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 youβve customized and the default set of commands.
To open VoiceOver Utility, press Command-F5 to turn VoiceOver on, then press VO-Fn-F8.
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 youβre touching when you lift your finger from the trackpad. If you donβt 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 youβre 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 youβre scrolling. Turn on this option so that the content moves in the same direction that youβre scrolling.
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.
