Configuring the User Interface

There are several options available for configuring both appearance and how your keyboard is used.  This page describes how to configure the following:

• Main Window Toolbar
• Floating Toolbar
• Article Font, Text Size and Colors
• Skins
• HotKeys
• Shortcuts

Configuring the Main Window Toolbar

The Main Window Toolbar is the row of icons displayed just below the menu at the top of the TextAloud window.  These buttons are shortcuts to common tasks.To configure the Main Window Toolbar:

• From the menu, select Options -> TextAloud Options
• Select the Miscellaneous Options panel
• From the Toolbar Button Style dropdown list, choose either Small, Large with captions, or Large without captions.
• Press the OK button.

To Hide the Schools and Languages buttons on the toolbar:

• Right click either of these buttons.
• Select "Hide" from the popup menu.

If the Languages and/or Schools buttons are hidden, they can be redisplayed by right clicking anywhere on the toolbar and selecting "Show Hidden Buttons" from the popup menu.

Configuring the Floating Toolbar

The Floating Toolbar gives you access to convenient buttons on the main window toolbar while hiding the window.  To configure the Floating Toolbar:

• From the menu, select Options -> TextAloud Options
• Select the Miscellaneous Options panel
• Use the "Show Floating Toolbar" dropdown list to configure when the toolbar is displayed.  See Miscellaneous Options for an explanation of the available choices.
• Use the "Floating Toolbar Button Style" to change the style of the buttons.
• Use the "Floating Toolbar Always on Top" checkbox to choose whether or not the Floating Toolbar should be forced to display on top of any other windows you currently have open.
• Press the OK button.

Configuring Article Font, Text Size and Colors

• From the menu, select Options -> Article Font / Text Size.  The font dialog allows you to select the font, text colors and text size for articles in TextAloud.  See Article Font / Text Size for details.

Using Skins

Skins allow you to completely change the look and feel of the TextAloud user interface.  Predefined skins can change everything from color to the look-and-feel of window controls like radio buttons and checkboxes.  To configure skins:

• From the menu, select Options -> TextAloud Options
• Select the Skins panel
• Choose a skin from the list.
• Use the Test button to get an idea of what a selected skin will look like.
• Choose the selection "None (Skins Disabled)" to use TextAloud without skins.
• Press the OK button to use the new skin.  You can test various skins before exiting the dialog.

Configuring HotKeys

HotKeys allow access to TextAloud functions from other applications.  HotKeys allow you to bypass the Windows Clipboard for importing articles to TextAloud, or to control speaking (Pause, Resume or Stop) without using the TextAloud window.

• From the menu, select Options -> HotKey Setup.

Configuring Shortcuts

Shortcuts provide quick access to menu entries in the TextAloud main menu.  You can change the predefined shortcuts to others if you prefer, or add new shortcuts.  To configure shortcuts:

• From the menu, select Options -> Shortcut Setup.
• Scroll through the list of menu selections for the entry you wish to define a shortcut for.
• Click the Edit button
• On the edit form, simply press the combination of keys you wish to assign.
• Press the OK button.

Related Topics

Skins

Miscellaneous Options

HotKey Setup

Shortcut Setup

Article Font / Text Size