BASIC CHEAT SHEET

VoiceOver · Mac

Trackpad navigation is intentionally outside the initial guide. Keyboard use is the primary workflow.

Essentials

Task	Command	What happens
Turn VoiceOver on or off	`Command-F5`	On supported keyboards, the function key may also be required.
Pause or resume speech	`Control`	Stops or resumes current reading.
Open VoiceOver Help	`VO-K`	Press Escape to leave help.

Move and operate

Task	Command	What happens
Previous or next item	`VO-Left Arrow / VO-Right Arrow`	Moves the VoiceOver cursor.
Perform the default action	`VO-Space`	Activates the control in the VoiceOver cursor.
Interact with a group	`VO-Shift-Down Arrow`	Moves into the current area or group.
Stop interacting	`VO-Shift-Up Arrow`	Moves out one level.
Return to the app's top level	`VO-Shift-Escape`	Useful after entering several nested groups.

Practical notes for this platform

Record the Mac model, macOS version, browser or app, and VoiceOver configuration.
Do not use Tab as the only navigation method.
Distinguish keyboard focus from the VoiceOver cursor when describing focus defects.
Trackpad behaviour is not covered by this basic sheet.

Platform-neutral testing pointers

Before testing

Record device, operating system, browser or app, screen reader, and versions.
Use a combination relevant to the product's supported environments.
Learn the basic commands before judging the interface.

Test a representative task

Identify where you are and the purpose of the current view.
Discover content and controls through the screen reader.
Check names, roles, states, values, order, and relationships.
Operate controls and trigger a meaningful change.
Cause or locate an error, then recover.
Complete the task and find a route back.

Document

Exact starting point and actions used
Expected announcement or behaviour
Actual announcement or behaviour
Impact on the user's task
Whether the result was reproduced

A beginner completing this check does not prove efficiency for regular users, compatibility across every combination, or that user research is unnecessary.

Primary sources

Editorial model reviewed 18 July 2026. Command sheets must be rechecked when Apple changes platform guidance.