Text-to-Speech Options at Bowdoin

Questions

  • What are my options for having text read aloud at Bowdoin?
  • Which text-to-speech tool should I use?
  • Is there a text-to-speech tool Bowdoin provides?
  • How do I listen to a web page, PDF, or document instead of reading it?
  • What text-to-speech features are already built into my devices?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff. It compares the main text-to-speech (TTS) options and links to step-by-step articles for each.

Resolution

Text to speech reads on-screen text aloud, which can help with proofreading, focus, multitasking, reading fatigue, and accessibility. You have several good options — one Bowdoin-licensed tool and several built into software you already use.

Speechify (Bowdoin-licensed)

Speechify is a dedicated text-to-speech tool that reads web pages, PDFs, and documents aloud with natural voices and adjustable speed, across a web app, browser extension, and mobile apps. Best when you want one consistent reader across everything. See Use Speechify to Read Text Aloud.

Microsoft Immersive Reader (built in)

Immersive Reader is built into Word, Edge, and other Microsoft 365 apps. Its Read Aloud feature highlights each word as it reads. Best when you are already working in Microsoft 365. See Use Immersive Reader to Read Text Aloud.

Apple Spoken Content (built in)

Mac, iPad, and iPhone can speak selected text or the whole screen with no extra software. Best for quick, system-wide reading on Apple devices. See Use Spoken Content on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

Windows Narrator / Read Aloud (built in)

Windows includes Read Aloud in Edge and Word, and the Narrator screen reader for full audio navigation. See Screen Readers: VoiceOver and Narrator in the Assistive Technology section.

Which one? For a single reader that follows you across web pages, PDFs, and documents, use Speechify. For quick reading inside apps you already have, use the built-in option for your platform.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

Print Article

Related Articles (4)

Screen Readers: VoiceOver (Apple) and Narrator (Windows)
An introduction to the built-in screen readers VoiceOver (Mac, iPad, iPhone) and Narrator (Windows), including how to turn each on or off with a keyboard shortcut and where to adjust voice and navigation settings. Applies to Bowdoin community members using Apple or Windows devices.
Use Immersive Reader to Read Text Aloud
How to use Microsoft Immersive Reader and its Read Aloud feature in Word and Microsoft Edge to have documents and web pages read aloud, with word highlighting and adjustable voice, speed, spacing, and Line Focus. Applies to Bowdoin community members using Microsoft 365.
Use Speechify to Read Text Aloud
How to use Speechify, the text-to-speech tool licensed by Bowdoin, to have PDFs, documents, and web pages read aloud. Covers logging in through Bowdoin single sign-on at login.bowdoin.edu (Okta), adding content by file, text, or web link, adjusting the voice, language, and speed, and using the browser extension and mobile apps. Applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students.
Use Spoken Content on Mac, iPad, and iPhone
How to set up and use Apple Spoken Content — Speak Selection and Speak Screen — to read text aloud on Mac, iPad, and iPhone, including turning it on, using the shortcuts, and adjusting voice and speaking rate. Notes how it differs from the VoiceOver screen reader. Applies to Bowdoin community members using Apple devices.