Use a braille display with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides & Drawings

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

Recommended browser & 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/Chrome OS: 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.
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