JAWS – Common file types

JAWS – Common file types

Problem

You wish to know what the common JAWS file types and what they do within Freedom Scientific JAWS software.


Applies to

  1. JAWS

Resolution

JAWS is a highly sophisticated and configurable screen reader.  It uses various different types of file to store data about those configuration settings.  The below files except those specific to a speech synthesizer are valid user configuration or files that can comprise a script set for an application. 

 

.JCF – JAWS configuration file
.JDF -  JAWS dictionary file
.JGF – JAWS graphic label file
.JKM -  JAWS keyboard map
.JSD – JAWS script documentation file
.JFF – JAWS frame file
.JSM – JAWS message file
.JSB – JAWS script binary file
.JSH – JAWS script help file
.JSI – JAWS script INI settings
 
Speech synthesiser files

.SBL – Synthesiser symbols file
.VPF – Voice profile file

.JCF – JAWS configuration file

The JCF file stores basic JAWS settings including speech settings.  The default.jcf in a user settings file will contain settings the user has configured for speech synthesiser.  In most case there is little need to separate JCF files for different applications and may well cause problems.  If speech appears to change rate or another voice is used when that is not intended when switching to a specific application it is likely to be an application JCF that may be causing the problem.

.JDF -  JAWS dictionary file

This type of file stores any pronunciation changes necessary for JAWS to correctly say certain words.  This can be added to in the default.jcf file for use in all applications or in an application file instead where the word application in the filename is substituted with the EXE name of the application.

.JGF – JAWS graphic label file

This file stores any labels for graphic icons that have been saved.

.JKM -  JAWS keyboard map

This file is used to map any script functions in a script file set to assigned hotkeys.

.JSD – JAWS script documentation file

This file is a script documentation file, it is only of interest when creating a set of scripts and allows the developer to provide documentation for any functions they write.
 

.JFF – JAWS frame file

This file is used for the frames feature that allows you to set specific areas of the screen to be read using a keystroke or when specific criteria are met.
 

.JSM – JAWS message file

This file contains messages that may be spoken in relation to a particular script set.
 

.JSB – JAWS script binary file

This file is a JAWS script binary file, it is generated when compiling a script set for an application.
 

.JSH – JAWS script help file

This file is a script header file.  It contains data about constants that are used in a set of script files.

.JSI – JAWS script INI settings

This type of file stores initialisation settings, typically for personalised settings related to applications or websites.


.JSS

This file is a JAWS script source file which may be part of a script set.  The JSS file itself contains readable source code consisting of script-lets for an assigned hotkey or script functions.  You cannot recompile a set of scripts without the JSS file, however provided the JSB and related files are still present this will still be a valid script set.

.SBL

This file is a synthesizer symbol file.  This file is specific to the selected speech engine being used.  It contains names tor typographical symbols used.  Default sets for each synthesiser are kept in the following path:  C:\ProgramData\Freedom Scientific\JAWS\2024\SETTINGS

.VPF

These are voice profile files for speech engines a default set is type in the path:

C:\ProgramData\Freedom Scientific\JAWS\2024\SETTINGS\VoiceProfiles

Voice profiles for each installed speech synthesiser are stored under the users profile here: 

%AppData%\Freedom Scientific\JAWS\2024\Settings\VoiceProfiles

JAWS installs a profile for Eloquence synthesizer Eloquence.VPF



    • Related Articles

    • Freedom Scientific – Remote Access (JAWS/Fusion)

      About Freedom Scientific offer the a Remote Access feature on their JAWS and Fusion license products. This add-on license option provides the capability to access and control a another computer from their own workstation over common remote access ...
    • JAWS – Duxbury Braille Translator scripts installation

      Problem A user may wish to install JAWS scripts for Duxbury software. Applies to DBT (Windows) Resolution Please use the steps below to install JAWS scripts for DBT software: Start DBT software, a message offering to install JAWS scripts is posted on ...
    • Jaws - Common problems and solutions

      Problem A JAWS installation require troubleshooting to resolve problems with the installation. Applies to JAWS Resolution Discussed below divide by problem are symptoms and potential troubleshooting measures or solutions to common problems. JAWS ...
    • JAWS – Accessing volume settings

      Problem A JAWS user wishes to access volume settings for their computer when they need to. Applies to JAWS Resolution Please choose either method below for adjusting system volume. Method 1 - Using the system tray Press JAWSKey+F11. Then use UP/DOWN ...
    • JAWS - Settings Startup Wizard

      Problem A new JAWS user would like to know what the JAWS Startup Wizad does or needs assistance with some of the screens. Applies to JAWS Resolution The JAWS Settings Start Up Wizard runs shortly after JAWS is authorised and launched for the first ...