> ## 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.

# Basic Usage

> Learn the fundamental features and operations of NVDA screen reader

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free and open source screen reader for Microsoft Windows. This guide covers the essential operations you need to get started.

## 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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Speech Support" icon="volume-high">
    Built-in speech synthesizer supporting over 80 languages with automatic language switching
  </Card>

  <Card title="Braille Support" icon="braille">
    Support for refreshable braille displays with automatic detection and braille input
  </Card>

  <Card title="Web Access" icon="browser">
    Full support for modern web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, and Edge
  </Card>

  <Card title="Office Support" icon="file">
    Complete access to Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Starting and Stopping NVDA

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Exit NVDA">
    Press `NVDA+Q`, then press `Enter` to confirm. NVDA will close and stop speaking.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## The NVDA Modifier Key

The NVDA modifier key is used in combination with other keys to perform NVDA-specific commands.

**Default modifier keys:**

* `Insert` key (on most keyboards)
* `Numpad 0` (with Num Lock off)
* `Caps Lock` (can be enabled in settings)

<Tip>
  You can press the NVDA modifier key twice quickly to send it through to the application (e.g., to turn Caps Lock on when using it as a modifier).
</Tip>

## Reading Text

### Say All

To read continuously from the current position:

| Layout  | Keystroke         |
| ------- | ----------------- |
| Desktop | `NVDA+Down Arrow` |
| Laptop  | `NVDA+A`          |

Press `Shift` to pause speech, or `Control` to stop completely.

### Reading Current Information

<Accordion title="Read Current Line">
  **Desktop:** `NVDA+Up Arrow`\
  **Laptop:** `NVDA+L`

  * Press once: Reads the current line
  * Press twice: Spells the line
  * Press three times: Spells using phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie)
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Read Clipboard">
  **Keystroke:** `NVDA+C`

  Reads any text on the clipboard. Press twice to spell, three times for phonetic spelling.
</Accordion>

## 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

Press `NVDA+F12`:

* Once: Reports current time
* Twice: Reports the date

The format matches your Windows system tray clock settings.

### Text Formatting

Press `NVDA+F` to report formatting of text at the cursor:

* Font name and size
* Bold, italic, underline
* Text color
* Alignment
* Spelling errors

Press twice to show formatting in a browseable window.

## Speech Control

### Basic Speech Commands

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Stop Speech" icon="stop">
    Press `Control` to immediately stop speaking
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pause Speech" icon="pause">
    Press `Shift` to pause. Press again to resume where it left off
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Speech 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`  |

**Settings you can adjust:**

* Speech rate
* Voice selection
* Volume
* Pitch
* Inflection

## Input Help Mode

Input Help mode is perfect for learning NVDA commands.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Input Help">
    Press `NVDA+1` to turn on Input Help mode
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Disable Input Help">
    Press `NVDA+1` again to turn off Input Help and return to normal operation
  </Step>
</Steps>

## The NVDA Menu

Access NVDA's menu to control settings and access help:

**Open the menu:**

* Press `NVDA+N` on the keyboard
* Perform a 2-finger double-tap on touch screens
* Right-click the NVDA icon in the system tray

**Menu contents:**

* 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`

<Info>
  Use sleep mode for applications that have their own speech or screen reading features. NVDA retains sleep mode only until restart.
</Info>

## 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:

<Accordion title="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
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Laptop Layout">
  Designed for laptops without a numeric keypad. Uses alternative key combinations.

  **Advantages:**

  * Works on any keyboard
  * Doesn't require Num Lock management
</Accordion>

<Note>
  Change keyboard layout in Preferences > Settings > Keyboard (press `NVDA+Control+K`).
</Note>

## Getting Help

NVDA provides multiple ways to get assistance:

<Steps>
  <Step title="User Guide">
    Press `NVDA+N`, then `H` for Help menu, then `U` for User Guide
  </Step>

  <Step title="Commands Reference">
    Access a quick reference of all NVDA commands from the Help menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Context Help">
    Press `F1` in any settings dialog to open help for that specific setting
  </Step>

  <Step title="Community Support">
    Join the NVDA users mailing list or visit community forums for peer support
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, explore these guides:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Navigation" icon="compass" href="/user-guide/navigation">
    Learn advanced navigation techniques
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keyboard Commands" icon="keyboard" href="/user-guide/keyboard-commands">
    Complete reference of all keyboard shortcuts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/user-guide/configuration">
    Customize NVDA to your preferences
  </Card>

  <Card title="Supported Applications" icon="window" href="/user-guide/supported-applications">
    Discover application-specific features
  </Card>
</CardGroup>