If a screen reader is active when starting GoldWave, the program automatically changes its interface slightly to be more screen reader friendly.

Screen reader mode can be switched on manually by using in the Windows Start menu and checking the Force screen reader mode box.

The status visual in the becomes a text box that gives the elapsed time, the current status, and the left and right peak levels (in parentheses). The levels are reset whenever playback or recording is restarted. The levels are given in percentages, but tabbing to the text box and pressing D changes it to decibels. Pressing D again changes it back to percentages. Press R to reset the peaks. Press P to pause updates to give time for the screen reader to read it. These keys only work when the status visual has the keyboard focus and the keys have not been assigned to other functions in GoldWave.

All images are removed from the menus so that standard Windows text menu items are used instead of custom drawn ones, ensuring that menus are easily readable. If menus cannot be read, be sure to uncheck the Toolbar images in menu box under .

Also when a screen reader is active, GoldWave defaults to instead of exclusive playback so that the screen reader can share the audio device with GoldWave.

Almost all windows in GoldWave provide edit boxes where values and settings can be entered rather than relying on visual controls only. Use the Tab key to move between controls.

Use Alt+F6 to switch between GoldWave's and . Use the Tab key to move through the buttons and faders. The arrow keys change the fader settings. Unless you need to access the volume, balance, or speed faders, it is best to dock the Control window. Use the Tool | Control command to dock or undock it.