The best way to start playing around with Read&Write is to add the browser extension to your Chrome browser. Follow the link below to install the extension.

You can also use the Read&Write desktop app with Word and other software. Find out more below.

What's the difference between the Chrome extension and the Desktop app?

Use the Chrome extension for online files - webpages, PDFs stored in your Google Drive and so on.

Use the desktop app for offline files eg Word documents, PDFs stored on your computer.

Note: If you open a PDF on your computer in a browser, neither the Chrome extension nor the app will work! Viewing an offline file in a browser does not make it an online file. Upload the PDF to your Google Drive to use the Chrome extension, or open it in Adobe Reader and use the desktop app.

Can I have the desktop app on any laptop I own?

Since Autumn 2022, the licence has reverted to pre-pandemic settings. You will only have a 30 day trial on a personally owned laptop if you are installing the desktop app. 

If you are wanting to use Read&Write with Word, you can use any University machine or login to the Virtual Desktop Service from anywhere and go to Start > Read&Write to launch the app that way.

Read&Write includes many features that can assist you with your learning:

• Text can be read aloud as words, passages or whole documents can be read with easy to follow dual colour highlighting.
• Text and picture dictionaries are available which provide definitions and display images to help with word comprehension.
• A vocabulary list is created instantly into a new document, including selected words, the dictionary definitions, images from widgit symbols and an editable notes column.
• Read&Write also reviews any written piece for incorrect grammar, spelling (phonetic), capitalisation, punctuation, verb tense and more.
• An audio maker is available which converts selected text into an audio file, and automatically downloads this file.
• You are also able to convert spoken word into text.
• Use the screenshot tool to easily copy and paste any text quotations.

Take a look at the recording of our Introduction to Read&Write webinar [YouTube, 43m] below to see these features in action.

Access to 20 different support tools where and when you need it. It gives you the flexibility in how to access and engage with content and help improve reading and comprehension skills.

Helps you to study, revise, proof read and increase understanding in your studies. Useful tools such as highlighters, voice notes, vocabulary tools and more will help you to study smarter and more independently. 

Provides a useful tool for accessibility needs to ensure everyone can study effectively.

You can download the Read&Write Desktop app for Windows. Take a look at the YouTube playlist by Texthelp below which shows you how to use the features included within the desktop app.

You can also download the Read&Write Desktop app for Mac. Texthelp have also created a series of videos which show you how to use these features on Mac.

Other useful reading and annotation tools in the Texthelp family are Screenshot Reader, OrbitNote (previously Texthelp PDF Reader) and Texthelp ePub Reader.

Apart from the familiar Read&Write functions, you can read text aloud, including math & science equations, and input maths & science directly into your PDF with integration of the EquatIO for Chrome extension.

EPubs are a flexible and adaptable reading format. They can be downloaded from the VLE or directly from ePub sources. Try Texthelp's ePub Reader.

Use the Screenshot Reader to copy and paste text quotations, saving you time.

Rowan from Biochemistry shows us their favourite features in Read&Write:

It helps you to pick up mistakes really easily and just makes it much easier to check your spelling, check your grammar, check your style, check your sentence length. The screen masking tool highlight lines that I’m reading; this is particularly useful at night when I might be a little bit more tired and need a little more help to pick out my lines. – Rowan

Read&Write - Rowan's top tips [5 min YouTube video]