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What is an “application” in my webtext?
What is an “application” in my webtext?
Soomo Editorial avatar
Written by Soomo Editorial
Updated over a week ago

While working in your webtext, you may encounter something labeled as an “application.” Generally, this will be in relation to text telling you to look at a map, timeline, spreadsheet template, or other interactable area.

Applications are specified areas in your webtext that behave differently than what you’ll typically encounter online. The application will tell your screen reader what to say and how to navigate the area.

Note: Element navigation for buttons, headings, and other semantic elements is disabled while interacting with an application.

Here’s how each screen reader will interact with applications in the webtext.

JAWS

JAWS will announce that there is a particular element that you can interact with by pressing Enter. It does not say the word “application” like other screen readers do. Instead, it will play the sound that indicates you are entering Forms Mode and can begin using keys to interact with the application. To enter or exit the application area, you can press Tab or activate your PC cursor twice in quick succession.

NVDA

NVDA will say “application” when it encounters an application. To interact with the application, press Enter. NVDA should play the sound that indicates it has entered direct input mode. To leave the application area, press Escape or Tab.

Narrator

Narrator will announce that there is an application present, but pressing Enter or Space does not consistently activate the area. Instead, we recommend that you tab onto the application and then begin interacting with the application area. To leave the application area, press Tab again.

Voiceover

Voiceover will announce that there is an application present. You may tab onto the application area or place focus using normal navigation controls. Then you can begin interacting with the application area. To leave the application area, stop interacting with it.


If you have any questions, click the Messenger button in the lower right corner of your webtext. You can also contact us using the information below.

888-240-0314

Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–9 p.m. ET

Saturday–Sunday 1 p.m.–9 p.m. ET

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