JAWS Screen Reader Quick Start Guide
Updated for modern web and testing practices. Based on Deque and Freedom Scientific guidance.
Starting and Stopping JAWS
- Start JAWS: Launch from desktop or Start menu (or use hotkey if set).
- Turn off JAWS: Insert + F4, then Enter.
Basic
- Stop speaking: Control
- Read continuously from here: Insert + Down Arrow
- Move to next item: Down Arrow
- Move to previous item: Up Arrow
- Activate link or button: Enter or Spacebar
Navigating by Page Elements
- Next Heading: H
- Next Heading of Level 1–6: Press 1–6
- Next Link: Tab (or Insert + F7 to list all links)
- Next Landmark/Region: R
- Next Table: T
- Next List: L
- Next List Item: I
- Next Button: B
Working with Forms
- Enter Forms Mode: Press Enter when on a form field
- Exit Forms Mode: Numpad Plus (+)
- Next Form Field: F
- Next Checkbox: X
- Select/Deselect Checkbox: Spacebar
- Next Combo Box: C
- Open Combo Box: Alt + Down Arrow
Table
- Next Table: T
- Move Right/Left: Ctrl + Alt + Right/Left Arrow
- Move Down/Up: Ctrl + Alt + Down/Up Arrow
- Say Current Cell: Ctrl + Alt + Numpad 5
Other Useful Commands
- List All Links, Headings, Buttons, Graphics: Insert + F3
- List All Links (only): Insert + F7
- Toggle Virtual Cursor (Web vs. App mode): Insert + Z
Full List of Commands: JAWS Commands List