VoiceOver on macOS Quick Start Guide

Updated for macOS Ventura and Sonoma versions (2023–2024). Focused on web and daily testing needs.

Starting and Stopping VoiceOver

• Start VoiceOver: Command + F5 (or Touch ID button triple-press on newer Macs)
• Turn Off VoiceOver: Command + F5 again

VoiceOver Basics

• VoiceOver Modifier Key: Control + Option (VO Key)
• Stop Speaking: Control
• Read All From Current Position: VO + A

Basic

• Move to Next Item: VO + Right Arrow
• Move to Previous Item: VO + Left Arrow
• Activate Selected Item: VO + Spacebar

Web Shortcuts

• Next Heading: VO + Command + H
• Next Link: VO + Command + L
• Next Form Control: VO + Command + J
• Next Table: VO + Command + T
• Next Landmark/Region: VO + Command + R
• Next Button: VO + Command + B

Rotor (Quick Menu)

• Open Rotor: VO + U
• Use Rotor to quickly jump by Headings, Links, Form Fields, Landmarks, etc.

Forms Interaction

• Interact with Form Field: VO + Shift + Down Arrow
• Stop Interacting: VO + Shift + Up Arrow

Table

• Move Across Table Cells: Interact first (VO + Shift + Down Arrow), then VO + Arrow Keys
• Read Current Cell: VO + C

Other Useful Commands

• Read Current Item: VO + F3
• Open VoiceOver Help Menu: VO + H
• Mute/Unmute Speech: VO + Shift + S

Full VoiceOver Guide: Official Apple VoiceOver User Guide