The menu offers the following selections:

File/Open/File...

This command allows you to open a text file or a formatted Braille file into a new window. The text in the window is for viewing only and cannot be edited.

File/Open/Set-up file

This command opens the environment SETUP.BM file for editing. When the file is saved, the BMW environment set-up is automatically updated.

File/Open/Control file

This command opens up the currently active Control file for editing. When saved, any changes take effect immediately.

File/Open/Rule file

This command opens up the currently active Rule file for editing. When saved, any changes take effect immediately.

File/Open/Import...

This command allows you to import a file from text format, RTF (Word compatible) or Word Perfect.

File/Save

This command allows you to save the file you have been editing. This only applies to the Setup, Control and Rule files.

File/Save As...

This command allows you to save the active window to a file under a different filename, drive and/or directory. This command is valid only with text files (not with BrailleView window).

File/Translate...

This command allows you to translate your text file into Braille and also format the file into such a way as it can be printed using "large print". Both translations can occur at the same time. With Braille translation, you will be prompted for the Braille file name. With Large Print translation, you will be prompted for the page size and settings, and the typeface to use with the large print. A new window will be opened for each of these operations. Large Print does not use the Control or Rule files. Star Commands (any lines with an asterisk in column one) are ignored.

File/Translator setup...

This command allows you to select the environment set-up for translating and printing. This is the same as Environment Option Menu in DOS Screen Version.

File/Print...

This command allows you to send text or Braille files to a printer. For text files (and large print text files), the text will be printed in the window's current font to the currently selected Windows printer driver. See "File/Print setup..." for choosing a different Windows printer. For a formatted Braille file, you have the option of printing it out as text (as you see in the window), graphic Braille through the Windows printer driver or direct to the printer using the Control file.

If you are printing on an ink as opposed to Braille printer, it is suggested to use the "Graphics" option; if printing on an embosser, use the "Embosser" option.

A BrailleView window can only be printed as Braille and not text.

File/Print setup...

This command allows you to choose the printer to use when printing, and also allows you to configure the printer.

File/Exit

This command exits BrailleMaster for Windows.

File/recent file list

After the Exit command in the File menu, the most recent files that have been closed can quickly be opened by selecting the file you want to open.

Edit/Undo

When editing the Setup, Rule or Control file, the last action you did can be undone with this command.

Edit/Cut

This command cuts selected text from an edit window (Set-up, Control or Rule file) into the Windows Clipboard.

Edit/Copy

This command copies the selected text into the Windows Clipboard.

Edit/Paste

This command pastes any text in the Windows Clipboard into the file you are editing (where the cursor points), and replaces any selected text.

Edit/Delete

This command deletes any selected text.

Edit/Font...

The typeface (or font) of the text can be changed to suit your preference. The default text font is Courier, 12 point Bold. In a BrailleView window, you can change the size of the Braille font using this command. You can also set the Braille font size that you prefer, as the default. The editor font cannot be changed.

Search/Find...

This command allows you to search for a text string in the file you are editing.

Search/Replace...

This command allows you to search for a text string in the file and replace the occurrence with another string.

Search/Find next

This command finds the next occurrence of the string you specified in Search/Find in the file you are editing.

RuleCheck

This command opens a dialog box that allows you to check your rule files. You can open as many of these boxes as you like. To leave this function, you have to explicitly close the dialog box. An advantage of this feature is that you can simultaneously edit your rule file and check your rules in the RuleCheck box. Also, you can compare rule files and rules by opening a RuleCheck box (which uses the currently active rule file when it opens), change your active rule file, and open another RuleCheck box.

In the box, you enter a line of text in the top part of the RuleCheck box, and click on Translate. The string is translated into Braille using the Rule file that was active when the dialog box was opened. The result of the translation is then shown in both graphic form and dot numbers, together with a list of the LOUIS Rules used.

BrailleView

This command allows you to preview a formatted Braille file in graphic Braille, before it is printed.

Window/Cascade

This command arranges all your windows into a stack like arrangement.

Window/Tile

This command arranges all your windows so all the windows can be seen without overlapping, and fills up the workspace.

Window/Arrange icons

This command arranges all your minimized windows (icons) at the bottom of BrailleMaster window.

Window/Close all

This command closes all the windows that are open.

Help/Contents

This command presents you with the contents of the BrailleMaster for Windows on-line help.

Help/About

This command opens a box presenting information about BrailleMaster and its creators.