What is the Text to Speech Tool?
The Text to Speech (TTS) tool is a utility that converts written text into spoken audio. Users can paste text, choose from a variety of available voices, and customize the speech rate (speed) and pitch. The tool uses the browser's built-in speech synthesis engine to generate the audio.
History of this Feature
Speech synthesis technology has been in development for decades, evolving from robotic, computer-generated voices to the natural-sounding assistants we have today. Web-based TTS tools emerged to make this technology easily accessible for a variety of purposes, from accessibility to content consumption. Our tool leverages the native Speech Synthesis API available in modern browsers to provide a free, private, and customizable TTS experience without needing to send any data to a server.
Who Commonly Uses This Feature?
This tool is used by a wide audience. It's an important accessibility tool for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties. It's also used by writers to proofread their own work by listening to it, by language learners to hear pronunciation, and by anyone who prefers to listen to articles or documents instead of reading them.
How to Use the Text to Speech Tool
Convert any written text into natural-sounding speech directly in your browser.
- Enter Your Text: Type or paste the text you want to hear into the main text area.
- Choose a Voice: Select a "Voice" from the dropdown menu. The available voices depend on your browser and operating system.
- Customize the Speech:
- Adjust the "Rate" slider to control how fast the text is spoken.
- Adjust the "Pitch" slider to make the voice higher or lower.
- Control Playback:
- Click "Play" to start listening. If paused, this will resume the speech.
- Click "Pause" to temporarily stop the speech.
- Click "Stop" to end the speech and reset it.
This tool is great for proofreading your own writing, listening to articles, or for accessibility purposes.