Have you ever wanted to sit back and let someone else read an article or document to you? Or maybe you have visual impairment and need assistance in reading. In either case, getting your Mac to read aloud is the solution. This feature allows Mac to read out loud text on your screen with impressive accuracy. It’s free, easy to use and can be a game-changer for many.
In this blog, we will dive in and discuss why you need to get your Mac to read aloud, how to do it using various methods, what to do if you can’t, and answer the most frequently asked questions on the topic. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Mac to Read Aloud
Getting your Mac to read aloud is a great way to improve your productivity, save time, and get the most out of your device. Here are some reasons why you need to get your Mac to read aloud.
1. Better Multitasking
Instead of staring at your screen for hours on end, getting your Mac to read out loud can help improve your multitasking ability. If you’re cooking, cleaning, or exercising, you can still get your work done by letting your Mac do the reading for you.
2. Improved Comprehension
Studies have shown that reading with your ears can improve your comprehension and retention of the information. By using this method, you can engage with the text in a different manner, and as a result, comprehend the material better.
3. Easier Note-Taking
Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to have to pause every ten seconds to take notes. By getting your Mac to read your text aloud, you can pause and take notes when you need to, without interrupting the flow of the reading.
4. Accessibility
For those who are visually impaired, getting your Mac to read aloud can be a life-changing feature. It assists in accessibility, making it easier to engage with written content.
Method 1: Using Text to Speech Tool on your Mac
Your Mac comes with a built-in tool called the Text to Speech feature. This program allows your Mac to read text aloud to you. Here are the steps on how to do it:
Step 1:
Open the document you want to read.
Step 2:
Click on the Apple icon and choose “System Preferences.”
Step 3:
Click on “Accessibility” and then choose “Speech” from the menu on the left.
Step 4:
Check the box marked “Speak selected text when the key is pressed.”
Step 5:
To choose a shortcut, click on the “Set Key” button and select a combination of keys on the keyboard.
Step 6:
Highlight the text that you want to hear spoken, then press the shortcut you have selected.
Pros:
– Built-in tool, no need to download any third-party software.
– Simple and easy to use.
– Can be activated on any text displayed on the screen.
– Can choose any voice and adjust the speaking speed.
Cons:
– Can be tedious if you have a lot of text to read.
– The voice can be monotonous.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available that are designed to read out loud text on your Mac. Some of the most popular ones are Speechify, ClaroRead, and Voice Dream Reader. Here’s how to use Speechify:
Step 1:
Download and install Speechify from the App Store.
Step 2:
Open the app and click the “Add New” button.
Step 3:
Choose “Text” or “Web Article” and copy-paste or type the text into the application.
Step 4:
Click the play button to hear your text read back to you.
Pros:
– High-quality voices, improved naturalness, and expressiveness.
– Additional features such as offline reading and customization of the reader.
– User-friendly interface.
Cons:
– Some of the apps may require a subscription fee.
– May involve a learning curve on how to use the apps.
Method 3: Using Built-in Screen Reader on Mac
Mac OS also includes the built-in Screen Reader called VoiceOver. This feature allows for speech output and enables users with visual impairments to interact with their system. Setting up the Screen Reader varies depending on the version of the operating system. Here are the steps for the latest Mac OS version:
Step 1:
Go to System Preferences, then select Accessibility.
Step 2:
Choose VoiceOver in the Feature section.
Step 3:
Toggle the VoiceOver On/Off switches.
Step 4:
To hear a text, do a three-finger tap to start speaking.
Pros:
– Built-in tool, no need to download any third-party software.
– VoiceOver provides complete access to the Mac system.
– Able to speak and control the computer using keyboard shortcuts.
Cons:
– Steep learning curve.
– A lot of settings need to be customized to suit different users.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Mac to Read Aloud
If you can’t get your Mac to read aloud, the issue could be due to a software malfunction, volume issues, or settings errors. The following are some practical ways that you can try to fix the problem:
1. Check Volume
Make sure the volume is adjusted to an audible level.
2. Check Speech Settings
Check the different settings to ensure they are correctly configured and not causing the issue.
3. Restart the App
Restart the app or program you are trying to use to see if that resolves the issue.
4. Restart the Device
Try restarting your Mac, as there might be a glitch in the system that’s causing the problem.
Bonus Tip
If you want to read a long article without noise disturbance you can use the "Read it Later" feature on Safari. This feature allows you to store an article for later reading, and once you’re ready to read it, your Mac will read out the content.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I stop the Mac from reading aloud?
A: You can stop the Mac from reading aloud by pressing the same shortcut key that you used to start it. You can also open the Speech settings in System Preferences and deselect the “Speak selected text when the key is pressed” checkbox.
Q2: How do I choose a different voice?
A: To change the voice, go to the “Accessibility” menu, click on “Speech,” and then choose the desired voice from the “System Voice” dropdown menu.
Q3: Can I adjust the speaking pace and voice tone?
A: Yes, the speaking pace and tone can be adjusted from the “Accessibility” menu and by navigating to the “Speech” options.
Q4: Do I need to buy additional software to get my Mac to read aloud?
A: No, your Mac comes with a built-in Speech feature that can read aloud text on your device.
Q5: Can I get my Mac to read aloud in multiple languages?
A: Yes, you can change the system language under "System Preferences" with the "Language & Region" icon. This will allow Mac to read aloud in different languages.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Mac to read aloud can be a lifesaving feature for so many people. Whether you are trying to multitask, improve comprehension, or are visually impaired, having your Mac read aloud is a great asset. With the methods outlined in this article, you can start enjoying the benefits of this feature right away.