How to Get a PDF to Read Aloud Text
Using a PDF audio reader can be a useful way of turning your text-based PDFs into voice-ready content. Text-to-speech functions are handy for those after more efficient ways of working or who may face problems accessing text-based content online. Turn your PDF-to-Voice function on with a few simple clicks.
Quick List: How to Use Adobe Reader as a PDF Audio Reader
Easily activate Text-to-Speech to have a PDF read aloud in Adobe Reader with these simple steps:
- Open PDF in Adobe. Simply open your PDF file in Adobe Reader to get started.
- Enable Audio Reading. Go to View > Read Out Loud and select Activate Read Out Loud to begin PDF Text-to-Speech.
In Detail: How to Use Adobe Reader as a PDF Audio Reader
Adobe Reader includes built-in tools that enable it to read a PDF aloud. This can be a useful tool. Perhaps the text on a document is too small to read or the image is scanned handwriting that’s difficult to make out. Using the built-in PDF Text-to-Speech feature enables Adobe to scan the document and turn copy into audible speech.
Follow the below steps to use Adobe Reader’s Text-to-Speech tool.
1. Open Adobe Reader and then select the PDF you want read by Text-to-Speech.
2. Once in the document, go to View in the top-left toolbar menu then click Read Out Loud.
3. Select Activate Read Out Loud from the popup menu - you can choose to have a single page read or the entire document.
4. You can change reading speed, voice and other elements in the Preferences setting.
You’ll also be able to travel back and forward between points in the text using the on-screen tools, re-reading sentences if you need to or jumping to sections later in the text.
The PDF to speech reading will start at the page you’re currently on, even if you select Read to End of Document. To start at the beginning, navigate to the first page. You can even edit the reader’s voice.
How to Customise Adobe Reader Text-to-Speech.
At any point, you can also choose from several options to customise the experience of having your PDFs read out loud:
1. To pause or stop the read-out-loud function, go back to the Read Out Loud selection from the View drop-down menu and select either option.
2. To choose your preferred reader voice, go to the top-right menu and click Edit, then Preferences. Choose Reading. Remove the checkmark on Use Default Voice and finally choose the narration voice you like from the drop-down list.
3. To adjust the pace of the reading, either increase the Words Per Minute count or lower it, depending on your needs.
PDF Text to Speech: FAQs.
These are some frequently asked questions about having text in a PDF read aloud.
Can a PDF have an audio file?
You can add sound, video and interactive content to a PDF file. These can be played using Adobe Reader, although you will need to have the appropriate application install to play multimedia content.
How can I access PDF Text-to-Speech on Android?
Android devices have a built-in text-to-speech function. You can access it from the Accessibility option in Settings. From there, turn on Text-to-Speech and toggle the Select to Speak option from a document open on your device.
How do I access PDF Text-to-Speech on iPhone or iPad?
You can also use text-to-speech functions on devices running Apple’s iOS. When in Settings, scroll to General > Accessibility and click Speech. Toggle Speak Selection on. When in your document or web browser, simply highlight the text you want to read and select the Speak Text option from the highlight menu.
Can I have a PDF read aloud with Adobe Reader?
Adobe Reader features a built-in Text-to-Speech reader that will read PDF text aloud. This is especially useful for PDFs that include difficult-to-reach text. You can even customise the settings to find a voice and reading speed that suits you.
Related Content.
You can manage, edit and alter your PDFs using Adobe’s range of online tools.
Here are some helpful guides for making the most of your documents.