Everything you need to know about SyllableReader.
| SECTION 1 — GETTING STARTED |
How do I install SyllableReader?
Click one of the Install buttons on our homepage or go directly to the Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons, or Firefox AMO and search for “SyllableReader”. Click Add to Browser and the extension installs in seconds.
Do I need an account to use it?
No. SyllableReader Lite is completely free and requires no account, email address or sign-up of any kind. Just install and use it.
Which browsers are supported?
SyllableReader works on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox on desktop. Safari support is planned for a future release.
Does it work on mobile?
Browser extensions are only supported on desktop browsers. Chrome on Android does not support extensions. We are exploring a mobile app for a future release.
The toolbar isn’t showing. What do I do?
Try refreshing the page. If it still doesn’t appear, confirm the extension is enabled at chrome://extensions (or edge://extensions or about:addons in Firefox). Some system pages (like chrome:// or about: pages) do not allow extensions to run — this is a browser restriction, not a bug.
| SECTION 2 — FEATURES |
How does Text-to-Speech work?
SyllableReader uses your browser’s built-in speech synthesis engine to read visible text on the page aloud, highlighting each word as it speaks. You can adjust speed from Slow to V.Fast using the speed presets in the toolbar.
What is Syllable Mode?
Syllable Mode reads words broken into syllables — “beautiful” becomes “beau·ti·ful”. This helps with pronunciation and phonetic decoding. Available on Pro and Elite.
What is Bionic Reading?
Bionic Reading bolds the first letters of every word on the page. Your brain uses those anchored letters to process the rest of each word with less effort, which many readers find speeds up comprehension and reduces fatigue. Available on Elite.
What is Masking Mode?
Masking Mode places a dark overlay over the entire page except for a spotlight window around the word being read. Removes visual distractions and helps readers with visual stress or ADHD stay focused. Available on Elite.
What is Tutoring Mode?
Tutoring Mode reads a word aloud, then waits while you say it back. It uses speech recognition to score your accuracy and gives immediate feedback. A session summary is shown at the end. Available on Elite.
What is Listen & Highlight?
You read aloud and the extension follows along, highlighting each word as you say it. Useful for guided reading, comprehension practice, and tracking your position in the text. Available on Elite.
What is the Custom Words Dictionary?
You can teach SyllableReader how to pronounce specialist words that default TTS engines mispronounce — medical terms, names, technical vocabulary. Available on Elite.
Can I change the highlight colour?
Yes. Tap the Highlight Colour button in the Pro Features panel. Available on Pro and Elite.
Does it work on all websites?
It works on the vast majority of websites with readable text — news sites, Wikipedia, educational platforms, Google Docs, blogs, and more. A small number of highly interactive web apps may have limited support. If you find a site where it doesn’t work, please report it to support@syllablereader.com.
| SECTION 3 — SUBSCRIPTIONS, PLANS & LICENCE KEYS |
How do I upgrade to Pro or Elite?
Go to our Pricing page and choose either a monthly or annual plan. After payment you’ll receive a licence key by email (format: SR2-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX). Open SyllableReader on any webpage, click the FREE badge in the toolbar, enter your key, and press Activate. Your features unlock immediately.
What’s the difference between monthly and annual billing?
Both give you exactly the same features. Annual billing is paid in one go and works out cheaper — roughly two months free compared to paying monthly. You can start on monthly and switch to annual at any time by purchasing an annual plan and cancelling your monthly subscription.
Is it a subscription? Will I be charged automatically?
Yes. Both the monthly and annual plans renew automatically — monthly or annually — until you cancel. You can cancel at any time through your Stripe billing portal (link in every receipt email) or by emailing support@syllablereader.com. Your features remain active until the end of the period you have already paid for.
How do I cancel?
Email support@syllablereader.com with your order reference and we will cancel your subscription immediately, or use the billing portal link in your receipt email to cancel yourself. You keep Pro or Elite access until the end of your current billing period.
What happens when a subscription ends?
The extension automatically reverts to Lite. Your settings are preserved — if you re-subscribe, everything comes back. Nothing is deleted.
Can I use my key on more than one device?
Yes — each key can be activated on up to 2 devices. If you need to transfer to a new device, contact support@syllablereader.com.
My key says invalid. What do I do?
Double-check you’ve copied the full key including all three segments in the format SR2-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Keys are case-sensitive — paste rather than type. If the problem persists, email support@syllablereader.com with your order reference.
Do you offer a free trial?
Lite is free forever and shows you exactly what the extension does. You can also see every Pro and Elite feature button in the toolbar on Lite — tapping a locked button shows a description of what it does before you buy.
What is your refund policy?
We offer a full refund within 14 days of your first payment if the extension does not work as described on your device. Email support@syllablereader.com with your order reference. Refunds are not available for subsequent billing periods once you have been using the extension.
| SECTION 4 — PRIVACY & SECURITY |
Do you collect any data about what I read?
No. SyllableReader processes all text locally in your browser. Nothing you read is ever sent to our servers.
Does SyllableReader use cookies?
No cookies are used in the extension. Our website may use standard analytics cookies.
Is it safe to use at school or work?
Yes. Because no reading content is transmitted off-device, SyllableReader is safe to use with sensitive documents. The only outbound connection is a one-time licence key verification when you activate a plan.
Is SyllableReader GDPR compliant?
Yes. We are registered as a data controller under UK GDPR. Because no personal data is processed by the extension during normal use, most GDPR provisions do not apply in practice. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
| SECTION 5 — SCHOOLS & ORGANISATIONS |
Can I deploy SyllableReader across a school fleet?
Yes. The extension can be deployed via Google Admin Console (Chromebooks) or Microsoft Intune (Windows). Contact support@syllablereader.com for the extension ID and a deployment guide.
Do you offer discounts for schools?
Yes — volume pricing is available for 10 or more licences. Contact support@syllablereader.com for a quote.
Is there a safeguarding concern with microphone access?
Tutoring Mode and Listen & Highlight use the browser’s speech recognition API. Audio is processed by your browser and/or your operating system’s speech recognition service — it is not recorded or transmitted to SyllableReader’s servers. Microphone access is only active while the mode is running.
Still have a question? Contact us at support@syllablereader.com — we aim to respond within 2 business days.