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