VoiceOver Manual for Mac - Accessible Learning Center

First-time keyboard guide

Use this short routine before following the VoiceOver Manual for Mac procedures. It explains exactly how the keyboard directions in this manual work.

Press a single key

Find the named key without pressing it if possible.
Press and release the key one time. Do not hold it unless the step specifically says to hold it.
Stop and listen to the full screen-reader announcement before pressing another key.

Press a keyboard combination

When a command contains a plus sign, such as Ctrl+S, hold down the first key.
While continuing to hold the first key, press and release the final key once.
Release the first key. The plus sign is not a key and should not be pressed.
Listen for the expected result described in the procedure. If nothing changes, verify that the correct application or webpage has focus and try the command once more.

Press a sequence of keys

When keys are separated by commas or the word “then,” press and release them in order instead of holding them together.
After each key, listen for a menu, tab, control, or new screen before continuing.
If the announcement does not match the step, press Escape once to close the current menu or dialog and restart that procedure.

Know which navigation key to try

Tab and Shift+Tab: move forward and backward among buttons, links, fields, and other controls.
Arrow keys: move inside menus, lists, groups of choices, text, and many screen-reader reading views.
Enter: opens the selected item or activates the focused command.
Space: activates many buttons and checks or clears checkboxes. In a text field, Space types a space.
Escape: cancels or closes the current menu, list, or dialog without intentionally accepting a change.

Verify before moving on

Listen for the window, page, or application name so you know where focus is.
Perform only one numbered step.
Compare what the screen reader announces with the “What should happen” information in the procedure.
If the result is wrong, stop. Use the procedure’s recovery directions, Escape to cancel, or Ctrl+Z to undo when that command is supported.
Continue only after you can identify the result. Save completed work with Ctrl+S whenever the application supports saving.

First complete independent workflow

This rehearsal joins existing procedures into one uninterrupted session without repeating their directions. Follow the linked procedure when a step names it, then return here for the next verification.

Safety check: Confirm the active application, document or project name, and save location before changing content.

Open VoiceOver Manual for Mac and wait until its name, starting screen, or connected-device status is announced.
Choose a fictional, public, disposable, or instructor-provided practice item. Do not use private client, student, medical, financial, or account-recovery information.
Open 2.1 Turn VoiceOver On. Read its “What you will learn,” “Before you begin,” keyboard-command, and expected-result information before pressing anything.
Complete that procedure one numbered action at a time. After each key, stop and identify what changed before continuing.
State the result aloud or record it in a practice note. If it differs from “What should happen,” use that procedure’s recovery directions before advancing.
Continue directly to 3.1 Learn the VO Modifier without closing the application or device session. First confirm that focus, account, file, book, conversation, or project context is still correct.
Complete the second procedure and verify the resulting name, state, location, permission, value, or content. Do not rely only on a success sound.
Save or synchronize when the product supports it. Wait for the completed state before disconnecting a device, closing a browser, or switching accounts.
Continue to 3.2 Use Keyboard Help. Use the exact command listed there; if the command varies by model or version, use Keyboard Help, the product’s shortcut list, or the linked official reference instead of guessing.
Introduce one harmless recoverable error, such as opening the wrong menu or moving focus away. Press Escape once, identify the active window or device area, and return to the correct step.
Review the finished practice item from its beginning. Confirm its title or filename, structure, content, destination, sharing state, and saved or synchronized status as applicable.
Close and reopen the item or return to it from the product’s main screen. The workflow is complete only when you can locate it and verify the same result independently.

Success standard: Complete all three linked tasks, explain the commands used, recover from the practice error, and locate the finished result without another person directing the next key.

Apple VoiceOver User Guide

Purpose: This manual is written directly to the person learning VoiceOver. It explains exactly what to press, what should happen, and how to recover when the result is different.

VO: VO means the VoiceOver modifier. By default, use Control+Option together. Caps Lock can also be configured as the VoiceOver modifier.

Function keys: Apple notes that VoiceOver commands using F1-F12 may also require Fn depending on your Mac keyboard settings.

Part 1 - What VoiceOver Is

VoiceOver is the screen reader built into macOS. It speaks and can display in braille the item currently selected by the VoiceOver cursor. You can control the Mac with keyboard commands, trackpad gestures, or a connected braille display.

VoiceOver cursor: the item VoiceOver is currently describing.
Keyboard focus: the control receiving keyboard input.
Interaction: entering a group, toolbar, table, web area, or other container so you can move through its contents.
Activation: performing the action of the selected control.
Rotor: a navigation tool that lets you choose categories such as headings, links, or form controls.
Item Chooser: a searchable list of items available in the current context.

Part 2 - Turn VoiceOver On and Off

2.1 Turn VoiceOver On

What you will learn: Start VoiceOver.

Before you begin: Be at the Mac keyboard.

Exactly how to do it

Hold Command.
Press F5 once.
Release both keys.
If your Mac requires Fn for function keys, try Command+Fn+F5.
Listen for VoiceOver speech.

What should happen: VoiceOver announces that it is on and begins speaking the focused item.

If that does not happen: If nothing happens, open System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and turn VoiceOver on there.

Practice: Turn VoiceOver off and on twice.

Task	Command
Turn VoiceOver on/off	Command+F5
Alternative on Touch ID Mac	Hold Command and quickly press Touch ID three times

Part 3 - VoiceOver Modifier and Keyboard Help

3.1 Learn the VO Modifier

What you will learn: Use VoiceOver commands correctly.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is on.

Exactly how to do it

Place one finger on Control and one on Option.
Hold both keys together.
While holding them, press Right Arrow once.
Release all keys.
Repeat using Left Arrow.

What should happen: VoiceOver moves to the next or previous item.

If that does not happen: If nothing changes, make sure both Control and Option were held while the arrow key was pressed.

Practice: Move forward five items and backward five items.

3.2 Use Keyboard Help

What you will learn: Safely learn what keys and commands do.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is on.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+K.
Press a key or VoiceOver command you want to identify.
Listen to VoiceOver describe it.
Try several commands.
Press Escape to leave Keyboard Help.

What should happen: VoiceOver identifies commands without carrying them out normally.

If that does not happen: If the command performs an action instead, Keyboard Help may not have opened; press VO+K again.

Practice: Identify VO+Space, VO+Right Arrow, VO+Left Arrow, and VO+Shift+Down Arrow.

Part 4 - Move Through the Mac Interface

Task	Command
Next item	VO+Right Arrow
Previous item	VO+Left Arrow
Read from current position	VO+A
Read from top	VO+B
Pause/resume speech	Control

4.1 Move One Item at a Time

What you will learn: Navigate without using a mouse.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is on.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+Right Arrow once.
Stop and listen to the item name and type.
Press VO+Right Arrow again.
Press VO+Left Arrow once and confirm you returned.
Continue one item at a time.

What should happen: VoiceOver describes a different item after each move.

If that does not happen: If movement seems stuck, you may be inside a group or control. Press VO+Shift+Up Arrow to move outward, then try again.

Practice: Explore ten items on the current screen without activating them.

Part 5 - Interact with Groups

Task	Command
Interact with group	VO+Shift+Down Arrow
Stop interacting	VO+Shift+Up Arrow

5.1 Enter and Leave a Group

What you will learn: Reach controls that are inside toolbars, tables, web areas, and other containers.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is focused on a group or container.

Exactly how to do it

Listen for VoiceOver to announce a group, toolbar, table, or similar container.
Press VO+Shift+Down Arrow.
Press VO+Right Arrow to move through items inside it.
When finished, press VO+Shift+Up Arrow.
Continue VO+Right Arrow at the outer level.

What should happen: You can move inside the group and then return to its parent level.

If that does not happen: If VoiceOver skips controls you expect to be inside a group, interact with it. If you feel trapped, press VO+Shift+Up Arrow more than once.

Practice: Enter a toolbar, inspect three items, then leave it.

Part 6 - Activate Controls

Task	Command
Activate selected control	VO+Space

6.1 Activate a Button or Link

What you will learn: Perform the action of the selected item.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is focused on the desired control.

Exactly how to do it

Use VO+Right/Left Arrow until VoiceOver announces the exact button, link, checkbox, or other control.
Stop and confirm the name.
Press VO+Space.
Listen for what changed before pressing another key.

What should happen: The button activates, link opens, checkbox toggles, or control performs its action.

If that does not happen: If the wrong action occurs, you activated the wrong item. Return and confirm the control name before pressing VO+Space.

Practice: Find a harmless button and activate it deliberately.

Task	Command
Move to Dock	VO+D
Open Apple menu	VO+Shift+M

7.1 Open an App from the Dock

What you will learn: Use the Dock without a mouse.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is on.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+D.
Use VO+Right/Left Arrow through Dock items.
Stop when the desired app is announced.
Press VO+Space.

What should happen: The application opens or comes to the front.

If that does not happen: If the Dock does not appear, make sure VoiceOver is active and try VO+D again.

Practice: Open Finder or another safe app from the Dock.

What you will learn: Open menus and choose commands.

Before you begin: An app is active.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+M or use the appropriate VoiceOver menu-bar navigation command for your configuration.
Move through menu headings.
Open the desired menu with VO+Space.
Use Arrow keys or VO navigation through menu items.
Press Enter/VO+Space on the command.
Press Escape to close without choosing.

What should happen: The selected menu command runs.

If that does not happen: If focus remains inside the application, use the Apple menu shortcut VO+Shift+M as a reliable starting point.

Practice: Open the Apple menu and close it with Escape.

Part 8 - Finder and Spotlight

8.1 Open Spotlight

What you will learn: Find an app, file, or setting quickly.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in macOS.

Exactly how to do it

Press Command+Space.
Type a search term such as TextEdit.
Use Up/Down Arrow or VoiceOver navigation through results.
Press Return on the desired result.

What should happen: The selected app/file/result opens.

If that does not happen: If Spotlight does not open, check whether another app has reassigned Command+Space.

Practice: Open TextEdit with Spotlight.

8.2 Navigate Finder

What you will learn: Browse files and folders.

Before you begin: Finder is open.

Exactly how to do it

Use VO+Right/Left Arrow through Finder controls.
Interact with the file list/table when announced using VO+Shift+Down Arrow.
Use arrow keys or VoiceOver navigation through items.
Press Command+O or Return/VO+Space as appropriate to open the selected item.
Use VO+Shift+Up Arrow to leave the file list.

What should happen: You can select and open files/folders.

If that does not happen: If arrow keys do not move through files, make sure focus is inside the file list.

Practice: Open a folder and return to its parent.

Part 9 - Apps and Windows

Task	Command
Switch apps	Command+Tab
Close window	Command+W
Quit app	Command+Q
Ignore next keypress	VO+Tab

9.1 Switch Applications

What you will learn: Move between open apps.

Before you begin: At least two apps are open.

Exactly how to do it

Hold Command.
Press Tab repeatedly while continuing to hold Command.
Listen for the desired app.
Release Command.

What should happen: The selected application becomes active.

If that does not happen: If the app you want is not listed, it may not be open.

Practice: Switch between Finder and TextEdit three times.

Part 10 - VoiceOver Rotor and Item Chooser

Task	Command
Open Rotor	VO+U
Open Item Chooser	VO+I

10.1 Use the Rotor

What you will learn: Navigate by category rather than item-by-item.

Before you begin: Be on a webpage or context where rotor categories are available.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+U.
Move among rotor categories with Left/Right Arrow.
Choose a category such as Headings, Links, Buttons, or Form Controls.
Move through matching items with Up/Down Arrow.
Press Enter/VO+Space on the desired item or exit the rotor as appropriate.

What should happen: You jump among items in the selected category.

If that does not happen: If a category is missing, it may not apply to the current context or may be disabled in VoiceOver settings.

Practice: Open a webpage and move by headings.

10.2 Use Item Chooser

What you will learn: Find an item from a searchable list.

Before you begin: Be in an app or webpage with many controls.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+I.
Type part of the item name if search is available.
Move through matching items.
Press Enter on the desired item.

What should happen: VoiceOver moves to the chosen item.

If that does not happen: If nothing matches, try a shorter search term.

Practice: Use Item Chooser to find a known button or link.

Part 11 - Quick Nav

Quick Nav lets you use shorter navigation commands in supported contexts, especially webpages. It can be enabled with the Left and Right Arrow keys pressed together in many VoiceOver configurations.

Important: When Quick Nav is on, ordinary typing/navigation behavior can change. If keys behave unexpectedly in a text field, check whether Quick Nav is active.

Use Quick Nav for efficient webpage navigation.
Turn it off before typing if it interferes with text entry.
Use Keyboard Help or Apple's current Quick Nav documentation to confirm the exact command set for your macOS version.

VoiceOver can navigate webpages by DOM order, groups, headings, links, buttons, form controls, landmarks, tables, images, frames, and live regions.

12.1 Scan a Webpage by Headings

What you will learn: Understand a page before reading every line.

Before you begin: Safari or another accessible browser is open on a webpage.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+U.
Choose Headings in the rotor.
Move through heading items with Up/Down Arrow.
Stop on a heading that sounds relevant.
Activate or exit the rotor to move to that section.
Use VO+A or normal navigation to read from there.

What should happen: You can jump directly to major sections.

If that does not happen: If the page has no headings, use Landmarks, Links, or Buttons instead.

Practice: Find the main heading and two subheadings on a webpage.

12.2 Navigate Form Controls

What you will learn: Complete fields and buttons on a webpage.

Before you begin: Be on a webpage containing a form.

Exactly how to do it

Use the rotor and choose Form Controls.
Move to the desired text field, checkbox, popup, or button.
If required, interact with the control using VO+Shift+Down Arrow.
Type or choose the value.
Stop interacting when finished.
Move to the next form control.

What should happen: You can complete the form without manually reading every page element.

If that does not happen: If typing triggers navigation, check Quick Nav and focus/interaction state.

Practice: Fill a safe practice form.

Part 13 - Read and Edit Text

13.1 Read Text

What you will learn: Read continuously from your current location.

Before you begin: Focus is in readable text.

Exactly how to do it

Move VoiceOver to the desired starting point.
Press VO+A.
Listen while VoiceOver reads.
Press Control to pause speech.
Press Control again to resume where supported, or restart reading from the desired position.

What should happen: VoiceOver reads from the current location.

If that does not happen: If it reads the wrong area, move the VoiceOver cursor to the text first.

Practice: Read one paragraph and pause halfway.

13.2 Edit Text

What you will learn: Type, move the insertion point, and correct text.

Before you begin: Be in an editable text field or document.

Exactly how to do it

Move to the text field.
Interact if required.
Type a sentence.
Use Left/Right Arrow to move the insertion point by character.
Use Option+Left/Right Arrow to move by word in standard Mac text editing.
Use Backspace/Delete to remove text.
Type the correction.
Use VO+A or text-navigation commands to review.

What should happen: The text changes at the insertion point.

If that does not happen: If typed letters trigger VoiceOver navigation, verify that keyboard focus is in the text field and Quick Nav is not intercepting typing.

Practice: Type a sentence with one deliberate error and correct it.

Part 14 - Tables and Structured Content

When VoiceOver reaches a table, interact with it to navigate its cells. VoiceOver can announce row/column information depending on verbosity and the app.

14.1 Navigate a Table

What you will learn: Move through structured rows and columns.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is focused on a table.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+Shift+Down Arrow to interact.
Use VoiceOver/arrow navigation through cells.
Listen for row and column information.
Move systematically rather than jumping randomly.
Press VO+Shift+Up Arrow when finished.

What should happen: You can inspect table cells and leave the table.

If that does not happen: If VoiceOver only says 'table' and skips cells, interact with it first.

Practice: Read at least three cells from a simple table.

Task	Command
Open Notifications menu	VO+N

15.1 Review VoiceOver Notifications

What you will learn: Find recent VoiceOver/macOS notifications.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is on.

Exactly how to do it

Press VO+N.
Move through available notifications.
Activate an action if desired or press Escape to close.

What should happen: The VoiceOver Notifications menu opens.

If that does not happen: If there are no notifications, the menu may be empty.

Practice: Open and close the menu.

macOS Tahoe adds VoiceOver features for Screen Sharing. When sharing a Mac screen, review VoiceOver Utility's Screen Sharing category and Apple's current Screen Sharing documentation for the exact setup that matches your situation.

Part 16 - Braille Displays and Braille Access

VoiceOver supports compatible refreshable braille displays over Bluetooth or USB. macOS Tahoe also includes Braille Access and Braille Keyboard Input features.

Connect a supported display through Bluetooth or USB.
Open VoiceOver Utility > Braille to review display, translation, layout, status, and Braille Access settings.
Cursor-routing keys can move VoiceOver focus or the insertion point to the cell represented by the routing button.
Braille Keyboard Input can use supported display keys for braille entry and assigned commands.
Braille Access can provide a more notetaker-like environment on supported configurations.

16.1 Verify a Braille Display Connection

What you will learn: Confirm the display actually works with VoiceOver.

Before you begin: Pair/connect the braille display.

Exactly how to do it

Open VoiceOver Utility.
Open Braille settings.
Confirm the display appears.
Move VoiceOver with VO+Right Arrow.
Check that braille changes.
Type in a text field if the display provides input.
Press a routing key and confirm focus/caret movement.

What should happen: Braille output follows VoiceOver and supported input/routing works.

If that does not happen: If Bluetooth says connected but braille does not update, check VoiceOver Utility > Braille and the display's connection mode.

Practice: Perform the three tests: output, input, routing.

Part 17 - Trackpad Gestures

VoiceOver can use a Mac trackpad for gestures similar to iPhone/iPad. Enable the VoiceOver trackpad commander before relying on gestures.

Task	Command
Next item	Flick right
Previous item	Flick left
Activate item	Double-tap or split-tap
Interact	Two-finger flick right
Stop interacting	Two-finger flick left
Read from top	Two-finger flick up
Read from cursor onward	Two-finger flick down
Pause/resume speech	Two-finger tap
Change rotor	Two-finger rotate
Screen Curtain	Three-finger triple-tap

Part 18 - VoiceOver Utility

Task	Command
Open VoiceOver Utility	VO+Fn+F8 or VO+Fn+8

VoiceOver Utility is the main configuration application for VoiceOver.

General: overall VoiceOver behavior and startup options.
Verbosity: speech, braille, text, announcements, and hints.
Speech: voices and pronunciation.
Navigation: cursor tracking, interaction, wrapping, and movement behavior.
Web: webpage navigation and Web Rotor settings.
Sound: VoiceOver sound effects.
Visuals: VoiceOver cursor and visual panels.
Commands: customize keyboard commands and gestures.
Braille: translation, layout, status, displays, and Braille Access.
Activities: save different VoiceOver settings for particular tasks or apps.
VoiceOver Recognition: recognition features for otherwise inaccessible content.
Screen Sharing: settings for VoiceOver during screen sharing.

Part 19 - Speech, Pronunciation, Verbosity, and Punctuation

19.1 Change Speech Voice or Rate

What you will learn: Make VoiceOver easier to understand.

Before you begin: VoiceOver Utility is open.

Exactly how to do it

Open Speech.
Open Voices.
Move to the current voice and choose another voice if desired.
Adjust speaking rate gradually.
Test the result by navigating several items.
Keep the setting that remains clear during longer listening.

What should happen: VoiceOver speaks with the selected voice/rate.

If that does not happen: If speech becomes too fast to understand, return to the previous rate or reduce it.

Practice: Try two rates and choose the more comfortable one.

19.2 Change Verbosity

What you will learn: Control how much information VoiceOver announces.

Before you begin: VoiceOver Utility is open.

Exactly how to do it

Open Verbosity.
Review Speech, Text, Announcements, and Hints settings.
Change one setting at a time.
Navigate a few controls to hear the effect.
Restore or refine the setting as needed.

What should happen: VoiceOver gives more or less detail according to your choices.

If that does not happen: If you become unsure what changed, reset only the changed category rather than changing several more options.

Practice: Reduce one repetitive announcement, then restore it.

Part 20 - Customize Commands and Activities

VoiceOver Utility lets you customize additional key commands and trackpad gestures. Activities let you save different VoiceOver settings for particular apps or tasks.

Best practice: Learn the default commands first. Customize only after you understand what the default command does, and document your changes so you can recover after troubleshooting or updates.

Part 21 - Troubleshooting

21.1 VoiceOver Is Not Speaking

What you will learn: Restore speech in a logical order.

Before you begin: VoiceOver should be on.

Exactly how to do it

Press Command+F5 and listen for the VoiceOver state.
Check Mac volume and audio output.
Press VO+A to request reading.
Press Control in case speech was paused.
Open VoiceOver Utility and verify the selected voice/speech settings.
Turn VoiceOver off and on again if necessary.

What should happen: VoiceOver speech returns.

If that does not happen: If the Mac has no sound in any app, troubleshoot system audio rather than VoiceOver alone.

Practice: Memorize the order: VoiceOver state > volume/output > speech command > Utility settings > restart VoiceOver.

21.2 VoiceOver Skips Controls

What you will learn: Recover when controls seem unreachable.

Before you begin: VoiceOver is moving but not reaching the desired control.

Exactly how to do it

Move with VO+Right Arrow slowly.
Listen for group, toolbar, table, or web area.
Press VO+Shift+Down Arrow to interact.
Explore inside with VO+Right Arrow.
Press VO+Shift+Up Arrow to leave.
Use VO+I Item Chooser or VO+U Rotor if appropriate.

What should happen: You reach controls that were previously skipped.

If that does not happen: If the app is genuinely inaccessible, try an alternate control path or report the accessibility problem to the app developer.

Practice: Find a control inside a group and activate it.

21.3 Typing Produces Commands Instead of Text

What you will learn: Restore normal text entry.

Before you begin: Focus should be in a text field.

Exactly how to do it

Confirm VoiceOver is focused on the text field.
Interact with the field if needed.
Check whether Quick Nav is on.
Turn Quick Nav off if it is intercepting letter keys.
Type a short word.
Use arrow keys to verify the insertion point.

What should happen: Letters appear in the text field.

If that does not happen: If letters still do not appear, check keyboard focus and whether the app uses a special editing mode.

Practice: Open TextEdit and type a short sentence.

Part 22 - Independent Practice Course

Level 1 - Core Commands

☐ Turn VoiceOver on/off.

☐ Move next/previous.

☐ Activate a control.

☐ Use Keyboard Help.