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Mac Voice Control commands (quick list)

A practical set of Voice Control commands, plus how to view the full supported list on your Mac.

Last updated: 2026-04-23

Say “Show commands” with Voice Control running. That prints the exact command list for whatever app is in front of you, which is the only complete list, because the set changes by app and context. The common ones are below.

Enable Voice Control

  1. Open System Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control.
  2. Turn Voice Control On.
  3. In any app, place your cursor where you want input (or use commands to navigate).

Common Voice Control commands (examples)

  • Show commands: see the available command list for your current context
  • Show numbers / Show names: label on-screen items so you can refer to them
  • Show grid: show a numbered grid for precise clicking
  • Click 7 (or any number): interact with the labeled item/grid
  • Scroll down / Scroll up: basic navigation
  • Open Mail (or any app): launch apps by name
  • Stop listening / Start listening: pause/resume Voice Control

Tip: if you’re issuing commands quickly, pausing briefly between commands can help recognition.

Voice Control vs Dictation

Voice Control is not the same thing as Dictation. Voice Control is for hands-free control + dictation; Dictation is speech-to-text (type what you say) without full voice-based control. See: Voice Control vs Dictation on Mac.

Sources

Try it on your own work

Voice Type is on-device dictation for macOS. Hold a hotkey, speak, and release to insert text in any app. Your audio never leaves your Mac. Free for 7 days, then $19.99 once on the Mac App Store. No subscription and no account.

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