text to speech google docs iphone

How to Use Voice Typing on Google Docs on Mobile and Desktop

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

While Google Docs is primarily geared toward drafting formal letters, invites, meeting notes, and table of contents , you can also use it to jot down ideas or as a journal. To that end, Google Docs is quite feature-rich and supports features like Voice Typing which makes penning down thoughts more convenient.

The Voice Typing feature eliminates writer’s block by allowing users to jot down rough and unstructured ideas. You don’t have to waste your time thinking of writing perfect sentences – instead, you can just voice your thoughts, scattered as they may be. Here’s how to enable the feature and use it on your mobile and desktop.

Use Voice Typing on Google Docs on Mobile

The Google Docs mobile app lets you manage your documents on the go. The app lets you edit your documents and even save them as PDF files on your iPhone or Android phone. Let us see how you can use the Voice Typing feature with the mobile app.

iPhone users can simply use the Speech-to-Text feature available with the iOS Keyboard to use Google Docs’ Voice Typing feature. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Google Docs app and then open a new or previously created document.

Step 2: Tap on the page to bring up the keyboard. Then, tap the Microphone icon at the bottom-right corner.

Step 3: Start dictating the words, and Google Docs will convert the speech to text.

If you don’t see the Microphone icon, check if Voice Dictation has been enabled. Here’s how you can go about it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and then tap on General.

Step 2: Select Keyboard and tap the toggle next to Enable Dictation.

You can also enable Auto-Punctuation and tweak other aspects from the same menu.

If Dictation still fails to work, refer to our post for more solutions. Note that the solutions outlined in the guide will apply to all iPhones on all iOS versions.

Step 1: Open Google Docs and select a new or previously created document.

Step 2: Tap on the document area to enable the keyboard. Then tap the Microphone icon.

You can refer to our post if Dictation fails to work on your Android phone .

Use Voice Typing on Google Docs on Desktop

For desktop users, the Voice Typing feature comes built-in with Google Docs. However, it is only available for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users on Mac and Windows PCs. Here’s how to enable and use it.

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to docs.google.com.

Visit Google Docs

Step 2: Sign in to your account and open a new or existing document.

Step 3: Click on Tools in the top Menu Bar and then select Voice Typing.

Step 4: Select the Microphone icon on the left side. Your browser will then prompt you to enable microphone access. Tap Allow.

You can also click the dropdown menu and select your preferred language.

And voila! You can now start using Voice Dictation on your Mac or Windows PC in Google Docs.

How to Use Punctuation and Formatting Styles With Voice Typing

The best part about voice typing on Google Docs is that you can also dictate and insert punctuation. This saves you the time of manual entry and correction. Once you enable the microphone, you can start voicing commands like “select all”, “bold”, “italics”, and more. There are a plethora of other voice commands available for voice typing. A word of caution, though: your dictated punctuation might not always get translated correctly. So, be patient while using the feature.

Use Microsoft Voice Typing Launcher For Google Docs on Windows 11

Windows 11 has a feature called Voice Typing Launcher (Microsoft Speech Services) that is designed to be used for voice typing. You can activate this feature to use voice typing on Google Docs or any other application. Before following the steps to enable it, make sure that you have installed the latest software update.

Step 1: Open Google Docs on your web browser and sign in to your account.

Step 2: Go to your document and press Windows key + H to enable Microsoft Speech Services.

Step 3: From the popup, click the Microphone icon to start using it.

You can click the Settings icon to make changes, including using a different microphone and enabling automatic punctuation. We tested the same on our end and the service introduced commas and full stops automatically, which is great.

You can also refer to our post if Voice Typing is not working on Windows 11 .

Use Dictation on Mac For Voice Typing on Google Docs

You can also use the Dictation feature on Mac to facilitate Voice Typing. It’s a built-in tool that lets you use speech-to-text in Google Docs. All the voice commands for using punctuation will work with this, too. You can refer to our post to learn how to use Dictation on Mac .

Rest Your Fingers

The Voice Typing option on Google Docs is a much-needed respite from endless typing sessions. The feature can also come in clutch when you need to take note of something while juggling other tasks. Let us know if you found this guide useful in the comments below.

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Last updated on 16 March, 2024

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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Paurush Chaudhary

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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.

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How to use voice typing on Google Docs on Windows, Mac, iPhone or Android

What to know 

• To enable Voice typing on Google Docs on PC, click on Tools > Voice Typing . Then click on the Microphone icon to start dictating.
• You can also use the Dictation feature on your device to voice type on Google Docs. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Dictation tab > turn Dictation On > Enable Dictation. Then press the shortcut key to activate dictation (Ctrl key twice is the default).
• On Windows, simply press Win+H to activate voice typing.
• On iOS, set up dictation from Settings > General > Keyboard > Enable Dictation and Auto-Punctuation. Then, in Google Docs, select the microphone icon in the keyboard and start voice typing.
• On Android, set up voice typing from Settings > System > Language & input > On-screen keyboard > Gboard > Voice typing > Use voice typing. Then, in Google Docs, select the microphone icon in Gboard and start voice typing.

Typing with your voice on Google Docs can be a huge convenience, especially if you have a lot to type. It can also help physically challenged users who might find it difficult to type in general. Google Docs, like most services, offers the ability to voice type easily. So if you’re looking to learn about voice typing in Google Docs, then here’s all you need to know about it.

How to use voice type in Google Docs (2 ways)

You can choose to enroll in the beta program or use the Dictation feature offered by your device to voice type in Docs. Follow either of the sections below, depending on the method you prefer.

Method 1: Use the native voice type feature

Here’s how you can use the native voice typing feature in Google Docs. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process.

Step 1: Enable Microphone

Let’s first ensure that your microphone is enabled and working with Google Chrome. Use the relevant section below, depending on your current device, to help you along with the process.

On Windows 11 PC

And that’s it! You will now have enabled microphone permissions for Chrome on your PC.

On Mac 

Like on Windows, the Google Chrome application requires access to your microphone in order to let you type using the name Voice typing feature on Google Docs.

This will immediately give the Google Chrome app on your Mac access to your device’s microphone.

Step 2: Use Voice Typing

Now that we have enabled microphone permissions, we can now use voice typing in Google Docs. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process.

• Open Google Docs in Chrome and choose a Blank  document to start with.

And that’s how you can use voice typing in Google Docs.

Related: How to Create, Save and Send Emails From Google Docs

Method 2: Use the Dictation feature on your device

You can also choose to use the native dictation feature offered by your device to voice type in Google Docs. Dictation is offered by most modern-day devices as an accessibility feature, and it was recently added to Windows 11 as well. Use the dedicated sections below to help you use dictation on any device.

macOS has a native Dictation feature that lets you dictate text of any length instead of using a keyboard. The tool can be used on any app running on your Mac, including Safari, thus allowing you to dictate text on Google Docs as well. Before you can start using this feature, you must be wary of the requirements that are necessary to get it to work while using Google Docs on a Mac. 

Requirements 

• An active internet connection (for Macs with non-Apple silicon)
• For best results, use Safari to open Google Docs. Dictation doesn’t work efficiently on other web browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. 
• Chinese (Cantonese)
• Chinese (Mandarin)
• Chinese (Shanghainese)
• Norwegian Bokmãl
• Portuguese 
• Vietnamese 

Step 1: Set up Dictation

Before you can start using your voice to enter text on Google Docs, you first need to enable Dictation on macOS. Here’s how to do so:

This will enable Dictation on your Mac.

If you wish to dictate your text in English, you can skip to the next step.

The next step is to choose a shortcut that you can use to activate Dictation on the Mac from any screen. By default, you can activate dictation by pressing the Control key on your keyboard twice.

That’s it. You can now start using dictation to enter text on your Mac. 

Step 2: Use Dictation in Google Docs

• You can now start dictating text using your voice and your Mac should be able to pick up the words you speak and add them to the Google Docs document.

Dictation will now be disabled until you re-activate it using its dedicated shortcut. 

Here’s how you can use voice typing in Windows 11. Use the requirements section to get familiar with its needs and the subsequent steps to set up and use voice typing on Windows 11.

Requirements

• A network connection
• English (US, Australia, Canada, India, United Kingdom)
• French (France and Canada)
• Portugeese (Brazil, and Portugal)
• Chinese (Simplified, Traditional Hong Kong SAR, and Traditional Taiwan)
• Dutch (Netherlands)
• Spanish (Mexico and Spain)
• A microphone

You can now use the steps below to set up and use dictation on your Windows 11 PC.

Use the following steps to use voice typing on your Windows 11 PC.

• If using the touch or virtual keyboard, you can use the  Microphone key beside the spacebar.

Customize your voice typing experience

Let’s now customize your voice typing experience in Windows 11. Use the steps below to help you along.

You will now have customized voice typing options to your liking in Windows 11.

Voice Commands for voice typing on Windows 11

Here’s a complete list of voice typing commands you can now use when voice typing in Google Docs on your Windows 11 PC. This is the official documentation from Microsoft, and you should be able to view all voice commands currently supported in Windows 11.

On iOS (iPhone)

You can also voice type on your iOS devices using the native dictation feature. This can be used to our advantage in the Google Docs app to voice type in any document.

• Google Docs app | Download Link
• An internet connection (For iPhone 6 and earlier)

Let’s first set up dictation on your iOS device. Follow the steps below to help you along the way.

And that’s it! Dictation will now be enabled on your iOS device.

Here’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs once it has been enabled on your iOS device. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process.

And that’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs on your iOS device.

Voice Commands for Dictation on iOS devices

Here are some common voice commands you can use with dictation on iOS devices.

• Quote and end quote:  Use these commands to add quotes to your sentences as you type.
• New paragraph: Use this command to start a new paragraph instantly. 
• New line: This command will jump the cursor to a new line in your document.
• Cap: This will capitalize the next word you dictate.
• Caps on or Caps off: These commands will help you toggle caps lock for your keyboard.
• Smiley: This command will insert 🙂
• Frowny: This command will insert 🙁
• Winky: This command will insert 😉
• [Emoji Name followed by ] emoji: You can also speak emoji names followed by emoji to insert emojis when using dictation. For example, saying happy emoji will automatically insert the happy emoji.

Google also has a comprehensive dictation feature on most Android devices that allows you to type using voice commands. Dictation is offered using Gboard, which is already a pre-installed keyboard on most Android devices. If, however, you do not have the app, you can use the link in the requirements section below to download and install it on your device.

• Android 7.0 or higher
• Gboard app | Download Link
• Supported language
• Google Assistant (Pixel devices only)

Download and install Gboard on your device using the link above or the one below. Once the app is installed, launch and set it up on your device based on your preferences. 

• Gboard | Download Link
• Open the Settings  app once you’re done.

And that’s it! You will now have set up dictation on your Android device. Use the next step to use it when creating documents in Google Docs.

Here’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs on your Android device.

And that’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs on Android devices.

Adding Punctuation when using Dictation on Android devices

If you have a Pixel device, you can use the Auto punctuation feature to punctuate text when using dictation automatically. However, if you have a different Android device, then you can use the following commands to add punctuation when typing using your voice.

• Question mark
• New paragraph
• Exclamation point

Can you replace incorrect words or phrases with voice commands on Android devices?

Unfortunately, there is no dedicated voice command to correct your mistakes when using an Android device. You can instead double tap to select the word and then speak a new word to replace the selected word or phrase.

Voice commands list

You can now use the sections below to use voice commands when voice typing in Google Docs. These commands will help you control and edit the text you type while streamlining your workflow. Let’s get started.

Navigating the document

Use these commands to navigate the text in your document using voice commands. Navigation commands can be divided into three parts, and you can mix and match these commands to navigate your document easily. 

Correct mistakes when using voice typing

You can correct your immediate mistakes in mainly two ways; you can use voice commands to delete the last words/phrases or choose to manually correct your mistakes using the mouse. 

• Once corrected, you can place your cursor at the initial position and continue voice typing as usual.

And that’s how you can correct your mistakes when using voice typing in Google Docs.

Add punctuations

You can use the following voice commands to add the respective punctuations when voice typing in Google Docs.

• Exclamation Point

Although Google Docs supports tons of languages, punctuation voice commands aren’t supported in every language. 

Use dedicated commands

You can also use the following dedicated commands to further edit, format, and create your content in Google Docs with voice typing. These voice commands are only available for use in the English language. This means that these commands will only be available if your Google account’s language is set to English and if your current document’s language is English as well.

Select text

You can use the following select commands to select the text in your document when voice typing in Google Docs.

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

Formatting options

You can also use the following voice commands to format your text using voice typing in Google Docs.

Format your text

The following voice commands can help you format and edit your text using voice typing.

• Apple heading [heading number]
• Apply normal text
• Apply subtitle
• Apply title
• Strikethrough
• Superscript

Color and highlight text

You can use the following voice commands to change the appearance of your text in Google Docs.

• Text color [name of the color]
• Highlight [name of the color]
• Background color [name of the color]
• Remove highlight
• Remove background color
• Remove text color

Here are a few tips that will help you better use these voice commands in Google Docs.

• Cornflower blue
• However, do keep in mind that the  light and  dark variations do not work with black and white.
• You also get to use numbers  one to four instead of three when applying shades of  grey using the commands above.

Change and adjust your text size

You can use the following commands to adjust and change your font size using voice commands in Google Docs.

• Decrease font size
• Increase font size
• Font size [size number from 6 to 400 ]
• Make bigger
• Make smaller

Format your paragraphs

Use the following commands to format your paragraphs using voice commands.

• Decrease indent
• Increase indent
• Line spacing [Value of spacing from  1 to  100 ]
• Line spacing double
• Line spacing single

Change text alignment

The commands below will help you change the alignment of the selected text in your document.

• Align center or center align
• Align justified
• Align left or left align
• Align right or right align

Add and edit columns

Use the following voice commands to add and apply columns in Google Docs.

• Apply 1 column
• Apply 2 columns
• Apply 3 columns
• Column options
• Insert column break

Manage and add lists

The commands below will help you add and create lists in your documents.

• Create bulleted list
• Create numbered list
• Insert bullet
• Insert number
• Remove formatting

There might be times when you wish to revert the formatting applied to your text. You can use the following commands to do so in Google Docs.

• Clear formatting
• Remove bold
• Remove italics
• Remove strikethrough
• Remove underline

Editing options

You can use these voice commands mentioned below to edit your text easily when voice typing.

• Insert link [followed by the URL you wish to link]
• Delete link
• Insert table of contents
• Delete table of contents
• Update table of contents
• Insert comment [followed by the comment you wish to add]
• Insert bookmark
• Insert equation
• Insert footer
• Insert footnote
• Insert header
• Insert horizontal line
• Insert page break

Adding tables

Google Docs also allows you to add and create tables in your documents. You can use these voice commands to do the same when voice typing.

• Insert table
• Insert table [number or rows between 1 and 20 ] by [number of columns between  1 and  20 ]
• 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

Additionally, you can also use the Scroll Up and  Scroll Down  commands to scroll and navigate your document as needed.

Stop and resume voice typing

You can stop and resume voice typing in Docs using the following commands. These commands will help you multi-task easily without having to constantly reach for your mouse again and again.

• Stop listening:  This command will help you stop voice typing whenever needed.
• Resume: This command will place the cursor at the end of the current paragraph and resume voice typing.
• Resume [followed by word or phrase] : This command will place the cursor at the end of the spoken word or phrase and resume voice typing.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about using voice typing in Google Docs that should help you get up to date with the latest information. Let’s get started.

Which languages are supported for Voice commands in Google Docs natively?

Unfortunately, dedicated voice commands in Google Docs can currently be only used in English. Additionally, these commands can’t be used in Slides, and both your account and document language should be set to English to use them.

Which languages and accents are supported by voice typing?

Google Docs supports the most commonly used languages that you might have used to interact with Google Products. This includes all variations of English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and more. You can find a full list of supported languages for voice typing in Google Docs at this link .

We hope this post helped you easily voice type in Google Docs. If you face any issues or have any more questions, feel free to reach out using the comments below.

Spectroscopic collection of human cells trying to pave a path via words.

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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:

• 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.

• Click on it and click Install .

• 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 .

• 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.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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 Convert Text To Speech In Google Docs

Key takeaways:.

There are some websites that help in text-to-speech conversion  along with a few software that is available in the market too. But, Google has come up with some great Chrome extensions and add-ons that aid in conversion.

How To Convert Text To Speech (TTS) In Google Docs

Google chrome extensions for converting text to speech in google docs, 1. screen reader, 2. read aloud: a text to speech voice reader, add-ons for text to speech in google docs.

We have some add-ons that help us with text to speech in Google Docs. These Google Workspace marketplace add-ons are very easy to install and use. These add-ons recognize common punctuation marks. Let us see the add-ons that are useful for reading the text aloud in Google Docs.

1. Rhetoro – text to speech in high quality (TTS)

Step 2: A new browser window will appear. In the search bar type – ‘ Rhetoro text-to-speech in high quality (TTS) ’. Click on the add-on.

Once you start Rhetoro, you can easily use it for text to speech in Google Docs.

2. Helperbird

Helperbird is a great add-on by Google Workspace Marketplace. It aids in the text to speech in Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google forms. It helps in the text to speech as well as speech to text conversion. There are different voice gender tones available. Decrease or increase the sound level as you need.

Note: The steps to add Helperbird  are the same as the above-mentioned steps for the Rhetoro add-on.

How To Use Google Docs Text To Speech In Smartphones

Step 2: Click on the Accessibility feature.

Step 4: Turn the Voice Assistant on.

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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.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

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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Lenovo ideapad 130 (from $299.99 at best buy), macbook pro (from $1,299.99 at best buy), how to make google docs read text aloud to you.

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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Text to Speech in Google Docs: Ultimate TTS Guide

June 10th, 2024

By Sneha Mukherjee

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Want Google Docs to read your content aloud? Imagine catching typos, refining your writing flow, or simply giving your eyes a break—all without lifting a finger. While Google tries to enrich its tools, its online word processor still lacks a text-to-speech feature. Thankfully, AI advancements have brought us plenty of options for converting text to speech across various platforms. But how do text-to-speech on Google Docs work without a built-in feature? Can Google Docs read to you ? Let’s find out!

What is Text to Speech (TTS)

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology transforms written text into spoken words. But how does text to speech work , you ask? Text-to-speech uses artificial intelligence to read digital text aloud in a natural-sounding voice. TTS benefits users who prefer auditory learning, have reading difficulties, or simply want to multitask while consuming content. TTS systems employ complex linguistic rules and large datasets of recorded human speech to achieve realistic and expressive vocalizations.

What is Google Docs

Google Docs is like an online notebook where you can write, edit, and share your work. It’s part of Google’s free suite of tools, so all you need is an internet connection and a Google account to get started. Think of it as a simpler version of Microsoft Word, but one that lives in the cloud and makes collaboration super easy.

Why Use Text to Speech in Google Docs

Using Text-to-speech in Google Docs can benefit you in multiple ways. It lets you listen to your documents and catch errors you might otherwise miss. Here are some prominent reasons for why you should use text-to-speech in Google Docs:

• Proofreading: Catch those pesky errors you might miss when reading silently.
• Auditory learning: Grasp information better when you hear it.
• Eye strain relief: Give your eyes a rest from the screen.
• Accessibility: Make your documents usable for people with visual impairments.
• Multitasking: Listen while you work on other tasks.
• Language learning: Improve your pronunciation and comprehension in other languages.
• Commuting/travel: Catch up on your reading while on the go.
• Focus and concentration: Some people find listening helps them focus better than reading.
• Content creation: Get a new perspective on your writing by hearing it out loud.
• Translation check: Ensure the accuracy of your translations by listening in different languages.

How to Do Text-to-Speech on Google Docs Using PC

Google Docs doesn’t come equipped with a text-to-speech feature. However, Google Docs allows you to turn on screen reader support and equip it with a text-reading extension and software to convert text to speech.

Enable Screen Reading Support

You can enable screen reading support under accessibility settings in Google Docs. Here is how:

• Open any Google document.
• Click on Tools from the top menu.
• Head to Accessibility in the popup menu.
• Check mark Turn on screen reader support .
• Click Ok to save the settings.

Once screen reader support is enabled, you can access text-to-speech functionality in the following ways.

Use a Screen Reader Extension for TTS on Google Docs 

Once you enable screen reader support, you can install a screen reader extension on Google Chrome. There are various screen readers available on the Chrome Web Store. You can go for Screen Reader by Google, Read Aloud, Mercury Reader, and Capti Voice. 

1. Screen Reader by Google

Out of all the above options, here is how you can convert text to speech using Google’s Screen Reader tool: 

• Go to Chrome Web Store.
• Search for Screen Reader by Google.
• Click Add to Chrome on the screen reader extension page.
• Once the extension is installed, go back to the Google Doc you want to be read aloud. 

While Screen Reader by Google is a good contender in the list of TTS Chrome extensions, let’s go through other screen readers from our list:

2. Read Aloud 

Read Aloud is a decent choice for its simplicity and effectiveness. It supports multiple languages and offers adjustable reading speeds. It’s good for reading webpages, articles, and even EPUBs.

3. Mercury Reader

While not strictly a text-to-speech extension, Mercury Reader declutters webpages, removes ads and distractions, and presents the text in a clean, easy-to-read format. The only downside is that you will need to combine it with a text-to-speech extension to improve the reading experience.

4. Capti Voice: Text to Speech & Screen Reader

Capti Voice is designed for accessibility and offers a range of features, including text highlighting, word-by-word highlighting, and dyslexia-friendly fonts. It’s a good choice for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Although screen reader extensions are pretty straightforward, you may struggle to stop screen reading once the tool is installed. Also, most of these extensions fail to offer speech rate control as well. 

Integrate a Screen Reading Software for Google Docs

If you want to exercise some control over your text-to-speech output, opt for a versatile text-to-speech and voicing software like Wavel AI. Wavel AI will read your Google Docs aloud while allowing you to control how you want your text to be read. The best part is its capability to translate the speech output into any other language you want. So, let’s check out how to use Wavel AI for text-to-speech in Google Docs:

• Open the Google document you want to be read out to you. 
• Click File at the top menu and hover on Download to find a list of all download options. 
• Select Plain text (txt.) as download format.
• Press ( Ctrl + A ) and press ( Ctrl + C ) to copy the content. 
• Now, go to Wavel Studio and sign up for a free account.
• Click Wavel AI’s text-to-speech tool.
• If you downloaded the document in the previous step, click Choose File to upload the Google document to Wavel AI’s TTS tool.
• If you copied the document’s content, you can simply press ( Ctrl + V ) to paste it in the input box below the choose file option.
• Choose your voiceover language and AI voice for the output.
• Click Generate to convert your Google Doc’s content into an audio file.

Use a Dedicated Screen Reader for Your Operating system 

While it is better to use a dedicated voicing software like Wavel AI to voice Google Docs, you can also use a dedicated screen reader for your operating system. You can go for ChromeVox on Chrome OS, JAWS for Windows users, or pick an AI voice generator for MacOS.

How to Use Text to Speech in Google Docs on Your Android & iPhone

Like Google Docs’s web version, you can use third-party apps and tools on Android and iPhone to convert text to speech in Google Docs.

1. Wavel AI Text to Speech

Unlike all the text-to-speech tools given in this list, Wavel AI takes TTS a step further. It comes packed with over 1000 voiceover options for TTS output. Moreover, it also allows you to control your audio’s pitch and narration speed.

The best part is its translation capability, which enables you to choose the language in which you want your text to be read. To use the Wavel AI text-to-speech tool with Google Docs, go to the browser app on your Android or iPhone. Now, sign up for Wavel Studio or simply log in as an existing user. Once logged in, go to the Text-to-Speech tool to find the text-to-speech with AI popup.

Now, there are two ways in which you can use Wavel AI’s speech synthesis for Google Docs. One is to copy-paste the content of your Google Doc into Wavel AI’s text-to-speech popup. The second way to download your Google Docs is by going to the Google Docs app on your phone. To download the Google Doc, open the Google Docs app and tap the three vertical dots at the bottom right of your document. Select Download from the popup menu options.

When the document is downloaded, you can go to the text-to-speech tool and click Choose a file to upload the Google Document you just downloaded.

Once you input Google Docs content, select the Voiceover language and voice for your TTS output. Finally, click Generate to convert your text into speech.

2. Google Text to Speech App

Google text-to-speech is Google’s speech synthesis application that comes preinstalled on most Android devices. You can use it to read out any text on your Android phone. Here is how you can enable and use it for Google Docs on your phone: Go to Settings app > select language & Input > go to Text to speech output . Under text-to-speech output, select Speech Recognition & Synthesis from Google as your preferred choice. To learn more, follow this guide on how to use text-to-speech on Android . 

How to Convert Speech to Text in Google Docs

While Google Docs lacks a text-to-speech feature, it still allows you to convert speech to text through its voice typing feature. Here is how you can enable and use it in Google Docs:

• Open a Google in your PC’s web browser.
• Open the document in which you want to perform speech typing.
• Click Tools from the top menu.
• Select Voice Typing from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use a voice typing keyboard shortcut, i.e., Command+Shift+S for Mac and Ctrl+Shift+S for Windows PC.

Once done, the Microphone option will appear on the screen. You can single-click on it to begin using speech-to-text in Google Docs and click it again to stop speech typing.

Wavel AI: Best Text to Speech and Speech to Text Software

Google Docs is the best cross-platform word processing tool that you can use for free. However, using text-to-speech for Google Docs is not that easy. To bridge the gap between text and speech in Google Docs, you can go with Wavel AI. Its intuitive interface and versatile features enable seamless text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities for Google Docs users. Moreover, Wavel AI empowers users to interact with their documents innovatively and redefine their experience with endless translation and voicing options. You know the best part? You can use Wavel Studio for free. So try it now!

A. Yes, Google Docs can read out loud. To achieve this, you can go to Tools > Accessibility > Turn on screen reader support. Once enabled, use a Google Chrome extension to read text from web pages. You can also use cross-functional platforms like Wavel AI to read Google Docs, translate them, and even dub your content into other languages.

A. Chromebook has a dedicated text-to-speech tool named ChromeVox. ChromeVox can read any web page you access on the web. To use this tool, you can simply go to Settings > Advanced > Accessibility > Manage accessibility features >

A. There are various text-to-speech extensions for Google Docs, such as Screen Reader, Natural Reader, etc. However, if you wish to exercise control over the text-to-speech output, you can go with Wavel AI, which offers complete text-to-speech software.

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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
• Pingbacks 0

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!!!

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How to use text-to-speech on iPhone and iPad

This guide will go over built-in methods and free third-party apps to turn text into speech on your iPhone and iPad.

1. Use Apple’s Speech Selection

All recent iPhones, iPads, and Macs have a built-in accessibility feature that lets you hear selected text. This system-wide setting works in Notes, Safari, Chrome, Pages, Mail, Gmail, Messages, and almost all other apps where you can select text.

Here’s how to use the Speak Selection feature on iPhone and iPad:

• Open the Settings app and tap Accessibility .
• Tap Spoken Content and turn on the switch for Speak Selection .
• Now, open Notes, Safari, Mail, or another app and select the text you want your iPhone or iPad to speak.
• Finally, tap Speak from the thin menu strip.

Your device will speak that text. You can use it to hear one word, a paragraph of several sentences, or multiple paragraphs — as long as the text is selected.

If you do not like the voice and the rate at which your iPhone or iPad speaks, head back to the Settings app > Accessibility > Spoken Content. From here, tap Voice to pick another voice. You can also adjust the Speaking Rate and explore other settings to your liking.

2. Use Live Speech on iOS 17 and later

Live Speech is yet another accessibility feature on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 that allows you to type something and have your iPhone or iPad speak it. What makes it unique is that you can use Live Speech even on a phone call.

In addition to that, you can create your Personal Voice and set that as your Live Speech voice, after which whatever you type will be spoken in YOUR voice ! It’s brilliant, and you should learn more about both Live Speech and Personal Voice !

3. Use Safari

Safari has a built-in option that can read web articles to you. So, if you have a lengthy research paper to read, go through a news item, or just want to listen to a tutorial while you follow the steps, your browser can easily handle that.

Here’s how to have web articles read to you in Safari:

• Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and visit the article you want to read.
• Tap the AA button in the URL address bar.
• Choose Listen to Page , and Safari will start reading the contents of this webpage to you.
• You can re-tap the AA icon and pick Listening Controls to pause, skip, change the speaking rate, or end listening.

4. Use iOS Shortcuts

You can convert custom text or web articles to speech using free Siri shortcuts. Here are two such options from Apple’s own shortcuts gallery.

• Open the Shortcuts app and tap Gallery .
• Use the search bar to find Turn Text Into Audio & Speak Body of Article shortcuts and add them.

• Now, tap the Turn Text Into Audio shortcut, type or paste the text you want to convert to speech, and tap Done , followed by the play button . This reader shortcut will speak what you entered.

• To use Speak Body of Article , open a web page in Safari or Chrome, tap the Share button , and select Speak Body of Article . The shortcut will read the main content of that web article. However, you won’t see an option to pause it, and the only way to stop it midway is to force close the browser !

5. Use Google

Google has several handy tricks up its sleeves, and here are two you must know about!

Use it for word pronunciation

While you can’t follow this method to hear long phrases or sentences, you can use it for situations where you want to know the meaning of a word as well as hear how it’s pronounced.

• Visit Google.com in a web browser like Safari or Chrome.
• Type the word and search for it. For some words, you may also have to add ‘ meaning .’ For instance, freemium meaning .
• Tap the tiny speaker icon to listen to its pronunciation.

Listen to web articles

Just like Safari, the Google app on iPhone and iPad (not Google.com in a web browser) can read articles to you. Here’s how:

• Get the Google app and visit the news, tutorial, or other such web page. Make sure the page loads fully.
• Tap the three dots menu icon from the top right and choose Read Aloud .
• Google will read the article, and you can manage its playback using the on-screen controls. To change the reading speed and voice, tap the three dots icon and customize it accordingly.

6. Use text-to-speech iOS apps

Finally, we come to free and freemium apps from the iOS App Store that can convert text to speech. You can use them to listen to pronunciations, have them read long PDFs and articles to you, or even export text as audio files.

Text to Speech

• Simple, quick, free, and ad-free

What I love about this app is its simplicity and chat-like interface that makes it effortless to use. Simply type the word or sentence and hit the Speak button. It will convert text to speak. You can further customize the settings by tapping the gear button from the top.

Download Text to Speech

Text to Speech: Voice Reader

• Export text as an audio file

This app is amazing as it does what it advertises. In addition to reading the text you ask it to, the app can also convert those text to audio and allows you to export it as a mp3 file ! It is super convenient if you want to use text-to-voice for simple YouTube tutorials and such.

Download Text to Speech: Voice Reader

Text to Speech!

• Listen to text or export audio

Text to Speech iPhone and iPad app by Gwyn Durbridge has a nice clean interface where you can type or paste your text and have it spoken to you as well as export it as an audio file in m4a, mp3, wav, or caf formats. You can also save your text (phrases) for later .

Download Text to Speech!

Text to Speech PDF Reader

• Have PDFs read out to you

You can add a PDF to this app from your iPhone or iPad’s Files app, and TTS PDF will read out the contents of that document. It also gives you the option to change the voice speed, pitch, etc.

Download TTS PDF

Voice Aloud Reader

• It will read books to you

Have you downloaded books and documents in epub , pdf , rtf , or such formats? You can add them to the Voice Aloud Reader, and it will read that book to you .

Download Voice Aloud Reader

Other honorable mentions

• TextToSpeech : It’s yet another clean app with lots of features. One in particular that I like is its ability to save the text of a web article from the browser Share Sheet. You can come back later inside this app to listen to the saved web article.
• Speechify : It has lots of high-quality voice options, and a subscription unlocks voices like those of Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow.
• Peech : Peech is a well-built iOS app where you can add custom text, files (PDF, Word, etc.), scans, or web URLs and the app will read out the contents.
• Natural Reader : It has a clean interface, and the voice it reads out to you feels very human-like. It’s worth a try.
• Text To Speech: Natural Voices : Text to Speech saves your recent text-to-speech phrases and sentences and allows you to replay them in a couple of taps. Handy for listening to long custom text in breaks.
• AIVoice : AIVoice has the option to generate audio from text and also helps you make a video.
• TTS : It offers a huge list of voice options with easy controls on the text-to-speech player screen.
• Speak4me : Finally, we have Speak4me, where you can scan a document with the in-app camera, and it will read out the contents.

Check out next: How to turn a PDF into an audiobook or have your computer read it out

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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When I struggle to write, I change something–I stretch or walk, stand instead of sit, or vice versa.

Sometimes I talk instead of type. I configure speech-to-text software to capture my voice, then just talk. I often end up with a bunch of text to edit. I find talking to be an excellent alternative to typing to capture not yet fully formed ideas.

Fortunately, I write with Google Docs, so there are several tools I can use to turn my voice into text.

Android: Google Voice Typing

The best voice recognition tool for Google Docs, Google Voice Typing ( Figure A ), used to be found only on Android devices. Install the Google Docs app, open a document, and tap the microphone icon located to the left of the space bar on the on-screen keyboard. Then talk. Google Voice Typing turns your speech into text.

On Android, Google Voice Typing turns speech into text accurately and quickly.

Chrome os: on-screen keyboard.

Google also includes speech recognition in Chrome OS as an accessibility option ( Figure B ). To enable it, select the three-line menu, choose Settings, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select Show advanced settings. Look for the Accessibility option to enable the on-screen keyboard. When the keyboard displays, select the microphone displayed above the on-screen keyboard to activate speech recognition.

On Chromebooks, enable the on-screen keyboard to access the built-in Chrome OS speech recognition system.

Google docs on the web: add-on.

A third-party Add-on for Google Docs on the web also enables Speech Recognition ( Figure C ). Unlike the on-screen keyboard, the Add-on works only within a Google Doc; the Chrome OS on-screen keyboard works with all text fields.

In Google Docs on the web, use the third-party Speech Recognition Add-on.

To install the Speech Recognition Add-on, open a Google Doc, choose Add-ons, and then select Get add-ons. Next, search for Speech, then choose the + Free button to add it. Every time you want to start voice recognition, go to the Add-ons menu, choose Speech Recognition, and click Start. A sidebar will appear to the right of your document. Choose your language and dialect, select the blue Start button, and then start talking.

Apple and Windows systems

Apple devices and Microsoft Windows systems also offer speech recognition options. Dictation on Apple mobile devices works much like Google Voice Typing on Android: tap the microphone to the left of the keyboard, then talk ( Figure D ). On Mac OS devices, turn on Dictation . Microsoft’s speech recognition system requires a settings change, followed by a brief training session for the system to learn your voice in Windows 7 , 8/8.1 , and 10 .

Apple also offers Dictation, which provides speech recognition on iOS that works with the Google Docs app.

Tip: say the symbol.

For accurate punctuation, say the symbol. These systems recognize common punctuation marks and terms. For example, take the following two sentences:

“In November 1660, 12 people met at Gresham College in London to talk about a common interest: science. The group met often to discuss experiments and share ideas, and it eventually evolved into what we now know as the Royal Society.”

To properly capture and punctuate these sentences, you’d say:

“In November 1660 comma 12 people met at Gresham College in London to talk about a common interest colon science period The group met often to discuss experiments and share ideas comma and it eventually evolved into what we now know as the Royal Society period”

Note how you use the terms comma, colon, and period. Terms like “new paragraph” also work.

Tip: On a Chromebook, a headset helps

I tested the control sentences above on my Toshiba Chromebook 2 with the built-in microphone and then with a Logitech G330 USB headset. I also tested the phrases with both the native Chrome OS speech recognition system and the third-party Google Docs Add-on.

When I used the headset, accuracy improved ( Figure E ). With the headset, the Chrome OS speech recognition system captured the phrases with 100% accuracy. Google Voice Typing in a Google Doc on a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for the same phrases also achieved 100% accuracy without a headset.

Use a headset with a Chromebook to improve the accuracy of speech recognition.

Why do you use speech-to-text tools.

While I use speech-to-text to capture ideas, a colleague of mine uses speech-to-text to reply to email and texts. He doesn’t like typing on tiny touch screen keyboards, so he dictates his responses. He relies on the speech recognition software to get the message right. Most of the time, it does.

Speech recognition also helps people who experience pain when typing to communicate. A person I know with carpal tunnel syndrome chooses to talk instead of type whenever possible.

Have you tried Google’s speech recognition systems on your Chromebook or Android device? Where–and why–do you use speech-to-text tools? Let us know in the discussion thread below.

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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.”

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Type with your voice

On your mobile device, you can talk to write in most places where you can type with a keyboard.

• Talk-to-text doesn't work with all languages.
• Gboard is available for iPhones and iPads with iOS 9 and up.

Talk to write

• On your iPhone or iPad, install Gboard .
• Open any app where you can type, such as Gmail or Keep.
• Tap an area where you can enter text.

• When you see 'Speak now', say what you want to be written.

Add punctuation

Some phrases that you can use are:

• Exclamation mark
• Question mark
• New paragraph

Replace a word

• On your iPhone or iPad, open the document or message with the word that you want to change.
• Touch and hold the word.
• When you see 'Speak now', say the new word.

Related resources

• Type in a different language
• Use Google Assistant to type with your voice

• Mobile Phones

How to Use the iPhone Text-to-Speech Feature

Need someone to tell you what it says on your phone? You can actually set up your iPhone to read your screen aloud if you have difficulty reading it yourself.

Do you have trouble seeing or reading the text on your iPhone screen? Maybe the text is too tiny. Maybe you have trouble with your vision. Whatever the issue, there is a solution. You can have your iPhone speak your screen out loud.

By tapping into the Speech setting on your iPhone, you can hear the entire screen read aloud from top to bottom or just selected text. You can listen to text as you type it, word by word or each character. You can even hear predicted text. Further, you can choose the language and type of voice you hear as well as the rate of speech. This trick works on an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Speech Settings

Speech options, highlight content, speak screen, control screen reading, speak selection, typing feedback, changing voices, alter speech, like what you're reading.

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About Lance Whitney

Contributor.

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons— Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn .

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Get Text To Speech Google Docs To Read Aloud Text & Alternative

Home > Text-to-Speech > Get Text To Speech Google Docs To Read Aloud Text & Alternative

Karen William

• Filed to: Text-to-Speech

11356 views, 4 min read

Do you want to use Google Docs text to speech and speech to text in Google Docs to free your hands? If so, you've landed in the right place.

In today's article, we will talk about text-to-speech in Google Docs and how to do text to speech and speech to text on Google Docs to multitask and save time. So let's get into it.

Part 1: How To Do Text To Speech on Google Docs

Part 2: how to do speech to text on google docs, part 3: text to speech extension for google docs.

Part 5: FAQs About Text To Speech Google Docs

Text to speech Google Docs feature allows users to convert text to voice with single click. Google Docs is an online word processor that allows users to create, edit, and format documents, collaborate with others on the same document, and much more. For years, Google Docs allowed users to use the text to speech or speech to text capabilities via Google Docs.

Here are some of the compelling benefits the text-to-speech capability offers:

Benefits of Text to Speech on Google Docs:

1. The visually impaired or people with hindered eyesight can easily listen to a document despite reading or writing it.

2. You can also find mistakes in your writing as the robot pronounces the words, and it is easy to pick the errors.

3. Better heard when read; our mind can easily remember things that are heard instead of what is read. If you use the feature, you can always keep important points in your mind.

Step-by-Step : Guide of How to Use Google Docs Text to Speech:

#Step 1: Open Google Docs in your browser. Open a new document.

#Step 2: Once inside the document, tap on Tools > Accessibility.

#Step 3: Check the Turn on screen reader support option. Tap on Okay to save the settings.

#Step 4: Now, whenever you want Google Docs to read text aloud, select the whole document or part of it. Tap on Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection to let Google Docs read the document.

Google Docs'speech to text feature is also great, which you can capitalize on. You can do voice typing and save the time you spend typing every word on your own. Using speech to text on Google Docs is comparatively easy than text to speech.

Step-by-Step: Guide of Use Speech to text on Google Docs:

#Step 1: Visit the web browser, open Google Docs, and open a new document.

#Step 2: Tap on Tools > Voice Typing. You can also use the alternative shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+S.

#Step 3: A small microphone will appear in the document window. Click on the microphone and start speaking. You can also change the language for accurate detection of your speech.

Google Docs depend on an external extension for using the text to speech capability when editing documents. ChromeVox is a built-in screen reader in Chromebooks. When you search Chromevox in your web browser, it will give you the result: Screen Reader.

How to use the text to speech extension for Google Docs:

#Step 1: Search for ChromeVox in the search bar of a web browser.

#Step 2: Click on the Screen Reader(most probably the first search result).

#Step 3: Tap on Add to Chrome.

#Step 4: Tap on Add Extension. The extension will be downloaded and added to Chrome.

#Step 5: All you have to do is now go to Google Docs > Open a document > select text > Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection.

Part 4: Google Docs Text To Speech and Speech to Text Stunning Alternative

Imyfone voxbox.

Yet another text to speech tool answers how to do text to speech on Google Docs. iMyFone VoxBox is an AI-powered software for desktop users who want to use text to speech in Google Docs.

If you don't want to install Chrome Extension that unnecessarily reads everything and every tab, iMyFone VoxBox is a good option. You can easily copy the text from Google Docs and paste it into VoxBox to read it for you.

What's best is that it can offer more than one AI voice for you to do text to speech conversion, being a better choice than text to speech features in Google Docs, since you can use any voices and any languages you want to read the text for you, including fictional characters , celebrities, influencers, and more.

The main features of VoxBox are as follows:

Key Features:

Most practical Google Docs text to speech or otherwise.

3200+ voice filters voice effects with 77+ languages support.

You can also edit and download the audio files converted by VoxBox.

Text to speech, speech to text, audio editing, voice cloning all in one.

Multiple output formats supported.

User Review:

Watch this video to learn more about the Best Text to Speech Voice Generator VoxBox:

1. How do you do text-to-speech on Google Docs?

You can do Google Docs text-to-speech by opening a Google Doc > Select Text > Tap on Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection. However, you must have enabled the screen reader from tools > Accessibility > Screen Reader.

2. Can Google Docs read out loud?

Yes, you will need to install Screen Reader(Google Chrome Extension) to enable Google Docs to read out loud.

3. What is the text-to-speech extension for Google Docs?

Screen Reader is a chrome extension for text to speech conversion on Google Docs. You can simply select the text, and click speak to let it read the text for you.

4. How to do text-to-speech on Google Docs Chromebook?

To enable text-to-speech on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

1. Click the time at the bottom right or press Alt + Shift + s.

2. Choose Settings > Accessibility.

3. Turn on ChromeVox under "Text-to-Speech."

5. How to do text-to-speech on Google Docs on iPhone?

In iPhone settings, go to "General," select "Accessibility," tap "VoiceOver," and enable it.

6. How do I do speech-to-text on Google Docs?

Ensure your microphone functions properly. Open a Google Docs document in Chrome. Access Voice typing under Tools. Click the microphone when you're prepared to talk. Speak clearly at a regular pace; refer to guidelines for punctuation.

We have shared how to use Google Docs text to speech , speech to text(voice typing), and how to practically use Google Docs text to speech with the help of an extension . However, the extension can be weird at the time as it will read out every tab on your browser.

But there also exist some issues can not soluted by Google Doc, the best text to speech google docs alternative- iMyFone VoxBox as a better solution for converting text to speech , and speech to text. However, you can still use Google Docs voice typing, an in-built feature.

Related Articles:

• Microsoft Sam Text to Speech Voice Generator and Best TTS Alternative
• 4 Free Eminem AI Voice Text to Speech and Rap Generators

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How to Turn On Text to Speech with Google Docs?

Speaktor 2023-07-13

The first thing to know is that only the Google Chrome browser supports Google “Screen Reader” extension offered by Google themselves text-to-speech functionality. The text-to-speech Google Screen Reader Chrome extension is unavailable in other browsers such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera. In other browsers, text-to-speech (TTS) on Google Docs can be accomplished through third-party apps. Google Chrome extensions use voice to make text aloud. You can easily activate text-to-speech on Google Docs by following these steps:

Turn on screen reader support on Google Documents

• Open Google Chrome
• Open and login Google Drive
• Open the Google Docs that you want to use for text-to-speech
• Navigate to the “Tools” item on the top toolbar
• Click on “Accessibility settings” at the end of the options
• Check the first option that is “Turn on screen reader support” and save the choices by clicking “OK” in the bottom right corner

Download “Screen Reader” offered by Google

• Go to Google “Chrome Web Store”
• Find the extension search field and type “Screen Reader” into it
• Press the “Add to Chrome” button on the right of the screen
• Give permissions to install by pressing the “Add extension” box
• Wait until it is installed

Use Screen Reader on Google Docs

• Go to Google Docs for text-to-speech functionality
• Select the text to read aloud
• Go to the toolbar and press the Accessibility features
• Click the first option “Speak” and then “Speak Selection”
• Now Google Screen Reader will read the text for you

• Click the puzzle icon at the right corner of the Google Chrome browser
• Press “Manage Extensions”
• Disable the Screen Reader extension on the opened page

Google screen reader extension has some disadvantages in converting text to audio. Here are the some problems with Screen Reader extension:

• Turning off or on is not easy: You should go to “Extensions” from the settings of the Chrome browser, and then you should turn off the Screen Reader extension.
• Hard to control When a screen is switched, it starts reading the screen from beginning to end.
• Starting reading from cursor: Screen Reader extension begins reading where the cursor is. The position of the cursor and the words read the change. This makes control difficult.

Google Docs is an online word processor that allows you to create and format documents that can be worked on collectively. You can edit documents in real-time, compare changes, and comment with others about your work. It’s also great for sharing documents when discussing edits or collaborating on a project.

What Do People Use Text-to-Speech on Google Docs?

• Increased Accessibility: Using text-to-voice to create speechified versions of the products increases accessibility for individuals who are visually impaired. Therefore, it enables anyone to use Google Drive tools
• Ease of Use: In some cases, listening is more comfortable than reading long papers.
• Multitasking: Users are able to listen to the written material while performing other tasks.
• Proofreading : Text-to-speech feature helps to identify errors or unnatural phrasing, which improves the overall quality of the written content.

Google Drive is an online free storage and file-hosting service that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. To use Google Drive, just sign up for a free Gmail account. Google Drive provides online tools such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms that can be used and shared for business and personal purposes. These programs combine the power and flexibility of the cloud with the convenience of always-available mobile access to help reduce paper usage and save time.

Can I use Google Drive and its tools on a tablet, iPhone, or android mobile device?

Google Drive has simultaneous viewing and editing features on tablet phones and computers. It can also simultaneously work on various operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Android, and iOS.

What is the sharing limit of Google Drive?

A Google Drive file can be shared with a maximum of 600 people. When sharing with groups, it is possible to share with a maximum of 100 groups so that the total number of people the drive is shared with does not exceed 600 people.

What is the storage limit of Google Drive?

A regular Google Account gives 15 GB of free Google Drive storage. Google has various packages for those needing more storage space and businesses that want to take advantage of different privileges. Google Drive pricing policies change according to the country. To learn more about extra storage, check this site .

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Google Docs Read Aloud: Let Google Docs Read to You

When processing large files in Google Docs, it's time-consuming to check them by word, especially when you have limited time. However, if you know the Google Docs read aloud feature, working on Google Docs will be much more efficient than ever. The TTS (text-to-speech) feature helps read selected text aloud in a document, enabling you to listen to Google Docs even when working on other projects. Now, stay tuned with us and explore more details about the Google Docs read aloud feature.

Can Google Docs Read Aloud Text?

Some users may wonder if Google Docs can read aloud text content. Luckily, the answer is YES! Without asking for help from Chrome extensions, it can quickly verbalize selected content in Google Docs, seamlessly transforming pure text into audio. However, the TTS feature is less obvious than its formatting tools, which can be found directly on the top toolbar, making it a bit troublesome. Nevertheless, we will provide a detailed guide on locating the text-to-speech feature in Google Docs and let it read text content aloud to you. Just keep reading!

How to Convert Text to Speech in Google Docs

Before clarifying the process of reading text aloud in Google Docs, the first step is to locate the read aloud tool. New users may spend much time searching for a specific function in a program. Don’t worry. We will provide a detailed guide on finding and using the TTS tool in Google Docs. Let’s dive in.

Where is the TTS tool in Google Docs?

Follow the guide below to locate the speech function in Google Docs:

1. Open a document in Google Docs and click Tools > Accessibility on the top toolbar. It will open an Accessibility settings window, turn on screen reader support , and turn on collaborator announcements .

2. Click OK to confirm your changes.

Now, you can access Accessibility directly on the top navigation bar. The text-to-speech function is also available in this tab.

After finding the read aloud tool, let's see how you can convert text content to audio in Google Docs. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Select the content you wish to listen to in Google Docs.

Step 2. Click Accessibility > Verbalize to screen reader . Then, choose Verbalize selection .

You've successfully let Google Docs read to you by following the steps above. It's a built-in tool released by Google, providing a convenient way to transform text into audio. However, compared to a third-party text-to-speech tool, the built-in function may lack advanced features such as AI voice, adjustable speed, and other customizable settings. Luckily, you can use a Chrome extension or specialized TTS app to have Google Docs read aloud to you. The following content recommends a reliable tool.

How to Check Word Count on Google Docs[Simple Guide]

Learn how to check word count on Google Docs on computers and mobiles with step-by-step guides in this post.

Read Aloud Google Docs Using an Add-on

Chrome extensions are practical tools that work smoothly on a Chrome web browser and Google Workspace. They provide a free and reliable method for converting text content to speech so that Google Docs can read aloud to you.

To listen to Google Docs with an add-on, you need to install an extension from the Chrome Web Store. Check the content below to learn how to read aloud a Google Docs with a Chrome extension:

Step 1. Open a document in Google Docs.

Step 2. Click Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons.

Step 3. Search “Google Docs read aloud” or any related keywords in the search bar.

Step 4. Install an extension from searching results. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Step 5. Select the text you wish to read out aloud and click on the add-on icon you’ve installed. Adjust reading settings if necessary.

How to Make Google Docs Dark Mode | Windows/Android/iOS

Are you confused about activating Google Docs Dark Mode? Stay with us to explore how to make Google Docs Dark Mode on Windows, Android, and iOS in a few clicks.

Bonus: How to Let PDF Read Aloud to You

After clarifying Google Docs read aloud details, as a bonus part, we will show you how seamlessly to read PDFs aloud . PDF has become a commonly used file type in this digital world, especially when it refers to sharing and archiving documents. PDFs could be long, requiring much time to look through all the details. However, if you can convert PDF text to speech , things would be much easier.

In fact, it's easy to convert PDF to MP3 audio if you have a competent PDF tool that supports reading PDF. For instance, SwifDoo PDF has a Read tool, which supports reading entire documents or selected content in 10 more languages, plus adjustable reading speed and provides a seamless way to listen to PDF files.

How to convert PDF text to speech in SwifDoo PDF:

Step 1. Click the download button below to install SwifDoo PDF on your Windows PC.

Step 2. Launch SwifDoo PDF and open a PDF file.

Step 3. On the top navigation bar, click on Home or View . Then, choose Read . It will start reading your file immediately.

Final Words

That’s all about Google Docs read aloud . Whether you use the native verbalize tool or install a Chrome extension, you can find a way out in this article. Gaining the ability to convert text content to audio offers an easy way to view documents. Simply follow our guide and work more efficiently in this digital world.

Monica has accumulated more than three years of experience in writing tech products. Now she works as an English columnist for this website. With her extensive experience, Monica has offered many helpful and feasible recommendations.

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SoundType AI - Voice To Text 4+

Transcribe voice to text, innosquares ltd, designed for ipad.

• 4.7 • 171 Ratings
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Turn spoken words into written text effortlessly with SoundType AI! Our advanced app for transcribing voice to text and transcribing audio transforms your voice or video files into accurately transcribed text. Its also equipped with innovative audio features and AI-powered summaries. With our standout feature of individual speaker identification, its an ideal choice for transcribing from meetings, interviews, podcasts, and more. Supporting over 90 languages, SoundType AI simplifies transcription of conversations from around the globe. Features: ● AI-Powered Transcribe Voice to Text Accuracy Our AI boasts an unrivaled precision for transcribing voice to text, trained on an impressive 680K hours of multilingual and multitask data. Experience flawless transcriptions each time you use SoundType AI. ● Individual Speaker Recognition for Transcribing Ideal for group meetings and interviews, SoundType AI identifies and tags different speakers in your audio, providing well-structured, easy-to-follow transcriptions. ● Uncomplicated Long Audio Transcription Have lengthy recordings to transcribe? No problem! SoundType AI handles long audio files with ease, ensuring all-inclusive and accurate transcriptions. ● Engaging Transcribe Audio to Text Experience Engage with your transcriptions in unique ways. Ask questions about your audio or video, and our AI will generate responses from the content, enhancing your transcribe experience. ● Summarized Transcriptions Receive the key points and highlights of your audio in a concise, understandable format with SoundType AIs summary feature. ● Comprehensive Voice/Video to Text Transcription Whether its uploading an audio or video file, recording within the app, or importing from YouTube, SoundType AI transcribes it into text for straightforward analysis. ● Broad Language Support for Transcription With our sophisticated AI technology, transcribe in over 90 languages and dialects effortlessly, perfect for international meetings, research work, and global podcasts. Use SoundType AI for transcribing spoken content from: ○ Meeting Notes ○ Negotiations ○ Interviews ○ Language Studies ○ Podcasts ○ Lectures And more, all converted into simple-to-read text! Supported Formats: Our app accepts a broad range of file formats, including MP3, WAV, WMA, M4A, and more. If you have queries about specific file types, our support team is ready to help. Export Formats: Easily export your transcriptions in various formats, such as TXT, SRT, PDF and Docx. Requirements: Internet connection Upgrade your productivity with SoundType AI - the future of transcribe voice to text and transcribe audio to text at your fingertips. Privacy Policy: https://soundtype.ai/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://soundtype.ai/terms-of-use

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171 Ratings

Efficient and Reliable

it cọmes to converting spoken words into text. The interface is simple to navigate, and I appreciate the robust features offered.

I was really considering upgrading bc I like this app. It does a good job transcribing - accuracy is higher than others I’ve tried. Speaker detection is just ok. I like the ability to edit the text, create folders, and so much more. There is a lot to like about the app. Having said that, I uploaded 2 audio files as my testers to see how I would like the app. One is approximately 54 SECONDS - a very short conversation between 2 people meant to see how well voices would be distinguished. The other is a lecture and is about 6 MINUTES long. BUT when I went to my account settings to look at upgrade options, I noticed it shows that my free account has used 172 of the 180 free minutes of transcription!!!! I haven’t deleted anything or used it for more than testing the 2 audio files totaling under 10 minutes! Very shady. I will not be upgrading.

Impressive Accuracy and Speed

I am thoroughly impressed with the ability to transcribe speech accurately and swiftly. This app is definitely worth the download!

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