How to Use JAWS' Picture Smart feature

Question

How do I use the Picture Smart feature in JAWS?

 

Answer

Picture Smart is a feature in JAWS that enables users to get descriptions of images. It works with images found on web pages, in documents, or stored on the computer. After the initial recognition, users also have the ability to obtain additional information about the image.

Picture Smart can be used to:

  • Describe a File: Get a description of an image file selected in File Explorer.
  • Describe a Control: Describe an image associated with the current control, such as a picture on a web page or in a document.
  • Describe Clipboard Image: Analyze and describe an image currently on the Windows Clipboard.
  • Describe Screen: Provide a description of the entire screen.
  • Describe Window: Offer a description of the current application window.

Directions:

To use Picture Smart in JAWS, follow these steps:

  1. Activate Picture Smart Layer: Press Insert + Spacebar, followed by P to activate the Picture Smart layer. Next, press the letter of the option to be activated. For example, to use Picture Smart on a file, the complete command would be Insert + Space, P, F.
  2. Choose a Command:
    • Describe a File: Press F to describe the currently selected image file in File Explorer. Supported formats include BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIF, PNG, or HEIC.
    • Describe a Control: Press C to describe an image associated with the current control, such as a picture on a web page or in a document.
    • Describe Clipboard Image: Press B to describe an image currently on the Windows Clipboard.
    • Describe Screen: Press S to describe the entire screen.
    • Describe Window: Press W to describe the current application window.

After the initial recognition is complete, use the arrow keys to read through it.  At the bottom of the window, the following 3 links will appear:

  • Ask questions about this image: When selected, the user is able to ask Picture Smart for additional information about the image.  The user can ask about the various details contained the image, such as:
    • Description of specific elements or icons in the image.
    • The overall theme or purpose conveyed by the image.
    • Any text and its significance.
    • Layout and color scheme.

When finished, press ESC to close the window.

  • Get More Details: This link will access the full results that each of the recognition services has generated.  Use the arrow keys to review each description. At the bottom of the screen, there is a link that will enable you ask additional questions.  Press ESC to close the window.

Note: Ensure that the "submit anonymous usage data" option is enabled in Settings Center to use Picture Smart, as this allows images to be analyzed by external services.

For Additional Assistance

For more information, please contact the IT Accessibility Center at itaccessibilitycenter@missouri.edu or call (573) 884-2828.

Print Article