenus, pressing Enter might open the submenu to reveal more options.

Interacting with Specific Options:

1. Following Prompts: For actions like saving or opening a file, the screen reader will prompt for additional information such as file name, location, or format. Follow the prompts and input the required information.
2. Exiting Submenus or Returning to PowerPoint Window: Press the Escape key to exit a submenu and return to the main File menu. To leave the File menu and return to your presentation, press Alt + F again or use your screen reader’s command for returning to the main window.

Utilizing Screen Reader-Specific Commands:

1. Refer to Screen Reader Help: If needed, consult your screen reader’s documentation or help feature for specific commands related to navigating menus and interacting with elements in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Options/Settings in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, the “Options” or “Settings” menu under the File tab contains various settings and preferences that allow users to customize the behavior and appearance of the software.

Here are some of the key options you might find within the “Options” or “Settings” menu in PowerPoint:

General Options:

• User Interface Customization: Control settings related to the user interface, such as the color scheme, font size, and display options.
• Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office: Access settings for customizing your Office experience, like Office themes and linked accounts.

Proofing Options:

• AutoCorrect Settings: Configure auto-correction options, including adding or removing specific auto-correct entries.
• Spelling and Grammar: Customize proofing settings, dictionaries, autocorrect, and language preferences.

Save Options:

• Save settings: Set default save locations, AutoRecover options, and default file formats.
• AutoRecover Settings: Adjust how frequently PowerPoint automatically saves a recovery file.

Language Options:

• Editing Languages: Manage editing and display languages used in PowerPoint.
• Language Preferences: Set the primary editing language and enable or disable translation services.

Advanced Options:

• Editing and Display Preferences: Customize editing options, like enabling gridlines, snap-to-grid, and object selection behavior.
• Slide Show Settings: Configure settings for presenting slides, including slide show resolution, timing, and cursor visibility.

Add-Ins Options:

• Manage Add-Ins: View, install, disable, or remove add-ins that enhance PowerPoint’s functionality.

Trust Center:

• Security Settings: Manage security and privacy settings, including macros, file block settings, and trusted locations.

Customize Ribbon:

• Ribbon and Toolbar Customization: Customize the ribbon interface by adding, removing, or rearranging commands.

Quick Access Toolbar:

• Customize Quick Access Toolbar: Personalize the Quick Access Toolbar by adding frequently used commands.

Shortcut Key Commands in PowerPoint

Shortcut keys are an efficient way to navigate through PowerPoint’s File menu. Here are some commonly used shortcut key commands:

1. Open File Menu: Alt + F

Navigation Within the File Menu:

• Move Up: Up Arrow
• Move Down: Down Arrow
• Move Right (Enter Submenu): Right Arrow
• Move Left (Exit Submenu): Left Arrow

Specific Actions:

• New: Ctrl + N
• Open: Ctrl + O
• Save: Ctrl + S
• Save As: F12 or Alt + F, A
• Print: Ctrl + P
• Close: Ctrl + W
• Exit PowerPoint: Alt + F, X

Other Common Actions:

• Share: Alt + F, H
• Export: Alt + F, E
• Options/Settings: Alt + F, T
• Help: F1