A Quick Guide for Windows and Mac
What is Text-to-Speech?
Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology reads digital text aloud using a computer-generated voice. It allows students to listen to textbooks, websites, PDFs, emails, and other digital documents while following along visually.
TTS is widely used by students with dyslexia, ADHD, vision loss, learning disabilities, concussions, and anyone who benefits from hearing information while reading. It can improve reading comprehension, reduce fatigue, and make lengthy reading tasks more manageable.
Listening to text is not cheating—it is simply another way of accessing information.
Windows
Microsoft Read Aloud
Included in Microsoft Edge
Best for:
- Websites
- PDF’s
- Online Articals
- Digital Textbooks
Features
✔ Natural sounding voices
✔ Adjustable reading speed
✔ Highlights words while reading
✔ Multiple voice options
Getting Started
- Open a webpage or PDF in Microsoft Edge.
- Select Read Aloud from the toolbar (or press Ctrl + Shift + U).
- Adjust the voice and speed using Voice Options.
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Available in Microsoft Office, Edge, and OneNote.
Best for:
- Improving focus
- Reading comprehension
Features
✔ Read aloud
✔ Line Focus
✔ Syllable support
✔ Picture Dictionary
✔ Adjustable spacing
✔ Reading preferences
Microsoft Magnifier Reader
Included with Windows
Best for:
- Reading websites
- Reading documents
- Reading PDFs
- Reducing visual fatigue
Features
✔ Reads text aloud using natural-sounding voices
✔ Highlights words as they are read
✔ Works with webpages, documents, and many applications
✔ Adjustable reading speed and voice selection
✔ Simple “Read from Here” command
✔ Integrated with Windows Magnifier
Turn On
- Press Windows + Plus (+) to open Magnifier.
- Select the Read button (or press Ctrl + Alt + Enter).
- Click where you want reading to begin, or drag to select text.
macOS
VoiceOver
Although primarily a screen reader, VoiceOver can also read documents, websites, and applications aloud.
Best For:
- Blind users
- Low vision users
- Complete computer access
Turn VoiceOver On/Off
Command + F5
(On laptops with Touch ID, you may need Fn + Command + F5.)
Spoken Content
Built into macOS.
Features
- Read selected text aloud
- Adjustable voices
- Reading speed controls
- Works in almost every application
Turn On
System Settings –> Accessibility –> Spoken Content
Enable
✔ Speak Selection
Optional
✔ Speak Screen
Benefits of Text-to-Speech
Text-to-Speech can help:
- Improve reading comprehension
- Reduce reading fatigue
- Increase focus and attention
- Read lengthy documents more efficiently
- Improve proofreading by hearing your own writing
- Make digital learning materials more accessible
Using Text-to-Speech Effectively
Text-to-Speech works best when paired with active reading strategies.
Try these techniques:
✔ Follow the words on screen while listening.
✔ Pause frequently to summarize what you’ve read.
✔ Highlight important information.
✔ Adjust the reading speed to match your comfort level.
✔ Use headphones in shared spaces.
✔ Listen to difficult sections more than once..
Tips for Success
✔ Start with shorter reading sessions.
✔ Use natural-sounding voices whenever possible.
✔ Combine listening with note-taking.
✔ Listen at a comfortable speed—you can gradually increase it as you become more familiar.
✔ Remember that listening is another way of reading.
Key Takeaway
Text-to-Speech helps remove barriers to reading by making digital content more accessible. The goal isn’t simply to hear words—it’s to support understanding, learning, and meaningful participation.