Keyboard Shortcuts for Read‑Aloud

Last updated: January 2026

Keyboard shortcuts keep your hands on the keys while you listen, pause, and adjust pacing. Use the tips below to reduce friction, especially when you’re proofreading, studying with the Pomodoro method, or following along with PDFs.

Built-in shortcuts

• Space: Start or pause playback.
• Enter: Start playback when the cursor is in the text area.
• ArrowUp/ArrowDown: Adjust speed in small increments.
• ArrowLeft/ArrowRight: Jump between sentences on desktop browsers that support it.
• Ctrl + A (Cmd + A on macOS): Select all text to quickly replace a section.

Platform tips

• macOS: System-wide shortcuts like Cmd + Space for Spotlight may conflict. Disable or change them if they interfere.
• Windows: Sticky Keys prompts can appear if you hold modifier keys. Toggle Sticky Keys off for long sessions.
• Browsers: Some shortcuts are intercepted by extensions. Test in a private window to isolate issues.
• Mobile: On-screen keyboards vary. Consider pairing with a Bluetooth keyboard for longer sessions.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting focus: Shortcuts work when the player or text area is focused. Click in the text box before using them.
• Unintentional refreshes: Avoid browser shortcuts like Cmd/Ctrl + R while editing.
• Over-adjusting speed: Small increments are better than rapid jumps. See the voice and speed guide.
• Ignoring ergonomics: Take breaks, stretch, and adjust keyboard height to prevent fatigue.
• Relying on one hand only: Alternate hands for pause and speed keys to avoid strain during long sessions.
• Not testing in a clean browser: Extensions can hijack keys. Try a private window if shortcuts fail.
• No fallbacks: Keep mouse controls in mind in case a shortcut conflicts with your OS or assistive tech.

Advanced combos

• Proofreading: Use Space to pause, make edits, then Shift + Arrow keys in your editor to move words while audio is paused.
• Study sprints: Pair Space with a visible timer from the Pomodoro guide so you pause exactly when the bell rings.
• Language drills: Toggle speed with ArrowUp/ArrowDown while shadowing small phrases from the shadowing guide.
• Navigation: If your browser supports sentence jumping, combine ArrowLeft/ArrowRight with Ctrl/Cmd + F in your notes to jump to matching phrases.
• Quick resets: Hit Esc if a modal appears, then refocus the text box and press Enter to resume.

Example workflow

1. Paste 600 words into Read‑Aloud. Press Enter to start.
2. Use Space to pause when you need to add a note. Resume with Space.
3. Tap ArrowUp twice to increase speed slightly during easy sections, then ArrowDown to slow for complex parts.
4. When proofreading, jump sentences with ArrowLeft/ArrowRight if supported by your browser.
5. Finish by reviewing your notes and visiting the guides hub or Help page if shortcuts behave unexpectedly.
6. For a focus reset, pause with Space, take a short stretch, then restart at a slightly slower speed to rebuild concentration.
7. Save your favorite speed change (e.g., two taps of ArrowUp) as part of a routine before each new section.

Troubleshooting keys

• Shortcut unresponsive: Click inside the text area, press Tab once, then try Space.
• Keys trigger browser actions: Disable conflicting extensions or try another browser profile.
• External keyboard issues: Check battery/connection, and test in another app to confirm the keyboard works.
• Screen reader conflict: If you use assistive tech, test in a private window and consider mouse controls for the play/pause button.
• Need more guidance: Visit Help or cross-reference other techniques on the guides page.

FAQ

• Can I customize shortcuts? The site keeps controls simple. You can use browser extensions or OS-level remapping if you need custom keys.
• Do shortcuts work offline? Yes, if the page and voices are already loaded. See offline tips.
• Why don’t arrows jump sentences? Some browsers don’t expose sentence boundaries. In that case, rely on play/pause and speed controls.
• Are there screen reader conflicts? Keyboard focus rules vary. If you use assistive tech, test in a private window to see which keys are captured.
• What about tablets? You can pair a Bluetooth keyboard for full shortcuts or use on-screen controls if a keyboard is unavailable.
• How do I avoid repetitive strain? Alternate hands, keep wrists neutral, and take frequent micro-breaks—especially during long editing sessions.
• Where else can I learn shortcuts? Check your OS accessibility settings and revisit the how-to-use guide for basic workflows.

Keep practicing. Combine shortcuts with the study routine and proofreading checklist to move faster without sacrificing quality.