JAWS keyboard shortcuts for Desktop layout and Laptop layout

Q: Why does K not move to links in JAWS?

Because Freedom Scientific assigns K to PlaceMarkers. Link movement in JAWS is Tab and Shift + Tab; U and V pick out unvisited and visited links. Cheat sheets showing K as the link key have copied NVDA’s layout by mistake — this page did too, and it is now fixed.

Q: What is the JAWS key, and what if my keyboard has no Insert?

In the desktop layout the JAWS key is Insert. The laptop layout uses Caps Lock instead and remaps the numpad reading commands onto letters, which is the practical choice on keyboards without a numeric keypad. The Laptop layout column gives those keystrokes, and Settings Center (Insert + 6) is where the JAWS key can be changed.

Q: What is the difference between the PC cursor and the JAWS cursor?

Num Pad Plus activates the PC cursor — the ordinary system caret that types and selects. Num Pad Minus activates the JAWS cursor, which rides the mouse pointer and can read screen areas the caret cannot reach; Num Pad Slash then clicks wherever it sits. In the laptop layout the three keys are Caps Lock + ;, Caps Lock + P and Caps Lock + 8.

Q: How do I read a table without losing my place?

Move cell by cell with Alt + Ctrl + Right, Alt + Ctrl + Left, Alt + Ctrl + Down and Alt + Ctrl + Up. Win + , reads the whole current row and Win + . the whole column. Ctrl + Win + J jumps to a table cell, and Ctrl + Win + Shift + J returns to the cell you left.

Q: Can JAWS read text inside images or inaccessible PDFs?

Yes — Convenient OCR. Insert + Space, O, W recognises the application window, Insert + Space, O, S the whole screen and Insert + Space, O, D the current PDF. For a picture rather than text, Picture Smart describes it: Insert + Space, P, C for the current control.

JAWS keystrokes from Freedom Scientific's hotkeys page, read alongside the JAWS 2026 release notes, with the desktop and laptop layouts side by side. Desktop commands build on Insert and the numeric keypad, laptop ones on Caps Lock: Say All is Insert + Down or Caps Lock + A. Where the vendor prints a single keystroke, as for web pages and Windows, both columns repeat it. Braille display commands and touch gestures are left out.

293 shortcuts in 21 sections. Checked row by row against Freedom Scientific on 6 October 2026. Edited by Jay.

Essentials 19

Insert is the JAWS Key in the desktop layout and Caps Lock in the laptop layout; either setting can be changed in Settings Center.

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Interrupt speechSilences JAWS in the middle of whatever it is reading.	`Ctrl`	`Ctrl`
Say AllReads on continuously; Left and Right rewind or fast forward while it runs.	`Insert`+`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`A`
Say lineSpeaks the current line; pressing it twice quickly spells the line.	`Insert`+`Up`	`Caps Lock`+`I`
Say window title	`Insert`+`T`	`Caps Lock`+`T`
Read windowGoes through the window from its top to its bottom; Freedom Scientific lists it with the dialog box keys.	`Insert`+`B`	`Caps Lock`+`B`
Say prompt and textSpeaks the control in focus with its prompt; the same keystroke announces a progress bar status.	`Insert`+`Tab`	`Caps Lock`+`Tab`
Say selected text	`Insert`+`Shift`+`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`A`
Say system time	`Insert`+`F12`	`Caps Lock`+`F12`
Say font	`Insert`+`F`	`Caps Lock`+`F`
Say colorIn the desktop layout this is the 5 on the number row, not the numeric keypad 5.	`Insert`+`5`	`Caps Lock`+`5`
Refresh screen	`Insert`+`Esc`	`Caps Lock`+`Esc`
Pass key throughIn the desktop layout this is the 3 on the number row.	`Insert`+`3`	`Caps Lock`+`3`
Toggle speech modeCycles the speech mode: Full Speech, Mute Speech or Speech On Demand, which is the default.	`Insert`+`Space`then`S`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`S`
Switch Speech On Demand and muteSwitches between those two modes and needs Full Speech to be disabled.	`Insert`+`Space`then`Shift`+`S`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`Shift`+`S`
Quick Settings	`Insert`+`V`	`Caps Lock`+`V`
Run JAWS Manager	`Insert`+`F2`	`Caps Lock`+`F2`
Settings Center	`Insert`+`6`	`Insert`+`6`
Shut down JAWS	`Insert`+`F4`	`Caps Lock`+`F4`
JAWS windowThe laptop layout needs three modifiers with J for this one.	`Insert`+`J`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`J`

Help 6

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Keyboard help	`Insert`+`1`	`Caps Lock`+`1`
Context-sensitive helpPressed twice quickly, it opens JAWS help for the application in use.	`Insert`+`F1`	`Caps Lock`+`F1`
Hot key helpThe laptop keystroke adds Ctrl and Shift to the letter.	`Insert`+`H`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`H`
Windows key help	`Insert`+`W`	`Caps Lock`+`W`
JAWS Command SearchA layered command: press the first keystroke, release it, then press J.	`Insert`+`Space`then`J`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`J`
Open FSCompanionOpens the AI help assistant, which the March 2026 update renamed Vispero Companion.	`Insert`+`Space`then`F1`	`Insert`+`Space`then`F1`

Reading text 28

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Say characterPressed twice quickly, it says the character phonetically.	`Num Pad 5`	`Caps Lock`+`,`
Say prior characterThe desktop key is the plain arrow, which Windows also uses to move one character left.	`Left`	`Caps Lock`+`M`
Say next characterThe desktop key is the plain arrow that moves one character right.	`Right`	`Caps Lock`+`.`
Say wordPressed twice quickly, it spells the word.	`Insert`+`Num Pad 5`	`Caps Lock`+`K`
Say prior word	`Insert`+`Left`	`Caps Lock`+`J`
Say next word	`Insert`+`Right`	`Caps Lock`+`L`
Say prior line	`Up`	`Caps Lock`+`U`
Say next line	`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`O`
Say sentence	`Alt`+`Num Pad 5`	`Caps Lock`+`H`
Say prior sentence	`Alt`+`Num Pad Minus`	`Caps Lock`+`Y`
Say next sentence	`Alt`+`Num Pad Plus`	`Caps Lock`+`N`
Say paragraph	`Ctrl`+`Num Pad 5`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`I`
Say prior paragraphOn the desktop layout this is the Windows keystroke that moves up one paragraph.	`Ctrl`+`Up`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`U`
Say next paragraphOn the desktop layout this is the Windows keystroke that moves down one paragraph.	`Ctrl`+`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`O`
Say to cursor	`Insert`+`Home`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`J`
Say from cursor	`Insert`+`Page Up`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`L`
Say window's top line	`Insert`+`End`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`Y`
Say window's bottom line	`Insert`+`Page Down`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`N`
Rewind during Say AllHas this meaning only while Say All is reading.	`Left`	`Left`
Skip ahead during Say AllMoves forward through the text while Say All keeps reading.	`Right`	`Right`
Faster during Say AllRaises the voice rate while Say All is running.	`Page Up`	`Page Up`
Slower during Say AllLowers the voice rate while Say All is running.	`Page Down`	`Page Down`
Raise voice rate temporarilyFor use when Say All is not running; the faster rate does not last.	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Page Up`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Page Up`
Lower voice rate temporarilyThe slower counterpart, again for when Say All is not running.	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Page Down`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Page Down`
Raise voice rate permanentlyAdds the Windows key to the temporary keystroke to make the new rate stick.	`Alt`+`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Page Up`	`Alt`+`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Page Up`
Lower voice rate permanentlyKeeps the slower rate instead of dropping it again.	`Alt`+`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Page Down`	`Alt`+`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Page Down`
Start skim reading	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`Down`
Skim reading preferencesAdds Shift to the skim reading keystroke to change how skimming works.	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Insert`+`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Down`

Web pages 17

Freedom Scientific prints the web browsing and Windows keystrokes once, with no separate laptop form, so both columns show that keystroke; only the tables headed Desktop and Laptop give two.

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Go back a pageEither keystroke returns to the page visited before.	`Alt`+`Left`or`Backspace`	`Alt`+`Left`or`Backspace`
Go forward a page	`Alt`+`Right`	`Alt`+`Right`
Read address bar	`Insert`+`A`	`Insert`+`A`
Next linkLinks are reached with Tab in JAWS; the letter K belongs to PlaceMarkers.	`Tab`	`Tab`
Previous link	`Shift`+`Tab`	`Shift`+`Tab`
Open linkThe forms table lists the same key for entering forms mode.	`Enter`	`Enter`
Heading at levelPress the digit of the heading level you want, from 1 to 6.	`1-6`	`1-6`
Assign custom label	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`Tab`	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`Tab`
ARIA drag and drop	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`=`	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`=`
Filter ARIA live region text	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`-`	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`-`
Open Flexible Web wizardA layered command: the first keystroke, then X on its own.	`Insert`+`Space`then`X`	`Insert`+`Space`then`X`
Toggle Smart NavigationThe switch it makes is temporary.	`Insert`+`X`	`Insert`+`X`
Open Page ExplorerAfter a page has loaded, gives an AI overview of its layout, main content and important links.	`Insert`+`Shift`+`E`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`E`
Select entire elementFreedom Scientific lists the same key for selecting a table.	`F8`	`F8`
Display entire element	`Shift`+`Insert`+`F1`	`Shift`+`Insert`+`F1`
Show detailed element informationAdds Ctrl to the keystroke that displays the whole element.	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Insert`+`F1`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Insert`+`F1`
Activate mouse over	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`Enter`	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`Enter`

Browser tabs 11

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Open a new tab	`Ctrl`+`T`	`Ctrl`+`T`
Open new tab from address barWorks while focus is on the address bar.	`Alt`+`Enter`	`Alt`+`Enter`
Switch to next tab	`Ctrl`+`Tab`	`Ctrl`+`Tab`
Switch to previous tab	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Tab`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Tab`
Switch to tab by numberThe digit is the tab's position, counting up to eight.	`Ctrl`+`1-8`	`Ctrl`+`1-8`
Switch to last tab	`Ctrl`+`9`	`Ctrl`+`9`
Close current tab	`Ctrl`+`W`or`Ctrl`+`F4`	`Ctrl`+`W`or`Ctrl`+`F4`
Close all tabs	`Alt`+`F4`	`Alt`+`F4`
Close other tabs	`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F4`	`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F4`
Open link in background tabThe new tab loads behind the page you are reading.	`Ctrl`+`Enter`	`Ctrl`+`Enter`
Open link in foreground tabThe new tab opens in front and takes focus.	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Enter`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Enter`

Navigation quick keys 33

Add Shift to a quick key to go to the previous element of its type. Holding Ctrl and Insert with A, B, C, E, G, J, K, L, O, P, R, T, X, Z, apostrophe, slash or semicolon lists those elements instead.

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Next radio button	`A`	`A`
Next button	`B`	`B`
Next combo boxAlso stops on list boxes and tree views.	`C`	`C`
Next different element	`D`	`D`
Next edit box	`E`	`E`
Next form controlThe forms table calls the same key Next Form Field.	`F`	`F`
Next graphic	`G`	`G`
Next heading	`H`	`H`
Next list item	`I`	`I`
Jump to line	`J`	`J`
Next PlaceMarkerK is the PlaceMarker key in JAWS; links are reached with Tab.	`K`	`K`
Next list	`L`	`L`
Next frame	`M`	`M`
Skip past links	`N`	`N`
Next article	`O`	`O`
Next paragraph	`P`	`P`
Move to main region	`Q`	`Q`
Next region	`R`	`R`
Next same element	`S`	`S`
Next table	`T`	`T`
Next unvisited link	`U`	`U`
Next visited link	`V`	`V`
Next check box	`X`	`X`
Next division	`Z`	`Z`
Next tab control	`'`	`'`
Next separator	`-`	`-`
Next clickable element	`/`	`/`
Next mouse-over element	`;`	`;`
Next element	`Shift`+`.`	`Shift`+`.`
Previous element	`Shift`+`,`	`Shift`+`,`
Previous same element	`Shift`+`S`	`Shift`+`S`
Previous different element	`Shift`+`D`	`Shift`+`D`
Previous frame	`Shift`+`M`	`Shift`+`M`

Element lists 10

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
List links	`Insert`+`F7`	`Insert`+`F7`
List headings	`Insert`+`F6`	`Insert`+`F6`
List form fields	`Insert`+`F5`	`Insert`+`F5`
List frames	`Insert`+`F9`	`Insert`+`F9`
Virtual HTML featuresOn a web page; elsewhere Freedom Scientific lists the same desktop keystroke for JAWS Find Next.	`Insert`+`F3`	`Insert`+`F3`
List radio buttons	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`A`	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`A`
List buttons	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`B`	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`B`
List combo boxesThe list also takes in list boxes and tree views.	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`C`	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`C`
List edit boxes	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`E`	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`E`
List check boxes	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`X`	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`X`

Forms 9

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Enter forms modeThe way out again is the PC cursor keystroke, listed as Exit Forms Mode.	`Enter`	`Enter`
First form field	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`Home`	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`Home`
Last form field	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`End`	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`End`
Previous form field	`Shift`+`F`	`Shift`+`F`
Previous radio button	`Shift`+`A`	`Shift`+`A`
Previous button	`Shift`+`B`	`Shift`+`B`
Previous combo boxCovers list boxes and tree views as well.	`Shift`+`C`	`Shift`+`C`
Previous edit box	`Shift`+`E`	`Shift`+`E`
Previous check box	`Shift`+`X`	`Shift`+`X`

Tables 18

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Select table	`F8`	`F8`
Previous table	`Shift`+`T`	`Shift`+`T`
Next row	`Win`+`Alt`+`Down`	`Win`+`Alt`+`Down`
Previous row	`Win`+`Alt`+`Up`	`Win`+`Alt`+`Up`
Read rowThe second form uses the 5 on the numeric keypad.	`Win`+`,`or`Win`+`Num Pad 5`	`Win`+`,`or`Win`+`Num Pad 5`
Next column	`Win`+`Alt`+`Right`	`Win`+`Alt`+`Right`
Previous column	`Win`+`Alt`+`Left`	`Win`+`Alt`+`Left`
Read column	`Win`+`.`	`Win`+`.`
Next cell in row	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Right`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Right`
Previous cell in row	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Left`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Left`
Cell below	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Down`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Down`
Cell above	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Up`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`Up`
Move to last table cell	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`End`	`Alt`+`Ctrl`+`End`
Jump to table cell	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`J`	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`J`
Return to previous cellAdds Shift to the jump keystroke to go back to the cell you left.	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`Shift`+`J`	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`Shift`+`J`
Say column titleJAWS 2026 extends it to documents and spreadsheets in Google Workspace.	`Insert`+`Alt`+`Shift`+`C`	`Insert`+`Alt`+`Shift`+`C`
Say row titleThe row counterpart of the column title keystroke.	`Insert`+`Alt`+`Shift`+`R`	`Insert`+`Alt`+`Shift`+`R`
List table navigation keysA layered command of three keystrokes pressed one after another.	`Insert`+`Space`then`T`then`?`	`Insert`+`Space`then`T`then`?`

PlaceMarkers 7

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Set temporary PlaceMarkerIn Word the marker it sets is a permanent one.	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`K`	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`K`
Manage PlaceMarkersFor permanent PlaceMarkers: adding, deleting, editing and renaming them.	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`K`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`K`
Previous PlaceMarkerThe reverse of the K quick key, which goes to the next one.	`Shift`+`K`	`Shift`+`K`
Read PlaceMarkers 1–4Number row keys 7, 8, 9 and 0 speak the text at the first four PlaceMarkers.	`7-0`	`7-0`
Move to PlaceMarkers 1–4Shift with number row 7, 8, 9 or 0 goes to the marker instead of reading it.	`Shift`+`7-0`	`Shift`+`7-0`
Go back to Word PlaceMarker	`Alt`+`Shift`+`Win`+`K`	`Alt`+`Shift`+`Win`+`K`
Select text to PlaceMarkerSelects everything between the PlaceMarker and where the cursor now is.	`Insert`+`Space`then`M`	`Insert`+`Space`then`M`

Cursors and mouse 15

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
PC cursorOn a web page this is also the keystroke that leaves forms mode.	`Num Pad Plus`	`Caps Lock`+`;`
JAWS cursor	`Num Pad Minus`	`Caps Lock`+`P`
Touch cursor	`Shift`+`Num Pad Plus`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`;`
Route PC to JAWS cursor	`Insert`+`Num Pad Plus`	`Caps Lock`+`'`
Route JAWS to PC cursor	`Insert`+`Num Pad Minus`	`Caps Lock`+`[`
Left mouse clickActs as the left mouse button.	`Num Pad Slash`	`Caps Lock`+`8`
Right mouse clickActs as the right mouse button.	`Num Pad Star`	`Caps Lock`+`9`
Drag and drop	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`Num Pad Slash`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`8`
Restrict JAWS cursor	`Insert`+`R`	`Caps Lock`+`R`
Toggle Mouse EchoFirst of the Mouse Echo layer commands: the layer key E, then O.	`Insert`+`Space`then`E`then`O`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`E`then`O`
Mouse Echo by character	`Insert`+`Space`then`E`then`C`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`E`then`C`
Mouse Echo by word	`Insert`+`Space`then`E`then`W`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`E`then`W`
Mouse Echo by line	`Insert`+`Space`then`E`then`L`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`E`then`L`
Mouse Echo by paragraph	`Insert`+`Space`then`E`then`P`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`E`then`P`
Mouse Echo layer helpAnnounces a help message for the Mouse Echo commands.	`Insert`+`Space`then`E`then`?`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`E`then`?`

Touch cursor navigation 14

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Next elementApplies while the touch cursor is active.	`Right`or`Tab`	`Right`or`Tab`
Previous elementThe touch cursor counterpart for moving back one element.	`Left`or`Shift`+`Tab`	`Left`or`Shift`+`Tab`
Next element by type	`Down`	`Down`
Previous element by type	`Up`	`Up`
Cycle navigation typesChanges which element type the up and down arrows move by.	`Page Up`or`Page Down`	`Page Up`or`Page Down`
First element	`Ctrl`+`Home`	`Ctrl`+`Home`
Last element	`Ctrl`+`End`	`Ctrl`+`End`
Say current elementThe Say Line keystroke, which reads the element at the touch cursor.	`Insert`+`Up`	`Caps Lock`+`I`
Touch cursor Say AllOn the laptop layout this is Caps Lock with the down arrow, not the letter A.	`Insert`+`Down`	`Caps Lock`+`Down`
Route touch cursor to focus	`Insert`+`Num Pad Plus`	`Caps Lock`+`'`
Route touch to JAWS cursor	`Insert`+`Shift`+`Num Pad Plus`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`'`
Route JAWS to touch cursor	`Insert`+`Shift`+`Num Pad Minus`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`[`
Text reviewThe desktop layout has two keystrokes for it, the laptop layout one.	`Num Pad Slash`or`Insert`+`Enter`	`Caps Lock`+`Enter`
Advanced navigation	`Num Pad Star`	`Caps Lock`+`A`

Dialog boxes 11

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Say default buttonNames the button a dialog box treats as its default.	`Insert`+`E`	`Caps Lock`+`E`
Read word in context	`Insert`+`C`	`Caps Lock`+`C`
Say control's hot key	`Shift`+`Num Pad 5`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`,`
Open combo box	`Alt`+`Down`	`Alt`+`Down`
Close combo box	`Alt`+`Up`	`Alt`+`Up`
Next dialog control	`Tab`	`Tab`
Previous dialog control	`Shift`+`Tab`	`Shift`+`Tab`
Next dialog page	`Ctrl`+`Tab`	`Ctrl`+`Tab`
Previous dialog page	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Tab`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Tab`
Select or deselect list itemFor an item in a list view control.	`Space`or`Ctrl`+`Space`	`Space`or`Ctrl`+`Space`
Toggle check box	`Space`	`Space`

Search and tools 16

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
JAWS Find	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`F`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`F`
JAWS Find nextOn a web page the desktop keystroke is listed for Virtual HTML Features, and plain F3 repeats the search.	`Insert`+`F3`	`Caps Lock`+`F3`
JAWS Find previous	`Insert`+`Shift`+`F3`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`F3`
Find next on a web pageRepeats the JAWS Find search forward on a page, without the Insert key.	`F3`	`F3`
Find previous on a web pageRepeats the search backward on a page.	`Shift`+`F3`	`Shift`+`F3`
Graphics labelerIn JAWS 2026 this keystroke runs the AI Labeler, which is enabled by default.	`Insert`+`G`	`Caps Lock`+`G`
Auto graphics labeler	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`G`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`G`
Legacy Graphics LabelerRuns the earlier labeler now that the AI Labeler has taken over the keystroke without Alt.	`Alt`+`Insert`+`G`	`Alt`+`Insert`+`G`
Copy to FSClipboard	`Insert`+`Win`+`C`	`Caps Lock`+`Win`+`C`
Read clipboard contents	`Win`+`Insert`+`X`	`Win`+`Caps Lock`+`X`
Virtualize clipboard contentsA layered command: the layer keystroke, then C.	`Insert`+`Space`then`C`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`C`
Open Research It	`Insert`+`Space`then`R`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`R`
Research It primary lookupStarts Research It with its primary lookup source straight away.	`Insert`+`Win`+`R`	`Caps Lock`+`Win`+`R`
End JAWS Tandem sessionPrinted with Insert for both layouts.	`Insert`+`Alt`+`T`	`Insert`+`Alt`+`T`
Switch Tandem desktopMoves between the target and controller desktops; for the controller user only.	`Insert`+`Alt`+`Tab`	`Insert`+`Alt`+`Tab`
Toggle Tandem videoTurns video on the controller on or off; for the controller user only.	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`	`Insert`+`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`

Speech settings and layers 9

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Select scheme	`Alt`+`Insert`+`S`	`Alt`+`Caps Lock`+`S`
Select language	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`L`	`Ctrl`+`Win`+`L`
Select voice profile	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`S`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`S`
Speech history	`Insert`+`Space`then`H`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`H`
Notification HistoryTeams announcements are part of this history in JAWS 2026.	`Insert`+`Space`then`N`	`Insert`+`Space`then`N`
Toggle audio ducking	`Insert`+`Space`then`D`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`D`
Toggle default modeFreedom Scientific marks this mode as one used for troubleshooting.	`Insert`+`Space`then`Z`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`Z`
Toggle Screen Shade	`Insert`+`Space`then`F11`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`F11`
Google Quick Keys layerFor Google Docs, where Space and Shift with Space then read by paragraph.	`Insert`+`Space`then`G`	`Insert`+`Space`then`G`

Convenient OCR 8

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
OCR from camera or scannerAcquires the image from the device before recognising it.	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`A`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`A`
OCR selected image file	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`F`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`F`
OCR the current PDF	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`D`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`D`
OCR the current windowRecognises the window of the application in use.	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`W`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`W`
OCR the entire screen	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`S`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`S`
OCR selected control	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`C`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`C`
Cancel OCRStops a recognition that is still running.	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`Q`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`Q`
OCR layer helpAnnounces a help message for the OCR commands.	`Insert`+`Space`then`O`then`?`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`O`then`?`

Picture Smart 8

Adding Shift to the last key of a Picture Smart command shows the more detailed descriptions at once, Alt lets you ask a question about the picture first, and Ctrl uses the legacy Picture Smart.

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Describe picture from camera or scannerOpens the Picture Smart dialog box for acquiring the image to describe.	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`A`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`P`then`A`
Describe selected image fileWorks in File Explorer on formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF and HEIC.	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`F`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`P`then`F`
Describe current controlFor example a picture in a Word document or on a web page.	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`C`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`P`then`C`
Describe clipboard imageNeeds an image on the Windows Clipboard.	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`B`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`P`then`B`
Describe the entire screen	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`S`	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`S`
Describe application window	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`W`	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`W`
Describe image by contextChooses what to describe from the application in use, such as a slide, a web image or a selected file.	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`Enter`	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`Enter`
Picture Smart layer helpAnnounces a help message for the Picture Smart commands.	`Insert`+`Space`then`P`then`?`	`Caps Lock`+`Space`then`P`then`?`

Windows and applications 16

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Window list	`Insert`+`F10`	`Caps Lock`+`F10`
System tray iconsOpens the dialog for choosing an icon in the system tray.	`Insert`+`F11`	`Caps Lock`+`F11`
Virtualize window	`Alt`+`Insert`+`W`	`Alt`+`Caps Lock`+`W`
Virtualize current control	`Insert`+`Shift`+`V`	`Caps Lock`+`Shift`+`V`
Say application version	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`V`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`V`
Read list view columnDigits 1 to 9 read those columns and 0 reads the tenth.	`Ctrl`+`Insert`+`1-0`	`Caps Lock`+`Ctrl`+`1-0`
Frame top leftFor JAWS frames; pressed twice quickly it sets the frame to the window.	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`[`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`[`
Frame bottom rightThe matching keystroke for the opposite corner of a JAWS frame.	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`]`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`]`
Get help	`F1`	`F1`
Open Start menu	`Ctrl`+`Esc`	`Ctrl`+`Esc`
Open Windows Explorer	`Win`+`E`	`Win`+`E`
Open Run dialog	`Win`+`R`	`Win`+`R`
Find file or folderStarts the search when pressed on the desktop.	`F3`	`F3`
Minimize all applications	`Win`+`M`	`Win`+`M`
Switch between applications	`Alt`+`Tab`	`Alt`+`Tab`
Quit active application	`Alt`+`F4`	`Alt`+`F4`

Menus 9

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Application control menu	`Alt`+`Space`	`Alt`+`Space`
Move to menu bar	`Alt`	`Alt`
Choose menu item	`Enter`	`Enter`
Move between menusPress Alt first, then use the arrow keys.	`Alt`then`Arrow keys`	`Alt`then`Arrow keys`
Close menu	`Esc`	`Esc`
Close cascading menu	`Alt`	`Alt`
Child window control menu	`Alt`+`-`	`Alt`+`-`
Close child window	`Ctrl`+`F4`	`Ctrl`+`F4`
Open context menu	`Applications`or`Shift`+`F10`	`Applications`or`Shift`+`F10`

Moving through and editing text 23

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Move one word left	`Ctrl`+`Left`	`Ctrl`+`Left`
Move one word right	`Ctrl`+`Right`	`Ctrl`+`Right`
Start of line	`Home`	`Home`
End of line	`End`	`End`
Scroll up one screen	`Page Up`	`Page Up`
Scroll down one screen	`Page Down`	`Page Down`
Move to beginning	`Ctrl`+`Home`	`Ctrl`+`Home`
Move to end	`Ctrl`+`End`	`Ctrl`+`End`
Copy	`Ctrl`+`C`	`Ctrl`+`C`
Cut	`Ctrl`+`X`	`Ctrl`+`X`
Paste	`Ctrl`+`V`	`Ctrl`+`V`
Undo	`Ctrl`+`Z`	`Ctrl`+`Z`
Delete current character	`Delete`	`Delete`
Delete prior character	`Backspace`	`Backspace`
Select character left	`Shift`+`Left`	`Shift`+`Left`
Select character right	`Shift`+`Right`	`Shift`+`Right`
Select word left	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Left`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Left`
Select word right	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Right`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Right`
Select to line start	`Shift`+`Home`	`Shift`+`Home`
Select to line end	`Shift`+`End`	`Shift`+`End`
Select to beginning	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Home`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Home`
Select to end	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`End`	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`End`
Select all	`Ctrl`+`A`	`Ctrl`+`A`

File Explorer 6

Action	Desktop layout	Laptop layout
Delete files	`Delete`	`Delete`
Rename file or folder	`F2`	`F2`
Open file propertiesShows the properties of the file or folder that is selected.	`Alt`+`Enter`	`Alt`+`Enter`
Refresh window	`F5`	`F5`
Switch between panes	`Tab`or`Shift`+`Tab`	`Tab`or`Shift`+`Tab`
Go up one level	`Backspace`	`Backspace`

Notes

One correction, stated plainly

An earlier version of this page listed K as “next link”. That is NVDA’s keymap, not JAWS’s. In JAWS, K moves to the next PlaceMarker, and link movement is Tab and Shift + Tab, with U and V for unvisited and visited links. The two screen readers also swap their radio-button keys — JAWS uses A where NVDA uses R — so if you work across both, those two letters are the ones most worth double-checking. Every row on this page is now taken from Freedom Scientific’s own pages.

Desktop and laptop layouts, the JAWS key, and layers

In the desktop layout Insert is the JAWS key and the numeric keypad carries the reading commands. The laptop layout uses Caps Lock and moves the numpad commands onto letters — Say All becomes Caps Lock + A, say line becomes Caps Lock + I. Each table shows both layouts side by side; for web browsing and Windows keystrokes Freedom Scientific prints one keystroke only, and both columns repeat it. The other pattern worth knowing is layered commands: press and release the first keystroke, then a single key. Insert + Space, S cycles the speech mode, Insert + Space, H shows the speech history, Insert + Space, D toggles audio ducking, and the OCR, Mouse Echo, Picture Smart and table layers respond to a question mark with help on their commands, as in Insert + Space, O, ?.

The web workflow in five keys

On a page, H walks the headings, Insert + F6 lists them all in one dialog, F hops between form controls, Enter drops into forms mode to type, and Num Pad Plus climbs back out (Caps Lock + ; in the laptop layout). Two less obvious keys earn their place quickly: N skips past a block of links — the fastest escape from a navigation menu — and Q jumps straight to the page’s main region. Holding Ctrl and Insert with the quick keys Freedom Scientific marks with an asterisk turns the jump into a list of every such element on the page: Ctrl + Insert + B lists the buttons.

Questions

Why does K not move to links in JAWS?

Because Freedom Scientific assigns K to PlaceMarkers. Link movement in JAWS is Tab and Shift + Tab; U and V pick out unvisited and visited links. Cheat sheets showing K as the link key have copied NVDA’s layout by mistake — this page did too, and it is now fixed.

What is the JAWS key, and what if my keyboard has no Insert?

In the desktop layout the JAWS key is Insert. The laptop layout uses Caps Lock instead and remaps the numpad reading commands onto letters, which is the practical choice on keyboards without a numeric keypad. The Laptop layout column gives those keystrokes, and Settings Center (Insert + 6) is where the JAWS key can be changed.

How do JAWS layered keystrokes work?

Press and release the layer keystroke, then press one more key: Insert + Space, S for the speech mode, Insert + Space, H for speech history, Insert + Space, F11 for Screen Shade. In the laptop layout the sequence starts with Caps Lock, as in Caps Lock + Space, S. Some layers go one key deeper: Insert + Space, O, W runs OCR on the current window, and Insert + Space, O, ? announces help for the OCR layer.

What is the difference between the PC cursor and the JAWS cursor?

Num Pad Plus activates the PC cursor — the ordinary system caret that types and selects. Num Pad Minus activates the JAWS cursor, which rides the mouse pointer and can read screen areas the caret cannot reach; Num Pad Slash then clicks wherever it sits. In the laptop layout the three keys are Caps Lock + ;, Caps Lock + P and Caps Lock + 8.

How do I read a table without losing my place?

Move cell by cell with Alt + Ctrl + Right, Alt + Ctrl + Left, Alt + Ctrl + Down and Alt + Ctrl + Up. Win + , reads the whole current row and Win + . the whole column. Ctrl + Win + J jumps to a table cell, and Ctrl + Win + Shift + J returns to the cell you left.

Can JAWS read text inside images or inaccessible PDFs?

Yes — Convenient OCR. Insert + Space, O, W recognises the application window, Insert + Space, O, S the whole screen and Insert + Space, O, D the current PDF. For a picture rather than text, Picture Smart describes it: Insert + Space, P, C for the current control.

Sources and checks

Freedom Scientific — JAWS Hotkeys Nearly all rows: web browsing, desktop and laptop layout, and Windows keystroke tables. The page names no JAWS version.
Freedom Scientific — What's New in JAWS 2026
Freedom Scientific — New and Improved Features in JAWS Picture Smart layer keys for the screen and the application window; the Shift, Alt and Ctrl variants
Freedom Scientific — JAWS Keystrokes (text file on the JAWS documentation page) Picture Smart layer rows that carry a laptop keystroke. An older edition of the hotkeys list; not used for anything else.
Freedom Scientific — Surf's Up: Surfing the Internet with JAWS Table note on the JAWS Key in each keyboard layout

Every row on this page was matched to a line in the documentation above on 6 October 2026. A binding that could not be found there is not listed.

Found a wrong or missing key? Tell us and it gets checked against the source. How we verify describes the process and its limits.