Use a braille display with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids and Drawings

You can use a braille display to read and edit files on Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drawings.

Recommended browser and screen readers

Docs editors recommends Chrome and:

• NVDA or JAWS on Windows
• ChromeVox on ChromeOS
• VoiceOver on macOS

Turn on braille support

1. On your computer, open a document, spreadsheet, presentation or drawing.
2. In the Tools menu, select Accessibility settings.
3. Select Turn on screen reader support.
4. Select Turn on braille support.

Tip: You can also use shortcuts:

• On Windows/ChromeOS: Ctrl + Alt + h
• On Mac: ⌘ + Option + h

Use files with braille support

After you turn on braille support, you'll notice the following improvements:

• You can use the cursor routing buttons on your braille display to move the cursor.
• You can use many of your usual screen reader shortcuts, in addition to keyboard shortcuts.
• Faster screen reader typing echo.
• Faster screen reader navigation handling when you navigate by character.
• Better screen reader announcements of punctuation and whitespace.
• While you type, your screen reader uses its settings for character echo and word echo instead of always echoing characters.

Turn off braille support

1. On your computer, open a document, spreadsheet, presentation or drawing.
2. In the Tools menu, select Accessibility settings.
3. Deselect Turn on braille support.

Important: This article refers to Vids, a product available for selected users to test in alpha and in Google Workspace Labs. It's an invite-only programme for users to try new AI features. Users with Vids access can invite Workspace account users to find, edit and collaborate on a video. Workspace Labs is currently available to trusted testers in English and may not be available in your country or region.