How to use Mac’s VoiceOver screen reader | Digital Trends

While universal screen readers like NVDA and JAWS are frequently used to understand and navigate websites or apps, Mac users have an additional option called VoiceOver. VoiceOver is built into MacOS and designed to support accessibility options that are particularly Apple-friendly and highly customizable. That includes anything from adjusting your keyboard focus preferences to attaching a refreshing braille display.

Here, we’re going over the steps to set up and turn on VoiceOver, along with the other important information you should know when first getting started.

How to start using VoiceOver

Step 1: Start by heading to the VoiceOver utility to make sure everything is set up as you or the user with visual disabilities prefer. Open System preferences and go to Accessibility. Here, you’ll find an option for VoiceOver.

In this option, select Open VoiceOver utility. If you need a screen reader to use menus like this, then skip down to step 2 first to turn on VoiceOver. This will open a new window.

The leftside menu has a variety of options for VoiceOver settings. You may want to inspect every category, but Speech and Navigation are particularly important stops. Braille allows you to set up VoiceOver for a braille device, and Activities allows you to customize specific commands once you are comfortable with VoiceOver. Make sure all the settings are to your liking.

You can visit the Utility again to tweak things as you progress, especially when it comes to screen reader speed and other settings.

The Navigation Menu in VoiceOver Utility.

Step 2: Now let’s turn on VoiceOver. Press Command + F5 at any time to activate VoiceOver. This will pop open a new window and announce the VoiceOver has been enabled.

If this is your first time, it’s a really good idea to select Learn more, which will read you through a tutorial of VoiceOver basics, important sound indicators, and the commands that you can use. Note that the Command + F5 option is referred to as “VO” in Apple’s keyboard shortcuts. If you want to start using the screen reader, press the V key or select Use VoiceOver.

The VoiceOver Activation Pop Up.

Step 3: VoiceOver will immediately begin reading the document, webpage, or app that you currently have selected.

You can choose a different window if you want the screen reader to start reading something else. This is done via the VoiceOver cursor, a focus window that shows where VoiceOver is currently reading. When you move the cursor, your keyboard focus will also move when possible, allowing you to input faster keyboard commands when you find the option you want.

You can also use the Navigation section of the VoiceOver utility to enable mouse control of the VoiceOver cursor if you plan on using a mouse as well as keyboard commands. You can also stop the keyboard focus from always following the cursor, which allows you to do things like type in one app while listening to emails in another app, and so on. Step 4: Pause the screen reader at any time by tapping the Control key.

Press Control again when you are ready for the speech to resume. If you missed something, you can press VO + Z and the screen reader will repeat the last phrase. Step 5: As you start using VoiceOver, refer to the Commanders section of the VoiceOver utility.

Here, you’ll find a number of shortcuts to help you navigate MacOS, with sections for the number pad, keyboard, and quick navigation. The Keyboard section allows you to enable commands like using the S key to open Safari and lets you add your own commands as well. The built-in NumPad commands, meanwhile, allow for fast navigation and interaction around apps that doesn’t require any letter key commands.

All traditional keyboard shortcuts, like Command + S to save, will continue to work with VoiceOver.

Number Commands for VoiceOver in the VoiceOver Utility.

Step 6: You can also open up a Commands menu to look up a specific command at any time by pressing VO + H, which opens the help menu, then H again to open the Commands. The Commands menu will automatically search for a Command based on what you type, so you can then type something like “open mail” to get the results. Step 7: VoiceOver also supports item descriptions.

When the VoiceOver cursor is placed over an item, you can press VO + F3 and the description will begin. To hear any help tags associated with the item, press VO + Shift + H. Step 8: VoiceOver can do much more, but this should help you get started and give you the tools to keep on learning.

Apple offers additional suggestions as well as a guide to braille commands.

Are you thinking about using VoiceOver on a new Mac?

You may also want to check out our guide on the current best MacBooks to buy.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

creed listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-crazy-bear-group listed on couponmatrix.ukfind-me-a-gift listed on couponmatrix.ukj-parkers listed on couponmatrix.ukplusnet listed on couponmatrix.uksarah-raven listed on couponmatrix.uk
creed listed on couponmatrix.ukCreed’s artisanal fragrances for men and women exude pure sophistication. Crafted with the highest quality ingredients, Creed perfumes embrace notes such as Bulgarian rose, Egyptian jasmine and Sri Lankan sandalwood, creating an exquisite olfactory sensation. With stunning scents available for both men and women, Creed is a must-try if premium perfume is your preference. Indulge in luxury for less with a Creed discount code from Groupon – we’ve gathered the top offers and codes right here.
the-crazy-bear-group listed on couponmatrix.ukBeautiful bedrooms, al fresco dining and unforgettable events are all part of the Crazy Bear experience. Book a room or a table at one of the four incredible Crazy Bear venues in the country and you can expect to be dazzled with jazz nights, Thai massage and Great Gatsby glitz. If you want something special and exclusive, this is it! Save on bookings by checking out our Crazy Bear deals, including money-off codes, package deals and more, and subscribe to Crazy Bear’s newsletter for promotions straight from the source.
find-me-a-gift listed on couponmatrix.ukGift giving is an act of kindness, thoughtfulness, and celebration. However, finding the right gift for someone can be a difficult task on its own! At Find Me A Gift, the pressure is taken away, and you are able to find the perfect gift for that special someone to feel exactly that, special. With a selection of thousands of fun, novel, sweet and jaw-dropping items, Find Me A Gift truly has something for everyone. With the Find Me A Gift discount code you can spend less on the perfect gift and really enjoy the act of gift-giving without breaking the bank.
j-parkers listed on couponmatrix.ukCreate a little oasis at home with a helping hand from J Parkers. Whether you’re growing fresh vegetables or decorating the patio, J Parkers has been helping our gardens grow since the 1930s and it’s the go-to for affordable plants and flowers. Make the most of your garden by using a J Parkers discount code from Groupon to enjoy cheaper perennial plants, J Parkers bulbs and high-quality herb seeds and flower seeds. If you want to transform your outdoor space on a budget, look no further than the J Parkers deals at Groupon.
plusnet listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you're searching for award-winning, money-saving mobile and broadband, Plusnet is the place to be. Enjoy reliable speeds for less with a Plusnet discount code and bump up your budget within a few clicks. As well as providing great-value deals, Plusnet's no-nonsense support network is five-star rated too. So excellent, in fact, Plusnet has won the Best Provider Customer Service in the uSwitch Awards for the sixth year running.
sarah-raven listed on couponmatrix.ukIntroducing Sarah Raven, three-time winner of the ‘Best Gardening Brand’ award and the ultimate destination for reinventing your outdoor space. When you need to find the perfect poppies or freshest foxgloves, budding gardeners should make a beeline for the seeds, bulbs and plants at Sarah Raven. Helping you transform your garden for less, we’ve got you covered with all the Sarah Raven discount codes, offers and sale picks you’ll need—so you can shop even more of the Sarah Raven plants you love.