LockedPillar User Manual

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Getting Started
• 3. Managing Your Library
• 4. Creating Content
• 5. Practice Modes
• 6. Gamification Features
• 7. Performance Calendar
• 8. Using the My Words Dictionary
• 9. Security and Privacy
• 10. Installation and Offline Use
• 11. Tips and Best Practices
• 12. Troubleshooting
• 13. Accessibility Features

1. Introduction

What is LockedPillar?

LockedPillar is a powerful line memorization and practice application designed to help you master speeches, theatrical performances, poetry, rituals, and any other text that requires accurate recall. Using advanced speech recognition technology, LockedPillar provides real-time feedback on your delivery, helping you perfect your performance.

Key Features

2. Getting Started

First Time Setup

When you first open LockedPillar, you'll see the main library view. Here's how to get started:

1. Explore the Public Library: Browse pre-loaded public domain content including Shakespeare plays, classic poetry, and more.
2. Try a Practice Session: Tap any set's "Practice" button to start. We recommend beginning with "Read Lines" mode to familiarize yourself with the interface.
3. Create Your First Set: Tap the "+" button to create your own content (see Creating Content).

Understanding the Interface

Library View: Your home screen showing all available content as horizontal scrolling cards. Swipe left or right to browse.

Search Bar: Type to instantly filter sets by title, author, or category.

Category Filter: Dropdown menu to view only sets from a specific category.

Navigation: The breadcrumb trail at the top shows your current location and provides quick navigation back to the library.

3. Managing Your Library

The Two-Library System

LockedPillar maintains two separate libraries:

Public Library: Verified public domain content that's safe to share. These sets cannot be deleted or edited.

Personal Library: Your own created content. You have full control to add, edit, delete, and reorganize these sets.

Finding Content

Search: As you type in the search bar, the library automatically filters to show matching sets. Search looks through titles, authors, and categories.

Category Filtering: Use the dropdown to view only sets from specific categories like "Shakespeare," "Poetry," "Masonic Ritual," or "Custom."

Subcategory Filtering: When you select a category that contains subcategories, a subcategory filter appears next to the category filter. This allows for more granular filtering. For example, within "Plays" you might have subcategories like "Shakespeare," "Wilde," or "Shaw." Select a subcategory to narrow your view further. A red "Clear" button appears when filtering by categories with subcategories—clicking it clears both filters at once.

Favorites: Mark your most-used sets as favorites by tapping the heart icon. You can have up to 5 favorites per library. Favorited sets appear at the top with a golden heart indicator.

Organizing Your Personal Library

Reordering Sets: In your personal library, each set has a drag handle icon (☰). Tap and hold this icon, then drag the set to your desired position. Your new order is automatically saved.

Deleting Sets: Tap the trash icon on any personal library set to permanently delete it. Public library sets cannot be deleted.

4. Creating Content

Creating Your First Set

1. Tap the "+" button in the library view
2. Fill in the form:
   • Title: The name of your set (e.g., "Hamlet Act 3 Scene 1")
   • Author: Who wrote it (optional)
   • Description: Brief summary or notes
   • Category: Choose from existing categories or create a new one
   • Subcategory: If the selected category has subcategories, choose one to further organize your content (optional)
   • Tags: Comma-separated keywords for searching
   • Lines: Enter your lines, one per line
3. Tap "Save" to add it to your personal library

Editing Existing Sets

1. Tap the edit icon (pencil) on any personal library set
2. Make your changes to any field
3. Tap "Save" to update

Changes save immediately to your device. Your original set ID and creation date are preserved.

Saving Individual Sets

Each set card in your personal library includes a save button that allows you to save that individual set as a backup file.

How to Save a Set:

1. Locate the set you want to save in your personal library
2. Tap the save button on the card
3. The set will be saved as an encrypted file to your device

5. Practice Modes

LockedPillar offers three distinct practice modes, each designed for different stages of memorization.

Mode 1: Read Lines

Best for: Initial learning, improving delivery, and perfecting pronunciation.

How it works:

1. Each complete line appears on screen
2. Tap "Record" or press the spacebar to start recording
3. Read the line aloud
4. Recording automatically stops after 2 seconds of silence
5. View your accuracy score and detailed feedback

Listen Mode Alternative:

In Read Lines mode, you can toggle "Listen Mode" to switch from speech recognition to text-to-speech. Instead of speaking the lines yourself, the app will read them to you. This is perfect for:

• Auditory learning and memorization
• Users with visual impairments or reading difficulties
• Hearing proper pronunciation and pacing
• Multitasking while learning lines

See the Accessibility Features section for detailed information about text-to-speech controls and settings.

Understanding Feedback:

• Green text: Words you spoke correctly
• Red text: Words that were incorrect or missed
• Percentage score: Overall accuracy (threshold adjustable in Help window, default 75%)

Navigation:

• Previous/Next buttons: Move through lines sequentially
• First Line button: Jump back to the beginning
• Slider: Drag to any line in the set
• Go to Line: Type a line number and press Enter

Mode 2: Fill in the Blanks

Best for: Testing comprehension and strengthening recall of specific word types.

How it works:

1. Lines appear with certain words replaced by blank spaces (_____)
2. Speak the complete line, filling in the blanks
3. The app compares your speech to the original text

Difficulty Levels:

Each difficulty level removes different types of words, with 50% randomness - so clicking "Refresh" generates different patterns each time:

🔄 Refresh Feature: Tap the refresh button to randomly generate new blanks from the same line. Each refresh removes approximately 50% of eligible words, creating different patterns each time. This allows varied practice with the same content.

Mode 3: Recite from Prompt

Best for: Advanced memorization testing with minimal cues.

How it works:

1. Only the first few words of each line appear as a prompt
2. Recite the entire line from memory
3. The app validates your complete recitation

Hint Feature: Press and hold on the prompt text to temporarily reveal the full line. Release to hide it again. This is perfect for quick memory checks without moving to the next line.

Mode 4: Line Challenge 🎯

Best for: Plays, dialogues, and scripts where you practice one line at a time with feedback between each line. Supports multi-character scripts and bookmark-based section practice.

How it works:

1. Select a practice set and choose Line Challenge from the mode selector
2. Configure your practice options (see below)
3. Tap "Start Challenge" to begin
4. Speak each line when prompted - the app shows your accuracy after each line
5. Complete all lines to see your overall accuracy and earn a medal

Line Challenge Options:

Before starting, you can customize your challenge with two dropdown selectors:

Your Character (for multi-character scripts):

• All Lines: Practice every line in the set (default)
• Specific Character: If your script uses {CHARACTER} notation, select your character from the dropdown

When a character is selected:

• Other characters' lines are displayed for you to read along
• When your character's line appears, you'll see "Your line..." and recording starts automatically
• Navigate manually using the Next button between lines
• Only your character's lines count toward your score

Practice Section (bookmark-based):

• Full Text: Practice from beginning to end (default)
• Bookmarked Sections: If you have bookmarks set, you can practice specific sections

Sections are defined by your bookmarks - each section runs from one bookmark to the next (or to the end of the set).

Line Challenge Controls:

• 🎯 Start Challenge: Begins the challenge from the selected section start
• ⏹️ Stop Challenge: Ends the test early (shows summary but no medal awarded)
• Next Button: In character mode, advances to the next line (recording starts automatically on your lines)

Mode 5: Monologue Challenge 📜

Best for: Monologues, speeches, and continuous performances where you want to speak all lines without interruption. Supports bookmark-based section practice.

How it works:

1. Select a practice set and choose Monologue Challenge from the mode selector
2. Optionally select a bookmarked section to practice (see below)
3. Tap "Start Monologue" to begin continuous recording
4. Speak your entire script without stopping - the recording captures everything
5. When finished, tap "Stop Monologue"
6. View your results with color-coded feedback showing exactly which words were correct or missed

Monologue Section Practice:

If you have bookmarks in your set, a Practice Section dropdown appears:

• Full Text: Practice the entire script (default) - medals can be earned
• Section 1, 2, 3...: Practice specific bookmarked sections for focused rehearsal

Section practice is perfect for breaking down long monologues into manageable pieces. Note that medals are only awarded for completing the full text.

Monologue Challenge Controls:

• 📜 Start Monologue: Begins continuous recording (no line-by-line interruptions)
• ⏹️ Stop Monologue: Ends recording and shows your results

Real-Time Transcript:

During recording, a live transcript preview shows what the app is hearing. The transcript auto-scrolls as you speak, helping you track your progress through the monologue.

Color-Coded Results:

After completing a Monologue Challenge, you'll see the full script with color highlighting:

Medal System (Both Challenge Modes):

Medals are awarded based on your overall accuracy when completing the full text:

Note: Medals are only awarded for full text completion. Character mode and section practice show your score but do not award medals.

Medal Display:

Your highest medal for each set appears on the library card below the practice button. You can attempt challenges multiple times to improve your medal tier.

Challenge Summary:

After completing a challenge, a summary modal displays:

• Overall accuracy percentage
• Medal earned (if applicable - full text mode only)
• Character and section information (if applicable)
• Word count statistics
• Monologue mode only: Full color-coded script showing your errors
• "Try Again" button to restart the challenge
• "Done" button to return to normal practice

Auto Progression Mode

Enable hands-free practice with Auto Progression:

1. Open any practice session
2. Look at the Controls section at the top of the practice window
3. Find the Auto Progression button (⏸️/⏩) in the controls row
4. Click the button to toggle Auto Progression on/off

How Auto Progression Works:

• Recording starts automatically when each line loads
• After 2 seconds of silence, your speech is automatically scored
• If you score above the threshold (default 75%), the app advances to the next line
• If below the threshold, you'll need to retry the line

Auto Progression Settings:

To adjust Auto Progression settings:

1. In the Controls section at the top of the practice window, locate the Auto Progression button (⏸️/⏩)
2. Click the button to open a dropdown menu with settings
3. Adjust the Progression Threshold slider (50%-95%) - this is the accuracy score needed to auto-advance
4. Select the Detection Language for speech recognition
5. Settings save automatically

The button icon changes to show the current state:

• ⏸️ (Paused): Auto Progression is off - manual control
• ⏩ (Active): Auto Progression is enabled and running

Audio Cues:

• Success tone: You've advanced to the next line
• Retry tone: Score below threshold, try again
• Completion tone: You've finished the entire set

Recording Controls

Start Recording: Tap the record button or press spacebar

Stop Recording: Tap the square stop button to cancel a recording without scoring (useful for false starts)

Automatic Scoring: After 2 seconds of silence, your speech is automatically processed and scored—no manual submission required

Visual Feedback: The record button displays your current mode:

• 🎤 Record: Online mode - full speech recognition available
• 🎤 Record (Offline): Using on-device speech recognition
• 📴 Offline - Unavailable: Speech recognition not available offline

Multi-Language Speech Recognition

LockedPillar's speech recognition capabilities are aligned with the languages available in your web browser. Modern browsers typically support dozens of languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and many others. The specific languages available depend on your browser and device configuration.

Changing Detection Language:

To change the speech recognition language during practice:

1. In the Controls section at the top of the practice window, locate either the Record button (🎤) or the Auto Progression button (⏸️/⏩)
2. Click either button to open its dropdown menu
3. Find the Detection Language selector in the dropdown
4. Choose your preferred language from the list
5. Your selection is saved automatically

Online and Offline Recognition:

Speech recognition works differently depending on your connection:

• Online Mode: Uses cloud-based recognition for highest accuracy across all languages
• Offline Mode: Uses on-device recognition if available (browser and device dependent)
• Automatic Fallback: The app automatically switches between online and offline modes

Bookmark System

Mark important lines for quick access and easy navigation during practice sessions.

Adding Bookmarks:

Tap the bookmark icon (📑) next to the line progress indicator to bookmark the current line. The icon changes to 🔖 when a line is bookmarked.

Navigating Bookmarks:

Use the bookmark navigation controls in the practice interface:

• ← Prev: Jump to the previous bookmarked line
• Next →: Jump to the next bookmarked line
• Bookmark Count: See how many lines you've bookmarked (e.g., "🔖 Bookmarks (3)")

Visual Indicators:

Bookmarked lines are shown on the line slider with visual markers, making it easy to see where your important lines are located in the set.

Per-Set Bookmarks:

Bookmarks are saved individually for each content set. When you switch between sets, your bookmarks are automatically loaded and saved.

Mobile Navigation Buttons

For mobile users and touch-enabled devices, LockedPillar provides dedicated circular navigation buttons:

• ‹ Button: Navigate to the previous line
• › Button: Navigate to the next line

These large, touch-friendly buttons appear below the text display and work on all devices, including desktop browsers with touch screens.

6. Gamification Features

LockedPillar includes motivational gamification features to encourage consistent practice and track your progress over time.

Daily Practice Streaks

Build momentum by practicing every day and watch your streak grow!

How Streaks Work:

• Automatic Tracking: Any practice session (completing at least one line in any mode) counts toward your daily streak
• Visual Display: Your current streak appears in the library header with fire emoji indicators (🔥)
• Streak Counter: Shows both your current streak and your longest streak ever achieved
• Daily Reset: You have until end-of-day (with UTC+12 grace period) to continue your streak

Streak Display:

The library header shows your streak status:

Motivational Messages:

As your streak grows, you'll receive encouraging messages celebrating your milestones:

• Day 1: "Great start! Keep it going tomorrow!"
• Day 3: "3 days in a row! You're building a habit!"
• Day 7: "One week streak! Fantastic dedication!"
• Day 30: "30-day streak! You're unstoppable!"
• Day 100+: "Legendary commitment! Keep going!"

Grace Period:

The streak system uses a UTC+12 timezone grace period, giving you extra time to maintain your streak even if you're in a later timezone. This ensures fair treatment for users worldwide.

Streak Continuity:

Your streak continues as long as you practice at least once per day. If you miss a day, your streak resets to 0, but your longest streak record is preserved so you can try to beat it!

Challenge Medals

For detailed information about Challenge modes and the medal system, see Section 5: Practice Modes - Mode 4 & 5: Line Challenge and Monologue Challenge.

Quick Medal Reference:

• 🥇 Gold: 90%+ overall accuracy
• 🥈 Silver: 75-89% overall accuracy
• 🥉 Bronze: 50-74% overall accuracy

Medal Visibility:

Earned medals appear on library cards below the practice button, allowing you to see your achievements at a glance and track which sets you've mastered.

Privacy and Data

All gamification data (streaks, medals, practice history) is stored locally on your device. Nothing is sent to the cloud, ensuring complete privacy while still tracking your progress.

7. Performance Calendar

The Performance Calendar helps you prepare for upcoming performances, presentations, or recitals by creating a structured practice schedule with automated milestone tracking.

Accessing the Calendar

From the Library view, tap the 📅 Calendar button in the top navigation to open the Performance Calendar view.

Creating a Performance

1. In the Calendar view, tap ➕ Add Performance
2. Enter the performance name (e.g., "Annual Installation", "Hamlet Opening Night")
3. Select the performance date using the date picker
4. Select one or more practice sets from your library that you'll be performing
5. Optionally add a description with notes about the performance
6. Tap Save Performance

Automatic Milestone Generation

When you create a performance, LockedPillar automatically generates a 5-stage practice schedule designed to progressively build your mastery:

Performance Cards

The Calendar view displays your performances in organized sections:

• Upcoming Performances: Shows performances ordered by date with countdown timers
• Past Performances: Historical record of completed performances

Each performance card shows:

• Performance name and date
• Countdown (e.g., "15 days", "Tomorrow", "Today!")
• Associated practice sets and total line count
• Progress bar showing milestone completion (e.g., "2 of 5 milestones completed")
• Action buttons: Edit, Delete, View Milestones

Tracking Milestones

1. On any performance card, tap View Milestones
2. See your complete practice timeline with visual status indicators:
   • ✅ Completed - Milestone finished
   • 📍 Current - Due now or overdue
   • ⭕ Upcoming - Future milestone
3. Tap Mark Complete on current milestones after completing the practice mode
4. If you need to adjust your schedule, tap 🔄 Regenerate Milestones to recalculate based on current date

Library Integration

Sets assigned to upcoming performances display a 📅 Performance Badge on their library cards showing the countdown to your next performance. This helps you quickly identify which sets need priority practice.

Performance Countdown Widget

When you have upcoming performances, a countdown widget appears in your library header showing days remaining until your next performance. Tap the arrow button on the widget to quickly jump to the Calendar view.

Editing and Managing Performances

Edit: Tap the edit button (✏️) to change the name, date, description, or selected sets

Delete: Tap the delete button (🗑️) to remove a performance and its milestones

Note: Editing a performance will automatically regenerate the milestone schedule based on the new date.

8. Using the My Words Dictionary

The My Words dictionary helps LockedPillar correctly recognize uncommon terms, proper names, technical jargon, and specialized vocabulary that might not be in standard dictionaries.

When to Use My Words

Add words to your dictionary when the speech recognition:

• Doesn't recognize character names (e.g., "Iago," "Lysander")
• Misinterprets technical terms
• Struggles with regional dialect words
• Confuses homophones (words that sound similar)
• Fails to recognize proper nouns

Adding a Word

1. Go to Settings or My Words section
2. Tap "Add Word"
3. Enter the written form: How the word appears in your text (e.g., "Macbeth")
4. Enter the phonetic form: How you pronounce it (e.g., "mack beth" or "mak beth")
5. Tap "Save"

Managing Your Dictionary

Edit: Tap the edit icon next to any entry to refine the phonetic spelling

Delete: Remove entries you no longer need with the trash icon

How It Works

Once added, dictionary entries apply automatically across all sets in both libraries. When you speak during practice, LockedPillar checks your audio against the phonetic forms and displays the proper written forms in the feedback.

9. Security and Privacy

LockedPillar takes your privacy seriously. All data stays on your device, and sensitive content can be protected with biometric authentication or PIN codes.

Automatic Protection for Masonic Ritual

Setting Up Security

Biometric Authentication (Recommended)

If your device supports fingerprint, facial recognition, or other biometric security:

1. Go to Settings > Security
2. Select "Set up Biometric Authentication"
3. Follow your device's prompts to register
4. Your biometric credential is stored locally on your device only

Supported Biometrics:

• Fingerprint scanners
• Face ID / facial recognition
• Iris scanners
• Windows Hello
• Other platform authenticators

PIN Code Setup

1. Go to Settings > Security
2. Select "Set up PIN"
3. Enter a 4-6 digit PIN
4. Confirm your PIN
5. Your PIN is encrypted and stored locally

Security Features:

• Three incorrect attempts trigger a 1-minute lockout
• Lockout persists even if you refresh the page
• PINs are hashed using SHA-256 encryption

Protecting Your Content

To lock any personal library set:

1. Edit the set
2. Check the "Require Authentication" box
3. Save your changes

Locked sets display a padlock icon (🔒) on their practice button.

Practice Sessions

When you authenticate to practice locked content:

• A 30-minute session begins
• You can access all locked content during this time
• A countdown timer displays in the header (e.g., ⏱️ 24:15)
• Re-authenticate when the session expires

Manual Logout: Tap the logout button to immediately end your authenticated session.

Your Privacy Guaranteed

10. Installation and Offline Use

Installing as a Progressive Web App (PWA)

LockedPillar can be installed on your device to work like a native app:

On Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)

1. Open LockedPillar in Chrome, Edge, or another supported browser
2. Look for the install prompt (usually in the address bar)
3. Click "Install" or "Add to Desktop"
4. Launch from your applications menu

On Mobile (Android)

Android (Chrome):

1. Tap the menu (three dots)
2. Select "Install app" or "Add to Home Screen"
3. Confirm the installation

Benefits of Installing

• Offline Access: Practice anywhere without an internet connection
• Faster Performance: The app loads instantly from your device
• Native Experience: No browser UI—just the app
• Home Screen Icon: Quick access like any other app
• Automatic Updates: The app checks for updates when online

Offline Functionality

Once installed, LockedPillar works offline (with some limitations):

• All practice modes available
• Speech recognition (only if your browser supports offline recognition - Chrome/Edge recommended)
• Full library access
• Create, edit, and delete content
• All settings and security features

Updating the App

LockedPillar automatically checks for updates when online:

1. When an update is available, you'll see a notification
2. Tap "Refresh" or reload the page to install
3. The app will update to the latest version

Version Information: Tap the version number in the header to view current version information, build date, and recent changes.

11. Tips and Best Practices

Memorization Tips

Progressive Difficulty: Start with Read Lines, move to Fill in the Blanks (Easy → Medium → Hard), then finish with Recite from Prompt.

Regular Practice: Short, frequent sessions (15-20 minutes) are more effective than long, infrequent ones.

Use Auto Progression: Let the app pace you automatically while focusing on delivery rather than navigation.

Record Yourself: Pay attention to feedback highlighting to identify persistent problem areas.

Practice Variations: Use the Refresh feature in Fill in the Blanks mode to keep your mind engaged.

Content Organization

Meaningful Categories: Create categories that match your workflow (e.g., "Work Presentations," "Wedding Speech," "Poetry Slam").

Use Subcategories: For large categories, create subcategories to organize content more granularly. For example, a "Plays" category might have subcategories for "Shakespeare," "Wilde," and "Shaw," or a "Poetry" category might have subcategories for different poets or movements.

Consistent Naming: Use clear, descriptive titles like "Hamlet - To Be or Not To Be" rather than "H1" or "Scene 3".

Use Tags: Add searchable tags for themes, emotions, or performance contexts.

Break Long Pieces: Split very long content into manageable sets (e.g., separate acts of a play).

Leverage Favorites: Mark your current active projects as favorites for instant access.

Speech Recognition Tips

Speak Clearly: Natural pacing and clear enunciation work best. No need to over-pronounce.

Quiet Environment: Background noise can affect recognition accuracy.

Consistent Volume: Maintain steady volume; avoid trailing off at line ends.

Add to My Words: If a word consistently fails to recognize, add it to your dictionary.

Test Your Setup: Try a familiar set first to verify your microphone is working properly.

Security Best Practices

Strong PINs: Avoid obvious patterns (1234, 1111). Use random 6-digit codes for better security.

Lock Sensitive Content: Even non-Masonic content can be locked for privacy.

Session Management: Log out when practicing in public or on shared devices.

Performance Tips

Regular Cleanup: Delete unused sets to keep your library manageable.

Browser Cache: Clear browser cache occasionally if app feels sluggish.

Update Regularly: Keep LockedPillar updated for best performance and latest features.

12. Troubleshooting

Speech Recognition Issues

Problem: App doesn't recognize my speech

Solutions:

• Check microphone permissions in browser settings
• Try a different browser (Chrome works best)
• Ensure microphone isn't muted or used by another app
• Test microphone in browser settings or other apps
• Move to a quieter location
• Speak more clearly and at moderate volume

Problem: Specific words never recognized correctly

Solution: Add them to My Words dictionary with phonetic spellings that match how you pronounce them.

Problem: Recognition works sometimes but not others

Solutions:

• Check for background noise
• Ensure stable microphone connection
• Try restarting the browser
• Verify Auto Progression isn't ending recording too quickly

Installation Issues

Problem: Can't find install option

Solutions:

• Use Chrome or Edge (Firefox has limited PWA support, iOS/Safari not supported)
• Visit the app via HTTPS, not HTTP
• Look for icon in address bar or browser menu
• Try "Add to Home Screen" on Android mobile

Problem: Installed app won't open offline

Solution:

• Open once while online to cache all resources
• Check that service worker installed successfully
• Reinstall the app

Practice Mode Issues

Problem: Auto Progression skips lines too fast

Solution: The silence detection threshold is 2 seconds. Pause longer after speaking, or disable Auto Progression for manual control.

Problem: Can't advance past a line

Solution: Check if Auto Progression is enabled with accuracy threshold. Try manual mode, or use the skip button.

Problem: Feedback shows incorrect highlighting

Solution: Check My Words dictionary for conflicting entries. Verify the expected text in Edit mode.

Security Issues

Problem: Biometric authentication not available

Solutions:

• Verify device supports biometrics (fingerprint, Face ID, etc.)
• Enable biometrics in device settings
• Use PIN authentication as alternative
• Try different browser (Chrome/Edge recommended)

Problem: Forgot PIN and locked out

Solution: After lockout expires, you can attempt again. If you've completely forgotten your PIN, you'll need to clear browser data (warning: this will permanently delete all LockedPillar data including your personal library).

Problem: Session keeps timing out

Solution: This is by design for security. Each authentication grants 30 minutes. For longer sessions, you'll need to re-authenticate.

General Issues

Problem: Data disappeared after clearing browser

Solution: Browser data clears include localStorage. All your personal content is stored locally in your browser. Be careful when clearing browser data, as this will permanently delete your personal library sets.

Problem: Changes not saving

Solutions:

• Check available storage space (Settings > Storage in browser)
• Verify browser allows localStorage
• Try different browser
• Clear browser cache and reload

Problem: App running slowly

Solutions:

• Close other browser tabs
• Clear browser cache
• Delete unused sets from library
• Restart browser
• Update to latest app version

13. Accessibility Features

LockedPillar includes comprehensive accessibility features designed to support users with color blindness, dyslexia, reading impairments, and visual difficulties. All settings are customizable and persist across sessions.

Opening Accessibility Settings

Access accessibility settings from the library view:

• Click the ♿ Accessibility button in the library toolbar
• Or press Alt+A keyboard shortcut

Reading Settings

Customize typography and spacing for comfortable reading:

Font Options

• OpenDyslexic: Specially designed font for dyslexic readers with weighted letter bottoms
• Arial: Clean sans-serif font with excellent readability
• Verdana: Wide sans-serif designed for screen reading
• Georgia: Elegant serif font with clear letter shapes
• Comic Sans: Informal font often preferred by dyslexic readers
• Courier: Monospace font with uniform character spacing
• System Default: Your device's default font

Typography Controls

• Font Size: Adjust from 12px to 32px (default: 16px)
• Line Height: Control spacing between lines from 1.0x to 2.0x (default: 1.5x)
• Letter Spacing: Add space between letters from Normal to Extra Wide
• Word Spacing: Increase space between words from Normal to Extra Wide

Visual Settings

Choose from color schemes optimized for different types of color blindness and visual needs:

Preset Color Schemes

• Default: Black text on white background (standard contrast)
• High Contrast: White text on black background (7:1 ratio) - Excellent for low vision
• Cream: Dark brown text on cream background - Reduces eye strain
• Light Blue: Navy text on light blue background - Comfortable for extended reading
• Pale Yellow: Dark olive text on pale yellow background - Reduces screen glare
• Sepia: Brown text on sepia background - Classic book-like appearance
• Night Blue: Light text on dark blue background - Good for low-light environments
• Custom: Choose your own text and background colors

Custom Colors

Create your own color combination:

1. Select the Custom preset
2. Choose your text color using the color picker
3. Choose your background color
4. View the contrast ratio to ensure readability

Display Settings

Control how content is presented:

Text Alignment

• Left: Text aligned to the left (recommended for dyslexic readers)
• Center: Text centered on screen
• Right: Text aligned to the right

Maximum Line Width

Limit line length from 45 to 100 characters (default: 75). Shorter lines reduce eye movement and improve reading comprehension for users with dyslexia and reading difficulties.

Focus Mode

Toggle Focus Mode to dim UI elements and keep only the main text clear. Perfect for reducing distractions during practice.

• Enable: Check the box or press F key during practice
• Effect: Blurs and fades navigation controls, stats, and buttons
• Main Text: Remains perfectly clear and readable

Line Highlighting

Highlight the current line with a subtle background color and border. Helps maintain focus on the active line.

• Enable/Disable: Toggle checkbox or press H key during practice
• Visual: Adds colored background and left border to current line

Reduce Motion

Minimize animations and transitions throughout the app. Important for users with vestibular disorders or who are sensitive to motion.

Larger Controls

Increase the size of buttons and interactive elements. Makes the app easier to use for users with motor control difficulties or on touch devices.

Audio Settings (Text-to-Speech)

LockedPillar includes built-in text-to-speech (TTS) functionality, allowing you to listen to your lines instead of reading them. This is especially useful for users with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or those who prefer auditory learning.

Enabling Listen Mode

Note: Listen Mode is only available in "Read Lines" practice mode. It is not available in "Fill in the Blanks" or "Recite from Prompt" modes.

During practice in "Read Lines" mode, you can toggle between two modes:

• Record Mode: Standard speech recognition where you speak the lines
• Listen Mode: Text-to-speech mode where the app reads the lines to you

To switch to Listen Mode, toggle the "Listen Mode" checkbox at the top of the practice interface. The record button will be replaced with playback controls.

Playback Controls

When Listen Mode is active, you have full control over playback:

• ▶ Play: Start reading the current line aloud
• ⏸ Pause: Pause playback (can be resumed)
• ⏹ Stop: Stop playback completely

Smart Navigation

Listen Mode includes intelligent auto-play behavior:

• Press Play to hear the current line
• When the line finishes, press Next
• The app automatically advances AND starts playing the next line
• This continues as long as you're actively listening to lines
• The Previous button works the same way

Voice and Audio Settings

Customize the text-to-speech voice and playback in the Audio tab of accessibility settings:

• Voice Selection: Choose from all voices installed on your device/browser
  • Different languages (English, Spanish, French, etc.)
  • Different accents (US, UK, Australian, etc.)
  • Male and female voices
• Rate (Speed): Adjust playback speed from 0.5x (slow) to 2.0x (fast)
  • 0.5x-0.8x: Slow, clear pronunciation for learning
  • 1.0x: Normal conversational speed (default)
  • 1.2x-2.0x: Faster for review and quick practice
• Pitch: Adjust voice pitch from 0.5 (low) to 2.0 (high)
  • Lower pitch for deeper, more serious tones
  • Higher pitch for brighter, more energetic delivery
• Volume: Control playback volume from 0% to 100%

Testing Your Settings

Use the "Test Voice" button in the Audio tab to hear a sample sentence with your current voice and settings. This lets you fine-tune your preferences before practicing.

Bracket Filtering

Text-to-speech automatically ignores content in square brackets, such as [stage directions] or [notes]. This ensures smooth, uninterrupted reading of your actual lines without distracting annotations.

Persistent Settings

All your TTS preferences (voice selection, rate, pitch, volume) are automatically saved to your device and will be remembered the next time you use LockedPillar.

Keyboard Shortcuts

All accessibility features can be controlled without a mouse:

Where Accessibility Settings Apply

Your accessibility preferences are applied throughout the app:

• Library View: All library cards reflect your chosen font and colors
• Practice Modes: All three practice modes use your settings
• Edit Modal: The line editor respects your visual preferences
• Persistence: Settings are saved locally and apply every time you use the app

Resetting Settings

To return to default settings:

1. Open the accessibility modal (Alt+A)
2. Click Reset to Defaults
3. Confirm the reset
4. All settings return to standard values

Accessibility Best Practices

For Dyslexic Users

• Use OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans font
• Set line height to 1.8x or 2.0x
• Increase letter spacing to Wide or Extra Wide
• Use cream or pale yellow background
• Set text alignment to left
• Limit line width to 60 characters
• Enable line highlighting

For Users with Color Blindness

• Choose High Contrast preset for maximum clarity
• Avoid relying on color feedback alone (app uses text labels and icons)
• Use sepia or cream schemes which avoid problematic color combinations
• Test custom colors with the contrast checker

For Low Vision Users

• Increase font size to 24px or larger
• Use High Contrast color scheme (white on black)
• Enable larger controls for easier interaction
• Set line height to 1.8x or higher
• Enable focus mode to reduce visual clutter

For Reading Fatigue

• Use cream, sepia, or pale yellow backgrounds
• Reduce font size to 14-16px for less eye strain
• Set line height to 1.6x-1.8x
• Enable reduce motion to minimize distractions
• Use focus mode during practice sessions