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SPECIFICTION
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Asterics AAC

grid.asterics.eu

Free plan Open source WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
Visit grid.asterics.eu
Spec score 9.1 #2 of 25 in AAC Communication Software

What it is

Asterics AAC is a free, web-based augmentative and alternative communication app for building customizable grids. Grid elements can display labels or images, speak labels or custom text, collect selected words into sentences, and offer word predictions. Users can select elements with touch, mouse, keyboard, an external switch, scanning, hovering, microphone input, or AsTeRICS Framework events such as eye or head movement. Computer voices are supported, with availability dependent on the browser and platform. Grid actions can control AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB devices, and programs or devices with an HTTP REST API. It also supports web radio, YouTube control, and podcasts. After the first browser visit caches the app, it can be used offline. Registered users can synchronize grids across devices; online personal data is encrypted with the user’s password, while offline data remains in the browser. Online data is deleted after 365 days without login, and lost passwords cannot be recovered.

Spec sheet

What it does
Asterics AAC is a browser-based augmentative and alternative communication tool for building grid communicators with symbols, text and speech.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Purpose
Asterics AAC is a web-based application for augmentative and alternative communication that lets users create customizable grids.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
Privacy
For online users, personalized data is end-to-end encrypted with the user’s password, and the foundation says it cannot access that data unencrypted.Read 28 Sep 2026 · grid.asterics.eu
Support
The user documentation says users can open help at the relevant section by clicking the help icon or pressing F1.Read 28 Sep 2026 · grid.asterics.eu
Headquarters
Vienna, AustriaRead 23 Sep 2026 · grid.asterics.eu
Maker
The AsTeRICS Foundation says it was founded in February 2017 to bring project results to people with disabilities, organize workshops, and coordinate projects.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
AsTeRICS API
The AsTeRICS Framework exposes REST and Server-Sent Events interfaces, with JavaScript and Java client libraries documented separately.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Browser limitation
Bluetooth and serial hardware features require Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome, Edge or Chromium.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Cloud storage
Offline users keep data on the device; online users synchronize IndexedDB data with an AsTeRICS Foundation CouchDB using PouchDB.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Custom grids
Users can create flexible grid layouts and grid sets whose number of pages is not fixed.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Data retention
Online user data is deleted after 365 days without a login.Read 28 Sep 2026 · grid.asterics.eu
Developer documentation
Developer documentation covers project structure, tools, dynamic grids, Vue.js, data models, storage, internationalization, testing and deployment, while noting that JSDoc is imperfect and not all public methods are documented.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Funding model
The project is developed through funded research projects, while the non-profit AsTeRICS Foundation pays server costs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Grid features
Grid elements can show labels or images, speak phrases, collect selected words into sentences, and offer word predictions.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
HTTP API integration
HTTP actions send arbitrary GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS or PATCH requests to REST APIs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Independent development fact
UAS Technikum Wien says development began in 2018 and that ARASAAC collaboration started in early 2022.Read 14 Oct 2026 · technikum-wien.at
Independent pilot
The same university reported a third pilot phase at Klinik Floridsdorf after two successful test runs, with possible rollout to other Vienna healthcare facilities.Read 14 Oct 2026 · technikum-wien.at
Independent usage evidence
UAS Technikum Wien reported about 45,000 AsTeRICS Grid visits per week in an April 2024 article.Read 14 Oct 2026 · technikum-wien.at
Input methods
The app supports mouse, touch, keyboard, switches, scanning, hovering and advanced AsTeRICS Framework inputs such as eye tracking, head tracking and EMG sensors.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input options
Users can select grid elements using mouse or touch, scanning, direction input, Huffman input, or sequential input.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
iOS limitation
The documentation says Apple restrictions reduce access to high-quality offline voices in web apps and advises against iPads for this use.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Licence
The application source code is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and repository documentation is under CC BY-SA 4.0.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: setup effort
An independent Wiener Bildungsserver evaluation says creating custom grids requires substantial familiarization and training time.Read 14 Oct 2026 · lehrerweb.wien
Maker legal name
The service identifies its responsible organization as AsTeRICS Foundation.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics-foundation.org
Matrix messenger
A built-in messenger supports text, emoji and pictogram conversations through Matrix.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Media features
Users can search for and play web radio, control YouTube videos inside the app, and play podcasts.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
Media integrations
The app can search and play YouTube videos, web radio stations through radio-browser.info and podcasts through podcastindex.org.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Multilingual grids
Communicators can be built for multiple languages and content language can be changed through an action.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable limitation
If an online user loses their password, the password and the account data cannot be recovered; the documentation recommends downloading backups.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
Notable news
On 21 January 2025, a Vienna healthcare collaboration using AsTeRICS Grid received the Digital Humanism Award.Read 14 Oct 2026 · ots.at
Offline operation
After the first browser visit downloads the application cache, the app can reopen and run without internet access.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Offline use
After the initial browser visit downloads the app to its cache, Asterics AAC can be reopened and used offline.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
Praise: accessibility
The Wiener Bildungsserver praises adjustable grid size, colors, symbols, font size and navigation for users with different abilities and developmental levels.Read 14 Oct 2026 · lehrerweb.wien
Praise: education use
The Wiener Bildungsserver reports use for communication, vocabulary development, lesson review, daily schedules and visual instructions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · lehrerweb.wien
Rating on Wiener Bildungsserver
5 out of 5 stars from 1 editorial evaluationRead 14 Oct 2026 · lehrerweb.wien
Security stated
The product says online-user data is end-to-end encrypted and that offline mode keeps data solely on the device.Read 14 Oct 2026 · lehrerweb.wien
Self-hosting
The public repository documents cloning the code, installing Node.js and Yarn, running locally on port 9095, and starting a local CouchDB-backed authentication service.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Smart-home integrations
Actions can control AsTeRICS Framework models and local openHAB installations, and Home Assistant is listed as an integration target.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Speech
The app supports computer voices and can speak element labels or custom text; available voices depend on the platform and browser.Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
Speech output
Text-to-speech uses device or browser voices and supports multiple languages subject to platform availability.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support limitation
The FAQ says there is no dedicated team producing complete grid sets, so robust communicators depend on user contributions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Symbols
The editor can search free AAC symbols from ARASAAC and Open Symbols.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Synchronization
Registered users can synchronize grids across devices, while offline users keep personalized data locally in the browser.Read 28 Sep 2026 · grid.asterics.eu
System requirements
Supported devices include computers, tablets and phones running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS with a modern browser.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
UART integration
UART actions communicate with microcontrollers over wired Web Serial or Bluetooth connections in supported Chromium browsers.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Voice limitation
ResponsiveVoice can introduce delays of five seconds or more and intermittent service errors, so the documentation recommends offline voices when possible.Read 14 Oct 2026 · asterics.eu
Word forms
Word-form support can automatically generate inflections such as conjugations and plurals.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Word prediction
Custom keyboards can provide word prediction and self-learning dictionaries.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Asterics AAC will always remain free and open-source. Cross-device synchronization depends on funding for server costs Read 28 Sep 2026 · asterics.eu
Free Free offline use · optional registration · cloud synchronization for online users Read 14 Oct 2026 · grid.asterics.eu

Every Asterics AAC plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Grid elements can build sentences and suggest words
  • Offers touch, switch, scanning, and other input methods
  • Can run offline after its first browser visit
  • Supports smart-home and media controls
  • Free and open source

Limits

  • Lost passwords and account data cannot be recovered
  • Online data is deleted after 365 days without login
  • Available computer voices depend on browser and platform

Who it suits

It suits people who communicate through customizable grids and need multiple ways to select elements. It may also suit registered users who want grids synchronized across devices, provided they can keep their password and backups safe.

Asterics AAC in depth

Read the full write-up

Asterics AAC is a browser-based communication app for people who need a customizable AAC grid and flexible ways to select its cells. It is especially suited to users who benefit from switch or scanning access, speech, and the ability to keep using their setup offline.

Overview

Rather than limiting communication to fixed phrase buttons, Asterics AAC lets users build grids that combine labels or images, spoken output, sentence building, and word prediction. Its hybrid symbol system and fully customizable layouts offer room to shape the interface around a user’s communication needs.

It also extends beyond communication: grid actions can control compatible smart-home devices and software, while media tools bring web radio, YouTube, and podcasts into the app. This breadth makes it a strong fit for users who want communication and selected device controls in one interface, though those integrations are most useful when the user’s equipment supports the named connections.

The AsTeRICS Foundation was founded in February 2017 to bring project results to people with disabilities, organize workshops, and coordinate projects. Browse AAC Communication Software for more options.

Key features

Grids, speech, and access

Grid cells can show text or images, speak a label or custom text, add selected words to a sentence, and suggest words. Computer voices provide speech, but the voices a user can choose depend on the platform and browser. Users can select cells by touch, mouse, keyboard, external switch, scanning, hovering, microphone input, or AsTeRICS Framework events such as eye or head movement. Direction, Huffman, and sequential input are also supported. This range is valuable for users whose motor or access needs make a single input method unsuitable.

Integrations and media

Grid actions can operate running AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB devices, and programs or devices that expose an HTTP REST API. Users can also search for and play web radio, control YouTube videos inside the app, and play podcasts. These are meaningful extras, but the smart-home controls depend on compatible systems rather than working as universal device control.

Offline use, syncing, and account security

After the first browser visit caches the app, it can be reopened offline. Offline users keep personalized data locally in the browser; registered users can synchronize grids across devices. Online personalized data is encrypted end to end with the user’s password, which the foundation says prevents it from accessing that data unencrypted. The trade-off is consequential: a lost password and account data cannot be recovered, so users should download backups. Online data is deleted after 365 days without a login.

Help opens at the relevant documentation section through the help icon or F1, a practical way to find guidance in context.

Pricing

Free

free (billed). Asterics AAC is free and open-source, so it suits individuals and organizations seeking a no-cost AAC option without a paid tier to unlock core use. The caveat is that cross-device synchronization depends on funding for server costs; users who need dependable syncing should keep local backups rather than treating it as guaranteed.

There is no free trial because the plan is free. The main practical cost is not a subscription but the responsibility of retaining backups and remembering the account password.

Platforms

Asterics AAC runs in web browsers on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its browser-based design also supports offline reopening after the app has first been cached. This suits users who want to use the same web app across supported devices, but speech voice choices vary by browser and platform.

Who it's for

Asterics AAC is a compelling choice for people who need flexible communication grids and more than one way to access them, including switch, scanning, keyboard, microphone, or eye- and head-movement events through AsTeRICS Framework. It also suits users who want speech, offline access, or compatible home-control actions alongside communication. It is less suitable for anyone who needs account recovery after password loss or requires cross-device syncing to be guaranteed regardless of funding.

Pros and cons

Pros: Fully customizable grids support labels or images, sentence building, prediction, and spoken output, allowing a communication layout to reflect individual needs.

Pros: Broad input support, including external switches, scanning, hovering, and framework events, accommodates users who cannot rely on touch or a mouse alone.

Pros: Free and open-source, with offline reopening after caching and local personalized data for offline users.

Pros: Compatible grid actions can reach AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB, and REST-enabled systems, while media playback adds radio, YouTube, and podcasts.

Cons: Losing the password means losing access to the online account data; backups are essential.

Cons: Cross-device synchronization depends on server funding, so it is not a dependable premise for users who require guaranteed syncing.

Cons: Available speech voices vary by browser and platform, limiting consistency across devices.

Cons: Online data is removed after 365 days without a login, which matters to users who may leave an account unused for long periods.

Alternatives

Choose Cboard if you want a free plan that includes online neural voices, public-board sharing and copying, tile copying, and usage analytics. CoughDrop is an option for readers willing to pay $9 a month (billed $9 per month) per communicator for its Communicator Access plan; it also offers a free trial.

Flexspeak AAC may suit professionals evaluating AAC: its free Evaluator License covers one professional and up to 10 visuals per month, with real-time translation in 30+ languages. Choose Spoken if you want its free base version on Android, iOS, or macOS, with premium features available by subscription or purchase.

Jellow offers a free Basic AAC communicator, with a PDF booklet and flashcards also available. TD Snap is an option for iOS or Windows users who want to try the app free for one month before speaking requires a monthly subscription.

Niki Talk is another AAC option. Speech Assistant AAC may suit Android users who want a free basic version and the option of a one-time full-version upgrade for 9.99 USD.

Verdict

Choose Asterics AAC if you want a free, open-source AAC app with highly adaptable grids, varied access methods, speech, and offline use. Its strongest case is the combination of broad input support and customizable communication in a browser app. Look elsewhere if account recovery or guaranteed cross-device synchronization is essential: password loss is irreversible, and syncing depends on server funding.

Verdict

Asterics AAC combines customizable communication grids with varied access methods, speech, offline use, and integrations. Password loss is a significant consideration for online accounts, so users should keep backups.

Where Specifiction places it

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