About Read Aloud and Immersive Reader
Read Aloud and Immersive Reader are tools that help make reading easier by turning text into speech and simplifying how content is displayed.
They can help you focus on the meaning of text, reduce visual strain, and make reading more accessible and comfortable.
Who this can help
These tools can be useful for:
- Neurodivergent users
- Makes it easier to process and understand written content
- Reduces overwhelm by simplifying layout and removing distractions
- People with reading difficulties
- Supports comprehension by reading text aloud
- Helps break down complex sentences
- Visual impairments
- Reduces the need to read small or complex text
- Offers a clearer, more customisable reading experience
- Fatigue or concentration difficulties
- Reduces effort when reading long documents
- Helps maintain focus for longer periods
- Anyone proofreading or reviewing content
- Hearing text read aloud can highlight errors or awkward phrasing
What these tools can do
Read Aloud
- Reads text out using a clear, computer-generated voice
- Highlights words as they are spoken
- Allows you to adjust speed and voice
Immersive Reader
- Simplifies page layout by removing distractions
- Lets you change:
- Text size and spacing
- Background colour
- Font style
- Can break text into lines or syllables
- Highlights parts of speech – for example nouns or verbs
Tips for getting the best experience
- Adjust reading speed to match your comfort
- Try different background colours to reduce visual stress
- Use Read Aloud alongside highlighting or note-taking
- Combine with screen magnification or colour filters if needed
- Don’t be afraid to personalise settings — small changes can make a big difference
Where to find these tools
You can use Read Aloud and Immersive Reader in:
- Microsoft Edge (on webpages)
- Microsoft Word
- Outlook (emails)
- Microsoft Teams (messages)
- Other Microsoft 365 apps (depending on setup)
How to use Read Aloud
In Microsoft Edge (webpages)
- Open a webpage in Microsoft Edge
- Right-click on the page
- Select Read aloud
In Microsoft Word
- Open your document
- Go to the Review tab
- Select Read Aloud
Use the controls to pause, skip, or change speed.
How to use Immersive Reader
In Microsoft Edge
- Open a webpage
- Select the Immersive Reader icon (book symbol in the address bar)
In Word, Outlook, or Teams
- Look for Immersive Reader in the toolbar or menu
- Select it to open a simplified reading view
Adjust settings such as text size, spacing, colours, and layout to suit your needs.