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Grid for iPad

by Smartbox

Adam

Last Update 12 days ago

Article contents

  1. Overview
  2. Who's it for?
  3. What you get
  4. Before you start
  5. First time setup
  6. Using grid Explorer
  7. Choosing grid sets
  8. Using a symbol communication grid
  9. Using a text communication grid
  10. Finding words
  11. Editing and personalising grid sets
  12. Access methods
  13. Voices and speech
  14. Typical use cases
  15. Troubleshooting
  16. Downloads and documentation

1. Overview

Grid for iPad is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app that helps people communicate using symbols and/or text on an iPad. It can be used with touch, switches, or eye gaze and is suitable for learners, families, and professionals. It lets you:

  • Communicate using symbols, text, or both
  • Build sentences and speak them aloud using a synthetic voice
  • Personalise layouts, vocabulary, and access methods
  • Create and edit your own communication grids
It is designed for everyday communication, learning, and participation.

2. Who's it for?

Grid for iPad is suitable for:
  • Children and adults who need AAC
  • Learners developing language
  • Confident communicators using text-based AAC
  • Teachers, therapists, parents, and carers supporting an AAC user
It can be used directly by an AAC user, or set up and maintained by a supporter.

3. What you get

  • Grid for iPad app (downloaded from the App Store)
  • A range of built-in grid sets (symbol, text, learning, and accessible apps)

4. Before you start

Before using Grid for iPad:
  • Make sure your iPad is updated and working normally
  • Be familiar with basic iPad gestures and settings
  • Have an internet connection available for downloading voices or grid sets
⚠️Safety note: Grid should not be relied on to make emergency calls.

5. First time setup

  1. Tap the Grid icon on the iPad home screen.
  2. Follow the on-screen steps to create a user profile.
  3. Create or sign in to a Smartbox Account.
  4. Choose your language, voice, and basic preferences.
  5. You will be taken to Grid Explorer, where you can add grid sets.

6. Using Grid Explorer

Grid Explorer is the home screen. From here you can:
  • Open a grid set
  • Add new grid sets
  • Arrange grid sets into folders
  • Share grid sets
  • Open Settings
Grid Explorer is fully accessible using your chosen access method.


7. Choosing grid sets

When starting out, you will be guided to add grid sets.
Common types include:
  • Symbol communication - e.g. Super Core
  • Text communication - e.g. Text Talker, Alpha Core
  • Interactive learning - cause and effect, choices, activities
  • Accessible apps - web browser, email, camera, notes
You can add more grid sets later at any time.

8. Using a symbol communication grid

Symbol grids show words with pictures.
  • Tap a cell to add a word to the message area
  • The message builds at the top of the screen
  • Use the Speak button to say the message aloud
  • Some cells jump to other grids with related words
Tip: Core words stay in the same place to support learning.

9. Using a text communication grid

Text grids work like an accessible keyboard.
  • Type words into the message area
  • Use prediction to speed up typing
  • Previous messages appear in chat history
  • Press Speak to read the message aloud
Alternative keyboards are available for different access needs.

10. Finding words

You can search for words inside a grid set.
  1. Open the grid menu.
  2. Tap Find word.
  3. Type the word you are looking for.
  4. Grid shows the route to that word.
This is useful for supporters modelling vocabulary.

11. Editing and personalising grid sets

Grid includes a powerful Edit mode. You can:
  • Add or remove cells
  • Change words, symbols, and pictures
  • Create new grids
  • Adjust layout, colours, and text size
When in Edit mode you will see the border become orange. You can get to the Edit mode by pressing the three dots on the right and then select Edit grids.

Along the top of the screen you will see basic controls.

From left to right along the top border:

Finish editing - saves your edits and returns you to your grid set
Undo - undoes the last edit you made
Select - allows you to select multiple cells
Grid title - the name of the grid you are editing

In the top right hand corner:

Your grid is displayed in the centre of the screen. When you have a toolbar open you will see the grid shrink down to stay visible on the screen.

12. Access methods

Grid supports multiple access methods:
  • Touch (with or without keyguard)
  • Pointer access (e.g. trackball, head mouse)
  • Switch access (USB or Bluetooth)
Access settings are found in Settings → Access and in iPad Accessibility settings.

Grid for iPad can only change the highlight colour directly. By default, Grid is accessible via touch. Further access options can be configured within the iPad accessibility settings.

Each access method has a wide variety of settings and options available that can be optimised to suit your needs.

Touch access
Interact with Grid directly using the touch screen of your communication aid. You can also use a keyguard to help with accuracy. Use the iPad accessibility settings to adjust how Grid responds to your touch.

Pointer access
Pointer access covers a wide range of devices, from track balls to head-trackers, all of which control a pointer on the screen. Use the iPad accessibility settings to adjust how you interact and click on the screen.

Smartbox have an article on configuring your Touch and Pointer options here: Touch and Pointer access for iPad devices

Switch access
Connect switches via Bluetooth or USB ports. Grid can be configured to scan your grid sets in many ways, and you can connect multiple switches.

Smartbox have an article on configuring Switch Access with Grid for iPad here: Switch Control for iPad devices


13. Voices and speech

  • Over 200 voices in multiple languages
  • Preview voices before choosing
  • Adjust pitch and speed
  • Voices download directly to the iPad
Speech settings are found in Settings → Speech.

14. Typical use cases

  • Daily communication at school or home
  • Language learning using core vocabulary
  • Sentence building and storytelling
  • Text-based conversation for literate users
  • Accessible writing, email, and web browsing

15. Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible causeWhat to try
No speechVoice not downloadedCheck Speech settings and download voice (see section 13)
Grid not respondingAccess method not setCheck Access settings (see section 12)
Can’t find a wordGrid is largeUse Find word tool
Edits disappearedApp closed in Edit modeRe-edit and tap Finish editing
App slowLarge grid setReduce grid size
Lost changesEditing original gridRestore from copy
 

16. Downloads and documentation 

     
     
    If any part of this article was unclear, or you think there is something missing (extra steps, examples or images etc.), let us know and we'll update the article:
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