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Best options for reading PDF files 2024

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Do you need to hear a PDF file read out loud? Find out how you can easily hear PDF files read aloud through text-to-speech tools.

Conveniently hear PDF files read aloud

There are lots of people who use Adobe PDF documents regularly. Regardless of whether you are using Microsoft Windows, Mac, Apple devices on iOS, or even Android, you probably need to regularly read PDF documents. Many people enjoy using Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF files because they can quickly convert documents and presentations from Excel and PowerPoint into documents that multiple operating systems can handle with ease. Reading PDFs can be a time-consuming task.

You might be more interested in using a program that can read out loud the open PDF to you. Take a look at how you can convert Microsoft Word Documents into Adobe PDF format and use text to speech software to read the PDF out loud.

How to have a PDF read aloud

If you want to have your PDF document read out loud to you, you can do so in Adobe Reader itself. The steps you need to follow include:

  • First, you need to open the Adobe PDF file.
  • Then, head to the “view” screen.
  • If you start scrolling down, you will eventually see the option to “read out loud.”
  • By selecting this option, you can activate the “read out loud” function.
  • There are a few options available from the screen. You can either have the program read your current, single page only, or, you can read to the end of the document.

It can take some getting used to, but it is one of the most straightforward ways to get a PDF document read out loud. If you view PDF files on Adobe or another free PDF reader, you should also be able to underline, highlight text, and annotate PDF forms on the PDF reader. There are many customization options available, and you can change the font at your leisure. Then, you might want to take advantage of Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox if you are interested in cloud storage for your PDF files. Even more options are available through the toolbar if you want to edit PDF files and docs, including adding page numbers or sticky notes.

Convert PDFs into audio with easy to use tools like Speechify

If you want to listen to a PDF instead of reading it, you can use a text-to-speech app like Speechify. First, you add your PDF to the app. Then, the app reads the PDF and turns the words into audio, kind of like an audiobook. This is really helpful for people who learn better by listening or for those who have a hard time reading, like if someone has trouble seeing or has dyslexia.

Steps on how to create PDFs

To make a PDF, you can use programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

When your document is done, you look for the option that says 'Save As' or 'Export' and choose PDF.

This changes your document into a PDF, which keeps your layout and design the same no matter who looks at it. Making a PDF is good when you want to share PDF templates or stuff that you don’t want other people to change.

Use Speechify to read documents out loud

Even though there is a convenient function to read documents out loud on the PDF viewer, it is not necessarily the best program available. If you really want to read documents using your PDF editor, then you need to take a closer look at Speechify. This is a tool that will work on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

It also comes with a wide variety of customizable features and can also be used on your Chrome browser. You can select the best possible voice available, you can save time while reading your documents, and it can handle a wide variety of languages.

With more than 60 languages available, numerous customizable voice options, and plenty of ways to control the volume and reading speed, it’s obvious that Speechify is one of the best programs available for reading PDF documents.

In particular, this is a powerful PDF tool for those who have learning disabilities or who have issues with their reading experience. Some of the most common examples include vision problems, dyslexia, and even ADHD. Now, instead of having to focus on tiny text on a computer screen, Speechify can read the text out loud.

Furthermore, if you take a look at some of the reviews for Speechify by real users, you will notice a few common themes. They include:

  • Many people enjoy using the tool because its user interface is intuitive, straightforward, and easy to use.
  • Users enjoy that they have a tremendous amount of control over the voice they choose. They can customize it, change the language, and even change the reading speed.
  • Users comment on the accuracy of the program. All of the words are correctly pronounced, and the HD voice makes it very easy to understand.
  • The ability to read these files out loud can save a significant amount of time. Users like being able to multitask while having their documents, even web pages, read to them.

If you are looking for a way to save time with your PDFs or a looking for a PDF converter to audio, you should consider investing in Speechify as well. Instead of having to read every document from top to bottom, allow Speechify to read it to you instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most common questions people ask include:

How do you read a PDF? 

There are a few ways you can read a PDF. There is an option included in Acrobat Reader, but this is not necessarily the best option available. Instead, you should use Speechify to read your documents to you. All you need to do is click on the blue play button at the beginning of your document and let Speechify go to work for you. 

Can I read PDFs for free? 

Yes, there is a way for you to read a PDF for free. If you take a look at your web browser, you can probably find free options online, but they are not going to be the best options available. If you want to get the most out of your PDF reader, you need to invest in a premium program, such as Speechify, with plenty of options available. Furthermore, you even get a free trial of Speechify’s premium option, which will show you the exceptional features that come with the program.

What is the best for reading PDFs?

Without a doubt, the best option for reading a PDF is Speechify. This is a strong, versatile program that allows you to take advantage of a realistic, natural-sounding voice that will streamline you’re reading and listening experience from start to finish.

How do I open and read a PDF file?

The process is very straightforward. You need to find the file on your computer, click on it twice to open it, and then use the menu to find the read-aloud function. If you want to streamline the process, you should use Speechify instead. 

What is a PDF file?

PDF stands for print document format. It is a specific file type that has been designed to make it easier for printers to handle. If you want your files to print cleanly, you should use a PDF format. 

Who can read PDF files?

Everyone is able to read PDFs. Every operating system, including Microsoft Windows, Mac, and Linux, can handle this type of document. There are also programs, such as Speechify, that can read the document to you. 

Is it possible to read PDF files on a Mac?

Yes, it is possible to read these files on a Mac computer. There are numerous programs that can handle this for you, but the best option is to go with Speechify. 

What is the best PDF reader?

If you are looking for the best program that can read these documents out loud to you, then you need to use Speechify. It is one of the easiest programs to learn, it comes with numerous features, and the voice is very easy to understand. 

What are the benefits of reading PDF files?

There are lots of benefits that come from reading PDFs out loud. The biggest benefit is that you will be able to multitask. You don’t have to worry about missing out on the information in the document, but you can clean your house, do some laundry, or drive from place to place while listening to it. 

What is the difference between PDF and e-book?

These are very different things. A PDF is a document that has been designed to make it easier for you to print. An eBook is designed to be read on an eReader, not printed. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of reading PDFs?

There are some people who enjoy reading a PDF themselves. This is particularly important if there are visual elements, such as charts and graphs—however, there are advantages of having a document read to you. For example, people with dyslexia can benefit from having these documents red to them, and you can multitask while listening to a program read the document out loud to you.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.