Editing long documents can be a challenge, mainly when you can’t focus or get overwhelmed by reading. Letting Google Docs read to you can take the pressure off and make the process more enjoyable. Thanks to advancements in Text to Speech Technology, you can now have your documents read aloud with natural-sounding voices, helping you catch errors, improve flow, and stay focused. This article will help you get started with Text To Speech Google Docs, so you can make Google Docs read your text out loud with ease—allowing you to edit faster, focus better, and work more accessibly without getting overwhelmed by long reading sessions.
Voice AI’s text to speech tool is a valuable resource that can help you reach your editing goals. This easy-to-use tool can make Google Docs read your text out loud in just a few clicks, so you can get back to the work that matters.
Why Use Text-To-Speech on Google Docs?
Text to speech (TTS) is a modern accessibility feature that allows users to transform written text into spoken words. This functionality assists individuals with reading or learning disabilities, as well as those who prefer auditory learning. The technology also aids multitasking, as you can listen to text content while engaged in other activities.
Learning how to use text-to-speech (TTS) on Google Docs can help improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, while also boosting productivity by allowing for multitasking and enhancing comprehension.
Google Docs Overview
Google Docs is a cloud-based word processing tool from Google, accessible via the Chrome browser and other web browsers. Part of the broader Google Workspace suite, it provides real-time collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously from different locations. With Google Docs, users can format text, add links, insert images, and utilize various templates to streamline document creation. It also supports voice typing, extensive comment and revision capabilities, and the ability to track changes made by collaborators.
Integrated with Google Drive, it provides robust sharing options, allowing users to control who views or edits their documents. This platform is accessible from any device with internet connectivity, making it an ideal solution for individuals, educational institutions, and businesses seeking a flexible and dynamic word processing tool.
Benefits of using Text in Google Docs
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 the 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 convenient 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.
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How to Use Text To Speech Google Docs Functions
Google Docs does not have a built-in text-to-speech feature, but it works with third-party tools to provide the functionality. Here’s how to get started with TTS on Google Docs using accessibility options in your browser.
1. Enable Screen Reader for Google Docs
To enable your screen reader software to speak for Google Docs, you must first enable it. To
Do that:
- Go to “Tools,” and there, click “Accessibility Settings.”
- A pop-up window of Accessibility Settings will appear.
- Checkmark the “Turn on screen reader support” option, and finish by clicking “OK.”
2. Use the Accessibility Option for Text-to-Speech
Now everything is set up. Click the “Accessibility” option from the top of your screen in Google Docs. Now click “Speak” and then choose “Speak Selection.”
These steps will initiate the text-to-speech of the selected content in your Google Docs, so ensure that you select the text with your cursor before proceeding to this step. For an easier experience, you can use the “Ctrl + Alt + X” keyboard shortcut after selecting the text.
Use TTS on Google Docs for Android
The accessibility features on Android devices enable us to use the TTS feature on the Google Docs app, although there is no built-in option. You need to set up the accessibility option in your device’s settings.
Then you can read aloud any Google Docs documents by selecting the text and navigating through different parts of the document. Here’s how to use Google Docs TTS on Android.
1. Go to Accessibility Settings on Your Device
To enable this feature, open the device settings and navigate to the accessibility section. There, you will find the “Select to Speak” feature.
2. Turn on Select to Speak
Tap on “Select to Speak” and tap “OK.” Enabling this feature will allow it to work for you. Now, you can head to the Google Docs document and select the text that you want to read out loud.
After you select the text, a text-to-speech icon will appear on the lower-right of the screen, or a speech option will show in a pop-up menu. You can use the available option, and your Android device will automatically start speaking the selected text.
Use TTS on Google Docs for iPhone
iPhone offers great accessibility features. Since the Google Docs app does not come with a built-in TTS feature, we can use the accessibility options on an iPhone to read the content of Google Docs aloud. By default, this feature is disabled; follow the steps below to enable it.
1. Enable Spoken Content Settings on iPhone
To do Google Docs text-to-speech on your iPhone, you first need to enable the Spoken Content accessibility settings. Open settings and search for “Speak Selection.” Tap the first option from the search results and toggle the “Speak Selection” feature.
2. Select Text in Google Docs and Tap Speak
Now, go to the Google Docs application on your iPhone and open the document of your choice. Tap and hold the text to select it, then set the starting and ending points according to your requirements. As you select some text, a pop-up menu with multiple options will appear. Use the “Right Arrow” to navigate through different options and tap “Speak” once you see it. The selected text in the Google Docs application will now be read aloud.
Google Docs Text-to-Speech Not Working? Fixed!
If the text-to-speech feature is not working for Google Docs, some possible issues can be easily fixed if you know the cause. Here, we’ve shared some common problems and their fixes that you might encounter.
1. Browser Issues
If you’re using Google Docs on a browser on your desktop computer, there may be a browser issue. Your browser may be outdated or incompatible with Google Docs’ text-to-speech feature, or an extension could be causing the conflict. The best solution is to try it with a different browser to determine where the issue lies.
2. Device Audio Settings
Have you done all the settings perfectly, but are still unable to hear the text-to-speech voice? You likely have an issue with your device’s audio settings. Sometimes, we unknowingly turn the audio off or mute it entirely. A quick fix is to turn the audio volume up and play another audio file to ensure the speakers are working correctly.
3. Network Problems
Google Docs works online, and a stable internet connection is crucial for all of its features. Therefore, if TTS is not working, it may be due to poor network connectivity. Reconnecting to the network or trying a different internet connection will solve the issue.
4. Accessibility Settings Issue
The TTS feature in Google Docs relies on Accessibility settings, and if you don’t have that set up for your device, the feature won’t work. So, ensure that your accessibility settings are set up to allow text-to-speech and aloud reading of the content.
Use an Add-on for Text-to-Speech on Google Docs
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 Docs 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.”
- Search for “Text to speech.”
- Install the necessary add-on to enable this functionality.
- Once installed, highlight the text you wish to hear.
- Click on “Add-ons” again, and select the text-to-speech option, such as “Speak.” The selected text will be read aloud in the chosen text-to-speech voice.
Use a Chrome Extension for Text-to-Speech on Google Docs
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.
Here’s how to get started:
- Open the Chrome browser and visit the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for the extension.
- Install the extension by granting the necessary permissions.
- Once installed, open your Google Docs document.
- A play button will appear to your left. Click the play button with your cursor to read aloud the selected text.
- Adjust playback and voice settings according to your 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
Read Aloud is a Chrome extension that allows you to read text from web pages, including Google Docs. It highlights the text it reads and will enable you to control the reading speed and voice. It can also translate the text into different languages and supports multiple AI voice options. To use the extension, follow these steps.
- 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.
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Select the text you want to read aloud.
- Click the “Select and Speak” icon in the Chrome toolbar.
SpeakIt!
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.
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Highlight the text you want to 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.
- Open your Google Docs document.
- 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.
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Access the Read&Write features, including text-to-speech, from the toolbar.
Use an App for Text-to-Speech on Google Docs on Mobile Devices
If you wish to experience Google Docs text-to-speech on a mobile device, you can do so by using the iOS or Android app. 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 to 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.
- Open your Google Docs document on your iOS device.
- Select the text you want read.
- Tap the “Share” button within Google Docs.
- Choose “NaturalReader” from the list of sharing options. The app will open and start reading the selected text.
Google Text-to-Speech
Google Text-to-Speech is a Google app that 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.
- Select the text you want read.
- Tap the “More” (three dots) menu.
- Choose “Read Aloud.” The built-in text-to-speech engine will read the selected text.
TalkBack
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.
- Open your Google Docs document in the Google Docs app on your Android device.
- Select the text you want read.
- 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 in conjunction with Google Docs, providing a range of voice options and customizable features to cater to various 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.
- Select the text you want read.
- Tap the “Share” button within Google Docs.
- Choose “Voice Aloud Reader” from the list of sharing options. The app will open and start reading the selected text.
ClaroSpeak
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.
- Open your Google Docs document on your iOS device.
- Select the text you want read.
- Tap the “Share” button within Google Docs.
- 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.
Stop spending hours on voiceovers or settling for robotic-sounding narration. Voice.ai’s text-to-speech tool delivers natural, human-like voices that capture emotion and personality, perfect for content creators, developers, and educators who need professional audio fast. Choose from our library of AI voices, generate speech in multiple languages, and transform your projects with voiceovers that actually sound real. Try our text-to-speech tool for free today and hear the difference quality makes.
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Tips and Tricks for Using Text-to-Speech on Google Docs
Now, if you’re all about customizing things to your liking, Google Docs has got you covered with text-to-speech.
Check out these options:
- Changing the voice: You can pick from different voices, ranging from male to female, with various accents. Want to switch up the voice? Go to the “Tools” menu, click on “Accessibility settings,” and select a voice from the “Text-to-speech voice” drop-down menu.
- Changing the speed: Feeling the need for speed or fancy a more leisurely pace? You can adjust the speech speed to make it faster or slower. To do this, go to the “Tools” menu, hit up “Accessibility settings,” and use the slider next to “Text-to-speech speed” to find your perfect tempo
- Changing the language: Want to switch things up and have the speech in a different language? Go to the “File” menu, choose “Language,” and select your desired language from the drop-down menu.
You can customize and personalize your text-to-speech experience by adjusting the options available. It’s all about tailoring it to your individual needs and preferences!
Pro Tips for Successfully Changing Text to Speech in Google Docs
Use Google Docs’ Built-In Screen Reader. Google Docs works well with built-in screen readers, such as ChromeVox, which can read your document aloud. Enable ChromeVox in Chrome settings to activate it.
- Enable Voice Typing for Text-to-Speech: Use Tools > Voice typing to dictate text, and use a text-to-speech extension or app to read it aloud once it’s typed.
- Install a Text-to-Speech Extension: Install extensions like Read&Write or Natural Reader from the Chrome Web Store to add text-to-speech functionality directly in Google Docs.
- Adjust Speed and Voice Settings: With text-to-speech tools like Read&Write, you can adjust the speed, voice, and language settings to customize how the text is read aloud.
- Highlight Text for Reading: Once a text-to-speech extension is installed, highlight the desired text and click the extension’s read-aloud button to start listening.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them for Text-To-Speech in Google Docs
Text Not Being Read Aloud: Sometimes the text may not be read aloud due to a technical issue with the screen reader or extension.
- Fix: Ensure the extension or tool is correctly enabled and up to date. Double-check if your microphone or audio output settings are correctly configured.
Audio Quality Issues: Poor audio quality or robotic voices can affect the listening experience.
- Fix: Adjust the voice settings or try a different text-to-speech extension with better voice options.
Incompatibility with Certain Devices or Browsers: Some browsers or devices may not support text-to-speech functionality properly.
- Fix: Use Google Chrome and ensure your operating system has proper support for accessibility tools.
Voice Typing Not Activated: If you’re trying to use voice typing to create text-to-speech, it might not be activated.
- Fix: Ensure that Voice typing is turned on under Tools > Voice typing before dictating.
Text-to-Speech Feature Only Reads Visible Text: Text-to-speech extensions may not read all text in the document, especially hidden text or comments.
- Fix: Make sure the document’s content is visible and not hidden in footnotes, comments, or hidden sections.
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Try our Text to Speech Tool for Free Today
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The result?
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At Voice AI, we understand how time-consuming and frustrating it can be to create voice-overs. That’s why we created a tool that produces realistic, human-like narration so you can get back to what you do best, creating!
