In this work, switchable synthesis of isoquinolin-1-one and 3-hydroxylisoquinolin-1,4-dione from 2-alkynylbenzamide is reported. The transformation works well with good yields and a broad reaction scope. The synthetic switch for providing isoquinolin-1-one and 3-hydroxylisoquinolin-1,4-dione is enabled by the use of a N2 or O2 atmosphere. Mechanism studies show that the reaction proceeds in a regioselective manner via a N-center radical 6-endo-dig aza-cyclization pathway.