Set up screen reader support

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn to turn on screen readers for improved accessibility while working with Adobe Illustrator.

Most non-text elements in Illustrator lack appropriate text alternatives, making them inaccessible to screen readers. For example, icons that represent tool status or options are inaccessible.

Before you begin

To use the screen reader, ensure that you've enabled VoiceOver (macOS).

Select System Preferences > Accessibility.

Select VoiceOver > Enable VoiceOver > Open VoiceOver Utility.

Select Navigation and select Move VoiceOver cursor from the Mouse pointer dropdown.

The Accessibility window displays the Enable VoiceOver option in the VoiceOver tab. — Select Enable VoiceOver to access the screen reader with Illustrator for macOS.

The VoiceOver Utility window displays VoiceOver cursor settings in the Navigation tab. — To allow the VoiceOver cursor to announce the focused screen elements, change the Mouse Pointer option to Moves VoiceOver cursor.

Start Illustrator and open the New Document window. The VoiceOver cursor will be able to focus on the elements and announce their names.

Tip

When you press the keyboard shortcut to invoke the tool, the VoiceOver Utility announces its name. It also announces the name of the artboard when you access it in Presentation Mode (Shift + F).

Before you begin

To access the screen reader, ensure you’ve installed JAWS Client (Windows).

Launch JAWS.

Select Utilities > Settings Center.

Scroll to the bottom and go to Mouse Echo and enable it.

The JAWS Settings Center—Default (All Applications) dialog box displays Enable Mouse Echo and other options for configuring Mouse Echo's settings. — Select Enable Mouse Echo to use the screen reader with Illustrator for Windows.

Start Illustrator and Create or Open a new document. JAWS will be able to announce the text associated with the hovered item.

Alert

Screen reader support is available for the toolbar, status bar, Properties panel, menu items, and dialogs, while panels are only partially supported.

Design with precision in Illustrator
Bring your ideas to life with vector graphics tools built for creative freedom and accuracy.

Open the app

Create accessible content in Adobe Illustrator

MacBook Pro Touch Bar in Illustrator overview

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.