A tool for browsing accessibility tree of an application

Question

I have been making scripts for screen readers (e.g. JAWS) and often have to dig into its window hierarchy (MSAA, UIA etc). I usually use the old AccExplorer32 app, but it is not optimal (the hierarchy usually does not correspond to the one generated by screen readers, plus search in the tree is very limited). Is there a better app for browsing accessibility hierarchies? It should:

• have good search capabilities (ideally you could search all accessibility fields)
• generate windows trees as close to those used by screen readers and especially JAWS as possible
• have most of other features of AccExplorer, especially the option for highlighting selected object is important

These apps are not good enough (not better for my purposes than AccExplorer): AccChecker, Process Monitor, uiaverify, spyxx. I could not find anything better, which seems strange, since there certainly is space for such an app.

Answer 1

I haven't used it, but have you looked at the Inspect tool? For more info on it see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318521%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

Answer 2

Have you tried the aViewer from the Paciello Group? (Windows only)

Or the DOM Inspector for Firefox? (All platforms)

Both tools will show you the Accessibility Tree as rendered.