Working with Applications#

Every macOS application has its own interface, but VoiceOver provides consistent ways to explore and control them. This chapter covers strategies for working effectively in any application.

Exploring New Applications#

When you open an unfamiliar app, take time to explore:

Step 1: Get an Application Summary#

VoiceOver announces the application name, number of windows, and other basic information.

Step 2: Explore the Menu Bar#

Navigate menus to discover available commands:

1. VO + Right/Left Arrow to move between menus
2. VO + Space or Down Arrow to open a menu
3. Up/Down Arrow to navigate items
4. Note keyboard shortcuts announced with menu items

Step 3: Explore the Window#

Then navigate through the window:

1. Use VO + Right Arrow to move through elements
2. When you find a group, interact with it (VO + Shift + Down Arrow)
3. Take note of what’s available

Step 4: Use the Item Chooser#

The Item Chooser shows all items in the current window—a quick way to see what’s available.

Common Interface Elements#

Toolbars#

Most apps have toolbars with buttons and controls:

1. Navigate to the toolbar
2. Interact (VO + Shift + Down Arrow)
3. Move through buttons and controls
4. Activate with VO + Space

Sidebars#

Many apps have sidebars for navigation:

1. Find the sidebar (often the first major element)
2. Interact with it
3. Navigate sections and items
4. Press VO + Space to select

Split Views#

Apps like Mail and Finder have split views:

• Sidebar (left)
• Content list (middle)
• Preview/detail (right)

Navigate between these areas:

1. Press VO + Shift + Up Arrow to exit current area
2. Press VO + Right/Left Arrow to move between areas
3. Interact with the desired area

Tab Views#

Some apps use tabs:

1. Navigate to the tab bar
2. Interact if needed
3. Use Left/Right Arrow to move between tabs
4. VO + Space to select a tab

Or use keyboard shortcuts (often Command + number to switch tabs).

Application Switcher and Chooser#

Standard Application Switching#

VoiceOver Application Chooser#

The Application Chooser shows all running apps:

1. Navigate with Up/Down Arrow
2. Press Return to switch to selected app
3. Press Escape to cancel

Window Management#

Window Chooser#

Shows all windows in the current application:

1. Navigate with Up/Down Arrow
2. Press Return to bring window to front

Switching Windows#

Window Actions#

Working in Finder#

The Finder is your gateway to files:

Navigating Finder Windows#

Essential Finder Commands#

Quick Navigation#

Working in Mail#

Reading Mail#

1. Press VO + D to go to Dock
2. Navigate to Mail and press Return
3. Use VO + Right Arrow to find the message list
4. Up/Down Arrow to select messages
5. Return to open or navigate right to read in preview

Composing Mail#

Mail Navigation#

Working in Safari#

See Chapter 5 for comprehensive web navigation. Key Safari-specific commands:

Dialog Boxes and Sheets#

When dialogs appear:

1. VoiceOver announces the dialog
2. Use Tab to move between buttons and fields
3. Use VO + Arrow keys for complete exploration
4. Press Return for default button, or navigate and press VO + Space
5. Press Escape to cancel (usually)

Save Dialogs#

When saving files:

1. The filename field is usually focused
2. Type a name
3. Press Tab to reach location/format options
4. Press Command + D to select Desktop
5. Press Return or click Save

Print Dialogs#

1. Press Command + P to print
2. Tab through printer selection, copies, pages
3. Press Return to print

Handling Alerts and Notifications#

Alert Dialogs#

VoiceOver announces alerts automatically. Then:

1. Use Tab or VO + Right Arrow to find buttons
2. Press VO + Space on your choice

Notifications#

In Notification Center:

1. Navigate notifications with VO + Arrow keys
2. Interact with individual notifications
3. Press VO + Space to act on them

Universal Application Tips#

Tip 1: Learn Keyboard Shortcuts#

Every VoiceOver-spoken menu item includes keyboard shortcuts. Note them—they’re faster than navigating menus.

Tip 2: Use Help Menus#

Many apps have a Help menu with a search field:

1. Command + Shift + / (or navigate to Help menu)
2. Type what you want to do
3. Navigate results
4. Press Return to execute or learn more

Tip 3: Use the Item Chooser Liberally#

VO + I is your friend in unfamiliar apps. It shows all available controls in a searchable list.

Tip 4: Check for VoiceOver Optimizations#

Some apps have VoiceOver-specific features or settings. Look in app preferences for accessibility options.

Tip 5: Use Window Spots#

In complex apps, set Window Spots (via Rotor) for locations you access frequently.

Summary#

Working with applications involves:

• Exploring with VO + F1, VO + F2, menus, and Item Chooser
• Navigating toolbars, sidebars, and content areas
• Switching apps and windows with Command + Tab and Choosers
• Learning keyboard shortcuts for efficiency
• Using application-specific commands (Finder, Mail, Safari)

The more you use an application, the more its interface becomes second nature. Don’t hesitate to explore—VoiceOver makes it safe to navigate without accidentally changing things.