Change VoiceOver Commands settings in VoiceOver Utility on Mac

Use the Commands category in VoiceOver Utility to change the VoiceOver modifier, turn on additional methods for controlling VoiceOver (such as NumPad keys, Option keys, trackpad gestures, or Quick Nav), and customize the commands you use to control VoiceOver with any of these methods. You can also switch between using the VoiceOver commands you’ve customized and the default set of commands.

To open VoiceOver Utility, press Command-F5 to turn VoiceOver on, then press VO-Fn-F8.

Open VoiceOver Utility for me

Note: VO represents the VoiceOver modifier that you press with additional keys to enter VoiceOver commands. By default, you can press Control and Option together or just press Caps Lock.

Option

Description

VoiceOver modifier

Choose the modifier keys to use for entering VoiceOver commands.

VO represents the VoiceOver modifier that you press with additional keys to enter VoiceOver commands. By default, you can press Control and Option together or just press Caps Lock.

Also control VoiceOver with

  • NumPad: Use NumPad keys to control VoiceOver.

  • Option Key: Use an Option key to control VoiceOver.

  • Trackpad: Use trackpad gestures to control VoiceOver.

    When NumPad keys, Option keys, or trackpad gestures are on, they are included in the Commands menu. To display the Commands menu, press VO-H-H. See Search for VoiceOver commands.

Trackpad Options

  • Automatically select items in lists and tables: Have VoiceOver automatically select the list or table item you’re touching when you lift your finger from the trackpad. If you don’t want VoiceOver to select an item, drag your finger off the list or table, then lift your finger.

  • Pause speech when not touching the trackpad: Have VoiceOver pause speech when you lift your finger off the trackpad while dragging. For example, if you’re dragging a finger to navigate lines of text and you lift it, VoiceOver pauses speech.

  • Scroll gesture moves content instead of scroll bar: When you scroll, by default content moves in the opposite direction of the direction you’re scrolling. Turn on this option so that the content moves in the same direction that you’re scrolling.

  • Edit User Command Set: Display the dialog where you customize the VoiceOver commands assigned to trackpad gestures. See Customize key commands and trackpad gestures for VoiceOver.

  • Ignore trackpad when VoiceOver is on: If your Mac has a built-in trackpad, disable it when VoiceOver is turned on.

Quick Nav

  • Arrow-key Quick Nav: Use arrow-key Quick Nav to navigate using only the arrow keys.

  • Single-key Quick Nav: Use single-key Quick Nav to navigate using single keys (instead of key combinations).

  • Always allow typing in text fields: Type text instead of entering commands when the VoiceOver cursor is focused on a text area.

See Use VoiceOver Quick Nav in apps and webpages.

Left and right arrow keys

Choose what happens when you press the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys at the same time: Turn arrow-key Quick Nav on or off, turn single-key Quick Nav on or off, turn both arrow-key and single-key Quick Nav on or off, or do nothing.

When toggling Quick Nav

When you turn Quick Nav on or off, choose to play a tone or have VoiceOver speak.

Command set

Choose to use the built-in set of commands for controlling VoiceOver with your keyboard or trackpad, or define your own custom commands. See Customize key commands and trackpad gestures for VoiceOver.

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