Accessibility Shortcuts Guide for Screen Readers and Browsers

Introduction

Navigating the web using screen readers can be significantly enhanced through the use of keyboard shortcuts. This guide provides a quick reference for essential screen reader shortcuts, as well as accessibility features in popular web browsers. Whether you are using JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or a specific browser, these shortcuts will improve your web browsing experience.

Recommended Browsers

Screen readers perform optimally when used with compatible browsers:

JAWS works well with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Internet Explorer

Historically, JAWS has worked best with Internet Explorer, and that combination still works well, but Internet Explorer is old and will never be updated with new features, so it is best to migrate to newer browsers.

JAWS screen reader Logo
Chrome Logo
Firefox Logo
Internet Explorer
Microsoft Edge Logo

NVDA works well with Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.

NVDA Screen reader Logo
Chrome Logo
Firefox Logo
Microsoft Edge Logo

Narrator works best with Microsoft Edge

Narrator Screen reader logo
Microsoft Edge Logo

VoiceOver works best with Safari

Voice-over Screen reader logo
Safari Logo

Screen Reader Shortcuts

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

Basic Navigation
Basic Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next item Down Arrow
Previous item Up Arrow
Next focusable item Tab
Previous focusable item Shift + Tab
Read current item Insert + Up Arrow
Heading Navigation
Heading Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next heading H
Previous heading Shift + H
Next heading at level 1-6 1 to 6
Previous heading at level 1-6 Shift + 1 to Shift + 6
Link Navigation
Link Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next link U
Previous link Shift + U
List of links Insert + F7
Form Navigation
Form Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next form field F
Previous form field Shift + F
Next button B
Previous button Shift + B

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

Basic Navigation
Basic Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next item Down Arrow
Previous item Up Arrow
Next focusable item Tab
Previous focusable item Shift + Tab
Read current item Numpad / Fn + 8
Heading Navigation
Heading Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next heading H
Previous heading Shift + H
Next heading at level 1-6 1 to 6
Previous heading at level 1-6 Shift + 1 to Shift + 6
Link Navigation
Link Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next link K
Previous link Shift + K
List of links Insert + F7
Form Navigation
Form Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next form field F
Previous form field Shift + F
Next button B
Previous button Shift + B

VoiceOver (macOS)

Basic Navigation
Basic Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next item Control + Option + Right Arrow
Previous item Control + Option + Left Arrow
Next focusable item Tab
Previous focusable item Shift + Tab
Read current item Control + Option + A
Heading Navigation
Heading Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next heading Control + Option + Command + H
Previous heading Control + Option + Command + Shift + H
Find next heading of same level Control + Option + Command + Shift + M
Link Navigation
Link Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next link Control + Option + Command + L
Previous link Control + Option + Command + Shift + L
List of links Control + Option + U, then select Links
Form Navigation
Form Navigation Shortcut Keys
Next form field Control + Option + Command + J
Previous form field Control + Option + Command + Shift + J
Next button Control + Option + Command + B
Previous button Control + Option + Command + Shift + B

Screen Reader Shortcuts

In addition to screen reader shortcuts, popular web browsers offer built-in accessibility features to enhance your browsing experience. Here are some key accessibility settings available in major browsers:

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

Google Chrome
Google Chrome Shortcut Keys
Zoom in Ctrl + Plus (+) (Windows/Linux) or Command + Plus (+) (Mac)
Zoom out Ctrl + Minus (-) (Windows/Linux) or Command + Minus (-)(Mac)
Reset zoom Ctrl + 0 (Windows/Linux) or Command + 0 (Mac)
Toggle high contrast mode Use the High Contrast extension from the Chrome Web Store
Enable accessibility settings Go to Settings > Advanced > Accessibility
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox Shortcut Keys
Zoom in Ctrl + Plus (+)(Windows/Linux) or Command + Plus (+)(Mac)
Zoom out Ctrl + Minus (-) (Windows/Linux) or Command + Minus (-) (Mac)
Reset zoom Ctrl + 0 (Windows/Linux) or Command + 0 (Mac)
Toggle high contrast mode Go to Settings > Language and Appearance > Colors
Enable accessibility settings Go to Settings > Accessibility
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge Shortcut Keys
Zoom in Ctrl + Plus (+)
Zoom out Ctrl + Minus (-)
Reset zoom Ctrl + 0
Toggle high contrast mode Go to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast
Enable accessibility settings Go to Settings > Accessibility
Safari
Safari Shortcut Keys
Zoom in Command + Plus (+)
Zoom out Command + Minus (-)
Reset zoom Command + 0
Toggle high contrast mode Use the Accessibility settings in System Preferences
Enable accessibility settings Go to Preferences > Advanced > Accessibility

Conclusion

This guide offers a brief overview of essential keyboard shortcuts for popular screen readers and browsers. Utilizing these shortcuts and accessibility settings can make web browsing more accessible and efficient. For a more comprehensive list of shortcuts, please refer to the official documentation of your screen reader and browser.

For further assistance or accessibility support, feel free to contact EcomBack’s customer service team.

By providing this guide on EcomBack’s website, you can empower users with disabilities to navigate the web more effectively and ensure that your content is accessible to everyone.