SQLiteStudio is a free and open-source self-contained database program that is frequently used with the SQL language (pronounced “sequel”), both by professors and students in the classroom environment and by professionals in the workplace. As part of my own coursework in information technology and data science, I learned to use SQLiteStudio accessibility settings for low vision access so that I could complete assignments as well as view information in the large print sizes I needed. Here is an overview of SQLiteStudio accessibility and low vision access tools I have personally used for classroom-based assignments and professional projects.
Download SQLiteStudio
SQLiteStudio is 100% free to use and can be downloaded directly from the developer website. It is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and this post is written based on my experiences with the Windows version. It has been updated in 2024 to include information based on the latest version, 3.4.4.
Related links
- SQLiteStudio website
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Desktop Computer For College
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Laptop For College
- Computer Lab Accommodations For Low Vision Students
Open configuration dialog to customize accessibility features
Almost all of the SQLiteStudio accessibility customization options are accessed via the Configuration dialog, labeled as “Open configuration dialog” in the Tools ribbon. This can be accessed with keyboard shortcut F10, or by using the keyboard shortcut Alt + T to open Tools and using the arrow keys to select the configuration dialog.
Related links
- Reading Dialog Boxes With Low Vision
- How To Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
- How To Customize Icons For Windows
SQLiteStudio keyboard shortcuts and customizing SQLiteStudio hotkeys
Since a lot of the icons are very small, I prefer to navigate SQLiteStudio with keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) when possible, since this is more efficient than visually scanning a list of icons. Within the configuration dialog, users can view the default list of keyboard shortcuts for various actions. Users can edit/customize their own SQLiteStudio keybinds by selecting the Clear Hotkey button next to a command and typing a new keyboard combination in the text box. Of course, users can also reset the default SQLiteStudio hotkey by selecting the “reset” button, which looks like a blue arrow.
I created a list of SQLiteStudio hotkeys as an HTML document, which can be accessed at the link below or copy/pasted into another application if desired.
Related links
- SQLiteStudio Keyboard Shortcuts (Hotkeys) For Windows (veroniiiica.com)
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Keyboards
Customize SQLiteStudio colors
I frequently use color as a labeling tool, so I customized the code colors in the Look & Feel section of the configuration dialog to make it easier to identify things like parentheses, comments, and other labels. By default, content is in a grayscale color scheme, but colors can be customized either by choosing from a list of basic colors, using a color slider, or manually adding RGB/HSV/HTML color values.
SQLiteStudio offers code color customization for the following syntax:
- Regular foreground
- String foreground
- Keyword foreground
- Number foreground
- Comment foreground
- Valid objects foreground
- BLOB value foreground
- Bind parameter foreground
- Current line background
- Current query background
- Matched parenthesis background
- Matched parenthesis foreground
To customize code colors, select the checkbox next to the desired syntax and select a color from the pop-up menu, selecting Ok once finished. The preview window will show a preview of what the color looks like.
Related links
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- Mouse Pointers and Low Vision
- How To Make Text Cursors Easier To See In Windows
Viewing SQLiteStudio with large print
I have low vision and find it impossible to read content in small font sizes, so large print for SQLiteStudio is a must-have for enlarging text sizes without changing the display scaling. SQLiteStudio can be used with any font that is installed on the user’s computer, with options for customizing the font style, font size, and adding font effects like an underline.
The following fonts can be customized up to size 72 pt:
- SQL editor
- Database list
- Database list additional label
- Data view
- Status field
Since I often would compare my code to screenshots or snippets from my professors, I would keep the default fonts/styles intact and only adjust the font sizes. Since I would frequently work with the SQL Editor, I have this section set to Consolas 24 pt font to check for errors. On the lab computer, I set the data view to MS Shell Dig 2 in 18 pt font to avoid having information cut off at the edge of the screen. I prefer to use magnification to read other information as needed so these are the only sections with large print.
To provide a visual for the large font size, I’ve shared a screenshot below that shows the editor in 24 pt font and custom colors for the string foreground and keyword foreground.
Related links
- How I Document Accessibility Preferences With Low Vision
- A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
Using SQLiteStudio with screen magnification
Since display scaling can cause text or other content to run off the edge of the screen or otherwise disappear/become distorted, I prefer to use screen magnification software like Windows Magnifier or similar tools to enlarge small text or icons that aren’t the focus of whatever I’m working on. Full screen magnification is typically considered the “best” option for users with low vision, but I often get motion sickness when using it so I avoid it as much as possible. Other options for using SQLiteStudio with screen magnification include:
- Using Lens view and using the mouse pointer to position magnification in a specific area of the screen. The magnification window follows the pointer
- Opening Docked view, which provides a fixed location for viewing magnification, enlarging the area under the cursor/pointer.
- Turning on invert colors to improve color/display contrast. This can be used with or without screen magnification.
Related links
What about using SQLiteStudio with a screen reader?
SQLiteStudio offers support for keyboard access and labeled icons/buttons, but I have not personally used it in the context of nonvisual access. However, I do find it useful to have a screen reader read information out loud when I am dealing with high levels of eye fatigue or troubleshooting errors, and will have NVDA or a similar screen reader tool follow along with the mouse cursor to read text.
Related links
- Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
- Disability Accommodations For Fluctuating Eyesight
- Computer Mice and Mouse Alternatives For Low Vision
More SQLiteStudio accessibility resources for low vision
- This post doesn’t cover how to learn SQL, just how to configure accessibility settings for SQLiteStudio. When I was first learning the program, I often referenced tutorials and resources that I’ve shared in other posts, such as Free Accessible Coding Resources With Large Print Options and How I Use Quizlet With Low Vision
- Looking for another IDE that supports large print sizes? Check out Accessible Python IDEs For Low Vision
- My academic background is in data science and assistive technology, so I have several posts on accessible data science/data analytics resources for students. Browse Data Science Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes (veroniiiica.com)
Published August 20, 2019. Updated September 2024