How to Use Text to Speech in Google Docs – Easy Voice Reader Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of enabling text-to-speech functionality in Google Docs. Follow these detailed steps to seamlessly activate and use accessibility features, including screen reader support and braille support, to enhance document interaction.

Google Docs supports both reading text aloud and transcribing speech into text. Here’s how you can use text-to-speech (TTS) and voice typing features effectively:

1. Using Text-to-Speech (TTS) with a Screen Reader

Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in "Speak" button, but you can activate TTS using accessibility tools:

Enable screen reader support:

• Go to Tools > Accessibility settings.

• Check "Turn on screen reader support" and click OK.

Install a screen reader extension:

• Try ChromeVox, Screen Reader by Google, or use native tools like VoiceOver (Mac) or Narrator (Windows).

Listen to text:

• Select the text in your document and the screen reader will read it aloud automatically.

2. Using Voice Typing (Speech-to-Text)

On desktop:

• Go to Tools > Voice typing.

• Click the microphone icon when you're ready to speak.

• Speak clearly, and Google Docs will transcribe your speech in real time.

On mobile (Android/iOS):

• Open the Google Docs app.

• Tap the microphone icon on your keyboard.

• Start dictating and your words will appear on the screen

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Do Text To Speech On Google Docs

Step 1

Begin by opening the Google Docs document you wish to enable text-to-speech for. Navigate to the top menu and select 'Tools'. From the dropdown menu, proceed to the next option.

Step 2

Within the 'Tools' dropdown menu, locate and click on 'Accessibility'. In the accessibility menu, activate the 'Turn on screen reader support' option.

Step 3

If utilizing braille support via third-party hardware, ensure that this option is checked. Once selected, click 'OK'. A new menu will become visible.

Step 4

A new menu titled 'Accessibility' will appear. Click on this menu to proceed with the next steps.

Step 5

Within the accessibility menu, you will have access to a variety of options. These include verbalizing any selected text, describing selection formatting, cursor location, word count, and more.

Pro tips for successfully changing text to speech in google docs

1. Use Google Docs’ Built-In Screen Reader: Google Docs works well with built-in screen readers like ChromeVox, which can read your document aloud. Turn on ChromeVox in Chrome settings to enable it.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

1. 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: Make sure the extension or tool is properly enabled and updated. Double-check if your microphone or audio output settings are correctly configured.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Common FAQs for text-to-speech in google docs

1. How can I listen to my Google Docs text aloud?
   Use built-in screen readers like ChromeVox or install a text-to-speech extension such as Read&Write to read the text aloud.

2. Is there a way to use voice typing in Google Docs?
   Yes, go to Tools > Voice typing, then click on the microphone icon to dictate your text into the document.

3. Can I adjust the voice or speed of the text-to-speech?
   Yes, with extensions like Read&Write, you can customize the voice, speed, and language settings for the text-to-speech output.

4. What should I do if the text is not being read aloud?
   Make sure the text-to-speech tool or extension is enabled and that your device’s audio settings are configured correctly.

5. Do I need an internet connection to use text-to-speech in Google Docs?
   Yes, most text-to-speech tools or extensions require an internet connection to function properly. Make sure you're connected to the web.

6. How to screen record on mac? 
   To screen record on a Mac, you can use Trupeer AI. It allows you to capture the entire screen and provides AI capabilities such as adding AI avatars, add voiceover, add zoom in and out in the video. With trupeer’s AI video translation feature, you can translate the video into 30+ languages. 

7. How to add an AI avatar to screen recording?
   To add an AI avatar to a screen recording, you'll need to use an AI screen recording tool. Trupeer AI is an AI screen recording tool, which helps you create videos with multiple avatars, also helps you in creating your own avatar for the video.

8. How to screen record on windows?
   To screen record on Windows, you can use the built-in Game Bar (Windows + G) or advanced AI tool like Trupeer AI for more advanced features such as AI avatars, voiceover, translation etc.

9. How to add voiceover to video?
   To add voiceover to videos, download trupeer ai chrome extension. Once signed up, upload your video with voice, choose the desired voiceover from trupeer and export your edited video. 

10. How do I Zoom in on a screen recording?
    To zoom in during a screen recording, use the zoom effects in Trupeer AI which allows you to zoom in and out at specific moments, enhancing the visual impact of your video content.