Web Contributors: Proofing with Text to Speech Software

Even sighted technology users are using audio books or text-to-speech software to consume digital content while on the go. Web authors can exploit this technology for proof-reading and editing web content to help ensure clarity and flow.

NaturalReader Text-to-Speech Software

NaturalReader software is compatible with PDF, MS Word, and webpage formats. NaturalReader is available on the Enlarged Text Workstation next to the reference help desk in the Information Commons, as well as all public library workstations (as of approx. 3/17/2017).

Staff are invited to experiment with the software on any of these computers and if desired, request the software be installed on personal workstations by contacting Jessica Wade (jessica.l.wade@maine.edu).

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Acrobat Reader software is a standard installation on all Library workstations. Web authors can utilize this software’s text-to-speech capability from PDF formatted files only.

Content Editing with Speech-to-Text Software

  1. Create content in WordPress.
  2. Click the “Preview” button in the Publishing panel in the right-hand column.
  3. Select all and copy the content from the preview window.
  4. Open a blank MS Word document and paste the copied content.
  5. Save the temporary file to your desktop as a Word document, then “Save as Adobe PDF.”

Using NaturalReader

  1. Open the application.
  2. Click the “Add New” button located in the top bar of the interface.
  3. Select the “Open” icon from the “Add New” dialog box and navigate to the temporary MS Word or PDF file you just created.
  4. Use the audio control buttons in the top bar of the interface, adjusting the speed of read-back to a comfortable pace.
  5. Follow along in the original document as you listen to the read-back.
  6. Use the audio control buttons, as necessary, to stop, start, and re-play sections as you edit the original content for clarity and flow.

Using Acrobat Reader

  1. Open the application or double-click on the PDF file you created.
  2. Click View > Read Out Loud > Activate Read Out Loud.
  3. Click View > Read Out Loud > Read This Page Only or Read to End of Document.
  4. Follow along in the original document as you listen to the read-back.
  5. Use the keyboard shortcut Shift+Control+C to pause the read-back or Shift+Control+E to stop the read-back as you edit the original content for clarity and flow.

Return to the Web Contributors Guidelines
Contact: um.library.technical.services@maine.edu