Guide
Introducing VoiceOver on a Mac: Teachers
Wondering how to get started with VoiceOver on a Mac? Here are things you, the teacher, should know!
Your student has access to a Mac and is ready to learn VoiceOver. Where do you begin? If you’re not familiar with using VoiceOver on a Mac, it can feel daunting. Many students and adults are already familiar with VoiceOver on an iPad or iPhone, as these devices often serve as an easier introduction before transitioning to the Mac. The power of a touchscreen is knowing where you are in space, such as knowing the Back button is typically in the top left corner, or your favorite app is the first app in the Dock located at the bottom of the screen on the left side. In addition, iOS devices rely heavily on simple swipe gestures for navigation, making it more intuitive for new users compared to the keyboard-focused navigation on a Mac. This post connects iOS VoiceOver gestures to their corresponding macOS keyboard commands. It also provides an overview of what you, as the teacher, should know about using VoiceOver on a Mac before working with your student. The next post will focus on specific lessons for introducing young students to VoiceOver on a Mac.
VoiceOver Symbols
Note: VoiceOver will announce the word for each symbol. Example: The symbol “⌘”, is announced as “command”. When working with students, you must know and say the symbols correctly. Here are the common symbols:
- ⌘ (Command)
- ⌃ (Control)
- ⌥ (Option)
- ⇪ (Caps Lock)
- ⌃⌥ (Control + Option, which is called “VO”)
To turn on VoiceOver, press ⌘ (Command) + F5 or ⌘ + triple-click Touch ID. Use the same commands to turn it off.
If transitioning from using VoiceOver on an iPad or iPhone
If you are familiar with VoiceOver on an iPad, ideally you should also be familiar with using a Bluetooth keyboard paired with the iPad. This is a great method to introduce foundational keyboard commands on an iPad that will transfer to the Mac. Below are a couple basic VoiceOver keyboard commands and their associated gestures.
At the heart of VoiceOver on macOS is the VoiceOver modifier, which is set to ⌃⌥ (Control + Option) or ⇪ (Caps Lock) by default. Like standard keyboard shortcuts, the VoiceOver modifier is combined with other keys—such as arrow keys—for navigation. In VoiceOver documentation, the term “VoiceOver modifier” is often abbreviated as VO.
For example:
- VO + right arrow: Navigate to the item on the right.
- VO + left arrow: Navigate to the item on the left.
On touchscreens, you navigate by swiping right or left to move between items. On macOS, you achieve similar navigation using the VO + right arrow or VO + left arrow.
On touchscreens, select items (active elements like buttons) using a double tap or split tap. On macOS, select items with VO + space.
Touchscreen devices use a flat navigation style by default but also support grouped navigation. Grouped navigation moves between groups (e.g., containers) and requires:
- Two-finger swipe right: Enter a group.
- Two-finger swipe left: Exit a group.
On macOS, grouping behavior is more akin to grouped navigation. You’ll need to explicitly enter and exit groups.
For example:
- To enter a group: VO + Shift + down arrow.
- To exit a group: VO + Shift + up arrow.
Resources
- Diane Brauner Youtube channel, Bluetooth Keyboard with VoiceOver on an iPad playlist
- Isabel demonstrating using the iPad and Bluetooth keyboard with VoiceOver
- Getting started with VoiceOver on an iPad
Concepts everyone should know for navigating with VoiceOver on a Mac
Navigating with VoiceOver on a Mac involves understanding several key concepts and techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the main ideas:
- VoiceOver Modifier keys
- The VoiceOver modifier acts as a gateway for most VoiceOver commands. By default, it’s set to:
- Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) or
- Caps Lock (⇪) (alternative option).
You combine the modifier keys with other keys to perform VoiceOver-specific actions.
VO command abbreviation
- In VoiceOver instructions, the term “VoiceOver modifier” is often abbreviated to VO. For example:
- VO + right arrow means pressing the modifier keys along with the right arrow key.
- Control + Option + right arrow (⌃⌥ + right arrow or Caps Lock ⇪) + right arrow
- VO + right arrow means pressing the modifier keys along with the right arrow key.
Flat vs. grouped navigation
- Flat Navigation: Moves sequentially through items on the screen, much like swiping right/left on a touchscreen.
- Example: Use VO + right arrow or VO + left arrow to move between items.
- Grouped Navigation: Organizes content into containers or groups. You must enter and exit groups to navigate their contents.
- Enter a group: VO + Shift + down arrow.
- Exit a group: VO + Shift + up arrow.
Interacting with items
- Select an item: Navigate to it using VO commands.
- Activate an item (e.g., button): Use VO + space.
Quick Navigation
- Quick Nav allows you to navigate using arrow keys alone, without holding the VoiceOver modifier. You can toggle it on or off with VO + left + right arrow keys.
VoiceOver Utility
The VoiceOver Utility is a settings hub where you can customize VoiceOver to fit your needs:
- Adjust the voice, speed, and verbosity.
- Enable features like the Caption Panel or Braille support.
- Configure trackpad gestures for macOS VoiceOver.
Navigating web pages
Use VO + Command (⌘) + H to navigate by headings.
- Use VO + Command + L to list links.
- Use VO + Command + T to list tables.
Gestures (if using a Trackpad)
If you’re using a Mac with a trackpad, VoiceOver gestures mimic touchscreen navigation:
- Two-finger swipe left/right: Navigate between items.
- Double tap: Activate an item.
Rotors and commands
- Rotors: A way to quickly navigate by specific elements (e.g., headings, links) using gestures or keyboard commands.
- Commands: Customizable shortcuts that streamline repetitive tasks.
Practice and familiarity
Navigating with VoiceOver is a skill that improves with practice. Start with basic commands and gradually explore more advanced features, such as custom gestures or scripting. The VoiceOver Help menu (VO + H) is an excellent built-in resource for guidance.
Interactive VoiceOver tutorial for the Mac
Apple has created an interactive tutorial to learn and practice VoiceOver. To open the tutorial, do one of the following:
- With VoiceOver on, press VO-Fn-Command-F8.
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down). Click VoiceOver, then click Open VoiceOver Tutorial.
Resources
- Introducing VoiceOver on a Mac: Student lessons (Part 2 in this series)
There are numerous Paths to Technology posts about using VoiceOver on a Mac. While on Paths to Technology, do a quick general search for VoiceOver on a Mac, or search for specific tasks. Here are a couple examples to get you started:
- Using VoiceOver gestures and key commands on the Mac: Tutorial
- Getting started with VoiceOver on a Mac: menu Bar, Desktop and Doc
- Creating a Word document on a Mac with VoiceOver: Video tutorial
- Accessing bold, underline and italics on a Mac with VoiceOver: Activity
By Diane Brauner
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