Driving Google Drive with Shortcuts
Oddly enough, you don't need to turn on keyboard shortcuts in Google Drive. They automatically work.
You do still need to ensure that virtual cursor, browse mode, quick nav, or sticky mode is off.
Step 1
Open a new tab in your web browser and navigate to the address bar.
Type in drive.google.com and press enter.
Step 2
Sign in if needed.
Step 3
Turn off the virtual view of your respective screen reader.
Tips
- A recent update (summer 2024) now allows first letter navigation to locate a file or folder when in the item list. This means, if you are looking for your "Dogs" folder, you can now press 'd for dogs to locate it if the focus of your screen reader is in the items list.
- Several Google keyboard shortcuts require pressing a sequence of two keys. When pressing keys, think about clapping your hands twice. We clap our hands with only a half a second or less between claps. This is how you should think about pressing the keys in a command with two keys. Too much time between keys will cause the first press to time out. Too little time between presses may cause the keys to be interpreted as being pressed at the same time.
- Several keyboard shortcuts require pressing a sequence that involves holding down two keys simultaneously followed by pressing another key immediately after. This is the exact same method as mentioned above, except for the first press [clap] you will be holding two buttons down, releasing, and then pressing [clapping] another key.
- Here are a couple of shortcuts to get you started, but you will find a comprehensive list linked below.
- Press alt n - to access the "new items" menu
- Press alt g then n - to go to the navigation payne
- Press alt g then i - to go to the item list
- Press / - to search drive
- You can visit the comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts for Google Drive, or while in Google Drive, press "control /" to bring up the available keyboard shortcuts.
- If you would like more comprehensive help understanding how to navigate Google Drive with a screen reader, please visit this Google Workspace help article
- Ensure virtual cursor, browse mode, quick nav, or sticky mode is OFF
- Refresh the page
- Check if your browser needs an update.
You may also find this Youtube video a great starting point for adjusting to the recent changes in Google Drive