There are a number of different software packages available and range in price from free to several hundred pounds. The more expensive products tend to have more features and technical support if things stop working. Please note that free and low cost software may not be compatible with some programs and can be more complicated to set up. This information is intended as an introduction to the subject for blind and partially sighted people and their supporters. It is not intended as a complete list of all products and services available, nor should it be inferred that products and services mentioned in this information sheet are recommended or endorsed by RNIB.
Magnification software
Microsoft Windows
A built-in magnifier and can be found by clicking the start button then programs / accessories / accessibility / magnifier. This is a simple magnifier yet can provide some additional support without any costs or software installation.
Desktop Zoom 3.5
This simple magnifier program enables entire desktop magnification or lens magnification. Desktop Zoom 3.5 is available to download for free.
Magnifying Glass Pro
The Magnifying Glass Pro utility is a virtual magnifier (virtual lens, screen-zoomer) that enables you to enlarge (magnify) text and graphics as they are displayed on your computer monitor. As you pass your mouse cursor over a section of the viewing area, the display is magnified making it instantly more readable and accessible. In addition, you can apply a variety of visual effects and enhancements to display. A trail version is available from workers collection and full version is priced from $24.95 (US dollars).
ZoomText Express
ZoomText Express is an affordable screen magnifier designed for those who squint at the computer screen and lean in to read the fine print. It provides a gentle boost of magnification (up to 2 times) so that hard to read text is larger, clearer and easier to see. You can also apply a soft tint to white areas of the screen or reverse all colours to eliminate that familiar blinding glare. Priced from £69.99 and a trial version of Zoomtext Express is available to download from Sight and Sound.
Lightning
Magnifies everything up to 36 times. You can choose what is magnified, including the cursor, and you can choose what colours are most comfortable. Available from Screenreader and priced from £99.00.
Lightning Plus
Lightning Plus adds more customisation and enables you to choose the type of magnification from full screen, lens or strip magnifier. You can also choose from vertical or horizontal split screen, change brightness and specify the colours that suit you best. Available from Screenreader and priced from £149.00.
Lunar
Lunar can magnify 1.2 to 32 times and incorporates many features including full colour image smoothing, separate adjustment of horizontal and vertical magnification and pre-set or custom colour schemes are included. A trial version is available to download from Dolphin Computer Access with prices starting from £275.00.
ZoomText Magnifier
ZoomText Magnifier magnifies the screen from 1.25 to 36 times. It incorporates many features including font smoothing, mouse and cursor enhancement and location and special colour setting options and a document reader. Priced from £375.00 and a trial version of ZoomText is available to download from Sight and Sound.
Speech software
NVDA
NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free and open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Providing feedback via synthetic speech and braille, it enables blind or vision impaired people to access computers running Windows for no more cost than a sighted person. Major features include support for over 20 languages and the ability to run entirely from a USB drive with no installation. NVDA is available to download for free from the projects website.
Thunder
Thunder has been created by Screenreader.net which is a not for profit registered Community Interest Company in the UK. Thunder is available to download for free from the screereader.net website.
Hal screenreader
Developed for blind computer users, Hal is a software screen reader that works by reading the screen interactively and communicating through a speech synthesiser or a refreshable Braille display. Available from Dolphin Computer Access and prices start from £575.00. A free demo CD is available on request.
JAWS for windows
JAWS works with your PC to provide access to software applications and the internet by using a speech synthesiser and a sound card. The audio output of the screen information provides easier access to a wide variety of information. JAWS supports all standard Windows applications including Microsoft Office, WordPerfect and Lotus Notes and can be adapted with the built in customisation tools. The interactive talking installation makes it easy to get started without sighted assistance. JAWS is available from RNIB or you can download a trail version from Freedom Scientific. Priced from £659.00.
Combined speech and magnification software
iZoom
Magnification ranges from 1.5 up to 36 times with a choice of either full screen and lens modes. It has a full range of enhanced colour modes where you can choose from over 12 text and background colours. It also features ClearPoint font smoothing which helps to maintain clear text quality regardless of zoom level. You can carry your iZoom Screen Magnifier & Reader on a portable thumb drive and use it on any Windows compatible PC without administrative privileges or installation. Available from issist and prices start from $299.00 (US dollar). A free trail version of iZoom is also available to download.
LunarPlus
Offering all the benefits of a screen magnifier, LunarPlus also offers added speech output to provide extra support for partially sighted computer users. Lunar can magnify 1.2 to 32 times and incorporates many features including full colour image smoothing, separate adjustment of horizontal and vertical magnification and pre-set or custom colour schemes are included.
Trial version is available to download from Dolphin Computer Access with prices starting from £375.00.
Guide
GUIDE is an all-in-one computer package, for people who are blind or partially sighted. It has been specifically designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn. So it doesn't matter if you've never used a computer before, GUIDE has its own in-built screen reader, so it will read out the text on every screen, even while you're typing. It also has its own in-built screen magnifier, so you can enlarge the text on every screen, whether you are writing a letter or surfing the Internet. Available from softwareexpress.co.uk and prices start from £395.00. A free demo CD is available on request.
ZoomText Magnifier Reader
This combines ZoomText Magnifier with a powerful set of reading tools. ZoomText reads your documents, web pages and email right through your computer's speakers. With ZoomText Magnifier Reader, your computer is easier to see, hear, and use. ZoomText magnifies the screen from 1.25 to 36 times. It incorporates many features including font smoothing, mouse and cursor enhancement and location and special colour settings options and a document reader. Priced from £495.00 and a free trial version of Zoomtext Magnifier Reader is available to download from Sight and Sound.
SuperNova
SuperNova is a full screen reader offering magnification, speech and braille support, giving people with visual impairment the freedom to access Windows in the way that suits them best. SuperNova has been developed for blind and partially sighted people. It is ideal for both individual users, who experience varying or deteriorating eye conditions during a working day or for institutional settings, such as in school or work, that need to provide solutions for visually impaired groups with a range of sight difficulties. Available from Dolphin Computer Access and prices start from £815.00. A free demo CD is available on request.