The Ultimate Guide on How to Use Text-to-Speech on Google Docs

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology has become an essential tool for improving accessibility, enhancing productivity, and simplifying content consumption. Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, using text-to-speech on Google Docs can help you proofread documents, multitask efficiently, or assist with language learning.

While Google Docs does not have a dedicated built-in TTS feature, there are several ways to enable it, including Google’s native accessibility tools and third-party extensions. This guide explores how to enable text-to-speech on Google Docs, helping you choose the right option for your needs.

Disclaimer: there may be several affiliate links in the article, I will earn a small amount of commissions from that.

Part 1. How to Enable Google Docs Text-to-Speech Using Built-in Features

Although Google Docs does not have a direct text-to-speech function, it supports accessibility tools that allow users to listen to their documents aloud. Here are the built-in methods to enable text-to-speech:

Use Google Chrome’s Built-in Screen Reader (ChromeVox)

ChromeVox is a free screen reader for Chrome that reads text aloud.
To enable it, go to Chrome Extensions > Manage Extensions > Enable ChromeVox.
Open Google Docs, and ChromeVox will automatically start reading text when you navigate through the document.

2. Enable Google Docs Voice Typing

While primarily used for speech-to-text, Voice Typing can also be used to read text aloud.
Open Google Docs, go to Tools > Voice Typing, and click the microphone icon to activate it.

3. Use Google Assistant to Read Google Docs Aloud

If you use Google Docs on Android or Google Assistant-enabled devices, you can ask Google Assistant to read your document.
Open Google Docs on your phone, highlight the text, and say, “Hey Google, read this aloud.”

These built-in methods are useful for basic text-to-speech needs, but they lack customization options like voice selection, playback speed, and advanced features.

Part 2. How to Customize Text-to-Speech Settings in Google Docs

To enhance the text-to-speech experience, users can adjust settings based on their preferences. Here are some customization options:

Adjust Speech Speed and Pitch — Some Chrome extensions allow users to slow down or speed up the reading pace for better comprehension.
Select Different Voices — Many TTS tools offer a variety of male and female voices, accents, and tones.
Enable Keyboard Shortcuts — Some extensions provide shortcuts to pause, resume, or replay text.
Use Multilingual Support — If you’re working with multilingual documents, enable language-specific voices for better pronunciation.

Third-party extensions like Speechify or Read Aloud provide these customization options, making them ideal for users who need advanced TTS features.

Part 3. 4 Best Third-Party Extensions for Text-to-Speech on Google Docs

1. Speechify

Speechify is one of the most advanced and widely used text-to-speech tools available today. Known for its realistic AI-generated voices and high-speed playback, it offers an enhanced reading experience for professionals, students, and individuals with reading difficulties. Speechify integrates seamlessly with Google Docs, allowing users to listen to their documents in over 30 languages.

Excellent Features:

Natural AI Voices — Uses advanced text-to-speech AI to deliver lifelike, human-sounding narration.
Adjustable Playback Speed — Read documents up to 9x faster, perfect for boosting productivity.
OCR Technology — Converts scanned PDFs and images into speech, making it great for digitizing content.
Cross-Platform Support — Works on Chrome, iOS, Android, and Windows for a seamless experience.
Cloud Syncing — Allows users to sync their reading progress across devices.

How to Use Speechify on Google Docs:

Step 1. Install the Speechify Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store and login your account.

Step 2. Open your Google Docs document. Click on the Speechify icon in the toolbar.

Step 3. Highlight the text you want to read, then press play. Adjust the speed, voice type, or language settings as needed.

Pros:

One of the most realistic AI voiceover generators.
Works across multiple platforms.
Supports various languages and accents.
Syncs with other devices for continuous listening.

Cons:

Free version has limited daily usage.

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2. Read Aloud

Read Aloud is a simple yet effective Chrome extension that converts text to speech in multiple languages. It is ideal for users looking for a free and easy-to-use tool that doesn’t require complex setup. Read Aloud works by highlighting selected text in Google Docs and reading it aloud using its built-in voices.

Important Features:

Supports over 40 languages and multiple voice options.
Offers basic playback controls like play, pause, and skip.
Works offline for previously downloaded voices.
Adjustable speed, pitch, and volume settings.

How to Use Read Aloud on Google Docs:

Step 1. Install the Read Aloud Chrome extension. Open Google Docs and select the text you want to be read aloud.

Step 2. Click on the Read Aloud icon in the browser toolbar.

Step 3. Adjust the speed and voice settings as needed.

Pros:

Free to use with no sign-up required.
Works with Google Docs, PDFs, and websites.
Simple interface with easy playback controls.

Cons:

Lacks natural-sounding AI voices.
Some languages have limited voice options.

3. NaturalReader

NaturalReader is a powerful text-to-speech tool that delivers high-quality voices with AI-powered speech synthesis. It supports both online and offline reading, making it a great option for students and professionals.

Important Features:

Provides natural-sounding AI voices.
Supports multiple file formats, including Google Docs, PDFs, and Word documents.
Includes an OCR scanner for extracting text from images.
Offers personalized voice settings like tone, pitch, and speed adjustments.

How to Use NaturalReader on Google Docs:

Step 1. Install the NaturalReader Chrome extension.

Step 2. Open your Google Docs file. Click on the NaturalReader toolbar and select the text-to-speech option. Adjust the voice, speed, and volume as required.

Pros:

Supports offline reading.
Reads from various document formats.
Customizable voice settings for better listening comfort.

Cons:

The best voices are behind a paywall.
Some users report slower loading times.

4. Talkie

Talkie is a lightweight text-to-speech tool designed for quick and simple voice playback. It allows users to listen to text from Google Docs, emails, and web pages without requiring an internet connection.

Important Features:

Works offline with built-in voices.
Supports multilingual text-to-speech conversion.
Allows users to add custom voices from third-party sources.
Offers hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts for easier control.

How to Use Talkie on Google Docs:

Step 1. Download and install the Talkie extension. Open your Google Docs file and highlight the text.

Step 2. Click on the Talkie icon in the browser toolbar. The AI voice will read your selected text aloud.

Pros:

Works without an internet connection.
Supports different languages and custom voices.
Free to use with no hidden charges.

Cons:

Limited to basic robotic voices.
No advanced customization options.

Part 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues with Text-to-Speech on Google Docs

Sometimes, text-to-speech tools may not work as expected. Here are common issues and how to fix them:

No Sound Output — Ensure your speakers or headphones are connected and not muted. If using an extension, check if the correct output device is selected.
Lagging or Slow Speech — Restart your browser or clear the cache to improve performance.
TTS Extension Not Working — Make sure the extension has permission to access Google Docs. Go to Chrome settings and enable necessary permissions.
Limited Text Selection — Some extensions can only read a certain number of words at a time. Consider upgrading to premium versions for unlimited access.
Not Working on Mobile — Try using Google Assistant or download a mobile-friendly TTS app.

By addressing these issues, you can ensure a smoother text-to-speech experience while working in Google Docs.

Part 5. FAQs about Text-to-Speech on Google Docs

1. Does Google Docs have a built-in text-to-speech feature?

No, but it supports accessibility tools like ChromeVox and Google Assistant for reading text aloud.

2. Which is the best text-to-speech extension for Google Docs?

Speechify and Read Aloud are among the most popular TTS extensions for Google Docs due to their high-quality voices and customization options.

3. Can text-to-speech work offline on Google Docs?

Most Chrome extensions require an internet connection, but some premium versions, like NaturalReader, offer offline mode.

4. Is there a free text-to-speech tool for Google Docs?

Yes, Read Aloud and Talkie offer free versions with basic text-to-speech functionality.

5. Can I use text-to-speech on Google Docs mobile?

Yes, Google Assistant can read aloud text from Google Docs on Android devices, and third-party apps are available for iOS.

Conclusion

Text-to-speech technology enhances the usability of Google Docs, making it more accessible and efficient for various users. While Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in TTS function, it integrates well with Chrome extensions and external tools to offer seamless text-to-speech capabilities.

If you’re looking for a powerful and realistic AI voice generator for Google Docs, Speechify is the best option. Try the best tool now!

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