VoiceOver is a screen-reading application that's built into macOS. VoiceOver lets you use your Mac without a mouse to complete common tasks if you’re blind or have low vision. VoiceOver reads and interacts with things on the screen, like text and buttons. You can use VoiceOver to read and write email, browse the internet, and work with documents.
This article will provide resources to help you get started and become skilled with the Mac VoiceOver screenreader.
Using VoiceOver
How to Launch VoiceOver
You can start using VoiceOver in one of four ways:
- Press the Command and F5 keys.
- Ask Siri. Say something like: "Hey Siri, Turn VoiceOver on.”
- If your Mac has Touch ID, press and hold the Command key while you quickly press Touch ID three times.
- Click on the Apple menu then click on System Settings. Choose Accessibility in the left sidebar. Click VoiceOver on the right, then turn VoiceOver on or off.
VoiceOver Tutorial
VoiceOver has a built-in tutorial. You can access the tutorial in one of two ways.
- Click on the Apple menu then click on System Settings. Choose Accessibility in the left sidebar. Click VoiceOver on the right, then click on the "Open VoiceOver Training..." button.
- Press the VoiceOver modifier key, Function key, Command key and F8 at the same time.
VoiceOver Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts to get you started with using VoiceOver.
- Pause: Control
- Start reading again: Control + Option + A
- Read one element at a time: Control + Option + Right Arrow
- Show the "Rotor:" Control + Option + U (Then use right/left arrow keys to toggle categories, and down/up arrow keys to select an option)
- Navigate through links and form controls: Tab
For a more extensive overview of keyboard shortcuts and commands, visit the VoiceOver general commands on Mac article from Apple Support.