Jump to Key Sections
Reading is a crucial activity that enables one to grasp knowledge and entertainment on various subjects. However, for some people, reading long texts can be a challenge, especially if they have visual or learning disabilities. Fortunately, Mac computers offer a solution to this challenge by providing several options for text-to-speech. These options come in handy, whether you want to listen to an article or your notes for a presentation. This article will describe five methods on how to have text read aloud on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Have Text Read Aloud on Mac
There are several reasons why you may need to have text read aloud on Mac. Firstly, it may be a preferable method for those who have difficulties reading or have visual impairments. Reading on a computer can be daunting, and if you have to read long texts, it is advisable to have them read aloud. Secondly, Macbook users may want to have their notes read aloud for presentations or when they are traveling. Lastly, if you are multitasking and want to listen to something while doing other tasks, text-to-speech can be the perfect solution.
Method 1: Using Built-in Text-to-Speech Option
The easiest and simplest way to have text read aloud on Mac is by utilizing the built-in text-to-speech option. This native functionality is available in most Apple applications such as Pages and Safari. Here are the steps to follow:
- Select the text you want to have read aloud
- Click "Edit" from the menu options
- Select "Speech"
- Click "Start Speaking"
Pros:
- It is informative and will work with any Apple application, i.e., safari, active window, word processors, etc.
- No additional software is needed as it is already installed in the system.
- It’s easy to use and saves time since you don’t have to copy and paste the text to another application.
Cons:
- The voice quality is not the best, and it can be challenging to listen to long texts.
- It is not customizable, and you cannot adjust the tone or speed of the speaker.
Method 2: Using Third-party Applications
While the built-in text-to-speech option is great, it may not meet all your needs. Thus, there are several third-party applications that you can install on your Mac computer. Some applications are free, while others are paid. One of the popular applications is Natural Reader, which can read texts from web pages and PDFs. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download the Natural Reader application from the website and install it on your Mac.
- Open the application and select the text you want to have read out loud.
- Copy the text and paste it into the Natural Reader application.
- Choose the preferred voice from the application’s interface and click the play button.
Pros:
- Text-to-speech applications offer additional features such as voice customization and adjustable reading speed.
- Third-party apps can read out aloud text from files, web pages, and scanned documents.
- They offer high-quality voices that are more natural and easier to listen to.
Cons:
- The software may need purchasing or may come with limited options in the free version.
- May take longer to set up and can cause the computer to slow down if the application is not well optimized.
Method 3: Using Online Text-to-Speech Converters
Another method that you can use to have text read aloud on Mac computers is via online text-to-speech converters. These services come in handy, especially if you don’t want to download any applications on your computer. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open a web browser on your Macbook and go to an online text-to-speech conversion site.
- Copy the text you want to be read aloud and paste it onto the text box.
- Select the preferred reading accent, tone, or speed.
- Click the play button to listen to the converted audio output.
Pros:
- Online text-to-speech converters are easy and quick to use, and you don’t need any installation.
- These online conversion services offer many voice options with varied accents.
- They are free, and you can listen to texts, web pages, and documents without downloading any software on your computer.
Cons:
- You need a stable internet connection, or the audio may not play smoothly.
- Online conversion sites may have some restrictions on the volume or number of conversions you can perform.
- You may experience discomfort from long texts because you cannot adjust the voice’s tone and speed.
Method 4: Using Dictation Functionality
Mac computers come with a built-in dictation functionality that enables you to dictate your text instead of typing. The dictation functionality can also read aloud your dictations, and it is a suitable option for people with mobility or visual impairment issues. Here are the steps to follow:
- Enable the dictation functionality by going to system preferences and selecting the dictation option.
- Click the microphone button on the virtual keyboard to activate the dictation function.
- Start dictating your text, and it will appear on the screen.
- Press the "Fn" key twice to activate the "Listen to Enhanced Dictation" feature.
Pros:
- The dictation functionality is perfect for those with mobility or visual impairments as it replaces typing with speaking.
- You can pause the dictation when you want to read aloud or listen to your text.
- The dictation functionality can recognize and transcribe even complex language expressions.
Cons:
- The dictation functionality requires you to speak clearly and with minimal background noise for it to understand your words correctly.
- The dictation may not work with some accents or speech variations, leading to incorrect transcription.
- You need to activate the dictation functionality manually, which can slow down your overall operation.
Method 5: Using Accessibility Feature
Macbook computers come with a built-in accessibility feature that enables visually impaired people to access the computer’s functionality with voice commands. The feature allows you to customize the computer’s voice and speed and activate features such as voiceover. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to "System Preferences" and select the "Accessibility" option.
- Choose the "Voiceover" option and click on the "Open VoiceOver Utility."
- Select the "Speech" option and choose your preferred voice and speed.
- Open the text you want to listen to aloud, and Voiceover highlighted text automatically.
Pros:
- The Accessibility feature is perfect for those with severe visual impairments as it allows for full control of the computer through voice commands.
- You can customize your Macbook voice options to meet your needs.
- With Voiceover, it is possible to navigate and control the computer through keyboard shortcut commands.
Cons:
- Requires more learning since it requires the user to memorize the voice commands.
- Can make the computer slower if not well optimized, impacting performance.
- The feature may reduce battery life when in use.
What to Do If You Can’t Have Text Read Aloud on Mac
If none of the above methods work, it may be possible that your Macbook’s text-to-speech functionality is not working correctly. To fix this, you can try the following fixes:
- Update your Macbook to the latest software version.
- Adjust the volume and check your speaker connection.
- Reset the system’s audio by restarting your computer.
Bonus Tips
- Learn how to use built-in shortcuts efficiently to save time when using unfamiliar applications.
- Download or purchase a blue light filter application, which reduces eye strain when using your computer for a long time period.
- Try different dictation applications or settings to find the best fit for you.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use text-to-speech applications to convert any text to speech on my Mac?
A: Yes, you can use text-to-speech applications to convert web pages, scanned hard copies, and other documents to audio. Most third-party applications can convert different file formats such as PDF, Word, and e-books.
Q2: Can I listen to text across different devices using the Apple text-to-speech option?
A: No, you cannot listen to text-to-speech across different devices using the built-in Mac text-to-speech option. However, some third-party applications allow you to sync your text from one device to another, such as NaturalReader.
Q3: How do I adjust the speed of reading using the built-in text-to-speech option?
A: To adjust the reading speed using the Mac built-in text-to-speech option, open the system preferences window, and select the "Accessibility" option. Click on the "Speech" button, then click on the "Speak Selected Text When the Key is Pressed" option to adjust the speaking rate.
Q4: Can I use voice commands to dictate text on a Mac?
A: Yes. On Macbooks with the dictation function, you can use the voice command "Start Dictation" to activate the text-to-speech feature.
Q5: How do I deactivate text-to-speech on my Mac?
A: To deactivate the text-to-speech option on your Mac, go to the "Accessibility" option under System Preferences and click on the "VoiceOver" option. Then click on the "OFF" button to disable the feature.
Final Thoughts
Reading is an essential activity in our daily lives, and it is great that Macbooks offer a wide range of options for text-to-speech. From built-in options to enhanced third-party applications, there is something for everyone on a Mac computer. We hope that the methods listed above will help you to select the best option to fit your needs.