Use a screen reader in the Canva Editor
You can navigate and edit Canva designs using a screen reader on the desktop app and browser. This lets you cycle through elements, access toolbars, and create or modify content using keyboard shortcuts.
- Responsive design types like Docs aren’t supported at this time.
- Screen reader support is available on a desktop browser only. Mobile support is experimental and may not provide a complete or consistent experience.
- For the best experience, we recommend using the following:
- JAWS + Chrome
- NVDA + Firefox
- Voiceover + Chrome
Canva Editor mode
- Edit mode - the default when you have edit access. For best results, use focus mode in NVDA or turn off the virtual cursor in JAWS so you can interact with toolbars, shortcuts, and elements.
- View mode - a read-only mode for reviewing designs. It’s on by default if you don’t have edit access, and you can turn it on manually from the Menu bar. Browse mode (virtual cursor) works well here.
What you can do with a screen reader
- Move between elements in a design.
- Hear descriptions of text, images, shapes, and other elements.
- Create and edit content.
- Jump between key surfaces of the editor.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to perform actions and hear edit announcements.
Supported elements and design types
Screen reader navigation works with these elements and design types:
- Text, shape, image, video, and line elements
- Table and frame elements
- Groups and grids
- Sticky notes
- Fixed designs (presentations, posters, social media)
- Unbounded designs (whiteboards)
Note: Support for additional elements and design types will be added soon as improvements continue
Canva Editor surfaces
The Canva editor has several surfaces you can navigate between:
• Menu bar - File actions, undo/redo, collaborator info, and page title.
• Side panel - Browse and insert elements, text, photos, videos, and uploads.
• Canvas - The main design area where you create and edit.
• Editor toolbar - Context-specific options for selected elements.
• Context menu - More actions menu on the floating toolbar with options such as Copy, Paste, Duplicate, and Delete for a selected element.
• Status bar - Notes, timers, zoom controls, and page management.
• Page navigator - Reorder, rename, and manage pages.
• Share menu - Manage visibility, collaborators, and downloads.
Tip: Press / to open quick actions for fast access to common editing operations and elements.
Essential Canva Editor shortcuts
Action | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
Move focus to Canvas | ⌘+F2 | Ctrl+F2 |
Move focus to the Editor toolbar (with an active selection) | ⌘+F1 | Ctrl+F1 |
Open More actions menu (Context menu) (with an active selection) | Shift+F10 | Shift+F10 |
Toggle Side panel (open/close) | ⌘+/ | Ctrl+/ |
Move focus to the Side panel | ⌘ + F3 | Ctrl + F3 |
Move to the next surface | ⌘+F6 | Ctrl+F6 |
Move to the previous surface | Shift+⌘+F6 | Shift+Ctrl+F6 |
Open Quick actions | / or ⌘ + E | / or Ctrl + E |
For the complete list of keyboard shortcuts, see Canva keyboard shortcuts.
Use a screen reader in the Editor
To navigate between pages
- Press ⌘+F2 (Mac) or Ctrl+F2 (Windows) to move focus to the Canvas.
- Press Enter, then use Arrow keys to move between pages.
To navigate between elements within a page
- Press ⌘+F2 (Mac) or Ctrl+F2 (Windows) to move focus to the Canvas.
- Double-press Enter to select an element within the page.
- Press Tab or Shift +Tab to move through elements. You can also press Shift + W, A, S, or D to move north, south, east, or west.
- Press Esc to return to page selection.
Go to the Editor toolbar
When you select an element, editing options become available. Your screen reader announces its type and details like alt text, styling, or position.
- Press ⌘+F1 (Mac) or Ctrl+F1 (Windows) to move focus to the Editor toolbar.
- Press Tab, then use Arrow keys to move through the editing options.
You can adjust alignment, text styles, colors, and more depending on the selected element.
You can open More actions menu from the floating toolbar to copy, paste, duplicate, or delete a selected element.
- Press Shift+F10 (Mac) or Shift+F10 (Windows) to open More actions menu (Context menu).
- Use the Arrow keys to move between actions.
We're actively working on making Canva more accessible. To share feedback, reach out to us at accessibility@canva.com.
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