Reaper has good accessibility support. You can customize Reaper itself, with theme and interface tweaks, and go outside Reaper to add flexibility.
Reaper supports NVDA screen readers and offers the OSARA extension for enhanced navigation. You can customize keyboard shortcuts, use the SWS extension for improved functionality, and connect hardware controllers through the Control Surface Integrator.
The active Reaper community provides extensive resources, including tutorials and the Reaper Accessibility Wiki, Reapers Without Peepers, and the Reaper Accessibility Guide. From virtual instruments to automation tools, you'll discover numerous ways to create professional-quality music with Reaper's inclusive design features.
Key Takeaways
Reaper Interface Scaled to 2x
- You can scale Reaper's user interface to magnify what's on the screen.
- Changing Reaper themes can improve color contrast and visibility of graphic elements.
- OSARA extension integrates with NVDA screen reader to provide comprehensive navigation and control for visually impaired users.
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts and keymaps allow users to create personalized, efficient workflows based on individual needs.
- SWS/S&M extension enhances accessibility features and functionality, providing additional tools for audio production and editing.
- Control Surface Integrator enables custom hardware controller setup for hands-on control of mixing and automation tasks.
- Active community resources include ReaperAccessible tools, tutorials, and the Reapers Without Peepers email list for support.
Scale The Reaper User Interface
You can scale the U/I in 'Preferences', under the 'General' settings. There's an 'Advanced U/I system tweaks' button which leads to a dialog that includes 'Scale U/I elements of track/mixer panels, transport etc., by' option. Check the option and enter a value between .3 and 3 in the adjacent field.
Any value above 1 will magnify elements of the U/I. You can use decimals (1.8, for example).
High Contrast Themes
Depending on your particular issue, you might want a high contrast Reaper theme, and/or to tweak your theme in the theme tweaker in Reaper. Themes give you the option of changing the color scheme and graphics (buttons and controls etc.) to make them easier to see.
VGS Light has been lauded as a theme that has high contrast colors.
VGS Light Theme
Theme Tweaks & Custom Colors
You'll find both theme adjuster and and theme development tweak actions in the action list.
Theme Adjuster: You can use the theme adjuster to quickly apply custom colors to selected tracks, and to magnify certain selected items.
Development Theme Tweaks: You can tweak any Reaper theme via the theme development tweaker. This allows you to change colors of individual elements in a theme, such as any text or most background colors. You can then save the color adjustments as a new theme.
Installing OSARA and SWS Extensions
OSARA: Open Source Accessibility for the REAPER Application
OSARA is a software extension that makes REAPER more accessible to screen reader users. OSARA is available for both Windows and Mac computers.
SWS/S&M Extension: The SWS / S&M extension is a collaborative and open source project which extends Reaper's capabilities via a collection of scripts and actions. Many of the accessibility options you can activate Reaper are accessed via the extension.
Maximizing Reaper's accessibility features starts with installing two key components: OSARA and the SWS Extensions.
How To Setup Reaper To Work With Screen Readers Such As NVDA And JAWS
For OSARA installation on Windows and Mac, visit the OSARA development snapshots page. For Windows, you'll need to download the installer and run it with default settings while Reaper is closed.
Mac users should download the DMG file and use Terminal to complete the installation.
The SWS extension installation is straightforward on both platforms - simply download from the Standing Water Studios website and follow the installation prompts.
Here's what you'll need to keep in mind during installation:
Once you've installed both components, you'll have access to enhanced screen reader support through OSARA and additional actions through the SWS extension. OSARA provides essential support for NVDA and VoiceOver screen readers on Windows and Mac systems respectively.
The combination of these tools creates a more accessible environment for visually impaired users, with improved navigation and control options within Reaper.
Keyboard Navigation and Shortcuts
Numerous keyboard shortcuts in Reaper provide efficient control over navigation, editing, and track management without requiring mouse input. Here are some examples . . .
Control Surfaces
Control surfaces are a good way to lessen accessibility issues. Controllers place control of various Reaper functions on a physical device. That way you can turn a knob, push a fader, or press a button instead of trying to find something with your mouse.
What’s a Control Surface?
A control surface is a piece of hardware that works with Reaper -- your digital audio workstation (DAW) or other audio software, giving you hands-on control.
What Does It Do?
It lets you control things like tracks, volume, and parameters for recording or playback. You can also use it to tweak virtual instruments, samplers, and effects.
How Does It Work?
A control surface uses physical controls—like buttons, knobs, faders, or touchscreens—to control your software. You can assign these controls to specific functions in Reaper, so you can mix, adjust, and create without relying solely on a mouse and keyboard.
What Does It Look Like?
They often look a lot like a traditional mixing console, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small with just one fader, while others are big enough to look like something you’d see in a professional studio.
How Do You Connect It?
Most control surfaces hook up to your computer using USB or MIDI—simple and straightforward.
Why Use One?
A control surface can make your workflow faster and more precise. It’s great for doing multiple things at once, like adjusting several faders while tweaking effects. Some models can even double as an audio interface or traditional mixer—just make sure they have the right inputs for your needs if that’s what you’re looking for.
How To Link Your Control Surface With Reaper
Once you have a controller, you'll need to tell it what features of Reaper to control. In other words, if you want to turn up the fader on track 12, Reaper needs to know that the fader on your controller should be connected to track 12.
There are two basic ways to map these connections. ReaLearn and Control Surface Integrator.
Control Surface Integrator is better for permanent mappings which will be the same across every project. The CSI wiki is here.
ReaLearn is a plug-in, and more suited to temporary mappings of controls to Reaper functions.
Virtual Instrument Accessibility Support
You'll find an ecosystem of accessibility tools that make working with VST plugins and software instruments more manageable. Whether you're using ReaHotkey for Kontakt 7.10 or the Accessibility Bundle for Xfer Serum, you'll discover smooth MIDI keyboard integration across various platforms.
The inclusion of free plugin bundles enhances accessibility options while keeping costs manageable for users. The Hoard community provides additional resources with extensive audio tutorials and presets for virtual instruments.
| Plugin Type | Accessibility Support |
|---|---|
| Sample Players | ReaSamplOmatic5000, Kontakt 7.10 |
| Synthesizers | Xfer Serum, Tone2 Icarus 1.6 |
| Drum Machines | SessionDrummer3, Steven Slate Drums |
| Effect Plugins | FabFilter Suite, UVI Workstation |
| Sound Libraries | Audio Imperia, ReaLibrary |
You'll improve VST plugin accessibility through specialized tools like SIBIAC and Access4Music Scripts, which provide navigation and control. ReaHotkey supports popular instruments like Dubler and Komplete Kontrol, while the Accessibility Bundle opens up additional options for your virtual instrument workflow. When combined with Reaper's built-in ReaSamplOmatic5000, you're equipped with a suite of accessible instruments ready for many kinds of music production.
Community Resources and Learning Materials
The Reaper community offers extensive support and learning resources specifically designed for users with accessibility needs. Through platforms like the Reaper Accessibility Wiki and Reapers Without Peepers email list, you'll find lots of knowledge supported by community collaboration.
ReaLibrary provides access to over 580 instruments and effects for enhanced music production capabilities.
If you're new to Reaper, you can start with free tutorials on music production in Reaper this web site, which covers everything from basic installation to advanced techniques. For more related to accessibility, you might want to check out Brian Hartgen's thorough course "Reaping the Benefits!" which focuses on using Reaper with screen readers like JAWS.
The Hoard has become a central hub for accessibility-focused resources, offering free audio tutorials, preset collections, and custom scripts.
You'll also find valuable content on ReaperAccessible, including specialized tools like KeyMap and DrumAccess. For ongoing support, you can join the active Reapers Without Peepers community, where experienced users regularly share tips and solutions.
Don't forget to explore Toni Barth's YouTube channel, which features practical tutorials designed specifically for visually impaired users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Reaper's Accessibility Features Work With Third-Party VST Plugins?
Maybe. It depends on the plug-in manufacturer.
Some plugins work well with screen readers and OSARA extension, others might need extra scripts or workarounds.
Tools like ReaHotkey and Access4Music can help bridge the gap, but you'll want to check plugin performance before committing to specific VSTs.
How Do I Set up My Screen Reader to Work Optimally With Reaper?
To optimize your screen reader with Reaper, start by installing OSARA and SWS extensions.
Launch Reaper and test screen reader compatibility by using arrow keys - you'll hear audio feedback if it's working correctly.
If you're using JAWS, install additional scripts from Snowman's page (unsecure link).
Does Reaper's Accessibility Work With External Audio Interface Controls?
Like a well-orchestrated symphony, Reaper's external control compatibility works with most audio interfaces.
You'll find that your interface's physical controls can be mapped to Reaper's functions through the Control Surface preferences.
While some interfaces may require additional setup, most modern devices offer plug-and-play functionality.
Just verify you've installed the latest drivers and configured your interface's settings within Reaper's preferences.
Can I Use Touch-Screen Devices for Accessible Remote Control of Reaper?
Yes, you can use touch-screen devices to control Reaper through apps like TouchOSC.
You'll need to set up OSC protocol in Reaper's preferences and configure your touch-screen device. This gives you customizable remote control options with touch screen gestures for various DAW functions.
You can create personalized layouts that work best for your needs, and the OSC protocol guarantees responsive, low-latency control of Reaper's features.
Are There Specialized Accessibility Scripts for Mixing and Mastering Tasks?
With over 200 specialized accessibility scripts available, you'll find plenty of options for mixing and mastering in Reaper.
You can access mixing shortcuts that control faders, panning, and effects with single keystrokes.
There are also thorough mastering templates designed specifically for screen reader users, letting you handle compression, EQ, and limiting efficiently.
These scripts make complex tasks more streamlined.
