Author: chai chaimee
URL: github.com/chaichaimee/CMDReader
Working with the Windows Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell can be a chaotic experience for screen reader users. CMDReader transforms that chaos into clarity. No more struggling to find where the output started or wondering if a process has finished. CMDReader intelligently monitors your console, alerts you to critical events, and gives you total control over your command history with elegant, simple shortcuts.
- Real-Time Output Monitoring: Sit back and relax. CMDReader automatically speaks new information as it appears, skipping the "noise" and jumping straight to the data you need.
- Smart Noise Filtering: Say goodbye to cluttered output. Our advanced logic strips away trailing spaces and useless decorative lines, leaving you with clean, professional text.
- Instant Error Alerts: Never miss a mistake. CMDReader listens for common error keywords and alerts you with a distinct warning tone the moment something goes wrong.
- Process Completion Signal: For those long-running tasks, CMDReader will notify you with a "Command Finished" message and a success chime the second your prompt returns.
- Clean Shadow History: Navigate through every line of your session history using a dedicated "Shadow Buffer" that is always up-to-date and clutter-free.
- Monitoring: Simply focus any CMD or PowerShell window. CMDReader begins working automatically, watching for new text and process updates.
- Scrolling History: Use
Ctrl+Alt+UporDownto move line-by-line through the session output without moving your actual cursor. - Analyzing Logs: Need to see everything at once? Press
Ctrl+Alt+Lto open a perfectly formatted text file of your current session for deep review or archiving.
| Gesture | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
Ctrl+Alt+Up Arrow |
Previous Line | Reads the previous line in history |
Ctrl+Alt+Down Arrow |
Next Line | Reads the next line in history |
Ctrl+Alt+L |
View Session Log | Opens the cleaned log in your text editor |
| (Automatic) | Error Detection | Distinct Beep (440Hz) on errors |
| (Automatic) | Job Done | "Command Finished" chime (880Hz) |
CMDReader is built to be lightweight and fast. It captures your console output and stores a cleaned version in a temporary log file located at:
%appdata%\nvda\CMDReader.txt
This ensures you always have a "paper trail" of your work, formatted perfectly without the typical console whitespace clutter.
If you enjoy using CMDReader and find it helpful, feel free to support my work and future development.
Donate here: Support the Project
© 2026 CMDReader Add-on for NVDA. Version 2026.1