Using the Bible, Strong’s Numbers, Commentaries, and the Search/Find System
Download MacSword: www.macsword.com
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Text size can be increased for low-vision users (found under Options in the menus).
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This is a great Bible study program. However, VoiceOver users need to make a few adjustments for usability on the Mac.
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These instructions cover setup and operation, not download/installation.
Initial Setup
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Launch MacSword from the Dock.
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Press Control–Option–M (or Control–F2) to open the menus.
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Arrow right until you reach MacSword.
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Use the down arrow to move to Preferences… and press Enter.
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With Control–Option–Down Arrow, move to Interface tab (Tab 2) and select it with the Spacebar.
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Tab to “Use tool tips for references” and uncheck the box with the Spacebar.
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If not unchecked, VoiceOver will often say “MacSword busy”.
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Close Preferences with Command–W.
Using MacSword
Opening a Bible Translation
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The first thing you should hear is: “MacSword modules.”
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Use Control–Option–Down Arrow to reach Bible translations.
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To select a Bible translation, click its name twice quickly using the number 5 key on the number pad (mouse pad).
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Requirements: Mouse Keys must be enabled and the “mouse cursor moves to VoiceOver cursor” checkbox must be checked.
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No other method works reliably.
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Once opened, you’ll hear: “KJV window seven items.”
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With Control–Option–Down Arrow, move to: “Edit text containing about.”
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Press Spacebar to delete that text.
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Type in a Bible reference (e.g., John 3) and press Enter.
Reading the Passage
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With Control–Option–Down Arrow, move until you hear: “HTML content.”
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Interact with the content using Control–Option–Shift–Down Arrow.
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Read with Control–Option–Down Arrow, continuing until your selection is read.
Menu Navigation
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Access menus with Control–Dash–M or Control–F2.
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Explore with left/right or up/down arrows.
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Example: Strong’s Numbers
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From the Options menu, check Strong’s Numbers.
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Return to your text; Strong’s numbers now appear embedded.
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Press Enter on a number to open details in a new window.
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Use arrow keys (or Control–Option + arrows) to explore.
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Remember: Uncheck the box to turn Strong’s Numbers off.
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Commentaries
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With a Bible passage open, create a new window: Command–N.
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Open the window chooser: Command–F2 twice quickly.
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Use Control–Option–Down Arrow to move to Modules and press Enter.
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Use Control–Option–Down Arrow to select a commentary.
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Press the 5 key on the number pad twice quickly (as with Bible translations).
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Commentary will open alongside your Bible text.
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Navigate to HTML content and interact with Control–Option–Shift–Down Arrow to read.
Searching (Find System)
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Press Command–F (Find command).
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First prompt: “Find window 11 items.”
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VoiceOver cursor lands on “Edit text containing” (unless a previous search exists).
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If it lands on the search table, Tab once or twice back to “Edit text containing.”
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Delete text with Spacebar.
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Type in your word, phrase, or search string.
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Tab through choices (buttons/boxes for search method).
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Once set, Tab or Shift–Tab to “Find” and press Enter.
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The search runs silently in a few seconds.
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Tab to “Table.” Use arrow keys to move through results.
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If arrows don’t respond, use Control–Option + Arrow Keys.
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To see a verse in context: while on the verse row, press 5 on the number pad twice quickly.
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This opens the full chapter.
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Closing Notes
This should help you get started with MacSword. I still have much to learn 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