Read & Write First Time Guide

I’m Using Read&Write for the First Time!

General Support Information

Read&Write is a literacy support tool that supports reading, writing, study skills, and research. It is a toolbar that integrates into commonly used programs and platforms such as the Google Suite, Windows, Macs, Web Pages, Learning Management Systems, and various document types such as PDFs, ePubs, Docs, websites, and other document types. 


Anyone can benefit from taking a look at the Training Portal Website.

Find Courses, Certificates, Videos, and other Resources to help you gain a general understanding of the tools within the Read&Write Toolbar.

TextHelp's YouTube Channel is full of overview videos about Read&Write as well as short videos which show you the main features of the tool. 


If you’re using the Google Chrome version


Full Playlist of all videos about all the features of this version of Read&Write

Reads PDF files aloud

Reads ePub files aloud

Reads Google Docs aloud either provided by your faculty or papers you have written and are proofreading (video shows Windows version of the tool but it works the same in Google Chrome)

Can’t get a document to read with any of the above tools? Try the Screenshot Reader

You can adjust the reading voice and speed of the voice by clicking into the “More” button on the far right side of the toolbar, selecting the “Option” menu selection, and Click on “Speech.”

  • Use digital Highlighters to organize your readings and copy your highlights into a Word Document (video shows Windows version of the tool but it works the same in Google Chrome)
  • Use the Dictionary tool to get the definition of an unknown word (video shows Windows version of the tool but it works the same in Google Chrome)
  • Dictate your papers with the Speech Input tool
  • Check your grammar and spelling in written work with CheckIt!
  • Translate a word from one language to another

If you’re using the Office 365 Version within Google Chrome

If you use Office 365, Read&Write works with this platform within Google Chrome. Please watch the videos below for specialized tools within Office 365:

Word Online Overview Video

Reads PDF files aloud

If you’re using the Windows Desktop version

Full Playlist of all videos about this version of Read&Write

You can adjust the reading voice and speed of the voice by clicking into the “Settings” button on the far right side of the toolbar, select the “Show More Settings” and Click on “Speech.”

  • Use digital Highlighters to organize your readings and copy your highlights into a Word Document
  • Use the Dictionary tool to get the definition of an unknown word
  • Check your grammar and spelling in written work with CheckIt!

If you’re using the Mac Desktop version


Full Playlist of all videos about this version of Read&Write 

An Overview of the Read&Write Toolbar

You can adjust the reading voice and speed of the voice by clicking into the “Settings” button on the far right side of the toolbar and Click on “Speech.” Click on “Edit Voice Settings” to change the speed and voice. You can also download more voices by clicking “Customize” in the drop-down menu.

  • Use digital Highlighters to organize your readings and copy your highlights into a Word Document
  • Use the Dictionary tool to get the definition of an unknown word
  • Translate a word from one language to another.