How to Read a PDF Aloud: 4 Easy Methods

You can easily read PDFs out loud using Xodo PDF Reader and various text-to-speech apps and tools to simplify how you consume digital content.

Listening to your PDF documents instead of reading them can be a game-changer, and it’s easier than ever with the right tools.

To read PDFs aloud, you can use PDF audio readers and various text-to-speech (TTS) tools. Many of these tools are available across multiple platforms, offering the flexibility to listen to your PDFs on any operating system.

In this guide, we’ll explore 4 different methods to enable the read aloud functionality and enhance your PDF viewing experience:

• Using a PDF reader
• On Windows using Narrator
• On Mac using built-in text-to-speech
• Using dedicated text-to-speech tools

Let’s first take a look at what it means to read PDF files out loud and why text-to-speech technology is so important.

What is Read Aloud for PDF Files?

Read Aloud is a text-to-speech (TTS) feature that allows the text in a PDF document to be read out loud using a computer-generated voice.

Text-to-speech technology enhances accessibility for visually impaired individuals with reading difficulties, offering a convenient alternative to traditional reading.

For students, professionals, and busy individuals, reading articles, emails, books or PDF files aloud can be particularly useful, enabling them to passively consume content while multitasking. This feature makes it easier to absorb information without needing to focus entirely on reading.

How to read PDF aloud using Xodo PDF reader

Follow these simple steps to read a PDF aloud with the Xodo PDF Reader:

1. Download Xodo PDF Reader for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Install and launch the app.
3. Open your PDF file.
4. In the View menu, select Read Out Loud.
5. The software will begin reading the PDF aloud. You can use the controls to pause, resume, and adjust the reading speed.

Xodo PDF Reader is a free, feature-rich alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader that allows you to read, comment, highlight text, fill out and sign forms, search, measure, and print PDF files.

If you need read aloud but also more advanced capabilities like text editing, OCR, file conversion, and electronic signatures, try our advanced PDF editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to read a PDF out loud on Windows using Narrator

You can easily read a PDF aloud on Windows using the built-in Narrator screen reader. Follow these steps:

1. Open Your PDF using any PDF reader or web browser on your computer.
2. Press Ctrl + Win + Enter to activate Narrator.
3. Narrator will begin reading the text on your screen, including your PDF.
4. Adjust the speed, voice, and volume of Narrator through the Ease of Access settings in Windows.

Narrator not only reads text in your PDF files, but it can also read other on-screen text, offering a simple way to listen to PDFs and other content without needing additional software.

How to make a PDF read aloud on Mac

You can use the built-in text-to-speech on your Mac to easily read a PDF aloud. Follow these steps:

1. Open your PDF file in Preview.
2. Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Vision > Spoken Content.
3. Check the option that says Speak selection.
4. Select the text you want to listen to, then press the chosen key combination (e.g., Option + Esc) to hear it read out loud.

Mac's text-to-speech feature allows you to customize the voice, speed, and pitch for a more personalized experience.

You can choose from a variety of voices, including different accents and languages, and adjust the speaking rate to suit your preference.

Using Third-Party Text-to-Speech Tools

If you want more control over how your PDF is read aloud, you can use dedicated text-to-speech tools.

There are various software and apps available that provide enhanced features for converting PDFs to speech, including the ability to read the whole documents aloud. Here are some popular options:

1. Natural Readers

Natural Readers is a text-to-speech tool available for both Windows and Mac. It supports PDF files, and you can convert text to audio in various voices and languages.

Natural Reader offers a free version with basic features, as well as a premium version that includes more advanced tools.

2. ReadAloud

ReadAloud is a free, no-registration-required web app that converts text to speech. It supports PDFs up to 400 pages, as well as EPUB, DOC, DOCX, and TXT files.

ReadAloud also includes a pronunciation editor to correct mispronounced words. It allows you to paste URLs or custom text for reading aloud, making it a versatile tool for improving accessibility and enhancing your reading experience.

3. Balabolka

Balabolka is a free text-to-speech software for Windows that supports various file formats, including PDFs.

The software allows you to customize the reading experience by adjusting the speed and selecting different voices, providing an accessible and flexible option for reading PDFs aloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about text-to-speech technology and reading PDFs aloud.

Does Google Chrome have a read aloud features?

No, the Google Chrome browser does not offer a built-in read out loud feature.

But you can download various text-to-speech extensions from the Chrome Web Store to read PDFs aloud and other content in your browser.

Does Xodo support text-to-speech?

Yes, both the Xodo PDF Reader and Xodo PDF Studio provide text-to-speech technology to read PDF files aloud on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.

How do I get my computer to read PDF files aloud on Chrome?

You can find various text-to-speech apps in the Chrome Web Store. Popular choices such as Speechify and Readme TTS let you select text to read aloud, customize voice options, and support additional file formats.

Can I read a PDF out loud in Microsoft Edge browser?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Edge to read PDFs aloud quickly and easily. Here's how:

1. Open your PDF in Microsoft Edge.
2. In the top menu, click Read aloud.
3. The browser will start reading the PDF.

Microsoft Edge supports multiple languages, allowing you use default voice or choose the one that suits you best. You can easily navigate between paragraphs, and adjust the speed and volume to your liking, ensuring a more personalized listening experience.

Can Preview read PDF files out loud?

Yes, Preview on Mac can read PDF files out loud using the built-in text-to-speech technology.

Simply enable the Speak selection option under Accessibility settings. Then highlight text in your PDF and have it read aloud in Preview.

How do I read a PDF out loud without Adobe?

You can use Xodo PDF Reader to open and read PDFs aloud without needing Adobe Acrobat Reader.

For more advanced features such as editing, securing, and signing documents, you can use Xodo PDF Studio. It also supports the read aloud function, providing an all-in-one solution without the need for Adobe Acrobat.

Make PDF Files More Accessible

Making a PDF read aloud enhances accessibility, productivity, and user convenience.

Whether you're using Xodo PDF Reader, built-in text-to-speech on Windows and Mac or third-party tools like ReadAloud and Speechify, there are multiple ways to listen to PDF content.

With text-to-speech technology, you can improve comprehension, multitask efficiently, and ensure a more inclusive digital experience.

By choosing the right tool, anyone can easily convert text into speech for a seamless reading experience.