JAWS – Read inside a text box in Microsoft Word

JAWS – Read inside a text box in Microsoft Word

Problem

A JAWS user encounters a Microsoft Word document that contains text boxes they are unable to read.

Applies to

  1. Microsoft Word and JAWS

Resolution

When a document with text boxes is opened the text cursor will not read inside text boxes, instead the text cursor will traverse the document without going inside text boxes which prevents the user from reading any text content contained within them.  When you encounter a document with text boxes proceed using the steps below to read within the text boxes:

  1. Press CONTROL+SHIFT+O to open a list of in-line document objects.
  2. Use UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select the text box element of interest, then press ENTER.
  3. The text cursor will then be placed within the text box to allow reading of any contained text as normal.
  4. To read another text box press CONTROL+SHIFT+O, then select another text box and press ENTER to navigate the text inside it.


    • Related Articles

    • JAWS – Read text inside text boxes in Microsoft Word

      Problem A customer having opened a Microsoft Word document can only hear text boxes announced but no text is read. Applies to JAWS Fusion Explanation: The editing cursor is prevented from reading what is inside a text box which mean text contained ...

    • JAWS - Hotkey shortcuts for Microsoft Word

      Problem You wish to know hotkeys JAWS supportts in Microsoft Word application. See also Microsoft Office hotkey shortcuts. Applies to JAWS Resolution Please find below JAWS hotkeys for Microsoft Word. Navigation Description Command Move forward one ...

    • JAWS – Loss of Virtual PC cursor in Microsoft Edge and Chrome

      Problem When using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge text from the Virtual PC Cursor is not read. JAWS speaks blank in response to UP/DOWN ARROW keys. Applies to JAWS 2025 Cause This is due to an Google update whcih affects both Google Chrome and ...

    • JAWS - Unable to read Word document in protected view

      Problem A customer has received a document which they cannot read because it opens in protected view. Applies to JAWS Fusion Detail When receiving a Word document from a third party or downloaded from the Internet it is possible the document may open ...

    • JAWS – Automatically reading font attribute information in Microsoft Word

      Problem A JAWS Customer may use the hotkey JAWSKey+F to read off the font information whilst in a Microsoft Word document but that may not be convenient in a large or complex document with frequent font attribute changes. Resolution JAWS has various ...