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Google Docs View Menu With Screen Readers

by | Mar 8, 2024 | Google Docs | 0 comments

Overview

Google Docs’ View menu provides various options to customize the appearance and layout of your document. Here’s an overview of the typical options you might find in the View menu:

  • Mode: Switch between different viewing modes, like Print Layout, Web Layout, and Full Screen.
  • Show Ruler: Display rulers for adjusting margins and tab stops.
  • Show Equation Toolbar: Access tools for creating mathematical equations.
  • Document Outline: View a hierarchical outline of headings and sections.
  • Show Comments: Display or hide comments made in the document.
  • Show Section Breaks: Visualize section breaks in the document.
  • Gridlines: Show or hide gridlines in tables.
  • Compact Controls: Collapse the toolbar to maximize screen space.
  • Zoom: Adjust the document’s zoom level.
  • Print Layout: View the document as it will appear when printed.
  • Show Guides: Display guidelines for aligning objects.
  • Full Screen: Enter full-screen mode for distraction-free writing.

Navigation In View Menu Using Screen Readers

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access and use the “View” menu and its functions:

  1. Open Google Docs:

    • Go to the Google Docs website (docs.google.com) and sign in with your Google account if you’re not already logged in.

  2. Create or Open a Document:

    • You can create a new document by clicking the “+ Blank” button or open an existing document from your Google Drive.

  3. Access the “View” Menu:

    • To access the “View” menu, use the keyboard shortcut for opening the menu or navigate through the interface using your screen reader’s commands. The shortcut is usually Alt + V on Windows or Option + V on Mac.

  4. Navigate Through “View” Menu Options:

    • Once you have opened the “View” menu, you can navigate through its options using your screen reader’s arrow keys. Each option will be read aloud by the screen reader as you move through them.

  5. Select a Function:

    • To select a specific function from the “View” menu, use your screen reader’s command to activate it. This is usually done by pressing the Enter or Spacebar key.

Common “View” Menu Functions and How to Use Them with a Screen Reader:

  • Mode: Switch between different viewing modes, like Print Layout, Web Layout, and Full Screen. To use this function, select “Mode” and press Enter. Choose the viewing mode you prefer.
  • Show Ruler: Display rulers for adjusting margins and tab stops. Select “Show Ruler” and press Enter to toggle the ruler’s visibility.
  • Show Equation Toolbar: Access tools for creating mathematical equations. Choose “Show Equation Toolbar” and press Enter to show or hide the equation toolbar.
  • Document Outline: View a hierarchical outline of headings and sections. Select “Document Outline” and press Enter to open the document outline, which displays headings and sections in the document.
  • Show Comments: Display or hide comments made in the document. Choose “Show Comments” and press Enter to toggle the visibility of comments.
  • Show Section Breaks: Visualize section breaks in the document. Select “Show Section Breaks” and press Enter to toggle the visibility of section breaks.
  • Gridlines: Show or hide gridlines in tables. Choose “Gridlines” and press Enter to show or hide gridlines in tables.
  • Compact Controls: Collapse the toolbar to maximize screen space. Select “Compact Controls” and press Enter to toggle the compact controls mode.
  • Zoom: Adjust the document’s zoom level. Select “Zoom” and press Enter to open the zoom settings, where you can adjust the zoom level.
  • Print Layout: View the document as it will appear when printed. Choose “Print Layout” and press Enter to switch to print layout view.
  • Show Guides: Display guidelines for aligning objects. Select “Show Guides” and press Enter to show or hide alignment guides.
  • Full Screen: Enter full-screen mode for distraction-free writing. Choose “Full Screen” and press Enter to enter or exit full-screen mode.

Using these steps, you can effectively navigate the “View” menu and its functions in Google Docs with a screen reader, allowing you to customize your document’s viewing options and layout to suit your needs.