autoscrolling

Autoscrolling is the automatic advancement of content on a display, without requiring the user to manually scroll. It moves the page or window’s view at a programmable or responsive rate, enabling hands-free reading, presentation, or monitoring of streams.

Implementation is diverse. In software, autoscrolling is typically driven by a timer that increments the scroll position at regular intervals. It can be constant, or vary by line, paragraph, or page, with speed often adjustable by the user. Web pages may implement autoscroll through JavaScript or CSS tricks, while desktop and mobile apps may offer dedicated autoscroll modes. In hardware contexts, teleprompters, e-readers, and some display devices provide built-in autoscrolling to support continuous reading or narration.

Common applications include long-form reading of documents or e-books, news feeds and social media walls, presentations and teleprompters, and accessibility tools that help users who prefer or require hands-free navigation. Autoscrolling can also be used in data monitoring interfaces where continuous streams of information are displayed.

Advantages include reduced manual effort, the ability to maintain a consistent reading pace, and facilitation of hands-free operation in certain scenarios. Drawbacks include potential motion discomfort or eyestrain, disorientation if the speed is too fast, and the risk of losing track of context if the user cannot intervene quickly. Design considerations emphasize user control: providing start, pause, and stop options, adjustable speed, responsive interruption by input, and compatibility with reduced-motion preferences to support accessibility. Autoscrolling remains a common feature across software and devices where continuous content consumption is desired.