How to Enable Text to Speech on macOS

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

macOSText to SpeechAccessibilityAppleComputerSystemToolsVoiceReadingFeatures

macOS, the operating system for Apple's Mac computers, offers a variety of accessibility features that help users interact with their device more effectively. One of these features is "Text to Speech," which allows the computer to read text out loud in a synthesized voice. This can be incredibly useful for individuals with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or those who simply prefer to listen to something rather than read it. Additionally, it can assist those who are learning a new language by providing an auditory example of pronunciation. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of enabling and customizing Text to Speech on macOS.

Understanding text to speech

Text to speech (TTS) technology turns written text into spoken words. In macOS, TTS is integrated into the system, allowing applications to use it for a variety of purposes. The feature can read documents, emails, web pages, and more. It typically uses a set of voices that can be programmed to speak at different speeds, pitches, and volumes. You can also choose from different voices in different languages and accents. This flexibility makes TTS a versatile tool that can enhance productivity and accessibility.

Why use text to speech on macOS?

There are several reasons you might want to enable and use text to speech on your Mac:

• Accessibility: For individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia, TTS provides an essential way to access written content.
• Multitasking: You can listen to lessons while doing other tasks, like taking a walk, cooking, or exercising, which can help you manage time more efficiently.
• Language learning: Listening to text in a foreign language can help improve pronunciation and comprehension skills.
• Proofreading: Hearing the text aloud makes it easier to catch errors that might be missed when reading silently.

Steps to enable text to speech on macOS

Enabling text to speech on macOS is a straightforward process. Just follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Access system preferences

To begin, you need to open System Preferences. You can do this by clicking the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of your screen and selecting "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space, typing "System Preferences," and pressing Enter.

Step 2: Open accessibility settings

In the System Preferences window, you need to find the icon labeled Accessibility and click on it. This section contains various features designed to make macOS more usable for individuals with different needs.

Step 3: Go to speech

Once you are in the Accessibility settings, look for the Speech option in the sidebar on the left. Click on it to open the Speech settings panel.

Step 4: Enable text to speech

In the Speech settings panel, you will see an option called Text to Speech. Here, you can choose the system voice, set the speaking rate, and test how the voice sounds. To enable the feature, make sure the checkbox labeled "Speak selected text when a key is pressed" is checked. This setting allows you to quickly read selected text aloud by pressing a pre-defined key combination.

Step 5: Set the key combination

To set the key combination, click the button labeled Change Key... A dialog box will appear, prompting you to press the key combination you want. Be sure to choose a key combination that is easy for you to remember and doesn't conflict with frequently used shortcuts.

Step 6: Select system voice

macOS offers a variety of voices to choose from, each with its own unique features. Use the System Voice dropdown menu to explore and select a voice. Each voice comes with different accents and languages, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. You can also click the Play button to hear a sample of each voice.

Step 7: Adjust the speaking speed

The Speaking Rate slider allows you to increase or decrease the speed at which text is read aloud. Drag the slider to the left to slow down the speech or to the right to speed it up. You should test different rates to find a comfortable speed that works for you.

Step 8: Customize the options

Additional options are available for further customization under the Options... button located in the Text to Speech settings. This allows you to configure additional settings, such as enabling announcements when alerts are displayed or when the system requires attention. Although these settings are optional, they can improve your experience by providing more detailed auditory feedback from your Mac.

Using text to speech on macOS

Once you've enabled and configured Text to Speech, using it is simple and efficient. Here's how to get the most out of the Text to Speech functionality:

Select text to read

To have text read aloud, first highlight the text you want to hear. You can do this in most applications, such as Safari, Mail, Pages, or even Preview against a PDF document. Click and drag to select text, or use keyboard shortcuts to efficiently select words, lines, or paragraphs.

Activate speech

Once the text is selected, press the key combination you set during the configuration process (in step 5). The system will start reading the text aloud in the voice you selected. If you need to pause or stop the speech, just press the key combination again.

Text to speech in various applications

Text to speech can generally be used in any application where you can select text. However, some applications may have built-in shortcuts or menu items to enable reading out loud. For example, in the Preview app, if you don't want to use the key combination, you can use the Edit > Speech menu to read the selected text out loud.

Customizing and managing voices

The voices available in macOS are not limited to just the pre-installed voices. If you're looking for more variety or languages, you can download additional voices:

Access to more voices

On the System Voice menu, click on the Customize... option at the bottom of the dropdown list. A new window will open with a selection of downloadable voices. You can listen to the samples and choose which voices to download based on your preference.

Managing downloaded sounds

Once downloaded, the voices are readily available in the system's Voice dropdown selection. If there is a voice you no longer need, it can easily be removed to regain disk space by going into the same Customize... section and deselecting that particular voice.

Languages for different needs

The biggest advantage of macOS TTS is that it offers support for multiple languages and accents. This can be especially useful for language learners or those engaging with a global audience. Add voices in different languages using the same customization method for a better TTS experience.

Tips for getting the most out of text to speech

Incorporating text to speech into your daily workflow can greatly improve productivity and accessibility. Here are some tips to optimize its use:

• Task automation: Consider automating TTS key combinations for specific tasks, such as reading notifications or end-of-day reports, via software automation tools like Automator or AppleScript.
• Consistent voice and speed: Maintaining a consistent voice and speaking speed can create a similar experience across different applications, helping you better focus and understand the content.
• Integration with other tools: Use TTS with other accessibility features of macOS, such as VoiceOver, to create a more streamlined support system.

Conclusion

Text to Speech on macOS is an invaluable tool, enriching both accessibility and user efficiency. It breaks down barriers for those with visual impairments or reading difficulties, while providing a convenient multitasking aid for users who want to consume text in an audible format. Whether for educational, professional, or personal purposes, TTS on macOS is both a simple feature to enable and a versatile tool to personalize. With the knowledge and steps outlined in this guide, you can harness the full potential of Text to Speech, making your interactions with your Mac more inclusive and productive.

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