How to Enable Laptop Mode in JAWS

Before using these commands, ensure JAWS is set to Laptop Keyboard Layout for optimal navigation:

1. Open JAWS Options Menu (JAWS Key + J).
2. Go to Basics > Use Keyboard Layout.
3. Select Laptop and click OK to apply.

Now, you can navigate documents, web pages, and applications efficiently using these powerful keystrokes.

Character Navigation Commands

These commands help you verify and move through text character by character—useful for editing or spelling checks.

• Say Prior Character (CAPS LOCK + M) → Speaks the character before the cursor.
• Say Next Character (CAPS LOCK + PERIOD (.)) → Speaks the character after the cursor.
• Say Current Character (CAPS LOCK + COMMA (,)) → Announces the character under the cursor.
• Say Character Phonetically (CAPS LOCK + COMMA (,) twice quickly) → Spells the character using phonetic alphabet (e.g., “A as in Alpha”).

Usage Tip: Great for precise editing, password entry, or reading complex symbols.

Word Navigation Commands

Move and read entire words—ideal for quick scanning and proofreading.

• Say Prior Word (CAPS LOCK + J) → Reads the word before the cursor.
• Say Next Word (CAPS LOCK + L) → Reads the word after the cursor.
• Say Current Word (CAPS LOCK + K) → Speaks the word where the cursor is located.
• Spell Current Word (CAPS LOCK + K twice quickly) → Spells the word letter by letter.

Usage Tip: Useful when reviewing documents or unfamiliar vocabulary.

Line Navigation Commands

Control text line-by-line—essential for reading emails, documents, and code.

• Say Prior Line (CAPS LOCK + U) → Reads the line above the cursor.
• Say Next Line (CAPS LOCK + O) → Reads the line below the cursor.
• Say Current Line (CAPS LOCK + I) → Announces the entire line where the cursor is placed.
• Spell Current Line (CAPS LOCK + I twice quickly) → Spells the current line character by character.

Usage Tip: Helpful for debugging code or verifying formatting.

Sentence & Paragraph Navigation

Navigate larger blocks of text—useful for long articles and reports.

Sentence Commands

• Say Prior Sentence (CAPS LOCK + Y) → Reads the sentence before the cursor.
• Say Next Sentence (CAPS LOCK + N) → Reads the sentence after the cursor.
• Say Current Sentence (CAPS LOCK + H) → Speaks the full sentence where the cursor is located.

Paragraph Commands

• Say Prior Paragraph (CAPS LOCK + CTRL + U) → Reads the previous paragraph.
• Say Next Paragraph (CAPS LOCK + CTRL + O) → Reads the next paragraph (in browsers, opens article list).
• Say Current Paragraph (CAPS LOCK + CTRL + I) → Announces the entire paragraph under the cursor.

Usage Tip: Best for skimming articles or reviewing structured documents.

Cursor-Based Reading

Read text relative to the cursor position—helpful for editing and reviewing.

• Say to Cursor (CAPS LOCK + HOME or CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + J) → Reads from the start of the document to the cursor.
• Say from Cursor (CAPS LOCK + PAGE UP or CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + L) → Reads from the cursor to the end of the document.
• Spell to Cursor (CAPS LOCK + HOME twice quickly) → Spells text from the start to the cursor.
• Spell from Cursor (CAPS LOCK + PAGE UP twice quickly) → Spells text from the cursor to the end.

Usage Tip: Essential for proofreading long documents.

Document & Window Navigation

Quickly access full content or selections.

• Say All (Entire Document) (CAPS LOCK + A or CAPS LOCK + DOWN ARROW) → Reads everything on the screen.
• Say Selected Text (CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + A or CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + DOWN ARROW) → Reads only highlighted text.
• Say Top Line of Window (CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + Y) → Announces the first visible line.
• Say Bottom Line of Window (CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + N) → Speaks the last visible line.

Usage Tip: Great for quickly reviewing selections or checking window boundaries.

Additional Useful Commands

Extra shortcuts for accessibility and efficiency.

• Say Color (CAPS LOCK + 5) → Reports the text color (useful for web design).
• Say Font (CAPS LOCK + F) → Announces the font name and size.
• Report Battery & Network Status (CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + B) → Useful for laptop users.
• Say ASCII/Hex Value (CAPS LOCK + COMMA (,) three times quickly) → Helpful for developers.

Table Navigation Shortcuts

Easily navigate data tables in documents and web pages.

• Say Current Table Cell (ALT + SHIFT + COMMA) → Reads the content of the current cell.
• Move to Prior Table Cell (ALT + SHIFT + M) → Jumps to the previous cell.
• Move to Next Table Cell (ALT + SHIFT + PERIOD) → Moves to the next cell.
• Move Up One Cell (ALT + SHIFT + Y) → Goes to the cell above.
• Move Down One Cell (ALT + SHIFT + N) → Goes to the cell below.

Usage Tip: Crucial for spreadsheet and data table navigation.

Skim Reading Commands

Quickly browse content without reading every word.

• Start Skim Reading (CTRL + CAPS LOCK + DOWN ARROW) → Jumps through text in chunks.
• Open Skim Reading Dialog (CTRL + CAPS LOCK + SHIFT + DOWN ARROW) → Customize skim reading speed and mode.

Usage Tip: Perfect for scanning news articles or long reports.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these JAWS Laptop Keyboard Commands enhances productivity for screen reader users. Whether you’re reading, editing, or navigating complex documents, these shortcuts save time and improve accessibility.

Bookmark this guide for quick reference and practice regularly for seamless navigation!