Questions
- What is Speechify and does Bowdoin provide it?
- How do I log in to Speechify with my Bowdoin account?
- How do I get Speechify to read a web page, PDF, or document aloud?
- How do I upload a document, paste text, or add a web link in Speechify?
- How do I change the voice, speed, or language in Speechify?
- Can I use Speechify in my browser or on my phone?
- Is Speechify allowed for my classes?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students. Speechify is a text-to-speech tool licensed by Bowdoin that turns readings into audio to support learning. It works on the web, in a browser extension, and on phones and tablets.
- What you can do with it: listen to PDFs, articles, emails, and web pages read aloud; store and organize readings by course and open them from any device; and adjust the voice, speed, language, and reading style.
Note on AI: Speechify includes artificial intelligence (AI) features. Check your course syllabus or ask your instructor about what AI use is and is not allowed in your classes.
Resolution
Log in to Speechify on the web
Speechify is available to all Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students at no cost through Bowdoin's single sign-on.
- Go to login.bowdoin.edu.
- Find the square Speechify tile.
- Enter your Bowdoin email address.
- Complete sign-in on Bowdoin's Okta login screen.
Add something to listen to
Once you are signed in, add content using the top toolbar:
- + File — upload a file (such as a PDF) from your computer.
- Text — type or paste text to have it read aloud.
- Link — paste a web link to import any webpage into Speechify.
Listen and adjust the voice, language, and speed
- Open a reading and press play. Speechify highlights the text as it reads.
- To change the voice, select the voice icon on the left of the audio player and choose from the available voices.
- To change the language, open the voice icon, select the Language drop-down menu, and choose the language that matches your document.
- To change the speed, use the speed control to slow down or speed up playback to a comfortable pace.
Use the browser extension
- Install the Speechify extension for your browser (for example, from the Chrome Web Store).
- Sign in with your Bowdoin Speechify account.
- Open a web page or online PDF, then select the Speechify button (or highlight text and choose Listen) to start playback.
Use Speechify on your phone or tablet
Install the Speechify app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your Bowdoin account, and add documents or scan printed pages to listen on the go.
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