An annoying issue with google Docs on mac

By Mert Ozer, 17 April, 2025

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps

Hi everyone,

I’m having an issue with Google Docs. Regardless of whether I’m using Safari or Google Chrome, whenever I try to navigate by character and word using the command+arrows keys, VoiceOver announces “zero with space” before saying the character or word. This is incredibly distracting, and I’m looking for any workarounds.

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Comments

By PaulMartz on Thursday, April 17, 2025 - 18:30

I have a similar issue. When I select a word using Shift+Option+Right arrow, VoiceOver announces space, then the word being selected. It always does this, even when the selection doesn't include a space. The workaround for this is to be aware of what you're selecting.

But hearing space every time you select a word is unusual. You can try restarting VoiceOver. Also, if you're editing a MS Word .docx file, you might try converting it to a native Google docs file. I don't know whether this will help or not but it's something easy to try.

One fairly serious issue is the length of time VoiceOver pauses when reading numbered bullet list items. If it's reading 3.1.5, coffee, for example, you'll hear: three, long pause, one, long pause, five, extra long pause, coffee. This drives me crazy. Restarting VoiceOver helps with this, but the issue returns quickly. Feels to me like it has something to do with the length of the document, but I haven't verified this.

Sometimes, I hear Google Docs read the same text twice, once with VoiceOver, and once again with the system voice. Again, toggle VO to workaround.