How to make Google Docs read your documents out loud to you, using a Google Chrome extension

Devon Delfino

January 28, 2020 9:55 PM

You can make Google Docs read text to you out loud with the text-to-speech function.

Google Docs on computer

You'll need to use the Google Chrome web browser, along with the ChromeVox extension, which will read the text of any webpage aloud to you.
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Sometimes a fresh perspective can make a world of difference. Hearing your written words spoken aloud, for example, can help you more easily find those spots that need refining or rephrasing.

But for those who don't want or simply don't have the option to let someone else read them their work, Google Chrome's accessibility features can provide a good digital replacement.

Here's how to set up the text-to-speech feature and have Google Docs read your text out loud:

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How to make Google Docs read text aloud to you

In order for this to work, be sure that you've added the ChromeVox extension to your Google Chrome web browser on a PC or Mac computer.

1. Open your Google Doc.

2. Click "Tools" in the top toolbar.

3. Select "Accessibility settings."

How to make Google Docs read to you Devon Delfino/Business Insider

4. Tick the box next to "Turn on Screen Reader Support" and then click "OK." You should now see a new section appear in your top toolbar called "Accessibility."

How to make Google Docs read to you Devon Delfino/Business Insider

5. Highlight the section of text you want read aloud.

6. Click "Accessibility" and then "Speak," followed by "Speak selection."

How to make Google Docs read to you Devon Delfino/Business Insider

ChromeVox will read the selection aloud to you.

Note, however, that if you have more than one Google Doc page open, ChromeVox may try to read from a different document. You should try this with only one document open at a time.