> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/nvaccess/nvda/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start Guide

> Get started with NVDA's essential commands and features

## Overview

This quick start guide will help you begin using NVDA effectively. You'll learn the most commonly used keystrokes and essential features to navigate Windows and applications.

<Info>
  For comprehensive training, the "Basic Training for NVDA" module is available from the [NV Access Shop](https://www.nvaccess.org/shop). It covers everything from getting started to browsing the web and using object navigation.
</Info>

## The NVDA Modifier Key

Most NVDA-specific keyboard commands use the **NVDA modifier key** in conjunction with other keys. Understanding this key is essential for using NVDA.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Insert" icon="keyboard">
    Desktop and most laptops
  </Card>

  <Card title="Numpad Insert" icon="keyboard">
    Desktop with numpad (Num Lock off)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Caps Lock" icon="keyboard">
    Optional alternative (can be enabled in settings)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  By default, both the `Insert` and `Numpad Insert` keys are set as NVDA modifier keys. Throughout this guide, we'll refer to this as `NVDA+[key]`.
</Note>

### Using the Modifier Key

If you want to use one of these keys for its normal function (e.g., turning Caps Lock on when it's set as an NVDA modifier), press the key **twice in quick succession**.

## Keyboard Layouts

NVDA supports two keyboard layouts:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Desktop Layout" icon="desktop">
    Makes heavy use of the numpad (with Num Lock off). Best for users with a full-size keyboard.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Laptop Layout" icon="laptop">
    Designed for laptops without a numpad. Remaps numpad functions to other key combinations.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  You can switch between layouts in the Keyboard category of NVDA Settings (found under Preferences in the NVDA menu).
</Info>

## Essential Commands

Here are the most frequently used NVDA commands:

### Starting and Stopping NVDA

| Action       | Desktop Key            | Laptop Key             | Description                              |
| ------------ | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Start NVDA   | `Ctrl+Alt+N`           | `Ctrl+Alt+N`           | Starts or restarts NVDA from the desktop |
| Exit NVDA    | `NVDA+Q`, then `Enter` | `NVDA+Q`, then `Enter` | Exits NVDA completely                    |
| Pause speech | `Shift`                | `Shift`                | Pauses speech; press again to continue   |
| Stop speech  | `Ctrl`                 | `Ctrl`                 | Instantly stops speaking                 |

### The NVDA Menu

The NVDA menu provides access to settings, tools, help, and more.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the NVDA Menu">
    Press `NVDA+N` on the keyboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate the Menu">
    Use arrow keys to navigate menu items
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate an Item">
    Press `Enter` to activate the selected menu item
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Alternative methods:

  * Perform a 2-finger double-tap on a touchscreen
  * Access the system tray with `Windows+B`, arrow down to the NVDA icon, and press `Enter`
</Info>

### Input Help Mode

Input Help is an excellent way to learn NVDA commands. When enabled, NVDA will announce any key you press and describe its function without actually executing the command.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Turn On Input Help" icon="question-circle">
    Press `NVDA+1`
  </Card>

  <Card title="Turn Off Input Help" icon="times-circle">
    Press `NVDA+1` again
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  While in input help mode, commands will not execute - you're just learning what they do!
</Note>

## Reading Text

NVDA provides several commands for reading text at different levels:

### Basic Reading Commands

| Action            | Desktop Key           | Laptop Key     | Description                                                                      |
| ----------------- | --------------------- | -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Say all           | `NVDA+Down Arrow`     | `NVDA+A`       | Reads from current position to the end                                           |
| Read current line | `NVDA+Up Arrow`       | `NVDA+L`       | Reads the current line (press twice to spell, three times for phonetic spelling) |
| Read selection    | `NVDA+Shift+Up Arrow` | `NVDA+Shift+S` | Reads any selected text                                                          |
| Read clipboard    | `NVDA+C`              | `NVDA+C`       | Reads text on the clipboard                                                      |

<Info>
  Pressing most reading commands twice will spell the information. Pressing three times will spell it using character descriptions (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.).
</Info>

## Reporting Location and Information

These commands help you understand where you are and what's on screen:

| Action                  | Desktop Key | Laptop Key       | Description                            |
| ----------------------- | ----------- | ---------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Window title            | `NVDA+T`    | `NVDA+T`         | Reports the title of the active window |
| Report focus            | `NVDA+Tab`  | `NVDA+Tab`       | Reports the control that has focus     |
| Read window             | `NVDA+B`    | `NVDA+B`         | Reads the entire current window        |
| Read status bar         | `NVDA+End`  | `NVDA+Shift+End` | Reports the status bar if found        |
| Read time               | `NVDA+F12`  | `NVDA+F12`       | Once for time, twice for date          |
| Report formatting       | `NVDA+F`    | `NVDA+F`         | Reports text formatting at cursor      |
| Report link destination | `NVDA+K`    | `NVDA+K`         | Speaks the URL of the link at cursor   |

## Configuring Speech Output

Control what NVDA announces as you type and interact:

| Action                 | Key      | Description                                |
| ---------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Speak typed characters | `NVDA+2` | Toggles character echo on/off              |
| Speak typed words      | `NVDA+3` | Toggles word echo on/off                   |
| Speak command keys     | `NVDA+4` | Toggles announcement of non-character keys |
| Enable mouse tracking  | `NVDA+M` | Announces text under mouse pointer         |

### The Synth Settings Ring

The synth settings ring allows quick adjustment of speech settings from anywhere:

| Action           | Desktop Key             | Laptop Key                    | Description                                    |
| ---------------- | ----------------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Next setting     | `NVDA+Ctrl+Right Arrow` | `NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+Right Arrow` | Moves to next speech setting                   |
| Previous setting | `NVDA+Ctrl+Left Arrow`  | `NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+Left Arrow`  | Moves to previous speech setting               |
| Increase setting | `NVDA+Ctrl+Up Arrow`    | `NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+Up Arrow`    | Increases current setting (rate, volume, etc.) |
| Decrease setting | `NVDA+Ctrl+Down Arrow`  | `NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+Down Arrow`  | Decreases current setting                      |

<Info>
  Settings you can adjust: speech rate, voice selection, volume, pitch, and more.
</Info>

## Web Navigation

When browsing web pages, NVDA provides single-letter navigation for quick movement:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Headings" icon="heading">
    Press `H` to move to next heading
  </Card>

  <Card title="Links" icon="link">
    Press `K` to move to next link
  </Card>

  <Card title="Form Fields" icon="input-text">
    Press `F` to move to next form field
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tables" icon="table">
    Press `T` to move to next table
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lists" icon="list">
    Press `L` to move to next list
  </Card>

  <Card title="Landmarks" icon="map-marker">
    Press `D` to move to next landmark
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Press `Shift` plus any of these letters to move to the **previous** element of that type. For example, `Shift+H` moves to the previous heading.
</Note>

### Heading Levels

Press `1` through `9` to jump to headings at specific levels:

```text theme={null}
1 = Heading level 1
2 = Heading level 2
3 = Heading level 3
... and so on
```

### Elements List

The Elements List provides an overview of links, headings, and other elements on a page:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Elements List">
    Press `NVDA+F7`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch Element Types">
    Use radio buttons to switch between links, headings, form fields, buttons, or landmarks
  </Step>

  <Step title="Filter the List">
    Type in the search field to filter elements
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Element">
    Select an element and press `Enter` to jump to it on the page
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Touch Gestures (Touchscreen Devices)

If you're running NVDA on a device with a touchscreen, you can control NVDA with touch:

<Note>
  Touch interaction support must be enabled. Toggle it with `NVDA+Ctrl+Alt+T`.
</Note>

### Basic Touch Gestures

| Gesture                      | Action                                   |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Tap**                      | Announce control or text at touch point  |
| **Double-tap**               | Activate the control                     |
| **Flick left/right/up/down** | Navigate in different directions         |
| **3-finger tap**             | Toggle between text mode and object mode |

### Exploring the Screen

<Steps>
  <Step title="Place Finger on Screen">
    Touch anywhere on the screen
  </Step>

  <Step title="Move Around">
    Keep your finger on the screen and move it to explore controls and text
  </Step>

  <Step title="Lift to Stop">
    Lift your finger when you find what you're looking for
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Speech Modes

NVDA provides different speech modes for various situations:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Talk (Default)" icon="volume-high">
    NVDA speaks normally in reaction to screen changes and actions
  </Card>

  <Card title="On-demand" icon="hand-pointer">
    NVDA only speaks when you use reporting commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Off" icon="volume-mute">
    NVDA doesn't speak but still reacts to commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Beeps" icon="bell">
    NVDA replaces speech with short beeps
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Cycle through speech modes:** Press `NVDA+S`

<Info>
  Beeps mode is useful when verbose output is scrolling (like in a terminal) but you only care that output is continuing. On-demand mode is useful when you don't need constant feedback.
</Info>

## Object Navigation

Object navigation lets you explore the current application or Operating System without moving the focus or caret:

| Action                         | Desktop Key         | Laptop Key               | Description                          |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------ |
| Report current object          | `NVDA+Numpad 5`     | `NVDA+Shift+O`           | Reports the current navigator object |
| Move to containing object      | `NVDA+Numpad 8`     | `NVDA+Shift+Up Arrow`    | Moves to parent object               |
| Move to previous object        | `NVDA+Numpad 4`     | `NVDA+Shift+Left Arrow`  | Moves to previous object             |
| Move to next object            | `NVDA+Numpad 6`     | `NVDA+Shift+Right Arrow` | Moves to next object                 |
| Move to first contained object | `NVDA+Numpad 2`     | `NVDA+Shift+Down Arrow`  | Moves into first child object        |
| Move to focus object           | `NVDA+Numpad Minus` | `NVDA+Backspace`         | Returns to focused object            |
| Activate object                | `NVDA+Numpad Enter` | `NVDA+Enter`             | Activates current object             |

<Warning>
  Numpad keys require Num Lock to be turned **off** to work properly.
</Warning>

## Customizing Settings

Most NVDA functions can be customized via NVDA Settings:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open NVDA Menu">
    Press `NVDA+N`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access Preferences">
    Navigate to Preferences, then Settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Category">
    Select from categories like Speech, Braille, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust Settings">
    Make your changes and press `Enter` to apply
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Quick access to settings:**

* General settings: `NVDA+Ctrl+G`
* Synthesizer settings: `NVDA+Ctrl+S`
* Voice settings: `NVDA+Ctrl+V`

## Add-ons

Add-ons extend NVDA's functionality. Access them through the Add-on Store:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Add-on Store">
    Press `NVDA+N`, then `T` for Tools, then `A` for Add-on Store
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse Available Add-ons">
    Use arrow keys or press the first letter of an add-on name to navigate
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read Add-on Details">
    Press `Tab` to read the description and details
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install an Add-on">
    Press `Enter` on the add-on, then select "Install" from the actions menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart NVDA">
    After installing add-ons, restart NVDA for them to take effect
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Add-ons are developed by the community and are unaffiliated with NV Access. Always verify the developer before installing.
</Warning>

## Getting Help

NVDA provides several resources for learning and support:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="User Guide" icon="book">
    Press `NVDA+N`, then `H` for Help to access the full user guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Commands Quick Reference" icon="keyboard">
    Available from the Help menu - lists all keyboard commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community Support" icon="users">
    Email user groups provide community help and answers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Training Materials" icon="graduation-cap">
    Comprehensive training modules available from the NV Access Shop
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### NV Access Resources

* **Basic Training for NVDA**: Available in electronic text, audio, and Braille formats
* **Telephone Support**: Available in blocks or as part of the NVDA Productivity Bundle
* **NVDA Certified Experts**: Professional support from certified users

<Info>
  The [In-Process blog](https://www.nvaccess.org/category/in-process/) provides regular updates about NVDA development and features.
</Info>

## Tips for Success

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use Input Help" icon="lightbulb">
    Turn on Input Help (`NVDA+1`) when learning new commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Practice Navigation" icon="compass">
    Spend time practicing object navigation and web navigation commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Adjust Speech Rate" icon="tachometer-alt">
    Find a comfortable speech rate using the synth settings ring
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join the Community" icon="users">
    Connect with other NVDA users for tips and support
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, explore:

* **Browse Mode**: Learn advanced web navigation techniques
* **Configuration Profiles**: Create different settings for different tasks
* **Braille Support**: If you use a braille display, configure braille settings
* **Add-ons**: Discover add-ons that enhance NVDA for your specific needs

<Card title="Full User Guide" icon="book" href="https://www.nvaccess.org/files/nvda/documentation/userGuide.html">
  Access the complete NVDA User Guide for in-depth information on all features
</Card>