Screen Reader Tutorials
Beginner guides to essential screen-reader commands on Windows, Mac and iPhone.
Where to start
Choosing the right first tutorial
Using Windows? Start with Windows Desktop Navigation below to learn the standard Windows shortcuts for opening apps, switching windows and using File Explorer alongside JAWS, NVDA or Narrator.
Using a Mac, iPhone or iPad? Go straight to VoiceOver for Mac and iOS for Apple keyboard commands, Rotor navigation and touch gestures.
Each guide introduces the modifier key, continuous reading, web navigation and core settings so you can practise step by step.
What you'll learn:
Windows Desktop Navigation: Standard Windows keyboard shortcuts to open programs, manage files in File Explorer, switch between open windows and reach the taskbar or system tray without a mouse.
Web Navigation Commands: How browse mode (NVDA), the Virtual PC Cursor (JAWS), Scan Mode (Windows Narrator) and Quick Nav or the Rotor (VoiceOver) let you jump between headings, links, form controls and landmarks. Single-letter shortcuts depend on your screen reader and mode—for example, H jumps to the next heading in JAWS, NVDA, Narrator Scan Mode and Mac Quick Nav, while link navigation uses K in NVDA and Narrator, L in VoiceOver Quick Nav, and Tab, Insert+F7, U or V in JAWS (where K jumps to the next PlaceMarker).
Windows Desktop Navigation
Essential Windows keyboard shortcuts for the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer and window management. These shortcuts work alongside JAWS, NVDA and Windows Narrator.
JAWS Essentials
Virtual cursor navigation, reading commands, Links and Headings lists, and Quick Settings for JAWS (Job Access With Speech) on Windows.
NVDA Fundamentals
Browse mode, Focus mode, Elements List, Desktop vs Laptop keyboard layouts, and object navigation in NVDA on Windows.
VoiceOver for Mac and iOS
VoiceOver modifier keys, the Rotor, Quick Nav on Mac, and one-, two- and three-finger touch gestures on iPhone and iPad.
Windows Narrator
Microsoft's built-in screen reader for Windows 10 and Windows 11, covering Scan Mode, reading commands and element lists.
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