Text-to-speech

There are various text-to-speech tools and applications available FREE for general use. The following is a few suggestions:

• Free Web-based text-to-speech tools: (Choose one of the applications below.  Our #1 choice, very easy to use)

  • NaturalReader: is a downloadable text-to-speech desktop software for personal use. It can read to you any text such as Microsoft Word files, webpages, PDF files, and E-mails. To get a free download: https://www.naturalreaders.com/software.html    (How to download guide)
  • Text2Speech: is an online text-to-speech converter. Just copy & paste your text in the box, select one of the voices, and download or listen to the mp3 file. https://www.text2speech.org/   (User Guide)

• Ally in Canvas (CSUDH): This service is only for CSUDH teaching faculty & students currently enrolled in classes. How to download Alternative Formats/MP3 & video instruction. 

• PDF documents narrator:

(Warning: PDF narrator will ask you to log on to Campus account, may not be responsive to keystroke, and can be confusing to activate and set up)

• Step 1: Open the PDF document.
• Step 2: Follow the Instruction below to activate the screen reader:
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• Step 3: Click on the Read Aloud on top menu bar (below):

• Windows operating system: Narrator is Windows' on-screen reader.

(Warning: Windows Narrator does NOT read PDF document, difficult to control the reading section on the screen, and confusing to set up reading options, etc.)

• Step 1: Open the document. Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter to turn Windows' Narrator on & off.  

• Step 2: Click on "OK" below:

• Step 3: Click on "Minimized" below:

• Mac: You can use VoiceOver 

• Linux: you can explore options like Orca.

• Mobile apps: 

  • Many mobile devices have built-in accessibility features or software, like text-to-speech.
  • Additionally, there are apps available for download that specialize in text-to-speech.

* If you have a print document, follow this link: How to Convert Print to MP3 - Text to Speech?

* Please read the Fair Use Guidelines for Copyrighted Materials before you start converting your document to other media, like MP3​