Accessibility on Mac: The ultimate guide

Accessibility on Mac: The ultimate guide (Image credit: Joseph Keller / iMore)

Computers should be for everyone, including those with physical impairments, whether it be to their sight, hearing, or motor function. Apple strives to create products and software that are as accessible as possible to as many people as possible. Here's how you can set up accessibility features to make them work for you and your needs.

Here's more about accessibility on Mac and macOS Big Sur:

How to enable VoiceOver on Mac

For the visually impaired, VoiceOver is a handy tool that reads out what's on the screen. It also lets you know what content your mouse is over so that you don't click on the wrong thing.

How to use Zoom on Mac

If you have trouble reading text on your Mac or would like to see parts of your screen in greater detail, then you can enable the Zoom function, which basically adds a magnifying glass to your screen. You can move it around and control the zoom to your heart's content.

How to change the look of closed captions on Mac

Closed captions can work to tell you what's being said in videos on your Mac. If the style or size of closed captions isn't working for you, you can change them up to suit your needs.

How to use visual and color accessibility options on your Mac

Visual Accessibility (Image credit: iMore)

If you're color blind or have trouble seeing certain shades mixed with other shades, you can invert colors on your Mac and change different color settings to make the text easier to read and buttons more comfortable to see.

How to use Keyboard accessibility on Mac

We don't all type the same, and for some of us, a quick tap here and there isn't possible. Luckily, macOS has accessibility features to help make using your keyboard more comfortable.

How to use Dictation on Mac

If you're unable to type or it would just be a lot easier to search the web and perform other tasks with just your voice, then Siri on the Mac can help you out in a BIG way. All you have to do is trigger the feature and then speaker your command or query.

How to use Voice Controls on Mac

Voice Control on Mac (Image credit: Bryan M. Wolfe / iMore)

With Voice Control, users can use speech commands to control their devices. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, iOS 13, the feature has been designed for those folks with limited dexterity, mobility, and other conditions. It also serves as a great new way to interact with your devices.

Looking for something new?

Check out our favorite MacBook and Mac desktop of the year if you're in the market for a new computer. You'll be happy you did.

Need more help with accessibility on Mac?

If you're still having trouble with accessibility features on your Mac, you can check in with our forums to see if iMore's readers have a solution. Pop in and ask a question or check to see if someone else is having the same issue!

macOS Big Sur

○ macOS Big Sur Review
○ macOS Big Sur FAQ
○ Updating macOS: The ultimate guide
○ macOS Big Sur Help Forum

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.