Use a colour overlay or tint

A colour overlay or tint can make a screen easier to read for many people. This will often involve adding on some software which you can switch on and off depending on whether you need it. Some people will have a preferred colour and maybe even a prescription from their optician, and you can usually adjust the software to meet your needs. Whilst physical overlays can be applied to a screen, a colour tint is now normally applied using software.

The only way to find the best overlay for your needs is to try them but the list below tells you a bit about the software and how it can be used. They are listed in alphabetical order. The University does not endorse one more than another. Those that cost may be available with Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

Apple Mac /iPhone/iPad

The Apple Mac does not require any specialist software as the system already has the ability to tint the screen for your whole display.

Colour Filters on the MacBook video

Colour Veil (PC)

Screen shot of the Color Veil icon in Apps Anywhere
  • Available to all students through Apps Anywhere. You may need to be on the VPN to install it. Once opened, it gives you a toggle button in the bottom tool bar. Right-click on this button for settings.
  • Customisable colour choice for the filter
  • Can reduce screen brightness by choosing a tint such as grey
  • Simple on/off or customise keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + F11)

Read&Write by TextHelp (£)

Read&Write is a text-to-speech program (TTS) that has additional features, including a colour overlay (Screen Masking) and a reading ruler. This is much more specialised software, often used by dyslexic students.

Video on Screen Masking in Read&Write

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