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Ultimate Guide to the Speechify Mac App for Text to Speech

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Unlock the full text to speech potential of your Mac with our ultimate guide to the Speechify Mac App.

Designed for both new and seasoned users, this guide will walk you through everything the Speechify app has to offer on your Mac. From converting written content into high-quality speech to customizing voice and speed settings to suit your listening preferences, Speechify turns your device into a powerful reading assistant. Whether you're looking to improve your productivity, learn a new language, or simply make reading more accessible, this guide ensures you fully leverage all the capabilities of this dynamic tool.

How to Download the Speechify Mac App

mac app screenshot

The first step to using the Speechify Mac App is downloading the app. Here’s where to find it:

  1. Download the Speechify Mac App from the Apple Store.
  2. Sign up for an account. 

How to Upload Text into the Speechify Mac App

How to Add Files into the Speechify Mac App
How to Upload Text into the Speechify Mac App

To convert your text into spoken word using Speechify, you'll need to upload or import your content. Follow these simple steps to get started:

  1. Tap “Add Files” on the top left-hand corner of the Library page.
  2. Upload or import content you wish to read. You can either:
  • Import files from your computer.
  • Connect Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Canvas, or to import files. 

How to Change the Voice on the Speechify Mac App

How to Change the Voice on the Speechify Mac App

Personalize your listening experience and choose from 200+ AI voices. To customize your listening experience:

  1. Click the voice icon in the bottom left. 
  2. Select one of 200+ lifelike AI voices, including from celebrity voices like Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow.

How to Change the Language on the Speechify Mac App

How to Change the Voice on the Speechify Mac App

Speechify supports over 60 languages, making it easy to listen in your preferred language. For switching languages, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the voice icon in the bottom left. 
  2. Select “All Voices.”
  3. Choose from 60+ languages.

How to Change the Reading Speed on the Speechify Mac App

How to Change the Reading Speed on the Speechify Mac App
Reading Speed Slider on the Mac App

To synchronize the reading speed with your listening comfort and comprehension speed, Speechify allows you to modify the reading speed. Here are the steps to either increase or decrease the speech rate:

  1. Click the 1x icon on the bottom right. 
  2. Adjust your reading speed. You can choose any reading speed between .5x (100 words per minute) and 4.5x (900 words per minute). 

How to Change the Appearance of the Speechify Mac App

How to Change the Appearance on the Speechify Mac App

Tailor the appearance of Speechify to your liking by customizing the app's visual interface. To alter the font and theme, simply:

  1. Tap Aa in the top right-hand corner.
  2. Change the background of the Speechify Mac App by choosing “Basic,” “Warm,” or “Paper.”
  3. Adjust the font size by changing the number next to “Font Size.”
  4. Switch fonts by tapping “Font.”
  5. Make the font bold by clicking “Bold Font.”

How to Access the Library on the Speechify Mac App

How to Access the Library on the Speechify Mac App

To access all of your imported content, you can visit your library. Simply:

  1. Hit the Library icon to the left on the control center toolbar.

How to Scan on the Speechify Mac App

How to Scan on the Speechify Mac App

To have Speechify read a specific section of a page or text from a photo, you can utilize the OCR scanning feature. This allows you to select the exact area you want to be read aloud. Just follow these steps:

  1. Click the Screenshot icon on the control center toolbar.
  2. Drag to the screenshot capture area you wish to scan. You can even screenshot text on photos to read photos aloud. 
  3. Select ESC to exit screenshot mode or to start the capture over.

How to Reach Support on the Speechify Mac App

How to Access Support on Speechify Mac App

Should you require additional help with Speechify, feel free to contact our support team or visit our Help Center. Here’s how you can get in touch with support:

  1. Click the Settings wheel to the right on the control center toolbar.
  2. Tap “Chat With Us” to message support.
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.