NVDA 2022.3beta4 Commands Quick Reference
Getting started with NVDA
NVDA Touch Gestures
To toggle touch interaction support, press NVDA+control+alt+t.
Touch Modes
To toggle touch modes, perform a 3-finger tap.
Basic NVDA commands
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Touch |
Description |
Starts or restarts NVDA |
Control+alt+n |
Control+alt+n |
none |
Starts or restarts NVDA from the Desktop, if this Windows shortcut is enabled during NVDA's installation process. This is a Windows specific shortcut and therefore it cannot be reassigned in the input gestures dialog. |
Stop speech |
Control |
control |
2-finger tap |
Instantly stops speaking |
Pause Speech |
shift |
shift |
none |
Instantly pauses speech. Pressing it again will continue speaking where it left off (if pausing is supported by the current synthesizer) |
NVDA Menu |
NVDA+n |
NVDA+n |
2-finger double-tap |
Pops up the NVDA menu to allow you to access preferences, tools, help, etc. |
Toggle Speech Mode |
NVDA+s |
NVDA+s |
none |
Toggles speech mode between speech, beeps and off. |
Toggle Input Help Mode |
NVDA+1 |
NVDA+1 |
none |
Pressing any key in this mode will report the key, and the description of any NVDA command associated with it |
Quit NVDA |
NVDA+q |
NVDA+q |
none |
Exits NVDA |
Pass next key through |
NVDA+f2 |
NVDA+f2 |
none |
Tells NVDA to pass the next key press straight through to the active application - even if it is normally treated as an NVDA key command |
Toggle application sleep mode on and off |
NVDA+shift+s |
NVDA+shift+z |
none |
sleep mode disables all NVDA commands and speech/braille output for the current application. This is most useful in applications that provide their own speech or screen reading features. Press this command again to disable sleep mode - note that NVDA will only retain the Sleep Mode setting until it is restarted. |
Reporting System Information
Name |
key |
Description |
Report date/time |
NVDA+f12 |
Pressing once reports the current time, pressing twice reports the date |
Report battery status |
NVDA+shift+b |
Reports the battery status i.e. whether AC power is in use or the current charge percentage. |
Report clipboard text |
NVDA+c |
Reports the Text on the clipboard if there is any. |
Navigating with NVDA
Navigating with the System Focus
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Report current focus |
NVDA+tab |
NVDA+tab |
announces the current object or control that has the System focus. Pressing twice will spell the information |
Report title |
NVDA+t |
NVDA+t |
Reports the title of the currently active window. Pressing twice will spell the information. Pressing three times will copy it to the clipboard |
Read active window |
NVDA+b |
NVDA+b |
reads all the controls in the currently active window (useful for dialogs) |
Report Status Bar |
NVDA+end |
NVDA+shift+end |
Reports the Status Bar if NVDA finds one. Pressing twice will spell the information. Pressing three times will copy it to the clipboard |
Navigating with the System Caret
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Say all |
NVDA+downArrow |
NVDA+a |
Starts reading from the current position of the system caret, moving it along as it goes |
Read current line |
NVDA+upArrow |
NVDA+l |
Reads the line where the system caret is currently situated. Pressing twice spells the line. Pressing three times spells the line using character descriptions. |
Read current text selection |
NVDA+Shift+upArrow |
NVDA+shift+s |
Reads any currently selected text |
Report text formatting |
NVDA+f |
NVDA+f |
Reports the formatting of the text where the caret is currently situated. Pressing twice shows the information in browse mode |
Report caret location |
NVDA+numpadDelete |
NVDA+delete |
Reports information about the location of the text or object at the position of system caret. For example, this might include the percentage through the document, the distance from the edge of the page or the exact screen position. Pressing twice may provide further detail. |
Next sentence |
alt+downArrow |
alt+downArrow |
Moves the caret to the next sentence and announces it. (only supported in Microsoft Word and Outlook) |
Previous sentence |
alt+upArrow |
alt+upArrow |
Moves the caret to the previous sentence and announces it. (only supported in Microsoft Word and Outlook) |
When within a table, the following key commands are also available:
Name |
Key |
Description |
Move to previous column |
control+alt+leftArrow |
Moves the system caret to the previous column (staying in the same row) |
Move to next column |
control+alt+rightArrow |
Moves the system caret to the next column (staying in the same row) |
Move to previous row |
control+alt+upArrow |
Moves the system caret to the previous row (staying in the same column) |
Move to next row |
control+alt+downArrow |
Moves the system caret to the next row (staying in the same column) |
Move to first column |
control+alt+home |
Moves the system caret to the first column (staying in the same row) |
Move to last column |
control+alt+end |
Moves the system caret to the last column (staying in the same row) |
Move to first row |
control+alt+pageUp |
Moves the system caret to the first row (staying in the same column) |
Move to last row |
control+alt+pageDown |
Moves the system caret to the last row (staying in the same column) |
Object Navigation
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Touch |
Description |
Report current object |
NVDA+numpad5 |
NVDA+shift+o |
none |
Reports the current navigator object. Pressing twice spells the information, and pressing 3 times copies this object's name and value to the clipboard. |
Move to containing object |
NVDA+numpad8 |
NVDA+shift+upArrow |
flick up (object mode) |
Moves to the object containing the current navigator object |
Move to previous object |
NVDA+numpad4 |
NVDA+shift+leftArrow |
flick left (object mode) |
Moves to the object before the current navigator object |
Move to next object |
NVDA+numpad6 |
NVDA+shift+rightArrow |
flick right (object mode) |
Moves to the object after the current navigator object |
Move to first contained object |
NVDA+numpad2 |
NVDA+shift+downArrow |
flick down (object mode) |
Moves to the first object contained by the current navigator object |
Move to focus object |
NVDA+numpadMinus |
NVDA+backspace |
none |
Moves to the object that currently has the system focus, and also places the review cursor at the position of the System caret, if it is showing |
Activate current navigator object |
NVDA+numpadEnter |
NVDA+enter |
double-tap |
Activates the current navigator object (similar to clicking with the mouse or pressing space when it has the system focus) |
Move System focus or caret to current review position |
NVDA+shift+numpadMinus |
NVDA+shift+backspace |
none |
pressed once Moves the System focus to the current navigator object, pressed twice moves the system caret to the position of the review cursor |
Report review cursor location |
NVDA+shift+numpadDelete |
NVDA+shift+delete |
none |
Reports information about the location of the text or object at the review cursor. For example, this might include the percentage through the document, the distance from the edge of the page or the exact screen position. Pressing twice may provide further detail. |
Move review cursor to status bar |
none |
none |
none |
Reports the Status Bar if NVDA finds one. It also moves the navigator object to this location. |
Reviewing Text
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Touch |
Description |
Move to top line in review |
shift+numpad7 |
NVDA+control+home |
none |
Moves the review cursor to the top line of the text |
Move to previous line in review |
numpad7 |
NVDA+upArrow |
flick up (text mode) |
Moves the review cursor to the previous line of text |
Report current line in review |
numpad8 |
NVDA+shift+. |
none |
Announces the current line of text where the review cursor is positioned. Pressing twice spells the line. Pressing three times spells the line using character descriptions. |
Move to next line in review |
numpad9 |
NVDA+downArrow |
flick down (text mode) |
Move the review cursor to the next line of text |
Move to bottom line in review |
shift+numpad9 |
NVDA+control+end |
none |
Moves the review cursor to the bottom line of text |
Move to previous word in review |
numpad4 |
NVDA+control+leftArrow |
2-finger flick left (text mode) |
Moves the review cursor to the previous word in the text |
Report current word in review |
numpad5 |
NVDA+control+. |
none |
Announces the current word in the text where the review cursor is positioned. Pressing twice spells the word. Pressing three times spells the word using character descriptions. |
Move to next word in review |
numpad6 |
NVDA+control+rightArrow |
2-finger flick right (text mode) |
Move the review cursor to the next word in the text |
Move to start of line in review |
shift+numpad1 |
NVDA+home |
none |
Moves the review cursor to the start of the current line in the text |
Move to previous character in review |
numpad1 |
NVDA+leftArrow |
flick left (text mode) |
Moves the review cursor to the previous character on the current line in the text |
Report current character in review |
numpad2 |
NVDA+. |
none |
Announces the current character on the line of text where the review cursor is positioned. Pressing twice reports a description or example of that character. Pressing three times reports the numeric value of the character in decimal and hexadecimal. |
Move to next character in review |
numpad3 |
NVDA+rightArrow |
flick right (text mode) |
Move the review cursor to the next character on the current line of text |
Move to end of line in review |
shift+numpad3 |
NVDA+end |
none |
Moves the review cursor to the end of the current line of text |
Say all with review |
numpadPlus |
NVDA+shift+a |
3-finger flick down (text mode) |
Reads from the current position of the review cursor, moving it as it goes |
Select then Copy from review cursor |
NVDA+f9 |
NVDA+f9 |
none |
Starts the select then copy process from the current position of the review cursor. The actual action is not performed until you tell NVDA where the end of the text range is |
Select then Copy to review cursor |
NVDA+f10 |
NVDA+f10 |
none |
On the first press, text is selected from the position previously set as start marker up to and including the review cursor's current position. If the system caret can reach the text, it will be moved to the selected text. After pressing this key stroke a second time, the text will be copied to the Windows clipboard |
Move to marked start for copy in review |
NVDA+shift+f9 |
NVDA+shift+f9 |
none |
Moves the review cursor to the position previously set start marker for copy |
Report text formatting |
NVDA+shift+f |
NVDA+shift+f |
none |
Reports the formatting of the text where the review cursor is currently situated. Pressing twice shows the information in browse mode |
Report current symbol replacement |
None |
None |
none |
Speaks the symbol where the review cursor is positioned. Pressed twice, shows the symbol and the text used to speak it in browse mode. |
Review Modes
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Touch |
Description |
Switch to next review mode |
NVDA+numpad7 |
NVDA+pageUp |
2-finger flick up |
switches to the next available review mode |
Switch to previous review mode |
NVDA+numpad1 |
NVDA+pageDown |
2-finger flick down |
switches to the previous available review mode |
Navigating with the Mouse
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Touch |
Description |
Left mouse button click |
numpadDivide |
NVDA+[ |
none |
Clicks the left mouse button once. The common double click can be performed by pressing this key twice in quick succession |
Left mouse button lock |
shift+numpadDivide |
NVDA+control+[ |
none |
Locks the left mouse button down. Press again to release it. To drag the mouse, press this key to lock the left button down and then move the mouse either physically or use one of the other mouse routing commands |
Right mouse click |
numpadMultiply |
NVDA+] |
tap and hold |
Clicks the right mouse button once, mostly used to open context menu at the location of the mouse. |
Right mouse button lock |
shift+numpadMultiply |
NVDA+control+] |
none |
Locks the right mouse button down. Press again to release it. To drag the mouse, press this key to lock the right button down and then move the mouse either physically or use one of the other mouse routing commands |
Move mouse to current navigator object |
NVDA+numpadDivide |
NVDA+shift+m |
none |
Moves the mouse to the location of the current navigator object and review cursor |
Navigate to the object under the mouse |
NVDA+numpadMultiply |
NVDA+shift+n |
none |
Set the navigator object to the object located at the position of the mouse |
Browse Mode
Name |
Key |
Description |
Toggle browse/focus modes |
NVDA+space |
Toggles between focus mode and browse mode |
Exit focus mode |
escape |
Switches back to browse mode if focus mode was previously switched to automatically |
Refresh browse mode document |
NVDA+f5 |
Reloads the current document content (useful if certain content seems to be missing from the document. Not available in Microsoft Word and Outlook.) |
Find |
NVDA+control+f |
Pops up a dialog in which you can type some text to find in the current document. See searching for text for more information. |
Find next |
NVDA+f3 |
Finds the next occurrence of the text in the document that you previously searched for |
Find previous |
NVDA+shift+f3 |
Finds the previous occurrence of the text in the document you previously searched for |
Single Letter Navigation
The following keys by themselves jump to the next available element, while adding the shift key causes them to jump to the previous element:
- h: heading
- l: list
- i: list item
- t: table
- k: link
- n: nonLinked text
- f: form field
- u: unvisited link
- v: visited link
- e: edit field
- b: button
- x: checkbox
- c: combo box
- r: radio button
- q: block quote
- s: separator
- m: frame
- g: graphic
- d: landmark
- o: embedded object (audio and video player, application, dialog, etc.)
- 1 to 6: headings at levels 1 to 6 respectively
- a: annotation (comment, editor revision, etc.)
- w: spelling error
To move to the beginning or end of containing elements such as lists and tables:
Name |
Key |
Description |
Move to start of container |
shift+comma |
Moves to the start of the container (list, table, etc.) where the caret is positioned |
Move past end of container |
comma |
Moves past the end of the container (list, table, etc.) where the caret is positioned |
To toggle single letter navigation on and off for the current document, press NVDA+shift+space.
The Elements List
Name |
Key |
Description |
Browse mode elements list |
NVDA+f7 |
Lists various types of elements in the current document |
Searching for text
Name |
Key |
Description |
Find text |
NVDA+control+f |
Opens the search dialog |
Find next |
NVDA+f3 |
searches the next occurrence of the current search term |
Find previous |
NVDA+shift+f3 |
searches the previous occurrence of the current search term |
Embedded Objects
Name |
Key |
Description |
Move to containing browse mode document |
NVDA+control+space |
Moves the focus out of the current embedded object and into the document that contains it |
Reading Mathematical Content
Interactive Navigation
Name |
Key |
Description |
Interact with math content |
NVDA+alt+m |
Begins interaction with math content. |
Braille
Braille Input
Pressing dot 7 erases the last entered braille cell or character.
Dot 8 translates any braille input and presses the enter key.
Pressing dot 7 + dot 8 translates any braille input, but without adding a space or pressing enter.
Content Recognition
Windows OCR
To recognize the text in the current navigator object using Windows OCR, press NVDA+r.
Application Specific Features
Microsoft Word
Automatic Column and Row Header Reading
Name |
Key |
Description |
Set column headers |
NVDA+shift+c |
Pressing this once tells NVDA this is the first header cell in the row that contains column headers, which should be automatically announced when moving between columns below this row. Pressing twice will clear the setting. |
Set row headers |
NVDA+shift+r |
Pressing this once tells NVDA this is the first header cell in the column that contains row headers, which should be automatically announced when moving between rows after this column. Pressing twice will clear the setting. |
Browse Mode in Microsoft Word
To toggle Browse mode on and off in Microsoft Word, press NVDA+space.
The Elements List
While in Browse mode in Microsoft Word, you can access the Elements List by pressing NVDA+f7.
Reporting Comments
To report any comments at the current caret position, press NVDA+alt+c.
Microsoft Excel
Automatic Column and Row Header Reading
Name |
Key |
Description |
Set column headers |
NVDA+shift+c |
Pressing this once tells NVDA this is the first header cell in the row that contains column headers, which should be automatically announced when moving between columns below this row. Pressing twice will clear the setting. |
Set row headers |
NVDA+shift+r |
Pressing this once tells NVDA this is the first header cell in the column that contains row headers, which should be automatically announced when moving between rows after this column. Pressing twice will clear the setting. |
The Elements List
To access the Elements List in Excel, press NVDA+f7.
Reporting Notes
To report any notes for the currently focused cell, press NVDA+alt+c.
In Microsoft 2016, 365 and newer, the classic comments in Microsoft Excel have been renamed to "notes".
To add or edit a certain note, in a focused cell, press shift+f2.
Reading Protected Cells
To allow moving to locked cells, switch to Browse Mode by pressing NVDA+space, and then use standard Excel movement commands such as the arrow keys to move around all cells on the current worksheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Name |
Key |
Description |
Toggle speaker notes reading |
control+shift+s |
When in a running slide show, this command will toggle between the speaker notes for the slide and the content for the slide. This only affects what NVDA reads, not what is displayed on screen. |
foobar2000
Name |
Key |
Description |
Report remaining time |
control+shift+r |
Reports the remaining time of the currently playing track, if any. |
Report elapsed time |
control+shift+e |
Reports the elapsed time of the currently playing track, if any. |
Report track length |
control+shift+t |
Reports the length of the currently playing track, if any. |
Miranda IM
Name |
Key |
Description |
Report recent message |
NVDA+control+1-4 |
Reports one of the recent messages, depending on the number pressed; e.g. NVDA+control+2 reads the second most recent message. |
Poedit
Name |
Key |
Description |
Report Comments Window |
control+shift+c |
Reports any comments in the comments window. |
Report notes for translators |
control+shift+a |
Reports any notes for translators. |
Kindle for PC
You can manually turn to the next page with the pageDown key and turn to the previous page with the pageUp key.
Text Selection
Once you have selected text, press the applications key or shift+f10 to show the available options for working with the selection.
Azardi
When in the table view of added books:
Name |
Key |
Description |
Enter |
enter |
Opens the selected book. |
Context menu |
applications |
Opens the context menu for the selected book. |
Windows Console
The following built-in Windows Console keyboard shortcuts may be useful when reviewing text with NVDA in older versions of Windows Console:
Name |
Key |
Description |
Scroll up |
control+upArrow |
Scrolls the console window up, so earlier text can be read. |
Scroll down |
control+downArrow |
Scrolls the console window down, so later text can be read. |
Scroll to start |
control+home |
Scrolls the console window to the beginning of the buffer. |
Scroll to end |
control+end |
Scrolls the console window to the end of the buffer. |
Configuring NVDA
NVDA Settings
Speech Settings (NVDA+control+v)
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Punctuation/Symbol Level |
NVDA+p |
NVDA+p |
This allows you to choose the amount of punctuation and other symbols that should be spoken as words. |
Select Synthesizer (NVDA+control+s)
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Audio Ducking Mode |
NVDA+shift+d |
NVDA+shift+d |
On Windows 8 and above, this option allows you to choose if NVDA should lower the volume of other applications while NVDA is speaking, or all the time while NVDA is running. |
Synth settings ring
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Move to next synth setting |
NVDA+control+rightArrow |
NVDA+shift+control+rightArrow |
Moves to the next available speech setting after the current, wrapping around to the first setting again after the last |
Move to previous synth setting |
NVDA+control+leftArrow |
NVDA+shift+control+leftArrow |
Moves to the next available speech setting before the current, wrapping around to the last setting after the first |
Increment current synth setting |
NVDA+control+upArrow |
NVDA+shift+control+upArrow |
increases the current speech setting you are on. E.g. increases the rate, chooses the next voice, increases the volume |
Decrement current synth setting |
NVDA+control+downArrow |
NVDA+shift+control+downArrow |
decreases the current speech setting you are on. E.g. decreases the rate, chooses the previous voice, decreases the volume |
Braille
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Tether Braille |
NVDA+control+t |
NVDA+control+t |
This option allows you to choose whether the braille display will follow the system focus / caret, the navigator object / review cursor, or both. |
Keyboard (NVDA+control+k)
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Speak Typed Characters |
NVDA+2 |
NVDA+2 |
When enabled, NVDA will announce all characters you type on the keyboard. |
Speak Typed Words |
NVDA+3 |
NVDA+3 |
When enabled, NVDA will announce all words you type on the keyboard. |
Speak Command Keys |
NVDA+4 |
NVDA+4 |
When enabled, NVDA will announce all non-character keys you type on the keyboard. This includes key combinations such as control plus another letter. |
Mouse (NVDA+control+m)
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Enable mouse tracking |
NVDA+m |
NVDA+m |
When enabled, NVDA will announce the text currently under the mouse pointer, as you move it around the screen. This allows you to find things on the screen, by physically moving the mouse, rather than trying to find them through object navigation. |
Review Cursor
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Follow System Focus |
NVDA+7 |
NVDA+7 |
When enabled, The review cursor will always be placed in the same object as the current system focus whenever the focus changes. |
Follow System Caret |
NVDA+6 |
NVDA+6 |
When enabled, the review cursor will automatically be moved to the position of the System caret each time it moves. |
Object Presentation (NVDA+control+o)
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Progress bar output |
NVDA+u |
NVDA+u |
This option controls how NVDA reports progress bar updates to you. |
Report dynamic content changes |
NVDA+5 |
NVDA+5 |
Toggles the announcement of new content in particular objects such as terminals and the history control in chat programs. |
Browse Mode (NVDA+control+b)
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Use screen layout |
NVDA+v |
NVDA+v |
This option allows you to specify whether browse mode should place clickable content (links, buttons and fields) on its own line, or if it should keep it in the flow of text as it is visually shown. |
Automatically set system focus to focusable elements |
NVDA+8 |
NVDA+8 |
Disabled by default, this option allows you to choose if the system focus should automatically be set to elements that can take the system focus (links, form fields, etc.) when navigating content with the browse mode caret. |
Advanced Settings
To "Report summary of any annotation details at the system caret", press NVDA+d.
Saving and Reloading the configuration
Name |
Desktop key |
Laptop key |
Description |
Save configuration |
NVDA+control+c |
NVDA+control+c |
Saves your current configuration so that it is not lost when you exit NVDA |
Revert configuration |
NVDA+control+r |
NVDA+control+r |
Pressing once resets your configuration to when you last saved it. Pressing three times will reset it back to factory defaults. |
Configuration Profiles
Basic Management
- NVDA+control+p: Show the Configuration Profiles dialog.
Supported Braille Displays
Freedom Scientific Focus/PAC Mate Series
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
topRouting1 (first cell on display) |
Scroll braille display forward |
topRouting20/40/80 (last cell on display) |
Scroll braille display back |
leftAdvanceBar |
Scroll braille display forward |
rightAdvanceBar |
Toggle braille tethered to |
leftGDFButton+rightGDFButton |
Toggle left wiz wheel action |
leftWizWheelPress |
Move back using left wiz wheel action |
leftWizWheelUp |
Move forward using left wiz wheel action |
leftWizWheelDown |
Toggle right wiz wheel action |
rightWizWheelPress |
Move back using right wiz wheel action |
rightWizWheelUp |
Move forward using right wiz wheel action |
rightWizWheelDown |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
shift+tab key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot2 |
tab key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot4+dot5 |
upArrow key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1 |
downArrow key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot4 |
control+leftArrow key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot2 |
control+rightArrow key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot5 |
leftArrow |
brailleSpaceBar+dot3 |
rightArrow key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot6 |
home key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot3 |
end key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot4+dot6 |
control+home key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot2+dot3 |
control+end key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot4+dot5+dot6 |
alt key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot3+dot4 |
alt+tab key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5 |
alt+shift+tab key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot2+dot5+dot6 |
windows+tab key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot2+dot3+dot4 |
escape key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot5 |
windows key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot2+dot4+dot5+dot6 |
space key |
brailleSpaceBar |
Toggle control key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot3+dot8 |
Toggle alt key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot6+dot8 |
Toggle windows key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot4+dot8 |
Toggle NVDA key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot5+dot8 |
Toggle shift key |
brailleSpaceBar+dot7+dot8 |
Toggle control and shift keys |
brailleSpaceBar+dot3+dot7+dot8 |
Toggle alt and shift keys |
brailleSpaceBar+dot6+dot7+dot8 |
Toggle windows and shift keys |
brailleSpaceBar+dot4+dot7+dot8 |
Toggle NVDA and shift keys |
brailleSpaceBar+dot5+dot7+dot8 |
Toggle control and alt keys |
brailleSpaceBar+dot3+dot6+dot8 |
Toggle control, alt, and shift keys |
brailleSpaceBar+dot3+dot6+dot7+dot8 |
windows+d key (minimize all applications) |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5+dot6 |
Report Current Line |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot4 |
NVDA menu |
brailleSpaceBar+dot1+dot3+dot4+dot5 |
For newer Focus models that contain rocker bar keys (focus 40, focus 80 and focus blue):
Name |
Key |
Move braille display to previous line |
leftRockerBarUp, rightRockerBarUp |
Move braille display to next line |
leftRockerBarDown, rightRockerBarDown |
For Focus 80 only:
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
leftBumperBarUp, rightBumperBarUp |
Scroll braille display forward |
leftBumperBarDown, rightBumperBarDown |
Optelec ALVA 6 series/protocol converter
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
t1, etouch1 |
Move braille display to previous line |
t2 |
Move to current focus |
t3 |
Move braille display to next line |
t4 |
Scroll braille display forward |
t5, etouch3 |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Report text formatting under braille cell |
secondary routing |
Toggle HID keyboard simulation |
t1+spEnter |
Move to top line in review |
t1+t2 |
Move to bottom line in review |
t4+t5 |
Toggle braille tethered to |
t1+t3 |
Report title |
etouch2 |
Report status bar |
etouch4 |
shift+tab key |
sp1 |
alt key |
sp2, alt |
escape key |
sp3 |
tab key |
sp4 |
upArrow key |
spUp |
downArrow key |
spDown |
leftArrow key |
spLeft |
rightArrow key |
spRight |
enter key |
spEnter, enter |
Report date/time |
sp2+sp3 |
NVDA Menu |
sp1+sp3 |
windows+d key (minimize all applications) |
sp1+sp4 |
windows+b key (focus system tray) |
sp3+sp4 |
windows key |
sp1+sp2, windows |
alt+tab key |
sp2+sp4 |
control+home key |
t3+spUp |
control+end key |
t3+spDown |
home key |
t3+spLeft |
end key |
t3+spRight |
control key |
control |
Handy Tech Displays
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
left, up, b3 |
Scroll braille display forward |
right, down, b6 |
Move braille display to previous line |
b4 |
Move braille display to next line |
b5 |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
shift+tab key |
esc, left triple action key up+down |
alt key |
b2+b4+b5 |
escape key |
b4+b6 |
tab key |
enter, right triple action key up+down |
enter key |
esc+enter, left+right triple action key up+down, joystickAction |
upArrow key |
joystickUp |
downArrow key |
joystickDown |
leftArrow key |
joystickLeft |
rightArrow key |
joystickRight |
NVDA Menu |
b2+b4+b5+b6 |
Toggle braille tethered to |
b2 |
Toggle the braille cursor |
b1 |
Toggle focus context presentation |
b7 |
Toggle braille input |
space+b1+b3+b4 (space+capital B) |
MDV Lilli
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display backward |
LF |
Scroll braille display forward |
RG |
Move braille display to previous line |
UP |
Move braille display to next line |
DN |
Route to braille cell |
route |
shift+tab key |
SLF |
tab key |
SRG |
alt+tab key |
SDN |
alt+shift+tab key |
SUP |
Baum/Humanware/APH/Orbit Braille Displays
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
d2 |
Scroll braille display forward |
d5 |
Move braille display to previous line |
d1 |
Move braille display to next line |
d3 |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
For displays which have a joystick:
Name |
Key |
upArrow key |
up |
downArrow key |
down |
leftArrow key |
left |
rightArrow key |
right |
enter key |
select |
hedo ProfiLine USB
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
K1 |
Scroll braille display forward |
K3 |
Move braille display to previous line |
B2 |
Move braille display to next line |
B5 |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Toggle braille tethered to |
K2 |
Say all |
B6 |
hedo MobilLine USB
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
K1 |
Scroll braille display forward |
K3 |
Move braille display to previous line |
B2 |
Move braille display to next line |
B5 |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Toggle braille tethered to |
K2 |
Say all |
B6 |
HumanWare Brailliant BI/B Series / BrailleNote Touch
Key assignments for All models
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Move braille display to previous line |
up |
Move braille display to next line |
down |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Toggle braille tethered to |
up+down |
upArrow key |
space+dot1 |
downArrow key |
space+dot4 |
leftArrow key |
space+dot3 |
rightArrow key |
space+dot6 |
shift+tab key |
space+dot1+dot3 |
tab key |
space+dot4+dot6 |
alt key |
space+dot1+dot3+dot4 (space+m) |
escape key |
space+dot1+dot5 (space+e) |
enter key |
dot8 |
windows key |
space+dot3+dot4 |
alt+tab key |
space+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5 (space+t) |
NVDA Menu |
space+dot1+dot3+dot4+dot5 (space+n) |
windows+d key (minimize all applications) |
space+dot1+dot4+dot5 (space+d) |
Say all |
space+dot1+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5+dot6 |
Key assignments for Brailliant BI 32, BI 40 and B 80
Name |
Key |
NVDA Menu |
c1+c3+c4+c5 (command n) |
windows+d key (minimize all applications) |
c1+c4+c5 (command d) |
Say all |
c1+c2+c3+c4+c5+c6 |
Key assignments for Brailliant BI 14
Name |
Key |
up arrow key |
joystick up |
down arrow key |
joystick down |
left arrow key |
joystick left |
right arrow key |
joystick right |
enter key |
joystick action |
HIMS Braille Sense/Braille EDGE/Smart Beetle/Sync Braille Series
Name |
Key |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Scroll braille display back |
leftSideScrollUp, rightSideScrollUp, leftSideScroll |
Scroll braille display forward |
leftSideScrollDown, rightSideScrollDown, rightSideScroll |
Move braille display to previous line |
leftSideScrollUp+rightSideScrollUp |
Move braille display to next line |
leftSideScrollDown+rightSideScrollDown |
Move to previous line in review |
rightSideUpArrow |
Move to next line in review |
rightSideDownArrow |
Move to previous character in review |
rightSideLeftArrow |
Move to next character in review |
rightSideRightArrow |
Move to current focus |
leftSideScrollUp+leftSideScrollDown, rightSideScrollUp+rightSideScrollDown, leftSideScroll+rightSideScroll |
control key |
smartbeetle:f1, brailleedge:f3 |
windows key |
f7, smartbeetle:f2 |
alt key |
dot1+dot3+dot4+space, f2, smartbeetle:f3, brailleedge:f4 |
shift key |
f5 |
insert key |
dot2+dot4+space, f6 |
applications key |
dot1+dot2+dot3+dot4+space, f8 |
Caps Lock key |
dot1+dot3+dot6+space |
tab key |
dot4+dot5+space, f3, brailleedge:f2 |
shift+alt+tab key |
f2+f3+f1 |
alt+tab key |
f2+f3 |
shift+tab key |
dot1+dot2+space |
end key |
dot4+dot6+space |
control+end key |
dot4+dot5+dot6+space |
home key |
dot1+dot3+space, smartbeetle:f4 |
control+home key |
dot1+dot2+dot3+space |
alt+f4 key |
dot1+dot3+dot5+dot6+space |
leftArrow key |
dot3+space, leftSideLeftArrow |
control+shift+leftArrow key |
dot2+dot8+space+f1 |
control+leftArrow key |
dot2+space |
shift+alt+leftArrow key |
dot2+dot7+f1 |
alt+leftArrow key |
dot2+dot7 |
rightArrow key |
dot6+space, leftSideRightArrow |
control+shift+rightArrow key |
dot5+dot8+space+f1 |
control+rightArrow key |
dot5+space |
shift+alt+rightArrow key |
dot5+dot7+f1 |
alt+rightArrow key |
dot5+dot7 |
pageUp key |
dot1+dot2+dot6+space |
control+pageUp key |
dot1+dot2+dot6+dot8+space |
upArrow key |
dot1+space, leftSideUpArrow |
control+shift+upArrow key |
dot2+dot3+dot8+space+f1 |
control+upArrow key |
dot2+dot3+space |
shift+alt+upArrow key |
dot2+dot3+dot7+f1 |
alt+upArrow key |
dot2+dot3+dot7 |
shift+upArrow key |
leftSideScrollDown+space |
pageDown key |
dot3+dot4+dot5+space |
control+pageDown key |
dot3+dot4+dot5+dot8+space |
downArrow key |
dot4+space, leftSideDownArrow |
control+shift+downArrow key |
dot5+dot6+dot8+space+f1 |
control+downArrow key |
dot5+dot6+space |
shift+alt+downArrow key |
dot5+dot6+dot7+f1 |
alt+downArrow key |
dot5+dot6+dot7 |
shift+downArrow key |
space+rightSideScrollDown |
escape key |
dot1+dot5+space, f4, brailleedge:f1 |
delete key |
dot1+dot3+dot5+space, dot1+dot4+dot5+space |
f1 key |
dot1+dot2+dot5+space |
f3 key |
dot1+dot4+dot8+space |
f4 key |
dot7+f3 |
windows+b key |
dot1+dot2+f1 |
windows+d key |
dot1+dot4+dot5+f1 |
control+insert key |
smartbeetle:f1+rightSideScroll |
alt+insert key |
smartbeetle:f3+rightSideScroll |
Seika Braille Displays
Seika Version 3, 4, and 5 (40 cells), Seika80 (80 cells)
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Move braille display to previous line |
b3 |
Move braille display to next line |
b4 |
Toggle braille tethered to |
b5 |
Say all |
b6 |
tab |
b1 |
shift+tab |
b2 |
alt+tab |
b1+b2 |
NVDA Menu |
left+right |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
MiniSeika (16, 24 cells), V6, and V6Pro (40 cells)
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Say all |
space+Backspace |
NVDA Menu |
Left+Right |
Move braille display to previous line |
LJ up |
Move braille display to next line |
LJ down |
Toggle braille tethered to |
LJ center |
tab |
LJ right |
shift+tab |
LJ left |
upArrow key |
RJ up |
downArrow key |
RJ down |
leftArrow key |
RJ left |
rightArrow key |
RJ right |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
shift+upArrow key |
Space+RJ up, Backspace+RJ up |
shift+downArrow key |
Space+RJ down, Backspace+RJ down |
shift+leftArrow key |
Space+RJ left, Backspace+RJ left |
shift+rightArrow key |
Space+RJ right, Backspace+RJ right |
enter key |
RJ center, dot8 |
escape key |
Space+RJ center |
windows key |
Backspace+RJ center |
space key |
Space, Backspace |
backspace key |
dot7 |
pageup key |
space+LJ right |
pagedown key |
space+LJ left |
home key |
space+LJ up |
end key |
space+LJ down |
control+home key |
backspace+LJ up |
control+end key |
backspace+LJ down |
The following Braille displays are supported:
- BRAILLEX EL 40c, EL 80c, EL 20c, EL 60c (USB)
- BRAILLEX EL 40s, EL 80s, EL 2d80s, EL 70s, EL 66s (USB)
- BRAILLEX Trio (USB and bluetooth)
- BRAILLEX Live 20, BRAILLEX Live and BRAILLEX Live Plus (USB and bluetooth)
These displays do not support NVDA's automatic background braille display detection functionality.
Most devices have an Easy Access Bar (EAB) that allows intuitive and fast operation.
The EAB can be moved in four directions where generally each direction has two switches.
The C and Live series are the only exceptions to this rule.
The c-series and some other displays have two routing rows whereby the upper row is used to report formatting information.
Holding one of the upper routing keys and pressing the EAB on c-series devices emulates the second switch state.
The live series displays have one routing row only and the EAB has one step per direction.
The second step may be emulated by pressing one of the routing keys and pressing the EAB in the corresponding direction.
Pressing and holding the up, down, right and left keys (or EAB) causes the corresponding action to be repeated.
Generally, the following keys are available on these braille displays:
Name |
Key |
l1 |
Left front key |
l2 |
Left rear key |
r1 |
Right front key |
r2 |
Right rear key |
up |
1 Step up |
up2 |
2 Steps up |
left |
1 Step left |
left2 |
2 Steps left |
right |
1 Step right |
right2 |
2 Steps right |
dn |
1 Step down |
dn2 |
2 Steps down |
Following are the Papenmeier command assignments for NVDA:
Papenmeier BRAILLEX Newer Models
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Move braille display to previous line |
up |
Move braille display to next line |
dn |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Report current character in review |
l1 |
Activate current navigator object |
l2 |
Toggle braille tethered to |
r2 |
Report title |
l1+up |
Report Status Bar |
l2+down |
Move to containing object |
up2 |
Move to first contained object |
dn2 |
Move to previous object |
left2 |
Move to next object |
right2 |
Report text formatting under braille cell |
upper routing row |
escape key |
space with dot 7 |
upArrow key |
space with dot 2 |
leftArrow key |
space with dot 1 |
rightArrow key |
space with dot 4 |
downArrow |
space with dot 5 |
control key |
lt+dot2 |
alt key |
lt+dot3 |
control+escape key |
space with dot 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
tab key |
space with dot 3 7 |
Papenmeier Braille BRAILLEX Older Models
Devices with EAB:
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Move braille display to previous line |
up |
Move braille display to next line |
dn |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Report current character in review |
l1 |
Activate current navigator object |
l2 |
Report title |
l1up |
Report Status Bar |
l2down |
Move to containing object |
up2 |
Move to first contained object |
dn2 |
Move to next object |
right2 |
Move to previous object |
left2 |
Report text formatting under braille cell |
upper routing strip |
BRAILLEX Tiny:
Name |
Key |
Report current character in review |
l1 |
Activate current navigator object |
l2 |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Move braille display to previous line |
up |
Move braille display to next line |
dn |
Toggle braille tethered to |
r2 |
Move to containing object |
r1+up |
Move to first contained object |
r1+dn |
Move to previous object |
r1+left |
Move to next object |
r1+right |
Report text formatting under braille cell |
upper routing strip |
Report title |
l1+up |
Report status bar |
l2+down |
BRAILLEX 2D Screen:
Name |
Key |
Report current character in review |
l1 |
Activate current navigator object |
l2 |
Toggle braille tethered to |
r2 |
Report text formatting under braille cell |
upper routing strip |
Move braille display to previous line |
up |
Scroll braille display back |
left |
Scroll braille display forward |
right |
Move braille display to next line |
dn |
Move to next object |
left2 |
Move to containing object |
up2 |
Move to first contained object |
dn2 |
Move to previous object |
right2 |
HumanWare BrailleNote
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
back |
Scroll braille display forward |
advance |
Move braille display to previous line |
previous |
Move braille display to next line |
next |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
NVDA menu |
space+dot1+dot3+dot4+dot5 (space+n) |
Toggle braille tethered to |
previous+next |
Up arrow key |
space+dot1 |
Down arrow key |
space+dot4 |
Left Arrow key |
space+dot3 |
Right arrow key |
space+dot6 |
Page up key |
space+dot1+dot3 |
Page down key |
space+dot4+dot6 |
Home key |
space+dot1+dot2 |
End key |
space+dot4+dot5 |
Control+home keys |
space+dot1+dot2+dot3 |
Control+end keys |
space+dot4+dot5+dot6 |
Space key |
space |
Enter |
space+dot8 |
Backspace |
space+dot7 |
Tab key |
space+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5 (space+t) |
Shift+tab keys |
space+dot1+dot2+dot5+dot6 |
Windows key |
space+dot2+dot4+dot5+dot6 (space+w) |
Alt key |
space+dot1+dot3+dot4 (space+m) |
Toggle input help |
space+dot2+dot3+dot6 (space+lower h) |
Following are commands assigned to BrailleNote QT when it is not in braille input mode.
Name |
Key |
NVDA menu |
read+n |
Up arrow key |
upArrow |
Down arrow key |
downArrow |
Left Arrow key |
leftArrow| |
Right arrow key |
rightArrow |
Page up key |
function+upArrow |
Page down key |
function+downArrow |
Home key |
function+leftArrow |
End key |
function+rightArrow |
Control+home keys |
read+t |
Control+end keys |
read+b |
Enter key |
enter |
Backspace key |
backspace |
Tab key |
tab |
Shift+tab keys |
shift+tab |
Windows key |
read+w |
Alt key |
read+m |
Toggle input help |
read+1 |
Following are commands assigned to the scroll wheel:
Name |
Key |
Up arrow key |
upArrow |
Down arrow key |
downArrow |
Left Arrow key |
leftArrow |
Right arrow key |
rightArrow |
Enter key |
centre button |
Tab key |
scroll wheel clockwise |
Shift+tab keys |
scroll wheel counterclockwise |
EcoBraille
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
T2 |
Scroll braille display forward |
T4 |
Move braille display to previous line |
T1 |
Move braille display to next line |
T5 |
Route to braille cell |
Routing |
Activate current navigator object |
T3 |
Switch to next review mode |
F1 |
Move to containing object |
F2 |
Switch to previous review mode |
F3 |
Move to previous object |
F4 |
Report current object |
F5 |
Move to next object |
F6 |
Move to focus object |
F7 |
Move to first contained object |
F8 |
Move System focus or caret to current review position |
F9 |
Report review cursor location |
F0 |
Toggle braille tethered to |
A |
SuperBraille
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
numpadMinus |
Scroll braille display forward |
numpadPlus |
Eurobraille Esys/Esytime/Iris displays
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
switch1-6left, l1 |
Scroll braille display forward |
switch1-6Right, l8 |
Move to current focus |
switch1-6Left+switch1-6Right, l1+l8 |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
Report text formatting under braille cell |
doubleRouting |
Move to previous line in review |
joystick1Up |
Move to next line in review |
joystick1Down |
Move to previous character in review |
joystick1Left |
Move to next character in review |
joystick1Right |
Switch to previous review mode |
joystick1Left+joystick1Up |
Switch to next review mode |
joystick1Right+joystick1Down |
Erase the last entered braille cell or character |
backSpace |
Translate any braille input and press the enter key |
backSpace+space |
insert key |
dot3+dot5+space, l7 |
delete key |
dot3+dot6+space |
home key |
dot1+dot2+dot3+space, joystick2Left+joystick2Up |
end key |
dot4+dot5+dot6+space, joystick2Right+joystick2Down |
leftArrow key |
dot2+space, joystick2Left, leftArrow |
rightArrow key |
dot5+space, joystick2Right, rightArrow |
upArrow key |
dot1+space, joystick2Up, upArrow |
downArrow key |
dot6+space, joystick2Down, downArrow |
enter key |
joystick2centre |
pageUp key |
dot1+dot3+space |
pageDown key |
dot4+dot6+space |
numpad1 key |
dot1+dot6+backspace |
numpad2 key |
dot1+dot2+dot6+backspace |
numpad3 key |
dot1+dot4+dot6+backspace |
numpad4 key |
dot1+dot4+dot5+dot6+backspace |
numpad5 key |
dot1+dot5+dot6+backspace |
numpad6 key |
dot1+dot2+dot4+dot6+backspace |
numpad7 key |
dot1+dot2+dot4+dot5+dot6+backspace |
numpad8 key |
dot1+dot2+dot5+dot6+backspace |
numpad9 key |
dot2+dot4+dot6+backspace |
numpadInsert key |
dot3+dot4+dot5+dot6+backspace |
numpadDecimal key |
dot2+backspace |
numpadDivide key |
dot3+dot4+backspace |
numpadMultiply key |
dot3+dot5+backspace |
numpadMinus key |
dot3+dot6+backspace |
numpadPlus key |
dot2+dot3+dot5+backspace |
numpadEnter key |
dot3+dot4+dot5+backspace |
escape key |
dot1+dot2+dot4+dot5+space, l2 |
tab key |
dot2+dot5+dot6+space, l3 |
shift+tab key |
dot2+dot3+dot5+space |
printScreen key |
dot1+dot3+dot4+dot6+space |
pause key |
dot1+dot4+space |
applications key |
dot5+dot6+backspace |
f1 key |
dot1+backspace |
f2 key |
dot1+dot2+backspace |
f3 key |
dot1+dot4+backspace |
f4 key |
dot1+dot4+dot5+backspace |
f5 key |
dot1+dot5+backspace |
f6 key |
dot1+dot2+dot4+backspace |
f7 key |
dot1+dot2+dot4+dot5+backspace |
f8 key |
dot1+dot2+dot5+backspace |
f9 key |
dot2+dot4+backspace |
f10 key |
dot2+dot4+dot5+backspace |
f11 key |
dot1+dot3+backspace |
f12 key |
dot1+dot2+dot3+backspace |
windows key |
dot1+dot2+dot3+dot4+backspace |
Caps Lock key |
dot7+backspace, dot8+backspace |
num lock key |
dot3+backspace, dot6+backspace |
shift key |
dot7+space, l4 |
Toggle shift key |
dot1+dot7+space, dot4+dot7+space |
control key |
dot7+dot8+space, l5 |
Toggle control key |
dot1+dot7+dot8+space, dot4+dot7+dot8+space |
alt key |
dot8+space, l6 |
Toggle alt key |
dot1+dot8+space, dot4+dot8+space |
ToggleHID keyboard input simulation |
esytime):l1+joystick1Down, esytime):l8+joystick1Down |
Nattiq nBraille Displays
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
up |
Scroll braille display forward |
down |
Move braille display to previous line |
left |
Move braille display to next line |
right |
Route to braille cell |
routing |
BRLTTY
Name |
BRLTTY command |
Scroll braille display back |
fwinlt (go left one window) |
Scroll braille display forward |
fwinrt (go right one window) |
Move braille display to previous line |
lnup (go up one line) |
Move braille display to next line |
lndn (go down one line) |
Route to braille cell |
route (bring cursor to character) |
Standard HID Braille displays
Name |
Key |
Scroll braille display back |
pan left or rocker up |
Scroll braille display forward |
pan right or rocker down |
Move braille display to previous line |
space + dot1 |
Move braille display to next line |
space + dot4 |
Route to braille cell |
routing set 1| |
Toggle braille tethered to |
up+down |
upArrow key |
joystick up |
downArrow key |
joystick down |
leftArrow key |
space+dot3 or joystick left |
rightArrow key |
space+dot6 or joystick right |
shift+tab key |
space+dot1+dot3 |
tab key |
space+dot4+dot6 |
alt key |
space+dot1+dot3+dot4 (space+m) |
escape key |
space+dot1+dot5 (space+e) |
enter key |
dot8 or joystick center |
windows key |
space+dot3+dot4 |
alt+tab key |
space+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5 (space+t) |
NVDA Menu |
space+dot1+dot3+dot4+dot5 (space+n) |
windows+d key (minimize all applications) |
space+dot1+dot4+dot5 (space+d) |
Say all |
space+dot1+dot2+dot3+dot4+dot5+dot6 |