MacSword Quick Start with VoiceOver (Volume 001)

Using the Bible, Strong’s Numbers, Commentaries, and the Search/Find System

Download MacSword: www.macsword.com

• Text size can be increased for low-vision users (under Options in the menus).
• MacSword is a powerful Bible study program, but VoiceOver users need a few adjustments for smooth use.
• These notes cover setup and basic operation, not download/installation.

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Initial Setup

1. Launch MacSword from the Dock.
2. Press Control–Option–M (or Control–F2) to open the menus.
3. Arrow right until you reach MacSword.
4. Arrow down to Preferences… and press Enter.
5. With Control–Option–Down Arrow, move to Interface (Tab 2). Select with Spacebar.
6. Tab to “Use tool tips for references” and uncheck with Spacebar.
   • If not unchecked, VoiceOver will often say “MacSword busy”.
7. Close Preferences with Command–W.

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Using MacSword

Opening a Bible Translation

1. You’ll first hear: “MacSword modules.”
2. Use Control–Option–Down Arrow to navigate the modules.
3. To select a Bible translation, click the name twice quickly using the number 5 key on the keypad (mouse keys enabled, with mouse cursor following VoiceOver cursor).
   • Example: “KJV window seven items.”
4. With Control–Option–Down Arrow, move to: “Edit text containing about.”
5. Press Spacebar to clear the text.
6. Type a reference (e.g., John 3) and press Enter.

Reading the Passage

1. Use Control–Option–Down Arrow until you hear: “HTML content.”
2. Interact: Control–Option–Shift–Down Arrow.
3. Read with Control–Option–Down Arrow, continuing until the passage is read.

Exploring the Menus

• Menus can be accessed with Control–Dash–M or Control–F2.
• Navigate with arrow keys.

Strong’s Numbers Example:

1. Go to Options.
2. Cursor down to Strong’s Numbers and check with Spacebar.
3. Return to the text; Strong’s numbers will now appear.
4. Press Enter on a number to open details in a new window.
5. Use arrow keys (or Control–Option + Arrows) to explore.
6. Important: Uncheck the option when finished.

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Commentaries

1. With a Bible passage open, create a new window: Command–N.
2. Open the window chooser: Command–F2 twice quickly.
3. With Control–Option–Down Arrow, move to Modules and press Enter.
4. With Control–Option–Down Arrow, select a commentary.
5. Press the 5 key on the keypad twice quickly (as with translations).
6. Commentary will open alongside your Bible.
7. Navigate to “HTML content” and interact with Control–Option–Shift–Down Arrow.
8. Read with Control–Option–Down Arrow.

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Searching (Find System)

1. Press Command–F.
2. First prompt: “Find window 11 items.”
   • VoiceOver cursor lands on “Edit text containing.”
   • If it lands on a search table, Tab once or twice to return to the field.
3. Delete existing text with Spacebar.
4. Enter your word, phrase, or search string.
5. Tab through search options (buttons/checkboxes).
6. Tab or Shift–Tab to “Find” and press Enter.
   • The search completes silently in a few seconds.
7. Tab to “Table.” Use arrows to navigate results.
   • If arrows don’t respond, use Control–Option + Arrows.
8. To view a verse in context: while on the verse row, press 5 on the keypad twice quickly.

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Closing Notes

This should get you started with MacSword. I’m still learning more about both this program and God’s Word—let’s learn together.

In Christ’s Service, for God’s Glory
Keith Reedy, Director
Bibles for the Blind and Visually Handicapped International
www.biblesfortheblind.org