Updated: October 2026
Proofreading with NVDA means checking your writing by ear and by command. You read line by line, spell out doubtful words, check formatting, and review tracked changes and comments, all with keyboard shortcuts instead of a visual scan.
The hard part is not finding one shortcut. It is knowing which commands work in Word and which in Google Docs, and which change on a laptop keyboard layout.
This guide covers how to set up NVDA, the commands for reading, spelling and formatting, and how to handle Track Changes, comments and suggestions in Word and Google Docs. Every shortcut shows both the Desktop and Laptop keyboard layouts. If you are still choosing a screen reader, see my NVDA vs JAWS comparison.
Let’s start with the quick answer.
Quick answer: To proofread with NVDA, read each line with NVDA+Up Arrow (NVDA+L on a laptop layout), press it twice to spell doubtful words, move word by word with Ctrl+Arrow, check formatting with NVDA+F, then listen to the whole document with NVDA+Down Arrow (NVDA+A on a laptop layout).
Why Is Proofreading Harder Without Sight?
Why NVDA Is My Go-To for Proofreading
Proofreading as a blind or visually impaired person comes with its fair share of challenges. But screen readers like NVDA make it not only possible but much easier. Here’s how NVDA with its text-to-speech proofreading features helps me tackle some common hurdles:
1. Finding Typos and Grammar Mistakes: Without being able to visually scan text, spotting typos or missing commas can feel like a guessing game. NVDA takes the guesswork out by reading text aloud or spelling out words, helping me catch errors with ease.
2. Understanding Formatting: Styles like bold, italics, or headings don’t stand out when you can’t see them. NVDA announces these details, making sure I don’t miss important formatting.
3. Working with Complex Documents: Reviewing files with tables, charts, or multiple sections can feel overwhelming. NVDA simplifies this by reading table headers, describing content, and helping me move through sections efficiently.
4. Collaborating on Edits: Managing comments, track changes, or suggestions can be tricky without the right tools. NVDA lets me jump between edits, read feedback, and address suggestions without losing track of anything.
5. Checking Punctuation: Punctuation might seem small, but it’s critical for clarity. NVDA’s settings let me focus on commas, periods, and other details to ensure everything reads smoothly.
6. Handling Non-Accessible Files: Not all PDFs or older documents are screen reader-friendly, which can make proofreading frustrating. NVDA works well with properly formatted PDFs, but for untagged or tricky files, tools like Adobe Acrobat can add tags or convert the document into a more accessible format.
How Do I Set Up NVDA for Proofreading?
Before you jump into proofreading, it’s worth taking a few minutes to set up NVDA in a way that works best for you. Here’s how I do it:
Adjust the Speech Rate: Open the NVDA menu with NVDA+N, then go to Preferences, Settings and Speech, and pick a speed you are comfortable with. If you are new to NVDA, start slow and increase it gradually.
Turn on Punctuation: Press NVDA+P to cycle through none, some, most, and all punctuation levels. Choose most or all while proofreading so you don’t miss commas, periods, or other punctuation.
Enable Braille Support: If you use a Braille display, turn it on in NVDA’s Settings under Braille. This adds a tactile way to double-check your work.
Choose Your NVDA Key and Layout: NVDA uses Insert by default. You can also use Caps Lock, which many people find easier on a laptop. Choose it in the Welcome dialog the first time NVDA starts, or later under Keyboard in NVDA’s Settings. You can pick the Desktop or Laptop keyboard layout in the same place.
Which NVDA Commands Do I Need to Proofread?
Proofreading with NVDA becomes much easier when you know the right shortcuts. In this guide, NVDA means the key you chose during setup, either Insert or Caps Lock. Shortcuts show the Desktop layout first, with the Laptop layout in brackets where it differs.
Basic Navigation
Read the Current Line: Press NVDA+Up Arrow (NVDA+L on a laptop layout) to hear the line you’re on.
Move Line by Line: Use the Up Arrow to go to the previous line or the Down Arrow to move to the next one.
Spell a Line: Press NVDA+Up Arrow (NVDA+L on a laptop layout) twice quickly to hear the line spelled out letter by letter.
Read the Entire Document: Press NVDA+Down Arrow (NVDA+A on a laptop layout) to start reading from your current position.
Navigating Sentences, Paragraphs, and Headings
Move by Sentence: In Word, press Alt+Down Arrow for the next sentence or Alt+Up Arrow for the previous one.
Move by Paragraph: Use Ctrl + Down Arrow to jump to the next paragraph or Ctrl + Up Arrow to go back.
List Headings and Other Elements: Press NVDA+F7 to open the elements list, which shows headings, links, and other items.
Jump by Headings: In browse mode, press H to move forward through headings and Shift+H to go back. In Word this may work only when browse mode is on, so the elements list is often the quicker option.
Formatting and Punctuation
Check Formatting: Press NVDA+F to hear details like bold, italics, or heading levels. Press it twice to open the details in a window.
Adjust Punctuation Levels: Press NVDA + P to switch between none, some, most, or all punctuation being announced.
Editing and Selecting Text
Move Word by Word: Use Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow to navigate one word at a time.
Select Text: Hold Shift while using the arrow keys to highlight text. Add Ctrl for selecting word by word.
Cut, Copy, and Paste: Use Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, and Ctrl + V to edit text.
Working with Tables
Move Between Cells: Use Ctrl + Alt + Right/Left Arrow to navigate cells in a row.
Move Between Rows: Use Ctrl + Alt + Down/Up Arrow to move up or down in a table.
Collaborating on Edits
Review Changes in Microsoft Word:
Jump Between Changes: Press Alt+R to open the Review tab, then use Tab to reach the Previous and Next buttons.
Accept or Reject Changes: In the Review tab, use Tab to reach the Accept and Reject buttons and press Enter.
Navigate Comments in Google Docs: Hold Ctrl+Alt, then press N then C for the next comment, or P then C for the previous one.
Enable or Disable Track Changes in Word: Press Ctrl + Shift + E to toggle track changes on or off.
Spell Checking
Open Spell Check: Press F7 to access the spell check dialog.
Review Suggestions: Use the Arrow Keys to move through suggestions, and press Enter to choose one.
Advanced NVDA Features
Repeat Last Spoken Text: Press NVDA+X. Press it twice to open the text in a window.
Speech Viewer: Open the speech viewer by pressing NVDA + N, going to Tools, and selecting Speech Viewer. This provides a visual transcript of what NVDA reads aloud.
Element List: Press NVDA + F7 to access a list of headings, links, and other interactive elements.
Search and Navigation
Find Specific Text: Press Ctrl + F to locate a word or phrase.
Move Between Search Results: Use Enter to jump to the next result or Shift + Enter to go back.
Other Handy Commands
Read the Status Bar: Use NVDA+End (NVDA+Shift+End on a laptop layout).
• Stop Speech Quickly: Press Ctrl at any time to silence NVDA.
How Do I Proofread in Word with NVDA?
Microsoft Word has always been my go-to tool for proofreading. It’s universally used, highly accessible, and, most importantly, supports screen readers like NVDA. Together, they create a seamless experience that makes handling edits, comments, and formatting straightforward. One feature I rely on the most is Track Changes, which helps me stay organized and on top of every edit.
How do I use Track Changes with NVDA?
For those who may not be familiar, Track Changes is a feature in Word that highlights every addition, deletion, and modification made to a document. It’s incredibly useful for collaborative projects or when you need to review your own work. Here’s how I use it:
Turn on Track Changes: Press Ctrl+Shift+E, and NVDA will announce that Track Changes is on or off. From this point on, every edit is tracked for easy review.
Navigate Changes: Press Alt+R to open the Review tab, then use Tab to reach the Previous and Next buttons.
Accept or Reject Changes: In the Review tab (Alt+R), use Tab to reach the Accept and Reject buttons and press Enter.
Track Changes makes proofreading organized and efficient, especially when dealing with multiple edits or feedback.
How do I work with comments in Word using NVDA?
Comments in Word are another essential tool, particularly for collaborative projects. NVDA makes navigating and managing comments simple.
Add a Comment: Press Ctrl+Alt+M and type your comment.
Review Comments: Open the Review tab with Alt+R and use its comment buttons to move between comments.
Comments allow me to address feedback clearly and stay engaged in conversations about the document.
Checking Formatting
Formatting plays a key role in making a document look polished and professional. With NVDA, I can ensure no detail goes unnoticed.
Announce Formatting: Press NVDA+F to hear details like bold, italics, or heading levels.
Explore Headings: Press NVDA+F7 to open the elements list, making it quick and easy to move around long documents.
Navigating Tables
Tables used to feel scary, but NVDA has made them much easier to manage. Its tools provide precise navigation and context.
• Move Through Cells: Use Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys to navigate between cells. NVDA announces the content of each cell along with any associated headers, so I never lose my place.
Proofreading in Word with NVDA is efficient, accessible, and reliable. NVDA ensures every aspect of the document is accessible and easy to interact with. Together, they help me tackle everything from tracking edits to navigating complex tables with confidence.
How Do I Proofread in Google Docs with NVDA?
While Word is my go-to, Google Docs is great for collaboration. With NVDA, I can easily work through comments, suggestions, and edits.
Setting Up Google Docs
Enable Screen Reader Support: Press Ctrl + Alt + Z to turn it on. NVDA will confirm with “Screen reader support enabled.”
Enable Braille Support: If you use a Braille display, press Ctrl+Alt+H.
How do I move through comments in Google Docs?
Adding Comments: Press Ctrl + Alt + M to add a comment where the cursor is.
Navigating Comments: Hold Ctrl+Alt, then press N then C for the next comment, or P then C for the previous one.
Replying to Comments: Move to a comment, press R, then type your reply.
How do I review suggestions in Google Docs?
Google Docs’ Suggesting Mode is its version of Track Changes.
Turning on Suggesting Mode: Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X to switch to Suggesting mode.
Navigating Suggestions:
Jump to the next suggestion: hold Ctrl+Alt, then press N then U.
Move back: hold Ctrl+Alt, then press P then U.
Accepting or Rejecting Suggestions: Press Alt+/ to open the tool finder, type Accept suggestion or Reject suggestion, and press Enter.
Advanced Navigation in Google Docs
Headings Navigation: Hold Ctrl+Alt, then press N then H to jump to the next heading, or P then H for the previous one. Press A then H to open the outline.
Tables: Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+T and then a letter, such as M for the next row or B for the next column.
What Habits Make Proofreading With NVDA Faster?
Proofreading isn’t just about the tools you use—it’s about developing habits and strategies that make the process smoother and more effective. Here are some practical tips that have helped me improve my workflow:
1. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
Find a quiet spot where you can concentrate fully. Turn off notifications on your devices and, if possible, use noise-canceling headphones to block out background noise.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Proofreading for long stretches can be mentally draining. To stay focused, try the Pomodoro technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This keeps your mind fresh and prevents fatigue.
3. Proofread in Small Sections
Breaking a large document into smaller sections can make the task feel more manageable. Review one section at a time, and revisit earlier sections later to catch anything you might have missed.
4. Pay Attention to Key Details
Be extra careful with elements like dates, figures, and proper nouns. These are often critical to a document and can easily slip through unnoticed.
5. Leverage NVDA’s Shortcuts
Mastering NVDA’s commands can significantly speed up your proofreading. Whether it’s jumping between headings, navigating tables, or checking formatting, these shortcuts save time and ensure accuracy.
6. Use Microsoft Word’s Read Aloud Feature
Microsoft Word includes a built-in Read Aloud tool that reads the document out loud. It’s a great way to hear the flow of your text and spot awkward phrasing or errors. You can start it from the Review tab (Alt+R). NVDA can also complement this feature by providing additional feedback.
7. Tweak NVDA’s Punctuation Settings
Adjust NVDA’s punctuation verbosity based on your needs. For example, set it to “all” when proofreading for detailed accuracy or “some” for a quick review.
8. Highlight Areas for Focus
Use the highlight tool in Word or Google Docs to mark sections that need extra attention. This makes it easy to revisit specific areas without losing your place.
9. Experiment with Different Voices in NVDA
Changing NVDA’s voice can offer a fresh perspective. For instance, installing an Eloquence add-on or choosing another speech synthesizer might help you catch nuances in phrasing or emphasis. See my guide to the best NVDA add-ons for more.
10. Double-Check with Another Tool
Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s Editor provide an additional layer of proofreading for grammar, spelling, and style. These tools are excellent complements to NVDA’s capabilities.
11. Collaborate Effectively
When working on shared documents, ensure collaborators provide feedback in accessible formats. For example, ask them to write clear and specific comments in Word or Google Docs.
12. Sync Work on Shared Files
If you’re collaborating, frequently save and sync your changes to avoid overwriting edits. Use clear file names or version numbers to track progress.
13. End with a Final Read-Through
Once you’ve addressed all comments and made edits, do a complete read-through of the document. This last pass ensures the tone and flow are consistent, and no errors are left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I proofread a document with NVDA?
Read each line with NVDA+Up Arrow (NVDA+L on a laptop layout), press it twice to spell a word, move by word with Ctrl+Left or Right Arrow, check formatting with NVDA+F, and read the whole document with NVDA+Down Arrow (NVDA+A on a laptop layout).
How do I check formatting with NVDA?
Press NVDA+F to hear details such as bold, italics and heading levels. Press it twice to open the details in a window.
How do I turn on Track Changes in Word with NVDA?
Press Ctrl+Shift+E. NVDA announces the state. Use the Review tab (Alt+R) for accepting and rejecting changes.
How do I use comments in Google Docs with NVDA?
Turn on screen reader support with Ctrl+Alt+Z. Add a comment with Ctrl+Alt+M. Hold Ctrl+Alt, then press N then C to move to the next comment, or P then C for the previous one. Press R on a selected comment to reply.
Can I use Caps Lock as the NVDA key?
Yes. NVDA uses Insert by default, and you can also choose Caps Lock in the Welcome dialog or in Keyboard settings.
Conclusion
Proofreading as a blind or visually impaired person might feel intimidating at first, but it’s a skill you can develop with time and practice. With the right techniques and a thoughtful approach, what once seemed difficult can become a manageable and even enjoyable process.
The tips I’ve shared are based on my own experiences and have helped me approach proofreading with confidence. It’s not just about spotting errors—it’s about ensuring that your words communicate exactly what you want them to. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to refining your skills and creating work you’re proud of.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all method. Take your time, experiment, and find what works best for you. Each document you review is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
What has worked for you when it comes to proofreading? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s share and learn together!
