Getting the Most out of Openbook

Getting the Most out of OpenBook

OpenBook started as primarily a Scan and Read program, but it has evolved into much more. OpenBook has a rich array of features that can assist you in preparing alternate formats of materials. This handout only brushes the surface of the possibilities available in OpenBook.

Editing Materials

OpenBook contains a complete word processor that allows you to edit scanned materials or any other materials that have been imported into OpenBook. By default, OpenBook opens in Read Only mode which means no editing is possible.

To switch to Editing Mode:

1.  Go to the Edit Menu by clicking on it or by pressing ALT+E.

2.  Inside the Edit Menu, select Edit Mode.

That's all there is to it. Now you have access to a complete word processor for editing materials from within OpenBook.

Saving Files in OpenBook

By default, OpenBook saves files in its proprietary format. However, you have the ability to save files in a variety of different formats including txt, html, doc, rtf, and more.

To save a file in OpenBook as a different file format:

1.  Go to the Files Menu in OpenBook.

2.  In the Files Menu, choose Save As.

3.  Now you are in a box where you can type the name of your file.

4.  Go to the Files of Type and choose the appropriate file type from the list.

5.  Choose the appropriate location for the saved file. Note that if you are using a keyboard, TAB or SHIFTTAB to the fields for choosing a folder.

Saving Material as Audio Files

OpenBook allows for materials to be saved as audio files. These files can be played on any MP3 player or iDevice. Note that the current voice and speech rate are used in the saved audio file.

To save material as audio:

1.  Go to the Files Menu in OpenBook.

2.  Choose the Save as Audio option.

3.  OpenBook asks what page range should be saved. You can save just the current page or any specified page range. If a page range is selected, OpenBook also asks if the audio should be saved as one file or as separate files for each page. After deciding what pages should be saved, press or click the OK Button.

4.  OpenBook now wants a file name. It also wants to know the audio format to be used. The choices are MP3 or WAV. MP3 files are best for portable players such as iDevices. WAV files can be burned to a CD and played in a standard CD player.

5.  Press the Save Button.

Creating Braille Files in OpenBook

OpenBook provides the ability to save materials as contracted Braille files. To do this:

1.  Select the Files Menu.

2.  Choose Braille from within the Files Menu.

3.  OpenBook wants to know if you want to Import a Braille file into OpenBook or export the currently opened file as a Braille document. Choose Export the Current Document as Braille Format and press ENTER.

4.  OpenBook now wants to know the file name and where the file should be stored. Fill in the appropriate information and save.

The Freedom Import Printer

The Freedom Import Printer is installed on your computer whenever OpenBook is installed. This virtual printer allows for materials to be "printed" into OpenBook. This can be a handy way of converting inaccessible PDF files into potentially more useable files. Note that many PDFs are totally accessible. If PDFs are accessible, there is no reason for the procedure outlined below. The Freedom Import Printer is only used if materials are otherwise not accessible.

1.  From within the inaccessible material, choose the Print option.

2.  Before pressing the Print button in the next dialog box, make sure Freedom Import Printer is the selected printer. Then select the Print button.

3.  The Freedom Import Printer literally prints the inaccessible material into OpenBook which will attempt to recognize it.

4.  OpenBook will launch and after a short wait the file will be displayed.