VoiceOver Screen reader, a quick-start guide
Getting started with a screen reader has never been more straightforward and accessible. If you're reading this on an Apple device, you already have a screen reader installed and may have even turned it on by accident.
How to use a screen reader #
These are the controls required to use VoiceOver to a basic level.
| Command | Keys | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turn VoiceOver on/off | command + F5 |
Or on the expanded keyboard, fn + command + F5 |
| Issue command to VoiceOver | command + option |
These are also referred to as the VO key. It's best to use your middle and ring finger respectively |
| Move around | Basic navigation | |
| Next/Previous item | VO + left/right arrow key |
|
| Go into/Exit out of collection | VO + SHIFT + up/down arrow key |
for example, move out of a table or into a panel like web page view |
| Simulate double mouse click | VO + SPACE |
|
| Intermediate | ||
| Skip through page headings | VO + command + H |
Commonly used to skim a page |
| Interrupt Voice Over | control key |
|
| Rotor/Uber key | VO + U |
|
| Change voice rate | Shift + control + option + command + arrow up/down |
Press and hold |
VoiceOver has its built in tutorial and is worth the ~20 minutes it takes to complete. You can find it by opening System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > VoiceOver training.
To stay familiar with the basics of VoiceOver, I find it helpful to attempt to complete a task with it once a week, for example, sending an email or reading a news article.
To test yourself, try lowering your screen brightness to it's lowest setting and attempt to use wikipedia to find out how many people were on the Titanic.
Cheatsheets #
Refer to (or bookmark) the command table above or download and print the following cheat sheets to have them available on your desk.
Basic commands #
Intermediate commands #
