JAWS - Convenient OCR layered hotkeys

JAWS - Convenient OCR layered hotkeys

Problem

A JAWS user would like to scan from a paper document using an attached flatbed scanner or Pearl camera.

Applies to

  1. JAWS/Fusion

Detail

Convenient OCR is a group of JAWS features that allow it to assist with reading printed text from hard copy, photos or Windows applications.  


Resolution

To use JAWS convenient OCR you must have a compatible TWAIN compliant flatbed scanner attached to your computer. 


Convenient OCR hotkeys

To activate the feature preess the JAWSKey+SPACEBAR chord to activate the layered key mode. Then enter the letter sequentially to access the desired feature.

INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, A. Recognizes images captured from a camera or scanner.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, F. Recognizes the currently selected image file.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, D. Recognizes the currently open PDF document.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, R. If Microsoft Office is installed, recognizes the currently selected image file and places the recognized text into a Word document.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, W. Recognizes the current application window that has focus.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, S. Recognizes the entire screen.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, C. Recognizes the currently selected control, such as a graphical button.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, Q. Cancels recognition while it is in progress.
INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, QUESTION MARK. Speaks a brief help message describing the commands in the OCR layer.



Idea
Tip
On completion of the scanning operation JAWEs will display the text in the results viewer window.  If you wish to retain the information copy/paste into another document and save it for future reference. 

    • Related Articles

    • JAWS - General keystroke hotkeys

      Problem A customer wishes to familiarise themselves the general hotkeys that work with most Windows applications including web browsers. Applies to JAWS Resolution Please find below the list og general JAWS hotkey shortcuts that work for most apps. ...
    • JAWS - Using layered keystrokes to access features

      Problem A JAWS user would like information on using layered keystrokes to access certain JAWS features. Applies to JAWS Resolution Since there are many more functions available to JAWS than there are usable hotkeys, some functions are grouped below a ...
    • JAWS - Change to convenient OCR in December 2025 update

      Problem JAWS users previously had a number of convenient OCR commands for different tasks they had to remember which made using the feature more complicated. Applies to JAWS Fusion Resolution In the December update of JAWS/Fusion 2025 some changes ...
    • JAWS - Convenient OCR does not work

      Problem A customer running JAWS uses the keystroke to invoke Convenient OCR feature but this does not work. Applies to: JAWS Fusion Resolution Please check the installed version of Microsoft Office software in Apps and Features, for the convenient ...
    • JAWS hotkeys for Microsoft Excel

      Information Below hotkeys provided by JAWS for using Microsoft Excel. Informational Keystrokes for Columns Description Command List cells in current column INSERT+SHIFT+C Read column total INSERT+NUM PAD ENTER Say column title INSERT+ALT+SHIFT+C Set ...