How to Use Text-to-Speech and Annotate PDFs on Mobile
Question details
The user wants to use text-to-speech and annotation tools like highlighting and underlining while reading PDFs on a mobile application.
- Product
- Mobile PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Studying and reading PDF documents on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- Annotation tools and text-to-speech functionalities are completely unavailable or disabled while the mobile app is in Reading mode.
Ensure your mobile PDF application is updated to the latest version, as specific feature availability like text-to-speech can depend on recent software updates.
Exit Reading Mode to Access Annotation Tools
Many mobile PDF readers restrict editing features in Reading mode to maximize screen space. You need to switch to standard viewing mode to annotate.
Mobile PDF apps often employ a simplified 'Reading Mode' or 'Liquid Mode' designed strictly for text consumption. While active, this mode intentionally hides editing and annotation toolbars.
Launch your mobile PDF reader and open the document you wish to read and annotate.
Tap anywhere on the center of the screen to reveal the hidden menu bars. Locate the 'Reading Mode' icon (often a book or drop icon) and tap it to exit.
Navigate to the 'Comment' or 'Annotate' tab in the bottom or top toolbar to access your highlighting and underlining features.
Submit a Feature Request to the Developer
If your current PDF application lacks text-to-speech or combined annotation in reading mode, submit a formal request to the developer.
Use WPS Office for Mobile PDF Annotation and Text-to-Speech
WPS Office provides robust PDF editing features on mobile, allowing you to seamlessly listen to documents using Text-to-Speech and highlight important information without the need to switch apps.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office mobile app and open your PDF document.
- 2. Use Annotation Tools: Tap the 'Tools' icon at the bottom of the screen, select the 'Annotation' tab, and choose the highlighter or underline tool to mark your text.
- 3. Activate Audio Reading: To listen to the document, go to the 'Tools' menu, tap 'View', and select 'Audio Reading' to start the text-to-speech playback.
- 4. Adjust playback settings: Use the on-screen audio controls to adjust the reading speed and voice preferences as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I highlight text in my mobile PDF reader?
Highlighting is typically disabled if the document is secured with permissions, if the file is a scanned image instead of selectable text, or if you are using a simplified 'Reading Mode' that hides editing tools.
How do I get my phone to read a PDF out loud?
You can use built-in mobile accessibility features like Android's TalkBack or iOS's Spoken Content. Alternatively, use a dedicated PDF reader like WPS Office that offers a native Audio Reading (Text-to-Speech) feature.
Are PDF annotations saved permanently when using a mobile app?
Yes, when you highlight or underline text and save the document, the annotations are embedded directly into the PDF file and will be visible when you open the file on other devices.
