What you'll learn:

  • Virtual cursor navigation
  • Reading modes
  • Quick navigation keys
  • Settings customization

Quick Start

Understanding the JAWS key: Throughout this guide, you'll see references to the "Insert" key (also called the JAWS modifier key). This is typically the Insert key on your keyboard. When you see "Insert+F7" for example, you hold down Insert and press F7 together.

Launch JAWS from the desktop shortcut or Start menu - it will announce "JAWS for Windows is ready" when loaded. Press Insert+Down Arrow for Say All to read continuously from your cursor position. Use H to jump between headings on web pages for efficient navigation (H moves you between the heading elements on web pages, allowing you to quickly scan page structure). Press Insert+F6 for the Headings List to get a quick page overview, or Insert+F7 for all Links.

Essential Commands Reference

CommandAction
Insert + Down ArrowSay All (continuous reading)
Insert + F7Links list
Insert + F6Headings list
Insert + F5Form fields list
H / Shift + HNext / Previous heading
Insert + VAdjust quick settings for current app
Insert + ZToggle virtual cursor
Insert + SpaceLayered command modifier
Insert + QSay current application name
Ctrl + Windows + Alt + Page Up/DownAdjust speech rate

Step-by-Step Tutorial Guide

Getting Started

  1. Launch JAWS from the desktop shortcut or Start menu
  2. Wait for the announcement "JAWS for Windows is ready"
  3. JAWS automatically begins reading screen content
  4. Press Ctrl to silence speech at any time
  5. Use Insert+F1 for context-sensitive help

Basic Reading

  1. Press Insert+Down Arrow to start continuous reading (Say All)
  2. Use Up/Down Arrow keys to read line by line
  3. Press Left/Right Arrow to read character by character
  4. Use Ctrl+Left/Right Arrow to read word by word
  5. Press Insert+Up Arrow to read the current line

Web Navigation

Understanding web navigation: The single-letter commands (H, K, F, etc.) let you jump directly to specific elements on web pages. For example, pressing H jumps to the next heading, K jumps to the next link. This is much faster than reading every word on the page.

  1. Press H to jump to the next heading, or Shift+H for previous
  2. Use number keys 1-6 to jump to specific heading levels (1 for h1, 2 for h2, etc.)
  3. Press K to move between links, Shift+K for previous
  4. Use F to navigate form fields, Shift+F for previous
  5. Press Insert+F7 to open the links list for quick navigation
  6. Press Insert+F6 to open the headings list for page structure
  7. Use B to jump between buttons

Virtual Cursor vs Forms Mode

  1. Virtual cursor mode allows browsing and navigation with quick keys
  2. Forms mode allows you to type and interact with form controls
  3. JAWS automatically switches to forms mode when entering form fields
  4. Press Insert+Z to manually toggle between modes
  5. Listen for the mode announcement to know which mode you're in

Adjusting Settings

  1. Press Insert+V to open Quick Settings for the current application
  2. Use Ctrl+Windows+Alt+Page Up/Down to adjust speech rate quickly
  3. Press Insert+J to open the JAWS Settings Center for detailed configuration
  4. Access voice profiles, verbosity levels, and reading preferences
  5. Settings can be saved per application for customized experiences

Quick Tips

  • Press Ctrl to silence speech instantly
  • Insert+F1 gives help for the current window
  • Use Insert+Space, then Q to quit layered mode

Pro tip:

Start with just 2-3 commands and practice them daily. Gradually add new techniques as these become natural.

Practice & Learning Resources

Free Online Resources:

Practice Websites:

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