Caret browsing turns your browser into a text-like space where a blinking caret appears on the page so you can move and interact without a mouse.
This accessibility feature lets you use arrow keys to move line by line or character by character, much like editing in Microsoft Word. It makes navigation feel familiar and precise.
Most modern browsers support the mode and you can often press F7 to toggle it on or off. A confirmation prompt helps avoid accidental activation.
With the caret visible, you can navigate web content using only your keyboard, which helps when a mouse is not handy or causes strain.
The result is a cleaner, faster way to locate text, highlight exact words, and act on links or selections with standard commands. Try it to see how it can smooth your web experience.
Understanding Caret Browsing as an Accessibility Feature
Enable a visible text cursor to move through online content without reaching for a mouse. This mode puts a blinking cursor on web pages so users can read, select, and act using keys. It improves accessibility and cuts the need to point and click.
Who benefits from this mode
People with limited mobility and those who prefer keyboard input find it useful. It helps when a mouse or touchpad fails and reduces strain for long sessions on the web. Students and professionals can copy citations or move through long articles with precision.
Browser compatibility today
Support is built into major apps like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Safari and Opera do not offer this capability yet. In many cases you can press F7 to toggle it. In Chrome, go to Settings > Accessibility and enable “Navigate pages with a text cursor.”
- This is an accessibility feature that keeps work moving without a mouse.
- It supports faster keyboard navigation across pages and full keyboard control.
- The feature works across most sites and needs no extra tools.
| Browser | Support | How to enable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Yes | F7 or Settings > Accessibility | Label: “Navigate pages with a text cursor” |
| Mozilla Firefox | Yes | Press F7 | Quick toggle, works across many pages |
| Microsoft Edge | Yes | Press F7 | Built-in accessibility support |
| Safari / Opera | No | N/A | Not currently supported |
Learn more about this option and how it works by visiting what is caret browsing.
How Caret Browsing Works on Web Pages
When enabled, a visible text cursor appears on the page and your keyboard becomes the primary way to move through content. The blinking text cursor marks your spot so you can use the arrow keys and other keys to advance character by character or line by line.
Press Enter when the cursor sits on a link to open that page. Many browsers also support Enter + Ctrl to open a link in a background tab so you keep your place. In Edge, moving the cursor with arrow keys will scroll the page automatically as needed.
To select text, hold Shift and use the arrows for precise control. This lets you select a single word or a longer passage or paragraph for copying. Standard shortcuts like Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V work as expected.
- The cursor advances through headings, inline text, and links with each arrow stroke.
- Hold Shift + arrow to highlight and select text exactly where you need it.
- Use the same key you used to enable the feature (often F7) to turn it off and avoid accidental changes.
With practice, this method improves keyboard navigation and keeps you focused on reading, selecting, and acting on pages text without switching to a mouse.
Enable Caret Browsing in Popular Browsers
A simple key press or settings toggle gives you a blinking cursor that makes keyboard navigation smooth and precise.
Microsoft Edge
To enable the mode in Microsoft Edge, press F7. A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to turn it on.
After you open Microsoft Edge and accept, a visible text cursor appears so you can move, select, and open links without needing to use a mouse. Press F7 again to turn it off when done.
Google Chrome
Chrome offers two paths: press F7, or go to Settings > Accessibility and toggle “Navigate pages with a text cursor.”
Using the settings option creates a persistent choice so the pages text cursor stays enabled after restarts.
Firefox and Vivaldi
In Firefox, press F7 to toggle the feature quickly and return to mouse-free navigation.
Vivaldi does not respond to F7. Instead, type chrome://settings/accessibility into the address bar and enable the pages text cursor there.
Safari and Opera
Safari and Opera do not currently support this accessibility feature. If you rely on a text cursor, choose a supported browser for the best experience.
- Tip: Save the relevant settings or memorize the key so you can switch modes fast across devices.
- The feature integrates with standard keyboard shortcuts in Edge, Chrome, and Firefox for consistent navigation.
Caret Browsing Tips for Faster Keyboard Navigation
Quick keyboard habits make reading and editing web content faster. Start with simple moves and build them into your routine.
Use arrow keys to place the text cursor precisely. Keep your hands on the keyboard and move one character or line at a time to avoid overshooting targets.
- Open links: Position the cursor on a link and press Enter. On browsers that support it, Ctrl + Enter opens the link in a background tab so you keep the current page visible.
- Switch tabs: Use Ctrl + Tab to cycle right through tabs. Combine this with the cursor to compare sources without touching a mouse.
- Select and copy: Hold Shift and use the arrow keys to select text. Then press Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste into another app or document.
Fine-tune selections by moving the cursor step by step until the highlight matches the exact passage paragraph you need. These simple moves improve keyboard navigation and make browsing feel smoother.
Conclusion
A simple text cursor can make reading, selecting, and opening links feel more direct.
Try it on your next task: open Microsoft Edge and press F7 to see the confirmation dialog, then use the arrow keys and Enter to navigate pages without a mouse.
This accessibility feature works in Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge and is toggled in settings or with F7. Use Shift + arrows to select text and Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V to copy and paste for a faster workflow.
Want a quick guide? Read what is caret browsing for tips and examples to improve your keyboard experience across supported browsers.
FAQ
What is caret browsing and how does it work?
Caret browsing lets you place a blinking text cursor on a web page and move it with arrow keys. Once the cursor is active, you can navigate text, follow links, and select passages using the keyboard instead of a mouse. It acts like the caret in a word processor, enabling precise movement through paragraphs, lists, and tables.
Who benefits from using caret browsing as an accessibility feature?
People with limited mouse use, keyboard-only users, and screen reader users often find it helpful. It improves control when selecting text, activating links, and navigating long pages. Developers and power users also use it to inspect page content or copy text without switching to a mouse.
Which browsers support caret browsing today?
Most major browsers support it: Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome provide built-in options, and Firefox supports it too. Vivaldi offers a setting in accessibility pages. Safari and Opera currently have limited or no native support for this feature.
How do I enable caret browsing in Microsoft Edge?
Press F7 to open a confirmation dialog, then choose to turn the feature on. When finished, press F7 again or toggle it off in settings. This makes a movable text cursor appear so you can use arrow keys, Shift + arrows to select, and Enter to open links.
How do I turn on caret browsing in Google Chrome?
Press F7 in some versions, or go to Settings > Accessibility and enable “Navigate pages with a text cursor.” Once enabled, use the arrow keys to move the caret and Shift plus arrows to highlight text for copying or sharing.
What about Firefox and Vivaldi?
Firefox supports the feature via F7 as well. Vivaldi users can enable similar behavior through chrome://settings/accessibility. Behavior and exact settings names may vary by version, so check the browser’s accessibility section if F7 does not work.
Are there limitations in Safari and Opera?
Yes. Safari and Opera currently lack full native support in many versions, so the caret may not behave consistently. In those browsers, keyboard navigation relies more on tabbing and browser-specific shortcuts rather than a movable text cursor.
How do I move the text cursor precisely using the keyboard?
Use the arrow keys to step through characters and lines, Home and End to jump to line starts and ends, and Page Up/Page Down to move by screenfuls. Combine Ctrl with arrows to jump by words or paragraphs for faster movement.
How can I open and switch tabs with the keyboard while using the text cursor?
Press Enter to follow a focused link. Use Ctrl + Tab to switch tabs, Ctrl + T to open a new tab, and Ctrl + W to close the current tab. Ctrl + Enter opens a highlighted link in a new tab in many browsers.
What are the best shortcuts for selecting, copying, and pasting text?
Hold Shift and use arrow keys to select text; combine Shift with Ctrl + arrows to select by words. Then press Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste. These work across Edge, Chrome, and Firefox when the text cursor is active.
Any quick tips for faster keyboard navigation on web pages?
Keep the caret visible by toggling the feature when needed, use word- and line-jump shortcuts (Ctrl + arrows, Home/End), and rely on Shift to select. Learn browser-specific accessibility settings to fine-tune behavior and enable features like caret focus following links.
