text to speech google drive

How to make Google Docs read your documents out loud to you, using a Google Chrome extension

You can make Google Docs read text to you out loud with the text-to-speech function.
You'll need to use the Google Chrome web browser, along with the ChromeVox extension, which will read the text of any webpage aloud to you.
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Sometimes a fresh perspective can make a world of difference. Hearing your written words spoken aloud, for example, can help you more easily find those spots that need refining or rephrasing.

But for those who don't want — or simply don't have the option — to let someone else read them their work, Google Chrome's accessibility features can provide a good digital replacement.

Here's how to set up the text-to-speech feature and have Google Docs read your text out loud:

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In order for this to work, be sure that you've added the ChromeVox extension to your Google Chrome web browser on a PC or Mac computer.

1. Open your Google Doc.

2. Click "Tools" in the top toolbar.

3. Select "Accessibility settings."

4. Tick the box next to "Turn on Screen Reader Support" and then click "OK." You should now see a new section appear in your top toolbar called "Accessibility."

5. Highlight the section of text you want read aloud.

6. Click "Accessibility" and then "Speak," followed by "Speak selection."

ChromeVox will read the selection aloud to you.

Note, however, that if you have more than one Google Doc page open, ChromeVox may try to read from a different document. You should try this with only one document open at a time.

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How to add a font to google docs in 2 different ways, how to run a spell check in google docs in 2 ways, to fix spelling and grammar errors, how to assign tasks in google docs in 2 different ways, how to change the language in google docs to translate a document or type in a different language, how to use grammarly on google docs with a google chrome extension to enhance your writing.

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Main content

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

Google Docs can read your documents out loud for you, making it easier to absorb information or multitask. You just need to use the built-in text-to-speech feature. Let’s get started!

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

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that this feature can help with proofreading, learning a new language, or just for listening to your document as you rest your eyes.

Step 1: Open your Google Doc

Open the Google Docs document you want to be read to you.

Opening your document is the first step. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account and navigate to the Google Docs home page. From there, select the document you wish to have read aloud.

Step 2: Click on “Tools” in the menu bar

In the top menu of Google Docs, click on “Tools”.

The “Tools” menu is located between “Insert” and “Add-ons” on the top menu. This is where you’ll find the option to activate the text-to-speech feature.

Step 3: Select “Accessibility settings”

From the dropdown menu, choose “Accessibility settings”.

In the “Accessibility settings” menu, you’ll find options that make Google Docs more user-friendly for people with different abilities.

Step 4: Click on “Turn on Screen Reader Support”

You should tick the box next to “Turn on Screen Reader Support”.

By enabling this option, you’ll activate the Google Docs text-to-speech function. A message may pop up confirming that you’ve turned on screen reader support.

Step 5: Use the Speak command

Go back to the “Tools” menu, hover over “Accessibility” and then click on “Speak”.

After you’ve turned on screen reader support, the “Speak” option will be available under the “Accessibility” menu. This is the feature that will read your document out loud.

Step 6: Choose what you want to be read aloud

Select “Speak selection” to read the highlighted text or “Speak from the cursor location” to read from a specific point in the document.

Highlight the text you want to be read aloud and choose “Speak selection”, or place the cursor where you want the reading to begin and select “Speak from cursor location”.

After completing these steps, Google Docs will start reading your document out loud. You can pause or stop the reading at any time by going back to the “Tools” menu and clicking on “Accessibility” to find the pause or stop options.

Tips for Making Google Docs Read to You

Ensure that your device’s volume is turned up so you can hear the reading.
Use headphones for better sound quality and to avoid disturbing others.
Customize the voice and speed of reading in your device’s text-to-speech settings for a personalized experience.
Use the “Speak from the cursor location” option to start reading from a specific point in the document.
Remember to turn off Screen Reader Support when you’re done, especially if you share the computer with others who might not need this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can google docs read to me in different languages.

Yes, Google Docs can read to you in different languages, but you need to configure your device’s text-to-speech settings to the desired language.

Is the text-to-speech feature available on mobile devices?

Yes, the text-to-speech feature is available on the Google Docs app for mobile devices.

Can I adjust the reading speed?

Yes, you can adjust the reading speed in your device’s text-to-speech settings.

Is this feature free to use?

Yes, Google Docs’ text-to-speech feature is completely free to use.

Can I use this feature offline?

No, you need an internet connection to use Google Docs’ text-to-speech feature because it relies on cloud-based processing.

Open your Google Docs document.
Click on “Tools” in the menu bar.
Select “Accessibility settings”.
Click on “Turn on Screen Reader Support”.
Use the Speak command from the “Tools” menu.
Choose “Speak selection” or “Speak from cursor location”.

In today’s fast-paced world, having tools that can help you multitask and improve efficiency is a game-changer. And when it comes to Google Docs, the ability to have your documents read to you is one of those game-changing features. Whether you’re proofreading, learning, or simply want to rest your eyes, the text-to-speech capability of Google Docs is there to make your life a bit easier. Remember, technology is meant to work for you, and with this feature, you’re able to harness the power of Google Docs to its fullest. So, why not give it a try and see how it can improve your workflow? After all, sometimes, it’s just nicer to listen.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

2 Ways To Use Text-To-Speech in Google Docs to Read Aloud Text

For a few months now, I have been using text-to-speech in Google Docs to read aloud my documents so I could make them sound more natural. You probably don’t know that Google Docs comes with dedicated text-to-speech options to allow your screen reader app to read aloud Google Docs documents.

If you are missing out on this awesome Google Docs feature, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll show you how to use the Google Docs text-to-speech feature to read aloud documents. Additionally, I will also share a nifty third-party text-to-speech tool that is definitely worth checking out if you don’t want to use a desktop screen reader.

1. Use Google Docs Screen Reader to read text aloud

Before you use Google Docs screen reader options, you need to get a dedicated screen reader software that will read aloud the text in a Google Docs document. You don’t need to go through this step if you already have a screen reader software built-in, like Apple VoiceOver or ChromeVox . If not, then I will recommend you use the NVDA screen reader software.

It’s a free open-source screen reader software that is small in size and very easy to use. There are no special settings to configure to use it with Google Docs. Just download and install the software and follow the below instructions to use it with Google Docs.

If you don’t want to use desktop screen reader software, then you can also use this Screen Reader Chrome extension by Google. This screen reader will only work inside the Chrome browser rather than your whole operating system. It also doesn’t require any special setting configuration to work with Google Docs.

Enable Google Docs Screen Reader

Your screen reader software will not be able to read the text inside a Google Docs document if the Google Docs screen reader option isn’t enabled. Here’s how to enable screen reader in Google Docs:

Click on the “Tools” menu in the top bar and select “Accessibility settings” in it.

Now check the checkbox next to “Turn on screen reader support” and click on “OK” .

Use text-to-speech in Google Docs

After following the above instructions, you will notice a new Accessibility menu in the top bar; you can use it to read aloud text in Google Docs. If you still can’t find the Accessibility option, then press the Ctrl+Alt+Z keys on your keyboard.

1. Open up the document and select the text you want to read aloud (press Ctrl+A to select all the text).

2. Now click on “Accessibility” in the top menu bar and select “Speak selection” in the “Speak” option. Your screen reader software will read aloud the text.

There is also a Google Docs keyboard shortcut for this purpose. Once the required text is selected, press Ctrl+Alt+X keys to start reading aloud.

Note: Some screen reader software can directly read aloud text just by highlighting, so you may not need to go through the above process depending on your screen reader software.

2. Use a text-to-speech Chrome extension

You can also use a text-to-speech Chrome extension for Google Docs if you don’t want to use a dedicated screen reader software. A text-to-speech extension will copy the Google Docs content in its own interface and then read it aloud. For this purpose, I really like the Read Aloud Chrome extension. It’s astonishingly easy to use, yet it’s very powerful.

The extension works on almost every web page, including web apps like Google Docs. Just open up the document, and click on the extension button to start reading the text aloud. You also don’t need to select the text, Read Aloud will automatically recognize text that should be read aloud.

If you go to its settings, you can select voice type, volume, pitch, and speed. Best of all, Read Aloud can read the text in over 40 different languages. There is a good chance your particular language is supported.

If Read Aloud doesn’t work well for you, then you can use the Speak It Chrome extension as an alternative. This extension also works very similarly, but it also lets you directly highlight text in your browser to read aloud.

Note: You don’t need to enable the screen reader option in Google Docs to use these text-to-speech Chrome extensions.

Wrapping up

If you are blind or vision impaired, then you should definitely use your screen reader software with Google Docs by enabling screen reader support in Google Docs. However, if you just want to quickly read aloud your Google Docs document, then using a text-to-speech extension is much better. Do let us know in the comments how you’ll be using text-to-speech in Google Docs.

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Karrar Haider

For over 10 years, Karrar has been writing about everything Google and Windows with a strict focus on improving security and finding ways to get more out of our devices.

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21 Responses

Comments 21
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Doesn’t work on a mobile device, I guess

thank you for sharing

There is no “Accessibility” in the top menu bar, even after I enabled screen reading.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Z keys to show “Accessibility” in the top menu bar.

Read Allowed is fabulous! Good to have another option when Google Docs Screen Reader just doesn’t work. Thanks

I am trying to allow for my special needs students to hear a text read to them. I have done all of the above on my Google Doc, but when I select the text and then select accessibility/speak/speak selection (or press ctrl+alt+x) it does not read aloud from my Chromebook, or with headphones. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Same here..and yes, volume for everything else is high and working :(

im having the same issue :(

Can’t get it working. Found all of the steps easily, but it isn’t reading. I’m using it on a macbook, so maybe there is a separate step that’s needed?

Yeah I did all the above. Not working at all. Guess google isn’t a big fan of accessibility

Doesn’t work

Unfortunately this does not work on Google Pixel mobile device.

I have turned on Accessibility Selected the document that I need reading clicked on Speak and Speak selection

Looks like there may be one more small thing that I have not done.

Please advice

Read Aloud extension works like a charm. Woohoo

I was using this in MS word for emails and everywhere. I caught my silly mistakes very easily. I missed this simple feature in google docs. I must say this article is not easy to find.

Thank you very much. Providing the link to the Chrome Add-on is extremely useful.

Please keep us posted if Accessibility feature starts working.

I originally thought this extension didn’t work because it didn’t show up in Docs extensions – it’s for Chrome, so, my error.

it does not work i have tried the things that you suggested for me to try

Why did you post lies? Nothing works on anyones device!

Y is it not working on literally anyone’s device? I’ve followed all the steps and still doesn’t work pretty much everyone is having troubles.

I have the same issue as everyone else and have tried everything. This did not help at all and I’ve been trying for months

IT DID NOT HELP DO NOT TRY!!!

Type & edit with your voice

You can use your voice to type and edit your document in Google Docs and your speaker notes and captions in Google Slides.

This feature works with the latest versions of:

When you turn on voice typing or captions, your web browser controls the speech-to-text service. It determines how your speech is processed and then sends the text to Google Docs or Google Slides.

Tip: If this feature is not enabled in your organization, it may have been turned off by your administrator .

Step 1: Turn on your microphone

To use voice typing or voice commands, your computer microphone needs to be on and working.

Devices and microphones vary, so check your computer manual for instructions. Typically, microphone settings are in the System Settings on a Mac, or the Control Panel on a PC.

Step 2: Use voice typing

Type with your voice, start voice typing in a document.

Check that your microphone works.
Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.

When you're ready to speak, click the microphone.
Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace (see below for more information on using punctuation).
When you're done, click the microphone again.

Start voice typing in Slides speaker notes

In a Chrome browser, open a presentation in Google Slides.
The speaker notes open and a microphone box shows.
When you're ready to speak, click the Microphone .
For more information on how to use punctuation, check below.
When you're done, click the Microphone .

Correct mistakes while voice typing

If you make a mistake while you're typing with your voice, you can move your cursor to the mistake and fix it without turning off the microphone.
After you correct the mistake, move the cursor back to where you want to continue.
To see a list of suggestions, right-click words underlined in gray.

Languages that work with voice typing

Voice typing works in these languages and accents:

Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Arabic (Algeria), Arabic (Bahrain), Arabic (Egypt), Arabic (Israel), Arabic (Jordan), Arabic (Kuwait), Arabic (Lebanon), Arabic (Morocco), Arabic (Oman), Arabic (Palestine), Arabic (Qatar), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Arabic (Tunisia), Arabic (United Arab Emirates), Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bahasa Indonesia, Basque, Bengali (Bangladesh), Bengali (India), Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Hong Kong), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ghana), English (India), English (Ireland), English (Kenya), English (New Zealand), English (Nigeria), English (Philippines), English (South Africa), English (Tanzania), English (UK), English (US), Farsi, Filipino, Finnish, French, Galician, Georgian, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Italian (Italy), Italian (Switzerland), Japanese, Javanese, Kannada, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Malaysian, Marathi, Nepali, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Sinhala, Spanish, Spanish (Argentina), Spanish (Bolivia), Spanish (Chile), Spanish (Colombia), Spanish (Costa Rica), Spanish (Ecuador), Spanish (El Salvador), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (US), Spanish (Guatemala), Spanish (Honduras), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Mexico), Spanish (Nicaragua), Spanish (Panama), Spanish (Paraguay), Spanish (Peru), Spanish (Puerto Rico), Spanish (Uruguay), Spanish (Venezuela), Sundanese, Swahili (Kenya), Swahili (Tanzania), Swedish, Tamil (India), Tamil (Malaysia), Tamil (Singapore), Tamil (Sri Lanka), Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu (India), Urdu (Pakistan), Vietnamese, Zulu.

Add punctuation

Exclamation point
Question mark
New paragraph

Step 3: Use voice commands

Voice commands are available only in English. The account language and document language must both be English.
Voice commands are not available in Slides speaker notes.

Select text

To select text, say these commands:

Select [word or phrase]
Select all matching text
Select list item
Select list items at current level
Select next character
Select next [number] characters
Select last character
Select last [number] characters
Select line
Select next line
Select next [number] lines
Select last line
Select last [number] lines
Select paragraph
Select next paragraph
Select next [number] paragraphs
Select last paragraph
Select last [number] paragraphs
Select word
Select next word
Select next [number] words
Select last word
Select last [number] words
Select none

Format your document

Text formatting.

Apply heading [1–6]
Apply normal text
Apply subtitle
Apply title
Strikethrough
Superscript

Text color and highlighting

Text color [color]
Highlight [color]
Background color [color]
Remove highlight
Remove background color
Decrease font size
Increase font size
Font size [6-400]
Make bigger
Make smaller

Paragraph formatting

Decrease indent
Increase indent
Line spacing [1-100]
Line spacing double
Line spacing single
Align center
Align justified
Align right
Center align
Right align
Apply 1 column
Apply 2 columns
Apply 3 columns
Column options
Insert column break
Create bulleted list
Create numbered list
Insert bullet
Insert number
Remove formatting
Clear formatting
Remove bold
Remove italics
Remove strikethrough
Remove underline

Edit your document

To edit your document, say these commands:

Delete last word
Delete [word or phrase]
Insert link [then say the URL you want to use]
Delete link
Insert table of contents
Delete table of contents
Update table of contents
Insert comment [then say your comment]
Insert bookmark
Insert equation
Insert footer
Insert footnote
Insert header
Insert horizontal line
Insert page break
If you say "Delete" by itself, you delete the word before the cursor.
If you select the text of a URL and say "Insert link," the selected text becomes a hyperlink.

Add and edit tables

To add and edit tables, say these commands:

Insert table
Insert table [1-20] rows by [1-20] columns
Insert column
Insert new column
Insert new column on the left
Insert new row
Insert new row above
Insert new row below
Delete column
Delete table
Remove column
Remove table

Move around your document

To move around your document, say these commands:


Example:
Go to Move to	end of start of	paragraph column line row table document
Go to Move to	next previous	character column footnote formatting change heading heading [1-6] image line link list list item misspelling paragraph row table word page
Go Move	forward backward	[number] characters [number] words
Go Move	up down	[number] lines [number] paragraphs

Example:

Go to

Move to

end of

start of

paragraph

column

line

row

table

document

Go to

Move to

character

column

footnote

formatting change

heading

heading [1-6]

image

line

link

list

list item

misspelling

paragraph

row

table

word

page

Move

forward

backward

[number] characters

[number] words

Move

down

[number] lines

[number] paragraphs

Scroll down

Stop voice typing

Resume voice typing.

To move the cursor to the end of the paragraph and start voice typing again, say "Resume."

To move the cursor to the end of a particular word or phrase, say "Resume with [word or phrase]."

Here are all the commands you can say to resume voice typing:

Resume with [word or phrase]
Go to the end of the paragraph
Move to the end of the paragraph
Go to the end of the line
Move to the end of the line
Go to [word]

To open a list of voice commands in your document, say these commands:

Voice typing help
Voice commands list
See all voice commands

To use these commands, turn on screen reader support . It's best to wear headphones so the screen reader feedback isn't typed into your document.

Speak cursor location
Speak from cursor location
Speak selection
Speak selection formatting
Speak table row and column headers
Speak table cell location
Speak table column header
Speak table row header

Troubleshoot

If voice typing isn't working, try these steps.

"We're having trouble hearing you"

If you see an error message that says "We're having trouble hearing you," try the following:

Move to a quiet room.
Plug in an external microphone.
Adjust the input volume on your microphone.

The microphone isn't working

If you can't get the microphone to work on your computer, try the following:

Make sure that the microphone isn't broken.
Check your microphone settings in your computer system preferences.
Check that your microphone is plugged in and is not being used by another application.
Restart your computer.

Voice commands aren't working

If voice commands aren’t working, try the following:

Speak more slowly and clearly
Pause before and after each command. The text of your command might show in the document for a moment. For example, if you say "select all," the words "select all" show up before your text is selected.
The microphone shows a bubble containing the most recent command. Verify that Docs or Slides heard the right command. If not, you can simply say "Undo."

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

An Easy Text to Speech Google Docs Tutorial [3 Ways]

Last updated June 5, 2023

Google Docs is a great workspace that has plenty of tools and functionality to help all kinds of users. One such tool is Text-to-speech which enables the conversion of written text into spoken words. This opens up a whole new world of accessibility, convenience, and enhanced productivity.

Text-to-speech is a tool in Google Docs that is dedicated to helping the visually impaired work seamlessly on the platform, but it also has great benefits for every user.

Discover how to make your written content come alive, improve your proofreading skills, enhance language learning, and make information more accessible to a wider audience.

In this Text to speech Google Docs tutorial, we’ll show you how to use text-to-speech on Google Docs and some of the benefits you can gain from this.

Table of Contents

How to Get Text to Speech on Google Docs

Go to Google Docs and Open your document.
Select the portion of text that you want to convert to speech. For the entire document, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A for Windows or Cmd + A for Mac to select all the text.
At the top of the Google Docs window, Go to Tools > Accessibility .
In the “ Accessibility ” pane that appears on the right side of the document, check the box for “ Turn on screen reader support. ” then click OK.
Once enabled, you will see a new menu in the toolbar called “ Accessibility .” If you click it, it will open more options.
Go to Verbalize to Screen reader > Verbalize selection .

How To Use Text-To-Speech In Google Docs

There are a couple of ways you can use text-to-speech on Google Docs. In this article, we’ll show you 3 methods:

Using the inbuilt text-to-speech tool in Google Docs
Using a text to speech Add-on
Using a text-to-speech Chrome extension

Let’s look at the steps for each of the methods below.

Method 1: Use the Built-In Text to Speech Google Docs Tool

Google Docs has an inbuilt text-to-speech tool that you can find in the accessibility window. However, before you can use this tool, you need to install the Screen reader in Chrome. Keep in mind that this extension only works in Chrome. If you’re working on a different browser, you might need to find another extension.

However, you won’t need to install this extension if you already have a screen reader software built-in, like Apple VoiceOver or ChromeVox.

Here’s how to do text-to-speech on Google Docs:

At the top of the Google Docs window, Go to Tools > Accessibility.

To have Google Docs read your text aloud, go to Accessibility > Verbalize to screen reader . Then click Verbalize Selection .

The accessibility menu gives you a lot more options. For example, rather than verbalizing the text, you can select the text and have it verbalize the format of the text.

You can also choose to verbalize things like the location of the cursor, the word count, comments, and more.

The tool also helps you keep track of changes with show live edits as well as keeping track of things like graphics, links, and tables.

That’s it! The selected text will now be read aloud using the text-to-speech feature in Google Docs.

Method 2: Using a Text-to-Speech Add-On

There are plenty of useful add-ons in the Google marketplace, and you can find a couple of text-to-speech add-ons in there as well.

One good add-on we recommend is the Rhetoro text-to-speech add-on.

To install the add-on:

Go to Extensions > Add-ons .
Click Get Add-on .

Search for rhetoric in the Google Workspace Marketplace window.

Search for rhetoric in the Google Workspace Marketplace window.

Click on it and click Install .

Allow permissions by signing in to your Google Account.

Allow permissions by signing in to your Google Account.

Once you’ve finished these steps, the add-on should appear in the extensions menu.

Go to Extension. The Rhetero add-on should be on the menu.
Hover on the add-on and click Start Rhetero .

Hover on the add-on and click Start Rhetero.

The Rhetero window will open on the right of Google Docs.

The Rhetero window will open on the right of Google Docs.

Select the text you want to convert to speech, then click Generate .
Your audio will appear under the setting, and you can click play to hear it.

You can also choose the voice you want to use, the speed for the audio, and the pitch.

You can also choose the voice you want to use, the speed for the audio, and the pitch.

The Rhetero add-on is a pretty convenient text-to-speech add-on since it also lets you download the audios it generates, not to mention it’s free to use. You can create a folder for the downloaded audio and use them for other purposes.

However, if you are visually impaired, you might need some help setting it up.

Method 3: Using a Text-to-Speech Chrome Extension

You can also use Chrome extensions to convert text to speech in Google Docs. Some examples of such extensions include Natural Reader and Read Aloud.

To install the extension:

Go to Natural Reader
Click Add to Chrome .

Click Add extension in the prompt that appears.

Click Add extension in the prompt that appears.

Go to the extensions icon on Chrome and pin the Natural reader extension.

Go to the extensions icon on Chrome and pin the Natural reader extension.

Click on the N icon. A small prompt will appear

Click on the N icon. A small prompt will appear

Click the play icon to start the text to speech conversion.

With the Natural reader extension. You also have the option to change the voice and the speed at which the AI reads the text.

This extension also comes with different accents that come with different voices in case you have trouble with the standard English accent. This includes French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and many more.

Keep in mind that this extension won’t work if you’re working on Google Docs offline.

Voice-to-Text Google Docs

You can also do voice-to-text in Google Docs by using voice typing. This will allow you to write text in your document without having to type.

How to do voice-to-text in Google Docs:

Go to Tools
Choose voice typing

Click on the red microphone and click Allow.

Click on the red microphone and click Allow.

Start dictating the text.

The voice-to-text tool works best with earphones or a headset on.

Benefits of Text-to-Speech

Google Docs Text-to-speech technology has several benefits, including the following.

Text-to-speech allows users with visual impairments or reading difficulties to access the text document. This is very helpful for users with visually difficult or learning disabilities or those with conditions like dyslexia to consume information more effectively.
With Text to speech, you can text while performing other tasks, which helps you when multitasking. This removes the need for visual focus, allowing you to go through the document in Google Docs while doing other things like commuting or household chores.
Text-to-speech is a very useful tool if you’re interested in learning a new language or are already doing so. It helps by providing accurate pronunciation and intonation models. It’s also a good way to practice listening comprehension.
This functionality makes it easier to proofread your work. It’s easier to identify errors if you hear them being read out loud rather than reading the document to find them.
Text-to-speech can assist you in correctly pronouncing unfamiliar words, proper nouns, or technical terms.
Text-to-speech can enhance comprehension since it makes it easier to understand, particularly for complex or long texts.
Text-to-speech can be beneficial for people who experience eye strain or fatigue from reading for a long time.
Text-to-speech lets you adapt content to different formats, such as audiobooks, podcasts, or spoken presentations. This makes it easier for content creators to reach a broader audience and provides alternative options for content consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can google docs read out loud.

You may be wondering does Google Docs have text-to-speech. The answer is yes. You can enable the text-to-speech option in Google Docs to have the selected text, or the entire document read aloud to you.

It’s a convenient tool for accessing and consuming written content in an auditory format. We’ve shown exactly how to get text-to-speech on Google Docs.

How do I turn off text to speech in Google Docs?

You already know how to turn on text to speech on Google Docs, so here’s how to turn it off:

At the top of the Google Docs window, go to Tools > Accessibility .
In the “Accessibility” pane that appears on the right side of the document, uncheck the box next to “ Turn on screen reader support. “
Once you uncheck the box, click OK . The text-to-speech feature will be disabled, and the document will no longer be read aloud.

Final Thoughts

Text-to-speech can come in handy if you want to make your Google Docs more accessible and convenient to use.

In this text to speech Google Docs tutorial, we’ve shown you how to text to speech on Google Docs in 3 ways. If you found this tutorial useful, check out the related content below or our premium templates, but remember to use the code SSP to save 50%.

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How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs

Accessible and easy to use speech-to-text software

Speech-to-text software has come along way in recent years. We remember even a few years ago when voice typing required strange voices and mouth movements that looked like they belonged in a Saturday Night Live sketch.

Today, however, more and more businesses are incorporating voice typing into their business operations. It can be an easy way to save time and increase the productivity of your employees and can be crucial in making your business accessible to persons with disabilities.

In this article, we explain how to use voice typing software on Google Docs. Although it is not the best speech-to-text software , it is free and easy to use, and will serve many businesses’ purposes.

How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs: Preparation

Google’s speech-to-text software currently only works on the Google Chrome browser. If you already use Chrome, you won’t need much preparation at all, and you won’t have to download or install any additional software or plugins. However, if you don’t have Chrome, you’ll have to download it via this link .

The only other thing you’ll need to do before you can begin using Google’s speech-to-text software is to set up your microphone. Using the in-built microphone on your device will suffice most of the time, as Google’s dictation software has improved significantly in recent years.

However, if you’re planning on dictating a lengthy text, or plan on using Google’s dictation software every day, we’d consider investing in a high-quality microphone. An external microphone will enable Google to interpret your voice more easily and can be placed in an optimal location.

Once you’ve downloaded Chrome and prepared a microphone , you’re ready to go.

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Step 1: Open a new Google Docs file

Open Google Chrome on your device and head to the Google Docs website. If you’re not currently logged into your Google account, go ahead and log in now.

After you’ve logged in, create a new Google Doc. For our test, we named it “Speech-to-text in Google Docs - Test”. Ensure you save the article in a location where you’ll be able to access it later (to either edit or delete it).

Step 2: Open the voice typing window

Within this blank document, you should be able to see the menu options at the top of the window. To begin voice typing, click on the Tools menu option and then Voice Typing. You can also open the Voice Typing window by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S.

Step 3: Grant Google Docs access to the microphone

If you’ve never used Google’s speech-to-text software before, you’ll need to grant the platform access to your microphone. On Google Chrome, this is a simple as clicking “allow” when prompted.

Once you’ve clicked “allow”, the microphone symbol will change to red. Congratulations –you’re now using voice typing!

Step 4: Begin voice typing

With the microphone symbol changed to red, you can now begin speaking in a natural voice and watch as Google transcribes your voice to text. Unlike with older speech-to-text software, there’s no need to speak robotically, or at a comically slow pace. Google’s dictation software is designed to understand natural speech. Our only suggestion is to clearly enunciate lengthier or more complicated words, as these are where the software most often struggles.

Following these four steps alone will enable you to begin voice typing, saving time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere. After playing around with the software, you’ll quickly become comfortable with it and develop your own strategies for accurate and reliable transcription.

However, if you want to take your voice typing to the next level, read on to discover some of Google’s advanced voice commands.

Step 5: Voice commands

Google Docs also features several voice commands that enable you to create professional documents using only your voice. We’ll now explore a few of the most useful commands, but you can find the full list here .

The voice commands you’ll use most often are mostly self-explanatory. Saying the command “period” will insert a period into your document, while saying “bold” or “italic” will change the style of text correspondingly.

Formatting is also simple using commands such as “insert page break”, “insert horizontal line”, or “insert heading”, among many others.

Users can also change the text color by saying “text color (insert color)”.

Developing a mastery of these voice commands enables you to make the most of Google’s speech-to-text software, and ensures you and your employees can work faster and more effectively when voice typing.

Voice typing software has improved dramatically in recent years. In the past, businesses had to invest in expensive dictation software if they wanted a functional voice typing experience. And even then, there were limits on what such software could achieve.

Today, Google’s voice to text software enables businesses to incorporate voice typing into their operations free of charge. The software certainly isn’t the best available, but for most organizations, Google’s voice typing will more than suffice. We think that the extensive list of voice commands make the software appealing for employers and employees alike.

We list the best text-to-speech software .

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Text to Speech Google Docs: Everything You Need to Know

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Here's how you can have all your Google Docs read aloud with text to speech on Google Docs.

Accessibility and ease of communication are paramount. Google Docs has expanded its features to pair with text to speech ( TTS ) capability. If you've ever wondered how to utilize this feature, you're in the right place. We’ll guide you step-by-step through text to speech Google Docs, ensuring you can transform your written words into spoken ones with ease.

Text to speech (TTS) is a modern accessibility feature allowing users to transform written text into spoken words. This functionality assists people with reading or learning disabilities and those who prefer auditory learning. The technology also aids multitasking, as you can listen to text content while engaged in other activities.

Google Docs is a cloud-based word processing tool from Google, accessible via the Chrome browser and other web browsers. Part of Google Drive, it lets users create, edit, and store documents online, facilitating real-time collaboration. Google Docs supports various functionalities, including accessibility features like text to speech compatibility and voice typing.

Whether you're someone who learns better through listening, seeking ways to enhance content accessibility, or merely wishing to give your eyes a break, the benefits of using text to speech are manifold. Some of the advantages of including text to speech on Google Docs workflow are:

Accessibility : Google Docs text to speech ensures accessibility to users with visual impairments or learning disabilities. It aids in comprehension by reading aloud selected text.
Multitasking : Listen to your Google Docs document while working on other tasks, ideal for busy professionals.
Language learning : With support for different languages, you can hear the correct pronunciation and intonation, assisting in language learning.
Enhanced learning and comprehension : Some people are auditory learners and can comprehend or retain information better when they hear it. Text to speech can be invaluable for this demographic.
Proofreading : Listening to your content can make it easier to catch errors, awkward phrasing or formatting, and repetitive words, leading to cleaner and more effective writing.
Inclusivity : By providing an auditory option, content creators can cater to a broader audience, including those who might not be fluent readers in a particular language or those with varying abilities.
Reduced eye strain : For those who spend prolonged hours in front of screens, listening instead of reading can give the eyes a much-needed break, reducing fatigue and potential long-term strain.
Increased engagement : Engaging multiple senses can lead to a deeper connection with the content. Hearing a document can provide a different perspective and improve overall engagement with the material.
Flexibility : Text to speech can be especially handy for mobile users. Whether you're on a commute or walking, you can keep up with important documents without needing to focus on a screen.
Customization : Many text to speech tools, including the one in Google Docs, offer adjustable settings such as speed and voice type. This allows users to tailor the listening experience to their preferences.

How to enable text to speech Google Docs

Google Docs has become the go-to platform for collaborative and efficient document creation, and its versatility extends far beyond conventional word processing.

While Google Docs does not offer a built-in text to speech feature, users can use text to speech on Google docs by utilizing one of four methods:

Screen readers

Let’s explore all four options for using text to speech on Google Docs in this step-by-step guide.

To begin using a screen reader with Googles, step 1 is to enable screen reader support. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Open your document.

2. Click “Tools” on the Google Docs toolbar

3. Tap “Accessibility” to access “Accessibility Settings.”

4. Check “Turn on Screen Reader Support” from the accessibility menu.

5. Hit “Okay.”

6. Choose a screen reader. The first five steps we just covered simply enable you to use screen readers with Google Docs but doesn’t not automatically enable Google Docs to read aloud to you. For Google Docs text to speech you must now choose a screen reader depending on the device/operating system you have. For example, common examples include:

Cross-platform - Speechify
Windows – NVDA or JAWS
ChromeOS – ChromeVox
macOS – VoiceOver

We break down step-by-step tutorials on how to use each below.

If you’re looking for a screen reader that’s compatible with any device, Speechify has you covered. Here is a guide on how to use Speechify on any device:

Visit Speechify.com and sign in with an existing account or create a new one if prompted.
There are several ways to import Google Doc text into Speechify:
Paste text: You can copy and paste text from various sources, including websites, articles or Google Docs by tapping “New,” “Text Document,” and pasting the content into Speechify.
Web link: You can paste the web link directly to a Google Doc by clicking “New” and then “Web link.”
Document upload: You might be able to upload documents or PDFs directly into Speechify by tapping “New” and “Local documents.”
Choose a voice and settings: Customize the voice, speed, and other settings according to your preferences.
Play the text: Once you've imported text and adjusted settings, click the play button to start listening to the text being read aloud. Speechify will convert the text into spoken words.
Adjust playback controls: While listening, you can pause, rewind, or skip forward to control the playback.

Windows screen reader 1: How to use NVDA for text to speech on Google Docs

If you prefer to use Windows, you can choose NVDA for text to speech functionality. Simply follow this tutorial to use the latest version of NVDA with the latest version of Chrome.

Go to Google Docs and open a file.
Press NVDA + Ctrl + K.
Turn off Speak typed characters and Speak typed words.
Optional: You can change your NVDA startup keyboard shortcut so that it doesn't conflict with Docs. To change your NVDA keyboard shortcut, open Properties on the Shortcut tab and edit the Shortcut key to, for example, Ctrl + Shift + S.

Windows screen reader 2: How to use JAWS for text to speech on Google Docs

Another screen reader option for Microsoft users is JAWS. Here is how to use JAWS with Google Docs on Windows:

Open your Doc.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Z to turn on reading.
Control reading with the following commands:
Move to the next or previous character: Right Arrow or Left Arrow.
Move to the next or previous word: Ctrl + Right Arrow or Ctrl + Left Arrow.
Move to the start or end of the line: Home or End.
Move to the next or previous line: Down Arrow or Up Arrow.
Read from the cursor to the end: Insert + Down Arrow.
Read the current line: Insert + Up Arrow.
Read the next or previous line: Insert + Down Arrow or Insert + Up Arrow, respectively, when in line mode.

ChromeOS screen reader: How to use ChromeVox for text to speech on Google Docs

If you use ChromeVox on Chrome OS, you don't need to do any additional setup. Reading should begin as soon as you open a Google Doc.

macOS screen reader: How to use VoiceOver for text to speech on Google Docs

For Mac users, VoiceOver is the preferred screen reader.

Go to Google Docs and open a document.
If you've turned on "Automatically speak the webpage" in VoiceOver, reading will automatically begin.
Control reading with the following shortcuts:
Return your focus to the editing area: Press Escape
Interact with the editable text: Press VoiceOver + Shift + Down Arrow

In lieu of a screen reader, users can also use add-ons to give Google Docs a text to speech feature. Simply follow this tutorial to install your add-on:

Open your Google Doc document using the Google Chrome browser.
Navigate to the top menu and click on “Extensions.”
From the dropdown, select “Add-ons” and then “Get Add-ons.”

4. Search for “Text to speech.”

5. Install the necessary add-on to enable this functionality.

6. Once installed, highlight the text you wish to hear.

7. Click on “Add-ons” again, and select the text to speech option, such as “Speak.”

8. The selected text will be read aloud in the chosen text to speech voice.

If you’d like the simplest text to speech experience on Google Docs, and the most realistic voices, we recommend installing the Speechify Chrome extension using the following steps:

Open the Chrome browser and visit the Chrome web store.
Search for “Speechify.”

3. Install the extension by granting the necessary permissions.

4. Once installed, open your Google Docs document.

5. There will be a play button that appears to your left.

6. Click the play button with your cursor to speak selection and read aloud the selected text.

7. Adjust playback and voice settings as per preference.

Other Chrome extensions for text to speech on Google Docs

A few more Chrome extensions for Google Docs text to speech include the following:

Read Aloud is a Chrome extension that can read text from web pages, including Google Docs. It highlights the text it reads and allows you to control the reading speed and voice. It can also translate the text into different languages and supports multiple voice options. Just take the following steps to use the extension.

Install the "Read Aloud" extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Open your Google Docs document.
Click the "Read Aloud" icon in the Chrome toolbar.
Adjust the settings, such as voice and speed, as needed.
Click the play button to start text to speech.

Select and Speak

Select and Speak is a text to speech extension that can read text from web pages, including Google Docs. It has options to adjust the voice, pitch, and speed. To use Select and Speak, simply:

Install the "Select and Speak" extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Select the text you want read aloud.
Click the "Select and Speak" icon in the Chrome toolbar.

SpeakIt! is a popular text to speech extension that can read text from Google Docs and other web pages. It offers a range of voice options, including 50 different languages, and allows you to adjust the reading speed. To utilize the SpeakIt! extension, use the following steps:

Install the "SpeakIt!" extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Highlight the text you want read aloud.
Right-click on the selected text and choose "SpeakIt!" from the context menu.

ReadSpeaker TextAid for Chrome

ReadSpeaker TextAid is an accessibility extension that can read text within Google Docs. It also offers text highlighting and other features to support reading. ReadSpeaker TextAid for Chrome is easy to use and only requires the following setup:

Install the "ReadSpeaker TextAid for Google Docs" extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Access the ReadSpeaker features from the toolbar or menu for a customized reading experience.

Read&Write for Google Chrome

Read&Write for Google Chrome is a comprehensive literacy support tool that includes text to speech features for Google Docs. It offers natural-sounding voices and other assistive tools. To access Read&Write follow these steps:

Install the "Read&Write for Google Chrome" extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Access the Read&Write features, including text to speech, from the toolbar.

If you wish to experience Google Docs text to speech on a mobile device, you can do so by using the IOS or Android Speechify app. Simply follow the steps below to pair the Speechify app with Google Docs:

Download the IOS or Android Speechify app from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Log into Speechify or sign up for a Speechify account by logging in with your Google Account.
Tap “Add” on the bottom Speechify toolbar.
Now, choose “Google Drive.”
Grant “Speechify” access to your Google Account.
Select the Google Doc, you would like to listen to aloud.
Press the play button and customize your reading experience by changing the narrator voice or the reading speed.
Optional: If you do not wish to grant Speechify access to your Google Account, after step 3, you can choose “Paste Website Link” and paste the link to the specific Google Doc you want read aloud.

Other apps for text to speech on Google Docs

A few more mobile device apps for Google Docs text to speech include the following:

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader is a feature-rich IOS-only app that seamlessly integrates with Google Docs, offering customizable text to speech functionality and a wide selection of natural-sounding voices, enhancing the reading experience for users with diverse preferences. To use the app, simply:

Install the "Voice Dream Reader" app from the App Store.
Open your Google Docs document on your iOS device.
Select the text you want read.
Tap the "Share" button within Google Docs.
Choose "Voice Dream" from the list of sharing options.
The app will open and start reading the selected text.

NaturalReader

NaturalReader is a user-friendly text to speech app for both IOS and Android, known for its simplicity and clear, lifelike voice options, making it an accessible choice for those seeking straightforward text to speech conversion within their Google Docs documents. Here’s a tutorial on how to pair NaturalReader and Google Docs:

Install the "Natural Reader" app from the App Store.
Choose "NaturalReader" from the list of sharing options.

Google Text-to-Speech

Google Text-to-Speech, a Google app, provides text-to-speech functionality not only for Google Docs but across various Android applications, offering spoken feedback and enhancing accessibility on Android devices. Using the app is straightforward and consists of the following steps:

Ensure that "Google Text-to-Speech" is installed on your Android device (it's often pre-installed).
Open your Google Docs document in the Google Docs app on your Android device.
Tap the "More" (three dots) menu.
Choose "Read Aloud."
The built-in text to speech engine will read the selected text.

TalkBack is an essential accessibility service for Android users, offering spoken feedback and navigation support, making Google Docs and other apps accessible to individuals with visual impairments. To use TalkBack, follow this guide:

Make sure "TalkBack" is enabled on your Android device. You can enable it in the Accessibility settings.
Double-tap the selected text to have TalkBack read it aloud.

Voice Aloud Reader

Voice Aloud Reader is an IOS and Android app that can be used alongside Google Docs, offering a range of voice options and customizable features to cater to different text to speech needs. Follow this tutorial to check out Voice Aloud Reader:

Install the "Voice Aloud Reader" app from the Google Play Store.
Open your Google Docs document on your Android device.
Choose "Voice Aloud Reader" from the list of sharing options.

ClaroSpeak, available on multiple platforms, including Android and iOS, can be integrated with Google Docs, providing high-quality text to speech capabilities, voice choices, and text highlighting for improved document reading and comprehension. To access ClaroSpeak, use this tutorial:

Install the "ClaroSpeak" app from the App Store.
Choose "ClaroSpeak" from the list of sharing options.
The app will open and start reading the selected text. ClaroSpeak also offers various voices and speech settings for customization.

If you enjoy text to speech, you may also enjoy speech to text. Luckily, Google Docs has a built-in speech to text feature called “Voice Typing.” To use Google Docs speech to text, follow these steps:

Go to the “Tools” option in the top menu.
Select “Voice typing” from the dropdown.
Click on the microphone icon that appears. Make sure your microphone has the necessary permissions.
Begin dictating. Google Docs will transcribe in real-time.

Speechify stands out as the premier text to speech option for text from Google Docs and Excel spreadsheets to webpages and physical documents. Whether you're on the move with Android or iOS devices, working through a web browser, or browsing with Chrome, Speechify is right there with you. Its dedicated apps, website, MS Edge extension, and Chrome extension ensure that superior text to speech conversion is just a click away, no matter how or where you work.

With so many options for text to speech on Google Docs, here are just a few reasons why Speechify is the best text to speech option for Google Docs:

Lifelike narrator options: Boasting over 200 clear and crisp voices across various accents and languages, Speechify reads any digital or physical text aloud in the most humanlike voices on the market.
Wide language support: Speechify supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, French, and so many more, ensuring that users around the world can access content in their preferred language.
Offline access: Speechify offers offline functionality, allowing you to listen to your Google Docs documents even without an internet connection.
Customization: Tailor your text to speech experience with customizable options, including voice selection, reading speed adjustment, and more.
Text highlighting: Speechify visually highlights each word or phrase as it's spoken, enhancing comprehension and engagement for the listener.
Celebrity voices: In addition to its wide range of narrator options, premium users can also choose from celebrity voice options and have their text read aloud by familiar voices such as Gwyneth Paltrow or Snoop Dogg.

Try Speechify for free today to improve your reading experience.

Install the Speechify Google Chrome extension, then open your Google Doc, and tap the play button to the left to hear your Docs read aloud in some of the most lifelike AI voices on the market.

Yes, when paired with text to speech tools such as Speechify or Natural Reader, Google Docs can be read aloud.

Speechify is a text to speech Google Chrome extension compatible with Google Docs.

You can use Speechify to use text to speech seamlessly on a Chromebook.

In Google Docs, click on "Tools" in the top menu, and select "Voice typing" to activate the microphone and start transcribing your speech into text.

To access Google Docs, you need to log in to your Google account and go to the Google Docs website or app.

You can access Google Docs templates by opening Google Docs, then going to "File" > "New" > "From template."

How to convert articles to audio with text to speech

Read Aloud: Transforming the Way We Experience Text

Tyler Weitzman

Tyler Weitzman is the Co-Founder, Head of Artificial Intelligence & President at Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews. Weitzman is a graduate of Stanford University, where he received a BS in mathematics and a MS in Computer Science in the Artificial Intelligence track. He has been selected by Inc. Magazine as a Top 50 Entrepreneur, and he has been featured in Business Insider, TechCrunch, LifeHacker, CBS, among other publications. Weitzman’s Masters degree research focused on artificial intelligence and text-to-speech, where his final paper was titled: “CloneBot: Personalized Dialogue-Response Predictions.”

How to use Google’s free transcription tools

You may, however, be better off paying for a third-party app.

By Barbara Krasnoff , a reviews editor who manages how-tos. She’s worked as an editor and writer for almost 40 years. Previously, she was a senior reviews editor for Computerworld.

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If you’re in an important videoconferencing session and you are getting an infodump that you know you won’t remember, it can be very useful to have a transcription of that session. Video and audio recordings are all well and good, but a text version of your meeting can be a lot easier to search if you’re looking for that one specific bit of data inside of an hour’s worth of conversation.

There are a number of third-party apps out there that provide AI transcribing for recorded audio, such as Rev and Otter.ai . They also offer extra features, such as the ability to simultaneously listen to the audio and watch for places that need correction or to integrate directly with other apps such as Zoom. However, these are subscription services with fees. If free is what you’re looking for, then there are a couple of workarounds that may help — although they do have certain limitations.

Google Docs voice typing

Even longtime users of Google Docs may not be aware of its voice typing tool, which converts speech into text. This can be very handy if you have trouble typing or just find speaking faster or easier than typing. It can also be used as a transcription tool for any video or audio recording you may have. You can even run it during a live videoconference to transcribe the conversation as it happens.

To use voice typing as a transcription tool:

Open a new Google Doc
Select Tools > Voice typing
If the language you’re using is not shown, click on the link above the microphone icon and choose your language
When you’re ready to start recording, click on the microphone icon. It will turn bright red and begin transcribing. Note: be careful to click on the microphone icon after you start the audio you want to transcribe. Why? I’ll explain.

Once you’ve started the transcription feature, you cannot leave the Google Docs page, or the feature will automatically shut off. For example, if you’re transcribing a Zoom meeting, and you take a moment to click into your email, you are going to lose everything after that point until you go back to your document and click the microphone again.

In addition, the resulting transcription is — well, to be charitable, less than perfect. If people are speaking clearly, the Google Docs transcription feature does a reasonable job, but any mumbles, asides, or less-than-clear speech can be completely lost. In addition, forget commas, periods, and other niceties — if you want a fully grammatically correct document, you’ll have to fill those in later.

There is, however, an alternative.

Google Live Transcribe

Google’s Live Transcribe is an Android app that transcribes audio to your phone’s screen live as it “hears” it. The app is extraordinarily simple: you install it, load it, and it immediately begins transcribing. Originally built as an accessibility tool for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Transcribe will save a transcription for three days. If you want to keep the text for longer than that, you simply copy and paste it into a document.

To test these transcription apps, I ran each while playing a YouTube video of The Verge ’s Dieter Bohn offering his take on the Pixel 4A . As you can see from the screenshots below, while neither will take any prizes for accuracy, Live Transcribe handled the audio feed reasonably better than Docs did. (Although I have to admit that I found the repeated mentions of the “pixel for a” from both apps rather funny.)

You can transcribe audio using Google Docs. It’s free, but not all that accurate.

(Incidentally, I also tried using Gmail’s voice-to-text mode on my mobile phone to get a transcription, but the app kept choking on me about 20 seconds in.)

The verdict? If you only need a transcription of a meeting occasionally and don’t mind a number of errors and only a few periods, commas, and the like, then either might work for you, although I’d lean toward Live Transcribe. Otherwise, check out the third-party transcription services. They may not be free, but they’re more accurate, which very well may be worth it.

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Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader

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Read aloud the current web-page article with one click, using text to speech (TTS). Supports 40+ languages.

Read Aloud uses text-to-speech (TTS) technology to convert webpage text to audio. It works on a variety of websites, including news sites, blogs, fan fiction, publications, textbooks, school and class websites, and online university course materials. Read Aloud allows you to select from a variety of text-to-speech voices, including those provided natively by the browser, as well as by text-to-speech cloud service providers such as Google Wavenet, Amazon Polly, IBM Watson, and Microsoft. Some of the cloud-based voices may require additional in-app purchase to enable. Read Aloud can read PDF, Google Docs, Google Play books, Amazon Kindle, and EPUB (via the excellent EPUBReader extension from epubread.com). Read Aloud is intended for users who prefer to listen to content instead of reading, those with dyslexia or other learning disabilities, and children learning to read. To use Read Aloud, navigate to the web page you want to read, then click the Read Aloud icon on the Chrome menu. In addition, the shortcut keys ALT-P, ALT-O, ALT-Comma, and ALT-Period can be used to Play/Pause, Stop, Rewind, and Forward. You may also select the text you want to read before activating the extension. Right clicking on the selected text will provide you with yet another option to activate Read Aloud via the context menu. To change the voice, reading speed, pitch, or enable text highlighting, go to the Options page either by right clicking on the Read Aloud icon and choose Options, or by clicking the Gear button on the extension popup (you'll need to stop playback to see the Gear button). Read Aloud is an open-source project. If you wish to contribute bug fixes or translations, please visit the GitHub page at https://github.com/ken107/read-aloud.

4.2 out of 5 3.1K ratings Google doesn't verify reviews. Learn more about results and reviews.

Nikola Peljevic Aug 30, 2024

Aashutosh Poudel Aug 29, 2024

please edit the speed and volume

An Essential Guide to using Text to Speech on Google Docs

Google Docs is perhaps the most indispensable writing tool available to writers today. It is a great collaborative tool that enables multiple individuals to work on the same document in real time from a browser window. It is also constructive because when several people work on the same piece of writing, it enhances the article's essence.

Be it a speech or a feature article, good writing is necessary and Google Docs takes you one step in the right direction.

Serving as a great alternative to MS Word, Google Docs also allows users to auto-save documents, edit and alter the font of the text, include images and tables, change the page orientation, and track modifications, among other things. One of the major differences, however, is that Google Docs is completely online and is accessible from any device. Google Docs is built on Google Drive and, hence, the data is automatically saved on cloud.

Create the best version of your content, accessibility, multitasking, proofreading and editing, reducing eye strain, chromevox extension, text to speech chrome extension, how to do text to speech on google docs.

If you are a writer, you know that listening to written text helps give a fresh perspective. What looks fine on text might not always sound impressive. This is where Google Docs text to speech feature comes into play.

The text to speech feature in Google Docs allows users to hear what's written, enabling them to make necessary modifications, if necessary, to enhance the quality of the written content. The feature also comes in handy for someone who is multitasking and wants to hear their article or speech one last time before presenting it to an audience.

With this screen reader support, Google Docs has established itself as a best friend for writers and editors. Writers can rest their eyes while Google Docs screen reader feature reads the article for them and helps find flaws or gaps in the writing.

What’s more? Google’s TTS feature is available as an extension and can be downloaded from Google Chrome web browser.

Also read : A Beginner's Guide to WordPress Text to Speech Plugins

Benefits of Using Text to Speech on Google Docs

TTS on Google Docs unlocks a multitude of benefits, especially for online businesses seeking to enhance accessibility, improve productivity, and cater to diverse audiences.

Text to speech improves the accessibility of written content. If, for instance, you are a teacher teaching visually impaired students, you can convert written material on Google Docs into an accessible audio format. This ensures that every piece of information is readily available to visually impaired students, creating an inclusive learning environment for everyone.

If you are a busy professional juggling multiple tasks at once and preparing for an important presentation, text to speech on Google Docs can help. Your script or notes can be on Google Docs, but you also need to create slides for the presentation . While you focus on creating visually engaging slides, text to speech can read out your script or notes from Google Docs. This makes multitasking easy and boosts productivity.

When you spend hours working on a document, it’s easy to overlook small errors or awkward phrasing. You may also get too familiar with your own writing to spot errors. For example, if you’ve written a research paper, you can use text to speech to listen to it. You might find that some sentences are too long, some phrases are repeated too often, or some words are misused. You might not notice these issues while reading, especially if you’re already familiar with the text.

In the digital age, we spend a significant amount of time looking at screens, which can lead to eye strain. Text to speech is a great tool to alleviate such stress, allowing users to rest their eyes.

Primary Ways to Utilize Google Docs Text to Speech Feature

While there are a number of ways to get Google Docs to read your text aloud, two of the most widely used approaches are the ChromeVox extension and the text to speech extension.

While Google Docs does have built-in text to speech functionality, it’s still dependent on the browser to read all the text out loud. Here are the steps one needs to follow to enable audio in Goggle Docs' text editor.

Step 1: Download the ChromeVox extension on your Google Chrome browser.

Step 2: Open your Google Docs, click on ‘Tools’ in the top menu bar and select the ‘accessibility settings' option.

Sep 3: Enable ‘Turn on Screen Reader Support,’ turn on collaborator announcements and click ‘OK.’

Step 4: Select all the texts in your document or just a portion of the text you want to read aloud.

Step 5: Go to the new Accessibility menu on your toolbar and highlight the ‘Speak’ option. Then click on the first option called ‘Speak Selection.’ You can also choose to make Google Docs read aloud from your cursor location.

The ChromeVox extension will now read the text aloud using its screen reader option. However, one must be mindful to have only one document open at a time. If multiple Google Docs are open, the extension will start reading each one of them.

If you don't want a dedicated screen reader software, there are several third-party text to speech tools available in the market, like Capti Voice and Natural Reader , that can help you easily find spots in your Google Docs that need refining or rephrasing by reading the select text out loud . These TTS tools are easy to use and can be utilized on any computer or laptop alike, and work on every web page.

The TTS feature on Google Docs can be accessed in several ways. The primary way, if you already use a screen reader software such as ChromeVox on your computer, is:

Step 1: Turn on screen reader support

Open Google Docs and open a file. In the tools menu, select 'Accessibility settings' and select 'Turn on screen reader' support.

Step 2: Check your screen reader settings

Depending on the screen reader being used, adjust your settings to add any additional setup if needed.

Step 3: Start listening

Open the Google Doc that you want read aloud, select the text, tap on accessibility, and then the 'Speak' option and choose 'Speak Selection.'

In three simple steps, you can now listen to the text out loud.

Also read : How realistic is text to speech?

How can Murf's TTS be an Alternative to Google Docs TTS Voiceover?

When it comes to text to speech extensions for Google Docs, Murf AI stands out as a superior choice for several reasons:

Enhanced Voice Quality: Murf is renowned for its exceptional voice quality. The AI-generated voices produced by Murf sound more natural, human-like, and expressive compared to the generic text to speech voices offered by Google Docs. This higher level of voice quality enhances the overall listening experience, making the content more engaging and professional.

Audio Customizations: Murf's powerful audio editing features set it apart from other text to speech extensions. Users can alter the volume levels to provide the best clarity, highlight particular words or phrases, change the pitch to create various moods, and adjust the pitch. With the help of these editing tools, users may give their voiceovers a unique flair, enhancing their impact and dynamism.

Downloadable TTS Files: Murf surpasses Google Docs' constraints by allowing users to download the text to speech files that are produced. For individuals who need to access the audio offline or incorporate it into other platforms and programs, this function is helpful. Users now have more freedom and control over the content generated, thanks to Murf.

Multi-Language Support: Murf excels in supporting a wide range of languages, allowing users to create content in different languages. Moreover, users can select different accents of the same language for better personalization, for example, text to speech British accent , text to speech Indian English , Cantonese Chinese , and much more.

To sum up, Murf AI surpasses other Google Doc text to speech extensions available due to its extensive customization options, downloadable TTS files, superior voice quality, advanced audio editing capabilities, and comprehensive language support. These features make Murf a powerful and versatile tool for creating high-quality reading and listening experiences.

Why Should I Opt for Google TTS?

Today, Google Docs not just helps improve one's efficiency but its text to speech feature enables people with visual impairments or learning disabilities to retain information in a better manner, enabling them to accomplish their goals seamlessly. All in all, you deserve the best, and so does your writing. So, go ahead and explore Google Docs TTS feature to transform the quality of your content!

Can Google Docs read out loud?

Yes, Google Docs can be read out loud with Chrome extensions such as ChromeVox.

What is the shortcut for text to speech on Google Docs?

Select the text you want to read and press Ctrl+Shift+S. A window with a microphone icon will appear; click on it when you're ready to dictate.

How do I enable text to speech in Google Docs?

Follow these steps to enable text to speech in Google Docs:

Enable “Screen Reader Support” in the “Accessibility settings” under the “Tools” menu in Google Docs.

Install screen reader plugins like “Speechify Text to Speech Voice Reader” or “NaturalReader” to read the text aloud.

Once enabled, a new menu called “Accessibility” will appear on the toolbar. From there, select the text you want to hear, and then use the “Speak” command under the “Accessibility” menu.

Can I use text to speech on Google Docs for free?

Yes, Google Docs has a free text to talk feature, but requires support from screen reader plugins on your browser. These plugins are often free to use, but may impose some restrictions on the voices or languages available or the duration of the voiceover.

What languages are supported by text to speech on Google Docs?

Google text to speech feature supports a wide range of languages and accents, such as English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more, depending on the screen reader tool you use. The plugin you install should list the supported languages.

Is there a limit on the length of text for TTS on Google Docs?

There are no limits on the length of text imposed by Google Docs. Limits, if any, will depend on the screen reader support or text to speech tool you use, especially if using a free version.

Can I use text to speech for editing and proofreading in Google Docs?

The text to speech feature in Google Docs is particularly useful when editing or proofreading. Having the document read out loud can help you spot grammatical errors, long, awkward sentences, and repeated phrases that you may miss during visual reading. This facilitates a better and more economical editing procedure.

Does TTS work with images and non-text elements in Google Docs?

No, at this point, the TTS function incorporated in Google Docs does not support translating images and non-text elements. Some third-party text to speech applications or web apps can provide this function.

Can I customize the voice or accent in text to speech on Google Docs?

Most speech readers and text to speech tools provide a range of voices and various accents, according to your preference. Use their plugin interface to choose a voice and accent that best resonates with you.

Can I use text to speech Google Docs in multiple languages within the same document?

Yes, you can use the text to speech feature in Google Docs with multiple languages within the same document. Just ensure you select the right voices and languages from your screen reader support plugin UI for the said selection.

You should also read:

An in-depth Guide on How to Use Text to Speech on Discord

Medical Text to Speech: Changing Healthcare for the Better

Making A Difference for the Dyslexic with Text to Speech

How to Do Text to Speech On Google Docs: Everything Need to Know

Have you ever wished you could listen to your Google Docs instead of reading them on the screen? Maybe you want to learn a new language, improve your pronunciation, or just relax your eyes and enjoy the content. Whatever your reason, text to speech can help you turn your Google Docs into audiobooks.

In this article, we will show you how to use text to speech on Google Docs to improve your document reading experience.

Why Use Text to Speech in Google Docs?

Using text to speech in Google Docs offers a multitude of benefits.

Efficient Proofreading and Editing

By having your document read aloud, you can catch errors, typos, and awkward phrasings that might be overlooked during silent reading.

Seamless Multitasking

Text to speech allows you to review your document while engaged in other activities, such as exercising, commuting, or cooking. This way, you can maximize your time and productivity.

Enhanced Accessibility

Text to speech ensures that your documents are accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, or reading difficulties.

Language Learning and Pronunciation

Text to speech can be a valuable tool for language learners and educators. It assists in understanding pronunciation and improves language comprehension.

Document Comprehension

Auditory learners can benefit from text-to-speech by better comprehending the content through listening, rather than traditional reading.

Versatility

Google Docs offers multiple voices and customization options, making text to speech a versatile tool that can be tailored to your preferences and needs.

How to Do Text to Speech on Google Docs to Improve Your Reading and Pronunciation?

Enabling text-to-speech in Google Docs is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use text to speech on Google Docs.

Step 1 : Open the Google Docs document that you want to use text to speech on.

Step 2 : Locate the Tools option in a toolbar with various icons on the top of your document.

Step 3 : Click on the Accessibility option to activate the text to speech feature.

Step 4 : Select Turn on screen reader support button and click OK .

Step 5 : Click the Voice settings icon to change the voice and adjust the reading speed of the document.

Step 6 : To commence reading, click the Play button. If you need to pause or stop the reading, use the corresponding icons.

Step 7 : If you want to focus on specific sections of your document, highlight the text you want to be read aloud, and then click the Play button. Google Docs will read only the selected text.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to control the text to speech feature. These represent a handful of the most common ones.

Ctrl+Alt+X : Start or stop reading
Ctrl+Alt+Left Arrow : Go back one sentence
Ctrl+Alt+Right Arrow : Go forward one sentence
Ctrl+Alt+Up Arrow : Increase the reading speed
Ctrl+Alt+Down Arrow : Decrease the reading speed

How to Use Text to Speech on Google Docs Offline?

If you want to use text to speech on Google Docs offline, you need to enable offline access for your documents. To do this, you can achieve this by following these steps.

Step 1 : Make sure you have the Google Docs Offline extension installed on your Chrome browser.

Step 2 : Go to Google Drive , and click on the Settings icon on the top right corner.

Step 3 : In the General tab, check the box next to Offline . This will allow you to access and edit your Google Docs documents offline.

Step 4 : Click on Done to save your changes.

Now, you can use text to speech on Google Docs offline, as long as you have the Read&Write for Google Chrome extension enabled.

You will only have access to the default voice and language of your browser, and you will not be able to change them offline.

How to Do Speech to Text on Google Docs?

Converting speech to text in Google Docs is a valuable feature that can save time and increase productivity. Here’s how to use the built-in speech recognition feature in Google Docs.

Step 1 : Launch Google Docs and open a new or existing document.

Step 2 : Go to Tools and select Voice typing . Or, just press Ctrl+Shift+S on your keyboard to activate the voice typing window.

Step 3 : Click the microphone icon on the left side of your document to start talking. You can also pick the language and accent of your speech from the menu next to the microphone.

Step 4 : Speak naturally and clearly, at a normal speed and volume. You can add punctuation marks to your text by saying commands like period , comma , question mark , and so on.

Step 5 : When you are done, click the microphone again to stop voice typing. You can also pause and resume voice typing by clicking the microphone.

Step 6 : You can fix mistakes while voice typing by moving your cursor to the error and correcting it without turning off the microphone. You can also right-click words that are highlighted in gray to see some suggestions.

You can also use voice typing in Google Slides speaker notes to add notes to your presentation.

FineVoice: Best Text to Speech Tool for Google Docs You Need to Try

Do you want to make your Google Docs come alive with amazing voices? Then you need FineVoice , the ultimate text to speech tool for Google Docs. Whether you want to express your creativity, entertain your audience, or communicate, you can make your favorite character speak any text in the way you like.

With FineVoice, you can choose 500+ AI voices in 40+ different languages, such as English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Korean , Japanese, and more. You can select realistic celebrity or character voices, such as Morgan Freeman, Taylor Swift , Elon Musk, SpongeBob, Darth Vader, Homer Simpson, Peppa Pig , and more.

You can use it to add lifelike voiceovers to your podcasts, videos, and presentations, or to transform your voice into various styles.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to make Google Docs speak to you, and answered some of the questions you might have about this feature.

And remember, Google Docs is more than just a word processor. It can also be your assistant, who can read any text in your document out loud. So, what are you waiting for? Try it out today, and make Google Docs speak to you!

Hot FAQs about Google Docs Text to Speech

What languages are supported by google docs text to speech.

Google Docs supports multiple languages such as English, Chinese , Spanish, French, German, and Italian, making it suitable for a global audience.

Is there a limit to the length of text that can be read aloud?

Google Docs Text to Speech can read both short and lengthy texts. However, extremely long documents may be read in sections.

Can I use Text-to-Speech for proofreading and editing my documents?

Yes, Text to Speech is a valuable tool for proofreading and editing, as it helps identify errors and awkward sentences.

Evelyn enjoys writing and painting, she also likes listening to music.

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Cloud Speech-to-Text
Documentation

Transcribe long audio files into text

This page demonstrates how to transcribe long audio files (longer than 1 minute) to text using the Speech-to-Text API and asynchronous speech recognition.

About asynchronous speech recognition

Asynchronous speech recognition starts a long running audio processing operation. Use asynchronous speech recognition to transcribe audio that is longer than 60 seconds. For shorter audio, synchronous speech recognition is faster and simpler. The upper limit for asynchronous speech recognition is 480 minutes.

Speech-to-Text and asynchronous processing

Audio content can be sent directly to Speech-to-Text from a local file for asynchronous processing. However, the audio time limit for local files is 60 seconds. Attempting to transcribe local audio files that are longer than 60 seconds will result in an error. To use asynchronous speech recognition to transcribe audio longer than 60 seconds, you must have your data saved in a Google Cloud Storage bucket .

You can retrieve the results of the operation using the google.longrunning.Operations method. Results remain available for retrieval for 5 days (120 hours). You also have the option of uploading your results directly to a Google Cloud Storage bucket.

Transcribe long audio files using a Google Cloud Storage file

These samples use a Cloud Storage bucket to store the raw audio input for the long-running transcription process. For an example of a typical longrunningrecognize operation response, see the reference documentation .

Refer to the speech:longrunningrecognize API endpoint for complete details.

To perform synchronous speech recognition, make a POST request and provide the appropriate request body. The following shows an example of a POST request using curl . The example uses the Google Cloud CLI to generate an access token. For instructions on installing the gcloud CLI, see the quickstart .

See the RecognitionConfig and RecognitionAudio reference documentation for more information on configuring the request body.

If the request is successful, the server returns a 200 OK HTTP status code and the response in JSON format:

where name is the name of the long running operation created for the request.

Wait for processing to complete. Processing time differs depending on your source audio. In most cases, you will get results in half the length of the source audio. You can get the status of your long-running operation by making a GET request to the https://speech.googleapis.com/v1/operations/ endpoint. Replace your-operation-name with the name returned from your longrunningrecognize request.

If the request is successful, the server returns a 200 OK HTTP status code and the response in JSON format: { "name": "7612202767953098924", "metadata": { "@type": "type.googleapis.com/google.cloud.speech.v1.LongRunningRecognizeMetadata", "progressPercent": 100, "startTime": "2017-07-20T16:36:55.033650Z", "lastUpdateTime": "2017-07-20T16:37:17.158630Z" }, "done": true, "response": { "@type": "type.googleapis.com/google.cloud.speech.v1.LongRunningRecognizeResponse", "results": [ { "alternatives": [ { "transcript": "how old is the Brooklyn Bridge", "confidence": 0.96096134, } ] }, { "alternatives": [ { ... } ] } ] } }

If the operation has not completed, you can poll the endpoint by repeatedly making the GET request until the done property of the response is true .

Refer to the recognize-long-running command for complete details.

To perform asynchronous speech recognition, use the Google Cloud CLI, providing the path of a local file or a Google Cloud Storage URL.

If the request is successful, the server returns the ID of the long-running operation in JSON format.

You can then get information about the operation by running the following command.

You can also poll the operation until it completes by running the following command.

After the operation completes, the operation returns a transcript of the audio in JSON format.

To learn how to install and use the client library for Speech-to-Text, see Speech-to-Text client libraries . For more information, see the Speech-to-Text Go API reference documentation .

To authenticate to Speech-to-Text, set up Application Default Credentials. For more information, see Set up authentication for a local development environment .

To learn how to install and use the client library for Speech-to-Text, see Speech-to-Text client libraries . For more information, see the Speech-to-Text Java API reference documentation .

To learn how to install and use the client library for Speech-to-Text, see Speech-to-Text client libraries . For more information, see the Speech-to-Text Node.js API reference documentation .

To learn how to install and use the client library for Speech-to-Text, see Speech-to-Text client libraries . For more information, see the Speech-to-Text Python API reference documentation .

Additional languages

C# : Please follow the C# setup instructions on the client libraries page and then visit the Speech-to-Text reference documentation for .NET.

PHP : Please follow the PHP setup instructions on the client libraries page and then visit the Speech-to-Text reference documentation for PHP.

Ruby : Please follow the Ruby setup instructions on the client libraries page and then visit the Speech-to-Text reference documentation for Ruby.

Upload your transcription results to a Cloud Storage bucket

Speech-to-Text supports uploading your longrunning recognition results directly to a Cloud Storage bucket. If you implement this feature with Cloud Storage Triggers , Cloud Storage uploads can trigger notifications that call Cloud Functions and remove the need to poll Speech-to-Text for recognition results.

To have your results uploaded to a Cloud Storage bucket, provide the optional TranscriptOutputConfig output configuration in your longrunning recognition request.

Refer to the longrunningrecognize API endpoint for complete details.

The following example shows how to send a POST request using curl , where the body of the request specifies the path to a Cloud Storage bucket. The results are uploaded to this location as a JSON file that stores SpeechRecognitionResult .

The LongRunningRecognizeResponse includes the path to the Cloud Storage bucket where the upload was attempted. If the upload was unsuccessful, an output error will be returned. If a file with the same name already exists, the upload writes the results to a new file with a timestamp as the suffix.

Try it for yourself

If you're new to Google Cloud, create an account to evaluate how Speech-to-Text performs in real-world scenarios. New customers also get $300 in free credits to run, test, and deploy workloads.

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License , and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License . For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies . Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Last updated 2024-08-29 UTC.

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COMMENTS

How to Use Google Docs Text to Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 5: Use the Speak Command. Go to the 'Accessibility' menu, hover over 'Speak', and then select 'Speak selection.'. As soon as you click 'Speak selection,' Google Docs will start reading the text you've highlighted. The voice you hear will depend on the default voice settings of your web browser or operating system.
How to Make Google Docs Read Your Documents Aloud to You
Tick the box next to "Turn on Screen Reader Support" and then click "OK." You should now see a new section appear in your top toolbar called "Accessibility." Click "OK" once the box is checked ...
How to Make Google Docs Read to You: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 2: Click on "Tools" in the menu bar. In the top menu of Google Docs, click on "Tools". The "Tools" menu is located between "Insert" and "Add-ons" on the top menu. This is where you'll find the option to activate the text-to-speech feature.
Text-to-Speech AI: Lifelike Speech Synthesis
Text-to-Speech AI. Convert text into natural-sounding speech using an API powered by the best of Google's AI technologies. New customers get up to $300 in free credits to try Text-to-Speech and other Google Cloud products. Try Text-to-Speech free Contact sales. Improve customer interactions with intelligent, lifelike responses.
Text To Speech with Google Drive
Tool for creating voice from text or Google Drive file. This is a high-quality unlimited text-to-speech (TTS) voice app that runs in your browser using TTS API technology. Select text you want to read and listen to it. This app converts text into speech so you no longer need to read.
2 Ways To Use Text-To-Speech in Google Docs to Read Aloud Text
1. Open up the document and select the text you want to read aloud (press Ctrl+A to select all the text). 2. Now click on "Accessibility" in the top menu bar and select "Speak selection" in the "Speak" option. Your screen reader software will read aloud the text. There is also a Google Docs keyboard shortcut for this purpose.
Text To Speech with Google Drive™
This is a high-quality unlimited text-to-speech (TTS) voice app that runs in your browser using TTS API technology. Select text you want to read and listen to it. This app converts text into speech so you no longer need to read. This is a tool for generating voice from text or Google Drive file that you provide. Provides connect with Google Drive.
Type & edit with your voice
Start voice typing in a document. Check that your microphone works. Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser. Click ToolsVoice typing. A microphone box appears. When you're ready to speak, click the microphone. Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace (see below for more information on using punctuation).
An Easy Text to Speech Google Docs Tutorial [3 Ways]
How To Use Text-To-Speech In Google Docs. Method 1: Use the Built-In Text to Speech Google Docs Tool. Method 2: Using a Text-to-Speech Add-On. Method 3: Using a Text-to-Speech Chrome Extension. Voice-to-Text Google Docs. Benefits of Text-to-Speech. Frequently Asked Questions.
Google Docs Text to Speech
Directions on how to use the Google Docs Text to Speech functions.
Create voice audio files
Create voice audio files. Text-to-Speech allows you to convert words and sentences into base64 encoded audio data of natural human speech. You can then convert the audio data into a playable audio file like an MP3 by decoding the base64 data. The Text-to-Speech API accepts input as raw text or Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML).
How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs
Step 3: Grant Google Docs access to the microphone. If you've never used Google's speech-to-text software before, you'll need to grant the platform access to your microphone. On Google ...
Read Aloud TTS
Overview. Read Aloud uses text-to-speech (TTS) technology to convert text to audio, allowing you to listen to your documents for proofreading, for reasons of dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Supports 36 languages. You can activate this addon from the Addon menu inside Google Docs™. Once activated, a sidebar appears in which you can ...
Text to Speech Google Docs: Everything You Need to Know
There are several ways to import Google Doc text into Speechify: Paste text: You can copy and paste text from various sources, including websites, articles or Google Docs by tapping "New," "Text Document," and pasting the content into Speechify. Web link: You can paste the web link directly to a Google Doc by clicking "New" and then ...
Text to Speech on Google Docs
How to use Text to Speech on Google Docs.Thanks for Watching.Please Subscribe, Like and Share.
How to use Google's free transcription tools
To use voice typing as a transcription tool: Open a new Google Doc. Select Tools > Voice typing. If the language you're using is not shown, click on the link above the microphone icon and choose ...
Transcribe audio from a video file using Speech-to-Text
Protocol. Refer to the speech:recognize API endpoint for complete details.. To perform synchronous speech recognition, make a POST request and provide the appropriate request body. The following shows an example of a POST request using curl.The example uses the Google Cloud CLI to generate an access token. For instructions on installing the gcloud CLI, see the quickstart.
Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader
To use Read Aloud, navigate to the web page you want to read, then click the Read Aloud icon on the Chrome menu. In addition, the shortcut keys ALT-P, ALT-O, ALT-Comma, and ALT-Period can be used to Play/Pause, Stop, Rewind, and Forward. You may also select the text you want to read before activating the extension.
How to do Text to Speech on Google Docs
Here are the steps one needs to follow to enable audio in Goggle Docs' text editor. Step 1: Download the ChromeVox extension on your Google Chrome browser. Step 2: Open your Google Docs, click on 'Tools' in the top menu bar and select the 'accessibility settings' option. Sep 3: Enable 'Turn on Screen Reader Support,' turn on ...
How to Do Text to Speech On Google Docs: Everything Need to Know
Step 1: Open the Google Docs document that you want to use text to speech on. Step 2: Locate the Tools option in a toolbar with various icons on the top of your document. Step 3: Click on the Accessibility option to activate the text to speech feature. click on the Accessibility option. Step 4: Select Turn on screen reader support button and ...
Transcribe long audio files into text
To use asynchronous speech recognition to transcribe audio longer than 60 seconds, you must have your data saved in a Google Cloud Storage bucket. You can retrieve the results of the operation using the google.longrunning.Operations method. Results remain available for retrieval for 5 days (120 hours).
Text To Speech with Google Drive™
A high-quality unlimited TTS voice app that runs in your Chrome browser. Tool for creating voice from text or Google Drive file.
Guide to using Google text-to-speech on Android
Set up text-to-speech on Android. Here's how to get your Android ready to use text-to-speech. Note that the steps may vary depending on your device model. These instructions are for Android 7 and later. Open Settings. Select Accessibility > Text-to-speech output. Tap Preferred engine. Note: your default text-to-speech engine varies by device ...
Text To Speech with Google Drive
Text To Speech with Google Drive. This is a high-quality unlimited text-to-speech (TTS) voice app that runs in your browser using TTS API technology. Select text you want to read and listen to it. This app converts text into speech so you no longer need to read. This is a tool for generating voice from text or Google Drive file that you provide.

How to make Google Docs read your documents out loud to you, using a Google Chrome extension

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

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

Step 1: Open your Google Doc

Step 2: Click on “Tools” in the menu bar

Step 3: Select “Accessibility settings”

Step 4: Click on “Turn on Screen Reader Support”

Step 5: Use the Speak command

Step 6: Choose what you want to be read aloud

Tips for Making Google Docs Read to You

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the text-to-speech feature available on mobile devices?

Can I adjust the reading speed?

Is this feature free to use?

Can I use this feature offline?

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2 Ways To Use Text-To-Speech in Google Docs to Read Aloud Text

1. Use Google Docs Screen Reader to read text aloud

Enable Google Docs Screen Reader

Use text-to-speech in Google Docs

2. Use a text-to-speech Chrome extension

Wrapping up

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Type & edit with your voice

Step 1: Turn on your microphone

Step 2: Use voice typing

Start voice typing in Slides speaker notes

Correct mistakes while voice typing

Languages that work with voice typing

Add punctuation

Step 3: Use voice commands

Select text

Format your document

Text color and highlighting

Paragraph formatting

Edit your document

Add and edit tables

Move around your document

Stop voice typing

Troubleshoot

"We're having trouble hearing you"

The microphone isn't working

Voice commands aren't working

Need more help?

An Easy Text to Speech Google Docs Tutorial [3 Ways]

How to Get Text to Speech on Google Docs

How To Use Text-To-Speech In Google Docs

Method 1: Use the Built-In Text to Speech Google Docs Tool

Method 2: Using a Text-to-Speech Add-On

Method 3: Using a Text-to-Speech Chrome Extension

Voice-to-Text Google Docs

Benefits of Text-to-Speech

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off text to speech in Google Docs?

Final Thoughts

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How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs

How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs: Preparation

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Step 1: Open a new Google Docs file

Step 2: Open the voice typing window

Step 3: Grant Google Docs access to the microphone

Step 4: Begin voice typing

Step 5: Voice commands

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Text to Speech Google Docs: Everything You Need to Know

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