The document explains how to utilize text-to-speech features on computers to read aloud PDF and DOCX files, emphasizing accessibility for visually impaired users. It outlines steps to activate reading functions in Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word, including converting PDFs to DOCX for ease of use. Additionally, it highlights the availability of SAPI-compatible voices for improved voice quality and provides links to free tools for document conversion.

1. How to Get a PDF to
Read Aloud

2. 2
COMPUTER TALK
Making computers talk is one of the things people
enjoy the most. It’s like C-3PO coming to life bit by
bit, beginning with speech. This functionality has
developed over the years you can even find a robot
answering questions like Siri. But that feature isn’t
just for fun, it was also made for accessibility and
convenience that is most beneficial for the visually
impaired. Documents like PDFs or Docx files can
now be read with computers and no special
application is needed to be purchased.

3. 3
TEXT TO SPEECH
● With the text to speech function found on every
computer, documents can be heard and
understood easily.
● Users can now save a lot of time from reading
reports, books, or articles and instead, listen to
these documents like a podcast
● and impaired users will be able to access these
files easily.

4. 4
SAPI-compatible
Of course, as it may sound so awesome to hear your
documents aloud, take note that the text to speech
default voice on your computers will sound like a
robot unless you download a SAPI-compatible voice
profile. (which you install on your computer)

5. How to create accessible PDF
● PDFs should follow a standard and should also
be organized in a way that the reading order is
not confusing.
● Text to speech functions is highly effective
depending on the author’s work so a standard
must be met for accessible PDFs.
5
Read it again here: How to Create an Accessible PDF

6. How to use Adobe
Reader to Read PDF
aloud?

7. IT’S FREE!
It is a misconception that accessibility features
such as text to speech are purchased. It is actually
already on every computer and all you have to do
is activate it. For instance, Adobe Reader is a free
application provided by Adobe which you can
download and install. With this application, the text
to speech function in the computer can be used.
7

8. “
8
Here’s how to activate it:
First Open the PDF file using Adobe Reader DC

9. “
9
Here’s how to activate it:
Second
On the topmost part of the reader, you will be able to see a menu. Click
“VIEW” then select “READ OUT ALOUD” then select “ACTIVATE READ
ALOUD.” (You can also just click CTRL+SHIFT+Y)

10. “
10
Here’s how to activate it:
Third
To start reading the document, click “VIEW” then select “READ OUT ALOUD” then
choose from the two options. You can “READ THIS PAGE ONLY” or “READ TO THE
END OF THE DOCUMENT.” (CTRL+SHIFT+V or CTRL+SHIFT+B)
To pause and resume reading aloud, you can simply click
CTRL+SHIFT+C on your keyboard

11. If I don’t want to use
Adobe Acrobat, what
do I use?

12. “As mentioned, your computer has innate features that you
can use to read aloud any document. You can also use
common applications such as your Chrome browser or your
Word Processor to read aloud. DOCX files for instance can
be opened by Word processors like Microsoft Word and
have it read in these simple steps:
12

13. How to use Word’s
text to speech
first
More commands
Add the SPEAK command on your
quick access toolbar (which is
found on the top left corner of the
Word Processor). You can do this
by clicking the arrow that shows a
drop-down then click “MORE
COMMANDS.”

14. How to use Word’s
text to speech
Add
On the selection, click ALL
COMMANDS. Then click ADD
then click OK. This will now be
available on top of your window.
second

15. How to use Word’s
text to speech
Speak
Select a text and click the
SPEAK COMMAND you just
added. This will automatically
read aloud the selected text.
third

16. I have a PDF that I want
to read in MS Word, how
do I do that?
16

17. “You can easily convert your PDF into DOCX file by using our
free tools here at DeftPDF.com so you can use the speak
command from MS Word! Don’t worry, it’s easy! Just follow
these three steps:
17

18. How to Convert PDF to Word
Go to
DeftPDF.co
m and select
the PDF to
WORD tool
Upload your
PDF file and
click convert
Download
the new file.
Open the
converted file
with Word
and use the
Speak
command!

19. Have other needs? Look
through our free tools in
our homepage or look
into our blog for more
details!
DeftPDF
online

20. KEEP IN TOUCH!
You can always stay updated with us, just subscribe
or follow our social media channels!
Subscribe by registering to our site!
Watch our video tutorials in YouTube
 Follow us on Facebook
 Follow us on Instagram
 Follow us on LinkedIn
 Follow us on Twitter
Click on the yellow links to go to the social media page