How to Make Google Docs Read Aloud: A Step-by-Step Guide

//

Matthew Burleigh

Making Google Docs read aloud to you is a useful trick, especially if you’re proofreading or multitasking. In a nutshell, you’ll be enabling a built-in feature of Google Docs called ‘Read Aloud’, which literally transforms text into speech. Curious about how to make it happen? Let’s dive in!

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Make Google Docs Read Aloud

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what these steps will achieve. By the end, you’ll have Google Docs speaking the text out loud to you. Handy, right?

Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document

Open the document you want Google Docs to read aloud.

Once your document is open, you’re one step closer to having it read aloud to you. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account and that you have permission to view the document.

Step 2: Click on ‘Tools’ in the Menu Bar

In the menu bar at the top of the page, click on ‘Tools’.

The ‘Tools’ menu is where the magic happens. It’s the gateway to all kinds of useful features, including the one we’re focusing on today.

Step 3: Select ‘Accessibility Settings’

From the dropdown menu, select ‘Accessibility Settings’.

Accessibility settings are designed to make Google Docs easier to use for everyone. By toggling these settings, you’re tailoring the app to your needs.

Step 4: Check ‘Turn on Screen Reader Support’

In the Accessibility settings, you’ll find an option to ‘Turn on Screen Reader Support’. Check this box.

Activating screen reader support is essential for the ‘Read Aloud’ feature to work. It tells Google Docs you want the text converted into audio.

Step 5: Highlight the Text You Want Read Aloud

Highlight the text in your document you want Google Docs to read to you.

Remember, Google Docs won’t just start reading everything willy-nilly. You’ve got to tell it which parts you’re interested in hearing.

Step 6: Click on ‘Accessibility’

Now, click on ‘Accessibility’ in the menu bar again.

You’re almost there! This time around, we’re going back into Accessibility to activate the reading feature.

Step 7: Select ‘Speak’

From the dropdown menu, select ‘Speak’, then ‘Speak Selection’.

And just like that, Google Docs will start reading the selected text out loud to you. Congratulations, you’ve just made your document talk!

After completing these steps, the selected text in your Google Docs document will be read aloud. The voice might sound a bit robotic, but it gets the job done, reading the text at a steady pace and pronunciation.

Tips for Making Google Docs Read Aloud

  • Adjust your speaker volume before starting, so the reading isn’t too loud or too soft.
  • If the voice reading is too fast or too slow for your liking, you can adjust the speaking rate in your computer’s text-to-speech settings.
  • Use the ‘Read Aloud’ feature to proofread your work; hearing your words can help catch errors you might miss when reading.
  • Try using headphones if you’re in a public place to avoid disturbing others.
  • Remember, the ‘Read Aloud’ feature only works when you’re connected to the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Google Docs Read Aloud

Can Google Docs read aloud in different languages?

Yes, Google Docs can read aloud in different languages as long as the text is written in one of the supported languages.

Is the ‘Read Aloud’ feature available on mobile devices?

Yes, the ‘Read Aloud’ feature is available on the Google Docs app for both Android and iOS devices.

Can I pause the reading?

Yes, you can pause the reading at any time by going back to ‘Accessibility’ and clicking on ‘Speak’, then ‘Stop Speaking’.

Is there a way to change the voice that reads the text?

The voice is usually determined by your computer’s text-to-speech settings, where you can choose different voices.

Does this feature work on other Google applications?

The ‘Read Aloud’ feature is specific to Google Docs, but other Google applications have similar accessibility features.

Summary

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Click on ‘Tools’.
  3. Select ‘Accessibility Settings’.
  4. Check ‘Turn on Screen Reader Support’.
  5. Highlight the text.
  6. Click on ‘Accessibility’.
  7. Select ‘Speak’, then ‘Speak Selection’.

Conclusion

There you have it – a straightforward guide on how to make Google Docs read aloud. Whether you’re looking to improve your productivity or need assistance due to visual impairments, this feature can be a game-changer. Remember that while technology is not perfect, the ability to turn text into speech is a testament to how far we’ve come in making information accessible to everyone. Don’t hesitate to explore more of what Google Docs can offer beyond this nifty trick. And who knows, maybe in the future, we’ll see more advanced options for customization and control – a smoother voice, perhaps? Until then, happy listening and here’s to a more accessible future for all!

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.

He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.

You can read his bio here.

Join Our Free Newsletter

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy