Using text-to-speech in Google Docs

Google Docs is undoubtedly one of the most popular word-processing documents in the world. Used by both, professionals & students to the occasional home...

Google Docs is undoubtedly one of the most popular word-processing documents in the world. Used by both, professionals & students to the occasional home users.

What is Google Docs?

Google Docs is a web-based application that allows you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time co-working mode. You can work with the software as with any other offline software running on your computer, only with more advantages. Google Docs is not only a word processing software, but it also has a spreadsheet function and presentation features. The software has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use.

Benefits of using Google Docs

Google Docs gives users a range of benefits, such as:

• Accessibility: With Google Docs, your documents are stored online, which means you can access them from any computer or device with internet access. This is particularly helpful for people who work remotely or travel frequently.
• Collaboration: Multiple people can work on the same document simultaneously, making collaboration quick and easy. This feature is particularly useful for group projects or when working with remote team members. In addition, Google Docs offers powerful collaboration features such as track changes, allowing users to keep track of modifications made by different collaborators.
• Cost-effective: Google Docs is free to use and requires no software installations, licensing fees, or updates. This makes it an affordable option for individuals and businesses. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Drive and Gmail, providing a comprehensive suite of productivity tools without any additional costs.
• Integration: Google Docs seamlessly integrates with other Google services like Google Drive and Gmail. This means you can easily share your documents via email or store them in your Google Drive account. The integration with Google Drive also allows for convenient access to version history, ensuring that you can revert to previous document versions if needed.
• Auto-save: One of the most significant advantages of Google Docs is that it saves your work automatically. You don't have to worry about losing your work if your computer crashes or if you forget to save the document. This feature, combined with the version history functionality, provides peace of mind and safeguards against accidental data loss.

Setting up a Google account

Before you can start using Google Docs, you need a Google account. Creating one only takes a few minutes. However, if you're new to Google, you may be wondering why you need an account in the first place. A Google account not only gives you access to Google Docs, but it also allows you to use other Google services, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar.

Creating a new Google account

To create a new Google account, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the Google sign-up page.
2. Enter your first and last name. It's important to use your real name, as it will make it easier for people to find you if you decide to share your documents with others.
3. Choose a username and password. Your username will be your email address, so choose something that's easy to remember and professional. Your password should be strong and unique, to keep your account secure.
4. Enter your birthdate and gender. This information is used to personalize your experience on Google.
5. Enter a phone number for account recovery (optional). This is an extra layer of security that can help you regain access to your account if you forget your password or get locked out.
6. Agree to the terms and conditions. It's important to read these carefully, as they outline your rights and responsibilities as a Google user.
7. Click ‘Create Account’. Congratulations, you now have a Google account!

Signing in to Google Docs

Once you have a Google account, you can log in to Google Docs by going to the Google Docs homepage and clicking ‘Sign in’. From there, enter your email address and password, and you’ll be directed to the Google Docs dashboard. If you're using a shared computer or a public network, make sure to log out of your account when you're finished to keep your information secure.

Navigating the Google Docs homepage

The Google Docs homepage provides a simple and intuitive interface to create and manage documents. The homepage features shortcuts to your most recently created documents, and you can also search for specific files using the search bar. To create a new document, simply click on ‘New document’ in the top left corner of the screen. Google Docs offers a variety of document types, including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and forms. Each document type has its own unique features and uses, so take some time to explore and find out which one works best for your needs.

Creating and managing documents

Now that you have your Google account set up, it’s time to start creating documents in Google Docs. Here’s how.

Creating a new document

To create a new document, simply click on ‘New document’ in the top left corner of the screen. From there, you can choose between a blank document, a template, or a document from your Google Drive. Once you’ve selected your starting point, you can begin typing right away. Google Docs offers a wide range of features and tools to enhance your document, such as keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and formatting options to make your document visually appealing.

Importing existing documents

If you have existing documents saved to your computer, you can easily import them into Google Docs. To do so, click on ‘File’ in the top left corner of the screen and select ‘Import’. From there, you can choose to upload a file from your computer, or import a file from another cloud storage service like Dropbox or OneDrive. This feature allows you to seamlessly transition from other word processors like Microsoft Word to Google Docs without losing any of your valuable content.

Organizing documents in Google Drive

All your Google Docs documents are automatically saved to Google Drive, Google’s cloud-based storage service. You can access your saved documents from anywhere and on any device with internet access. To organize your documents in Google Drive, simply navigate to the ‘My Drive’ section of the Google Docs homepage. From there, you can create folders to keep your documents organized. Additionally, Google Drive allows you to set permissions for each document, controlling who can view, edit, or comment on your files. This feature ensures that your documents are shared securely and only accessible to the intended recipients.

Sharing and collaborating on documents

One of Google Docs’ most powerful features is its ability to collaborate on documents in real-time. To share a document with others, simply click on the ‘Share’ button in the top right corner of the screen. From there, you can enter the email addresses of the people you want to share the document with, and specify their level of access (view only, edit, etc.). Once you’ve shared the document, all collaborators can edit the document simultaneously and see changes in real-time. This collaborative workflow greatly enhances productivity and streamlines teamwork, whether you're working on a group project or collaborating with colleagues.

Formatting and editing documents

One of the most important features of any word-processing program is its ability to format and edit text. Fortunately, Google Docs offers a wide range of formatting and editing tools.

Basic text formatting

Google Docs offers standard text formatting tools like bold, italicize, underline, strikethrough, and font size and style. To access these tools, click on the ‘Format’ drop-down menu at the top of the screen and select ‘Text’. Additionally, Google Docs supports voice typing, allowing you to dictate your text instead of typing it manually. This feature can be particularly useful for individuals who prefer a hands-free approach or those with limited typing abilities.

Working with lists and tables

Google Docs offers easy-to-use tools for creating and editing lists and tables. To create a list, simply click on the ‘List’ icon in the formatting toolbar. You can create bulleted or numbered lists to organize information in a structured manner. To create a table, click on ‘Table’ in the top menu, and choose the number of rows and columns you want in your table. Tables are useful for presenting data in a tabular format, such as financial figures or project timelines. You can customize the appearance of tables by adjusting cell sizes, applying borders, or adding background colors.

Inserting images and videos

Google Docs allows you to easily insert images and videos into your documents. To insert an image, click on ‘Insert’ in the top menu and choose ‘Image’. From there, you can either upload an image from your computer or use a URL to insert an image from the web. This feature is valuable for adding visual elements to your documents, such as charts, diagrams, or illustrations. To insert a video, simply copy and paste the video’s URL into your document. Videos can be used to enhance presentations or provide instructional content in tutorials.

Using headers, footers, and page numbers

Headers, footers, and page numbers are a critical aspect of academic and professional documents. Google Docs allows you to easily add these elements to your documents. To add a header or footer, click on ‘Insert’ in the top menu and select ‘Header & page number’ or ‘Footer & page number’. From there, you can customize the content and formatting of your header or footer. Headers and footers are commonly used to include titles, author names, dates, and page numbers in your documents, ensuring proper documentation and organization.

Workflows and add-ons

Google Docs offers various workflows and add-ons that can enhance your productivity and extend the functionality of the software. Workflows are predefined sets of actions that automate repetitive tasks, allowing you to save time and effort. You can create custom workflows using Google Apps Script, an API for extending Google services. For example, you can automate the process of generating a table of contents based on the headings in your document or create custom templates for specific document types. Additionally, you can explore the Google Workspace Marketplace to discover a wide range of add-ons developed by third-party developers. These add-ons provide additional features and integrations with popular tools and services, further expanding the capabilities of Google Docs.

Pricing and support

Google Docs is available for free as part of the Google Workspace suite, which includes other productivity tools like Google Sheets and Google Slides. While the basic features are free, Google also offers paid plans for businesses and organizations that require advanced functionality, increased storage capacity, and enhanced support. The pricing options are flexible and cater to different user needs and budgets. Google provides comprehensive support documentation and tutorials to help users navigate and make the most of Google Docs. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, the available resources can assist you in mastering the features and maximizing your productivity.

Google Docs is a powerful and versatile tool within the Google Workspace suite. Its web-based nature, collaborative capabilities, and comprehensive set of features make it a popular choice for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions. With its seamless integration with other Google services, extensive formatting and editing tools, and the ability to automate tasks through workflows and add-ons, Google Docs provides a robust word-processing solution. Whether you're creating professional documents, working on group projects, or simply looking for a convenient and efficient word processor, Google Docs is an excellent choice. Try it out today and experience the benefits of a modern and cloud-based document creation and collaboration platform.

How do you use text-to-speech in google docs

In this article, we share how you can use text-to-speech right inside Google Docs. Also, other tips and tricks. You can also share audio versions of your document with anyone – so they can listen to your document much faster.

In the past, regardless of whether you were using a Mac or Windows computer, you essentially had one realistic option – Microsoft’s own Office suite of productivity tools. Now, not only have competitors emerged in the marketplace, but ones like Google Docs are actually free to use with any regular Google account.

Additionally, nearly everything you create is stored in the cloud – meaning that you can access it on not just desktop and laptop computers but also smartphones, tablets and any other device of your choosing.

Of course, all of this demands the question – is it possible to use text-to-speech functionality on documents created using the Google text-to-speech Docs service? The answer to that question requires you to keep a few key things in mind.

How to get Google Docs to talk to you: breaking things down

By far, the easiest way to unlock this functionality is by way of a text-to-speech Google Docs extension. This is a small application that you add to the web browser you’re using, with Google Chrome being the most prominent example.

Text-to-speech extension for Google Docs

Speechify supports Google Docs text-to-speech across all devices. From Android, Chrome, Safari, and iOS. Once the Speechify TTS extension is installed, all you have to do is press the “play button” from the toolbar. Speechify will then read everything to you, creating a perfect audio experience that helps you retain more information and better understand the content in front of you.

See the image above, the “Play” button is there when you need it. Play the entire document or only specific paragraphs. When you are done, one-click share the audio version of your document.

There is nothing else this useful & powerful yet simple to use for Google Docs. This will turn you into a productivity power user on Google Docs. The best part, you can try this for free, today!

All told, using text to speech in Google Docs is a great way to empower your ability to communicate and collaborate with both friends and colleagues. Because Google Docs is cloud-based, any changes that someone else makes to a document will be displayed on your own machine in real-time.

Therefore, if you were collaborating on a project with a co-worker for example, and that co-worker added a few new paragraphs of text to the file, you could have the Speechify extension read that specific information, or the entire thing, immediately after the changes have been made.

That way, you don’t have to worry about delaying progress on whatever project you’re working on. Regardless of whether you have some type of visual impairment or you just retain more information when it is presented via audio as opposed to text alone (which is true of most of us), this is a highly efficient way to help accomplish your goals.

Note that depending on the type of computer you’re using, there may be options for text to speech that are available that don’t require you to make any additional downloads. “VoiceOver” is the name of the feature built right into Apple computers, for example. All you have to do is enable it via the “System Preferences” menu and it will allow you to accomplish much the same effect.

Text-to-speech Google Docs mobile

Yes. You can even use text-to-speech for Google Docs on your mobile phone. Speechify TTS is available for all platforms and syncs to the cloud. You just keep working on your document, Speechify is always available when you need it – in the sidebar of your Google Doc.

FAQ

How do you do text-to-speech on Google Docs?

Overall, the process of using text-to-speech in Google Docs is fairly straightforward. All you have to do is open the document in question and select the text you want to read, similarly to how you might highlight a paragraph that you wanted to copy and paste.

Then, press the “CTRL” and “A” buttons on your keyboard at the same time. This will select all the text. At that point, you can choose the “Accessibility” option on the top menu bar. From there, choose “Speak Selection” from the drop-down menu labeled “Speak.” The screen reader software that you’re using will then read the text out loud.

Looking for a better experience with natural-sounding voices? Try Speechify for free!

Can Google Docs read out loud?

Once you’ve opened the Google Doc in question, select the “Accessibility” menu from the toolbar at the top of the screen. Choose the “Speak” option. At that point, you can click on the button labeled “Speak Selection” from the drop-down menu.

Once this is activated, you can have Google Docs read out loud from the point that your cursor is currently positioned at. Keep in mind, however, that when the “ChromeVox” functionality is turned on, it will begin reading out loud for every tab that you have open in your browser.

However, Speechify is the better alternative. Try it free! No matter where you use Google Docs – laptop or mobile device, Safari or Google Chrome, Speechify is the best-rated app for text to speech.

How do I use Google text-to-speech in Chrome?

If you’re using a text-to-speech tool like Speechify, the process of enabling this functionality on the Google Chrome web browser couldn’t be more straightforward. So long as the Speechify Google Chrome extension is installed, you can have it read any content on your desktop or laptop that you’d like. Just select the “Play” button from the window at the bottom of the screen. You can also use the “Forward” and “Back” buttons to skip to different positions in the text, or change the playback speed depending on your needs.