Do you want to hear your Google Docs read to you out loud? Here's how to use text to speech for Google Docs.

How to get Google Docs to read to me

If you’re like most people, you use Google Chrome as your go-to browser and Google Docs as your preferred document format. Are you wondering, "Can Google Docs read to me?" Well, did you know that Google Chrome can also do some nifty things by text to speech, or TTS? For example, you can have it read aloud the latest news, the weather forecast, or your current webpage. The same is true for Google Docs. This is a great benefit for many people who are visually impaired, have trouble reading, or have other learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Read aloud tools (another term for text to speech) can be useful for learners of all ages and those looking to multitask. Text to speech software will increase your productivity and slash the time you would spend on reading. Keep reading to learn how to get Google Docs to read to you with the help of Google Chrome and other unique read aloud alternatives like Speechify.

In-browser options

It’s no secret Google’s web browser Chrome is the most used browser in the world according to StatCounter. The search engine company's browser holds a commanding lead with a 67 percent share of the global market. That leaves Microsoft's Internet Explorer far behind in second place which is why we are going to focus on what the majority of the population utilizes; Google Chrome. As you know, to enjoy the rest of the benefits of your chrome browser you will need to create a Google account. The good thing is that all Google products will be linked to this account.

The text to speech features currently available in Google Chrome are a game-changer. Chrome will read aloud your Gmail with this feature as well as use the text to speech feature to write out your email. What an excellent time-saving method it would be to just let your email message play through via text to speech, including any PDF documents or Google Docs.

How to turn on text to speech in Google Chrome

To do this we’re going to give you a quick tutorial on using Google text to speech:

1. Enable a keyboard shortcut by using “alt + shift + s” where you will select settings.
2. At the bottom, find “Advanced,” and in the “Accessibility” section, go to “Manage accessibility features”
3. Under “text to speech,” turn on “Enable ChromeVox extension.” This will then give you the option to hear any text read aloud, including Google Docs.

If you’re wondering, “Now show me Google Docs text to speech that isn’t from Google,”

Speech to text for Google Docs

The reverse of text to speech is speech to text, and Google Docs has a great option for those who want to dictate their text instead of typing it. To access speech to text in Google Docs, all you need is a microphone. Find the option under the Tools menu in your menu bar. To use the feature, simply select the text you want to convert and click on the "Tools" menu. Then, select "Voice Typing" from the drop-down menu. A new window will open up and all you have to do is click on the "Enable" button and start speaking. Then, Google Docs will write what you say as you speak. To hear your text spoken back to you, however, you will need to use text to speech instead.

Speechify: The best Google Docs text to speech tool

There are many alternative TTS technologies for Google Docs. Those options include Speechify, Natural Reader, Read Aloud, Capti Voice, Talkie, and Intelligent Speaker. However, Speechify is the best text to speech option for Google Docs.

Speechify one of the most popular text to speech tools available and it offers a number of features that makes it ideal for reading aloud just about anything. It has a natural-sounding voiceover, supports a wide range of languages, has the ability to read webpages, and Google Drive files such as Google Docs and Google Sheets, and you can even turn on screen reader support to have it highlight words as they are being read out loud. Another very unique feature of this software is the ability to integrate with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

To use Speechify in your Chrome browser, at the top right corner, you will see three vertical dots that you will click on. Clicking these will give you your settings where you can change options, including the accessibility settings, and also put in a Chrome extension. The Google Chrome extension option will allow you to search and install your text to speech function called Speechify.

Another great advantage of Speechify is that it is readily available on Windows/iOS, Android, Firefox, and of course Google. Once you have installed the speechify extension you will likely see the application icon above your toolbar in the upper right-hand corner. Making it easy to access when you need to use text to speech. If you’re looking for easier access on the go, you’ll also be able to download the app version on your Windows or Mac computer, as well as mobile devices such as Android phones and Apple iPhones.

Read Google Docs with Speechify

If you frequently read and create Google Docs, then having a reliable text to speech tool is a must. Speechify excels as the best TTS app on the market today due to its broad compatibility, natural-sounding voices, and user-friendly interface. It’s the perfect read aloud app for both accessibility and productivity. With additional features like OCR technology, you can even have Speechify read out loud from pictures of text.

Read Google Docs with Speechify today.

FAQ

How do I change the voice of the read aloud in Google Chrome?

Under your settings, you will access the “Accessibility” section, and select “Manage Accessibility Features”. You will then find the “Select-to-speak” settings where you have the option to change the language and the voice.

Can Google Docs read aloud on my iPhone?

The good news is yes. In your iPhone settings, you will click on “General” and then tap “Accessibility.” You will then click “Voiceover” and turn this option on.