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---
title: Screen reader
slug: Glossary/Screen_reader
page-type: glossary-definition
---
{{GlossarySidebar}}
Screen readers are software applications that attempt to convey what is seen on a screen display in a non-visual way, usually as text to speech, but also into braille or sound icons. Screen readers are essential to people who are visually impaired, illiterate, or have a learning disability. There are some browser extension screen readers, but most screen readers operate system-wide for all user applications, not just the browser.
In terms of web {{glossary("accessibility")}}, most user agents provide an accessibility object model and screen readers interact with dedicated accessibility APIs, using various operating system features and employing hooking techniques.
## Common screen readers
### VoiceOver
iOS and macOS comes with VoiceOver, a built-in screen reader. To access VoiceOver on macOS, go to System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver. You can also toggle VoiceOver on and off with fn + Command + F5. VoiceOver both reads aloud and displays content. The content read aloud is displayed in a dark grey box.
VoiceOver can also be used with commands shortcuts. See [VoiceOver general commands on Mac](https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/voiceover/cpvokys01/mac) for a complete list.
See [VoiceOver User Guide for Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/welcome/mac) and [Use VoiceOver in apps on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-voiceover-in-apps-iphe4ee74be8/ios) for more information.
### Narrator
Narrator is a screen-reading application that's built into Windows 10 and Windows 11.
See [Complete guide to Narrator](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/complete-guide-to-narrator-e4397a0d-ef4f-b386-d8ae-c172f109bdb1).
### ChromeVox
Chromebooks have a built-in screen reader called ChromeVox, which enables people with visual impairments to use the Chrome operating system.
See [ChromeVox screen reader](https://support.google.com/accessibility/answer/7031755) for more information.
## See also
- [Accessibility](/en-US/docs/Web/Accessibility)
- [Learn accessibility](/en-US/docs/Learn/Accessibility)
- [ARIA](/en-US/docs/Web/Accessibility/ARIA)
- Related glossary terms:
- {{Glossary("Accessibility")}}
- {{Glossary("ARIA")}}