Help with making text selectable/copiable

May 15, 2019

Hello,

I'm working on an interactive learning objective builder that leads users through the process of creating a measurable learning objective. I've figured out how to display the completed objective using variables, but I realize now users cannot select and copy the completed objective, which makes the whole tool basically worthless. I was wondering if anyone knows of a workaround? I would be very grateful!

15 Replies
Martin Dean

I am trying to find an answer to this as well.  In the 'old days' of Flash, I seem to recall that any text could be classified as 'user-defined' which then allowed it to be selected and copied.

I have been reading the various posts on this site and it looks like there is no such facility in SL to do this.....  unless someone knows different?

Leslie McKerchie

Hi Susan,

Most browsers now have built-in zoom capabilities. We recently updated our Modern Player to allow the zoom settings in desktop browsers to make slides bigger and easier to see.

I'm not familiar with users copying/pasting content into another tool for viewing. Could you share some additional information on this need? Do you know what software they are using?

Susan Alderson

I actually don't know what tool the student was using, but they requested it stating the need to copy and paste due to an accessibility issue/need (they don't have to disclose specifics of the need - just request accommodation). The student is saying that they could not enlarge the browser.  I have attached a picture of the setting in our player.  I believe it is set correctly.  It is possible that they could not enlarge enough and if they put in another tool they can maybe enlarge the text further?  The notes feature is very cumbersome and cannot enlarge as much. I just tested it again.  Even if there is not an accessibility need, copy and pasting should be an option...the tab is labelled notes....as the name implies they should be something the learner can copy and paste so they they can review their "notes" again.  We have a lot of reasons/uses for a copy and paste feature, and the tool/SL is lacking without it.  Such an addition would dramatically increase the learning for our students.

Elizabeth Coughanour

Is there a fix for this problem? The main issue for me is that some of our students speak English as a second language or have difficulty reading and it is helpful for them to be able to select text and have google translate it or read it for them.

I know Articulate has taken steps to be more accessible. Is there a way at this point to make text selectable?

Susan Alderson

I haven't found one and we would like it. However, the new features in the modern player provide many accessible features that meet the need to make the content accessible. You can also save the content as a PDF, then the PDF can be provided to the learner to use with accessible assistive software/technology. Not quite the same experience but can be used in conjunction with the Storyline content.  Implementing the full screen also helps with enlarging the text.