What is NVDA?
NVDA allows blind and vision impaired people to access and interact with the Windows operating system and many third party applications. It provides feedback via synthetic speech and Braille, enabling access to computers for no more cost than a sighted person.Key Features
Speech Support
Built-in speech synthesizer supporting over 80 languages with automatic language switching
Braille Support
Support for refreshable braille displays with automatic detection and braille input
Web Access
Full support for modern web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, and Edge
Office Support
Complete access to Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Starting and Stopping NVDA
Start NVDA
Press
Control+Alt+N to start NVDA from anywhere in Windows. You can also:- Choose NVDA from the Start Menu under Programs
- Type “NVDA” in the Run dialog and press Enter
When NVDA starts, you’ll hear an ascending set of tones telling you that NVDA is loading. The time it takes depends on your computer speed and storage media.
The NVDA Modifier Key
The NVDA modifier key is used in combination with other keys to perform NVDA-specific commands. Default modifier keys:Insertkey (on most keyboards)Numpad 0(with Num Lock off)Caps Lock(can be enabled in settings)
Reading Text
Say All
To read continuously from the current position:| Layout | Keystroke |
|---|---|
| Desktop | NVDA+Down Arrow |
| Laptop | NVDA+A |
Shift to pause speech, or Control to stop completely.
Reading Current Information
Read Current Line
Read Current Line
Desktop:
Laptop:
NVDA+Up ArrowLaptop:
NVDA+L- Press once: Reads the current line
- Press twice: Spells the line
- Press three times: Spells using phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie)
Read Selection
Read Selection
Keystroke:
NVDA+Shift+Up Arrow (Desktop) or NVDA+Shift+S (Laptop)Reads any currently selected text. Press twice to spell, three times for phonetic spelling.Read Clipboard
Read Clipboard
Keystroke:
NVDA+CReads any text on the clipboard. Press twice to spell, three times for phonetic spelling.Getting Information
Window and Focus Information
| Command | Keystroke | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Window title | NVDA+T | Reports the active window title (press twice to spell, three times to copy) |
| Report focus | NVDA+Tab | Reports the current control with focus |
| Read window | NVDA+B | Reads the entire current window (useful for dialogs) |
| Status bar | NVDA+End | Reports the status bar if found |
Time and Date
PressNVDA+F12:
- Once: Reports current time
- Twice: Reports the date
Text Formatting
PressNVDA+F to report formatting of text at the cursor:
- Font name and size
- Bold, italic, underline
- Text color
- Alignment
- Spelling errors
Speech Control
Basic Speech Commands
Stop Speech
Press
Control to immediately stop speakingPause Speech
Press
Shift to pause. Press again to resume where it left offSpeech Settings Ring
Quickly adjust speech settings without opening menus:| Action | Desktop | Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Next setting | NVDA+Control+Right | NVDA+Shift+Control+Right |
| Previous setting | NVDA+Control+Left | NVDA+Shift+Control+Left |
| Increase value | NVDA+Control+Up | NVDA+Shift+Control+Up |
| Decrease value | NVDA+Control+Down | NVDA+Shift+Control+Down |
- Speech rate
- Voice selection
- Volume
- Pitch
- Inflection
Input Help Mode
Input Help mode is perfect for learning NVDA commands.Explore Commands
Press any key or perform any gesture. NVDA will announce the key name and describe what it does, but won’t execute the command.
The NVDA Menu
Access NVDA’s menu to control settings and access help: Open the menu:- Press
NVDA+Non the keyboard - Perform a 2-finger double-tap on touch screens
- Right-click the NVDA icon in the system tray
- Preferences: Access all NVDA settings
- Tools: Speech viewer, Python console, add-on store
- Help: User guide, commands reference, website
- Exit NVDA: Close the screen reader
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode temporarily disables NVDA for the current application: Toggle sleep mode:- Desktop:
NVDA+Shift+S - Laptop:
NVDA+Shift+Z
Use sleep mode for applications that have their own speech or screen reading features. NVDA retains sleep mode only until restart.
System Information
| Command | Keystroke | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Battery status | NVDA+Shift+B | Reports AC power status and battery percentage |
| Clipboard text | NVDA+C | Reads text on the clipboard |
| Repeat last spoken | NVDA+X | Repeats the last information NVDA spoke |
Keyboard Layouts
NVDA supports two keyboard layouts:Desktop Layout
Desktop Layout
Uses the numeric keypad extensively (with Num Lock off). Best for desktop computers with full keyboards.Advantages:
- Efficient text review using numpad
- Natural hand position for frequent commands
Laptop Layout
Laptop Layout
Designed for laptops without a numeric keypad. Uses alternative key combinations.Advantages:
- Works on any keyboard
- Doesn’t require Num Lock management
Change keyboard layout in Preferences > Settings > Keyboard (press
NVDA+Control+K).Getting Help
NVDA provides multiple ways to get assistance:Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics, explore these guides:Navigation
Learn advanced navigation techniques
Keyboard Commands
Complete reference of all keyboard shortcuts
Configuration
Customize NVDA to your preferences
Supported Applications
Discover application-specific features