Latest DocsPlus news
Release versions
In this update, we have released a new version of DocsPlus (Win/Mac).
These updates are free for all DocsPlus subscribers.
To download the latest version, visit DocsPlus downloads.
For a reminder of how to install, visit How do I install DocsPlus?
What’s new in this version?
- Neural Voices
- DocReader improvements
- Exam Mode improvements
Scroll down for a more detailed description of each of these changes.
Neural Voices
We have added new Neural Voices to DocsPlus, making speech feedback smoother and more realistic. You can choose your favorite voice from the drop-down menu next to the speaker button.
As always, you can choose your preferred speech settings in the options tab. Users can choose whether the new voice speaks each sentence, word or letter as they type.
In the DocReader, the speech control buttons allow users to hear PDFs, including exam papers, read back to them in their chosen neural voice. Use the play button to hear the text read through or the forward and backward arrows to read aloud word by word.
Users can right-click on words they would like read aloud in a Wordbar using their chosen voice.
DocReader improvements
The DocReader now interacts with structured PDFs more effectively, including when using OCR readers. Text to speech works more effectively when using exam papers or PDFs with columns.
Exam Mode improvements
DocsPlus now allows you to set an exam mode password for multiple networked computers using a registry key. Exam Mode now allows invigilators to enable ‘copy and paste’, depending on the individual’s access arrangements.
In this update, we have released a new version of DocsPlus (iPad / Chromebook).
These updates are free for all DocsPlus subscribers.
- iPad users – Open the App Store app, tap on your account icon in the top right-hand corner, and scroll down until you see the Clicker Writer and Clicker Books apps listed. Tap the ‘update’ button.
- Chromebook users – A pop-up should appear in the app informing you that an update is available – click OK/yes. If it doesn’t, just close and relaunch the app to force the update.
What’s new in this version?
- PDF editing options in the DocReader
- Dual View (previously named Split View) enhancements
- Speech improvements in the DocReader
- Improved exam access
- Special Access
- Other updates and improvements
Scroll down for a more detailed description of each of these changes.
PDF editing in the DocReader
The DocReader has an improved look. The PDF is shown vertically, can be scrolled, and large amounts of text can be added to an editable PDF. Users now have the option to have 3 PDFs open at the same time – great for editing a PDF alongside a question sheet.
The background color in the DocReader can now be changed from within Settings. This will set the background color for future PDFs opened.
Dual View enhancements
In line with DocsPlus Desktop, users can now view a document and PDF side by side.
In the DocReader, click 
to adjust the page view.
Speech improvements in the DocReader
There are now more ways to listen to text read aloud in the DocReader. Click where you want the DocReader to start reading and then click play in the top toolbar.
Alternatively, you can listen to the DocReader read one word at a time by clicking the previous and next arrows.
You can now pause the speech in the DocReader by selecting the pause icon in the top toolbar.
Exam access
All the improvements to our DocReader make exam access with DocsPlus smooth on all platforms.
Special Access
A new Special Access menu has been added. Choose the Special Access icon in the top-right of the screen to open the menu. This menu allows you to adjust scan settings to suit individual users.
Note – eye gaze can be used with DocsPlus using the eye gaze tool’s settings.
Other updates and improvements
- A ‘Duplicate Grid’ option is now available for Wordbars in edit mode.
- SuperKeys options have moved from the App Settings menu to the Special Access menu. The option to turn it on when using only the on-screen keyboard or the keyboard and the writing grids has also been added.
In this update, we have released a new version of DocsPlus (Win/Mac).
These updates are free for all DocsPlus subscribers.
- Windows users – Visit activate.cricksoft.com, sign in and download the relevant localization of DocsPlus (ANZ / US / UK). For standalone computers you can simply run the installation package. For network deployments we recommend uninstalling first before re-deploying. Network installation instructions are here.
- Mac users – Visit activate.cricksoft.com and download the relevant localisation of DocsPlus (ANZ / US / UK) and install the dmg.
What’s new in this version?
- DocsPlus Cloze documents
- PDF editing options in the DocReader
- Speech improvements in the DocReader
- Dual View (previously named Split View) enhancements in the DocReader
- Exam Mode enhancements
- Class and User system
- Other updates and improvements
Scroll down for a more detailed description of each of these changes.
DocsPlus Cloze
You can now create your own fill-the-blanks comprehension activities with DocsPlus Cloze.
In the Document ribbon, click the arrow next to the New Document icon, then choose New Cloze Document.
PDF editing options
In Options > Display > Colors any changes you make to the background and text color in the Document will now be applied to any PDF documents you open in the DocReader.
Speech improvements in the DocReader
There are now more ways to listen to text read aloud in the DocReader. Using the previous and next arrows, you can listen to one word at a time.
Another way you can listen to the text read aloud is by clicking where you want the DocReader to start reading and then clicking play in the top toolbar.
You can now pause the speech in the DocReader by selecting the pause icon in the top toolbar.
Dual View enhancements
In the DocReader, click 
to adjust your page view. Here you can toggle Dual View on, allowing you to access the DocReader and the Document at the same time. With Dual View on, the Document and DocReader are now displayed side by side.
Exam Mode enhancements
You can now choose to disable the document in Exam Mode.
Another new Exam Mode feature is the ability to set an Exam Mode password globally from the network installer.
To align with the App layout, when setting up your Exam Mode preferences on PC, use the checkboxes to choose which DocsPlus features will be enabled.
Class and user system
You can now set up individual class and user profiles in DocsPlus. Using this feature, you can assign personalized settings to whole classes or individual students based on their needs.
Other updates and improvements
- Speech exceptions have been updated to improve the way DocsPlus pronounces words and identifies misspellings.
- This also includes a larger, more up-to-date list of names so that they do not appear as misspelled in line with the I am not a typo
We’re here to help!
If you have any questions about the new tools and features we’ve introduced, please email our Customer Experience team via training@cricksoft.com, or book in a free customer care meeting to explore them in more detail.
