How Do I Do Text to Speech on A Mac

As technology continues to advance, there are various ways to communicate and interact with our devices. One interesting feature that Apple provides is Text to Speech (TTS). TTS allows you to convert any written text into spoken words, and this feature is now readily available on your Apple devices. In this blog post, we will discuss how to utilize this feature on Mac OS.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Use Text to Speech on A Mac

There are various reasons you might need to use TTS on your Mac. Some of the common scenarios include:

  • You might be visually impaired or multitasking and need to hear what is being written on the screen. TTS will read out loud any text you select.
  • You might be creating a presentation or recording a tutorial requiring a professional voice actor to narrate your text.
  • While reading any lengthy articles online, you get tired of reading the whole page, and that’s where TTS can come in handy, all you have to do is select the text, and it reads it out loud.

Method 1: Using the Mac’s Built-In Speak Selected Text Feature

To use this feature, follow these simple steps:

  1. Highlight/select the text you want to be read out loud.
  2. Right-click on the text and select the "Speech" option from the drop-down menu.
  3. A sub-menu will appear, then click on "Start Speaking" to begin TTS.

Pros

  • Quick and convenient to use, perfect for occasional TTS use.
  • Built-in functionality on your device that does not require additional software installation.

Cons

  • The text might not sound natural since it’s using a robotic voice.
  • The voice might be difficult to understand if the text includes acronyms or uncommon words.

Method 2: Using the Accessibility Preferences for TTS on Mac

The Mac OS has an integrated TTS feature in the Accessibility section. To use it:

  1. Click on the Apple menu icon on the top left of the Mac screen and select "System Preferences".
  2. Select "Accessibility".
  3. On the left-hand pane under "Vision", select "VoiceOver".
  4. Check the box next to "Speak selected text when the key is pressed".
  5. Click on the "Set Key" button and choose a key combination to read the selected text out loud.

Pros

  • The voice sounds more natural compared to the built-in Speak Selected Text feature.
  • You can customize the voice’s pitch, speed, and language within the settings.
  • Compatible with different software and application, including web browsers, PDF readers, and more.

Cons

  • Requires previous configuration in the Accessibility Preferences before use.
  • It might not be intuitive to memorize or use the shortcut keys to read selected text.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software for TTS on Mac

There are various third-party applications that offer advanced TTS services. One popular software is NaturalReader. To use:

  1. Download and install the application from the official website.
  2. Select the text to be read and copy it to the clipboard.
  3. Open NaturalReader and click on the "Play" button within the program.

Pros

  • More customizations to fit your preferences, including different voice accents, speeds, and speech rates.
  • Supports text in different languages and formats, including PDFs, web pages, and word documents.
  • Offers advanced features such as bookmarking and note-taking.

Cons

  • Requires software installation and purchase of a license for some third-party options.
  • The process of copying selected text might be a bit time-consuming.

What to Do If You Can’t Use TTS

If you encounter any issues while trying to use TTS, some possible fixes include:

  • Check the text has been selected correctly before proceeding with TTS.
  • Update your Mac OS to the latest version to avoid any compatibility issues.
  • Check that the TTS settings are configured correctly within the Accessibility preferences.
  • Check for any software updates for third-party TTS applications in case of any bugs or glitches.

Bonus Tip

You can pause and resume the TTS option anytime by using the shortcut key combination "Control + Option + Escape".

5 FAQs

Q: Can I change the voice that reads my selected text?

A: Yes, you can change the voice language, speed, and pitch within the Mac OS preferences or within third-party TTS applications.

Q: Can TTS read my emails or messages?

A: Yes, TTS can read any text that is on your device screen, including emails and messages.

Q: Can I use TTS on my iPhone or iPad?

A: Yes, TTS is also available for iOS devices and can be accessed within the Accessibility preferences.

Q: Can I save the TTS audio for later use?

A: Yes, some third-party TTS software allows you to save the audio files in different formats for later use.

Q: Are there any free third-party TTS applications available?

A: Yes, some quality TTS applications like TextAloud or NaturalReader offer free trial periods before requiring a license purchase.

Final Thoughts

Text to Speech is an excellent feature that can come in handy in various situations such as multitasking, presentations, and entertainment purposes. By following the simple methods outlined above, you can quickly turn any text-based on your Mac into spoken words. Enjoy the feature and experiment with different settings and applications that can provide you with an even better TTS experience.