Doug’s …did you know… Favorite feature of ZoomText
Do you want to know one of my most favorite features of ZoomText?
“Route Pointer over the Active Control”
What does it do?
It automatically moves the pointer to menu items and dialog controls when they receive focus.
Why is this important?
When you are using ZoomText and magnification is turned on, the entire screen is not always visible. The user needs to move the mouse around to navigate to different areas of the screen to find what they are looking for. This includes looking at menu items, drop down lists, items in dialog boxes, etc. This can be fatiguing!
So say for example that you are working on a word processing document and want to print the document. You open the print dialog box and the first element of this box is brought into focus. But where is the pointer? I need to find the pointer! Where is it? Well, when the “Route Pointer over the Active Control” is enabled, guess what you will see when that first element is in focus…yep…you’ll see the pointer right there! It might not seem like a HUGE benefit but the more you use it in different scenarios, I think it is a feature that will be a “favorite” to all!
How do I enable this feature?
Ok, first look at your ZoomText Toolbar:
Find the “Navigation” section, open the drop-down menu and select “Mouse”.
You will see this box:
The second element in the Mouse tab is a checkbox that will enable the “Route Pointer over the active control”. Put a check in the box. Can’t get any easier than that!
An important note…even though you just turned on this feature, once you restart your computer, it will be turned off. So…you need to save it.
How do I do that?
Go back to your ZoomText interface Toolbar:
Open the “ZoomText” tab and this will give you many menu options. Find “Configurations” which will open a sub-menu and then select “Save As Default”. It will then open a window that will say, “Are you sure you want the save the current ZoomText settings as your default settings?” The first element highlighted will be the “Yes” button. (And guess what is sitting there right beside it? Yep, your pointer!!!). Click on “Yes” and your new favorite feature will be there when you restart your computer.
So…let me know what you think. Let me know how you are using it. And better yet…let me know YOUR favorite feature of ZoomText.
About Doug Vesely
Doug is the Director of Training at New England Low Vision and Blindness. Doug has over 15 years of experience training students, seniors, veterans, and professionals in New England. Doug oversees all aspects of our low vision and blindness training services throughout the six New England states. If anyone is in need of training for their student, senior, co-worker, or veteran, please contact New England Low Vision and Blindness to schedule a personal consultation with Doug. Call our toll free number 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com.
About New England Low Vision and Blindness
New England Low Vision and Blindness is a full-service assistive technology rehabilitation training provider. We offer nearly 100% of all major low vision and blindness products and have two (2) assistive technology showroom centers; one in Worcester, MA, and a second in Shelton, CT.
At each of our technology showrooms, we provide ‘patient-choice’ showcasing numerous technology options from the world’s most respected suppliers, all in line with one’s individualized budgetary limits and personal, educational or professional goals. We also provide custom training solutions, Smart Home technology and installations, and troubleshooting support.
Widely known, tested, and trusted throughout New England, our team brings to each client 75+ years of low vision experience. Our talent, technology, and training offerings are unmatched and highly respected. We are an extremely unique and extraordinary resource for anyone suffering from vision loss in New England. We are here to help. Call our toll free number 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com.
