Controlling your Mac running macOS 14 using only the keyboard is highly effective, especially for improving productivity or for users with mobility impairments. macOS includes several built-in keyboard shortcuts and accessibility features that enhance keyboard control. Here’s how to configure and use these features to navigate your Mac without a mouse:
Quick Guide
- Enable Full Keyboard Access: Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, and turn on Full Keyboard Access.
- Learn and Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarise yourself with common macOS keyboard shortcuts for navigation and system commands.
- Use Keyboard Navigation: Navigate through dialogs, menus, and screens using Tab and arrow keys.
Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Open System Settings
- Click on the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Access Accessibility Features
- Scroll down the sidebar until you find “Accessibility” and click on it. This section contains various settings to help users with different needs to more easily interact with their Mac.
Step 3: Enable Full Keyboard Access
- In the Accessibility menu, click on “Keyboard” in the sidebar.
- Find the option for “Full Keyboard Access” and toggle it on. This setting allows you to control almost all aspects of your Mac using the keyboard by enabling you to tab through controls and interact with them.
Learning Keyboard Shortcuts
- macOS has a wide range of keyboard shortcuts that can be used for various actions like opening Spotlight (Command + Space), switching applications (Command + Tab), and accessing the Apple menu (Control + F2).
- To see a list of all shortcuts, you can open System Settings, go to Keyboard, and click on "Keyboard Shortcuts." This will provide you with a comprehensive list and allow you to customise them according to your preferences.
Using Keyboard Navigation
- Once Full Keyboard Access is enabled, you can navigate through UI elements using the Tab key to move focus and Space or Enter to select.
- Use arrow keys to navigate within menus and dropdowns.
- Adjust slider controls by first focusing on them with Tab, then using the arrow keys to adjust the value.
Additional Tips
- Enable Sticky Keys: If holding down multiple keys at once is difficult, consider enabling Sticky Keys in the Accessibility settings under Keyboard. This feature lets you press one key at a time for key combinations.
- Use Voice Control: For enhanced control, consider using Voice Control, also found in Accessibility settings. This lets you command your Mac with your voice to open apps, select items, and dictate text.
By setting up these keyboard controls, you can effectively manage your Mac without needing to use a mouse, which can be beneficial for accessibility and efficiency. These settings help make macOS more adaptable to different working styles and accessibility needs.