How to Install and Use the Helperbird Add-on for Google Classroom

Learn how to easily install and use the Helperbird add-on for Google Classroom. This guide walks you through adding powerful accessibility features like dyslexia-friendly fonts and text-to-speech directly to your classroom materials and PDFs.

Helperbird for Google Classroom brings all your favorite accessibility features right into your classroom materials. Open PDFs in a more accessible way, use dyslexia-friendly fonts, and access all of Helperbird's tools without leaving Google Classroom.


Installing Helperbird for Google Classroom

Step 1: Check Your Setup

You'll need a Google Account and Helperbird version 107 or later for the best experience.


Step 2: Install the Add-on

Head to the Google Workspace Marketplace and search for Helperbird. Click Install and follow the prompts.


Step 3: Start Using It

Once installed, Helperbird will appear as an option when you open files in Google Classroom.

Tip: If you're using a work or school account, you might need admin approval to install add-ons.


Opening PDFs with Helperbird

Step 1: Find Your PDF

Open Google Classroom and click on the PDF you want to read.


Step 2: Use "Open with"

At the top of the PDF preview, click the Open with dropdown button.


Step 3: Select Helperbird

Choose Open in Helperbird from the list. The PDF will open in a new tab with all your accessibility tools.

Tip: The first time you open a PDF, you might see a popup asking for permission. Just click "Yes" or "Allow."


Using Right-Click to Open PDFs

Step 1: Find Your PDF

Go to Google Classroom and locate the PDF file you want to open.


Step 2: Right-Click the File

Right-click directly on the PDF file. A context menu will appear.


Step 3: Open in Helperbird

Select Open in Helperbird from the menu. Your PDF will open in Helperbird's reader in a new tab.

Tip: Right-clicking is the fastest way to open PDFs in Helperbird, especially when working with multiple files.


Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

Ran into a snag while getting started? No worries at all! Just reach out to our friendly Helperbird support team, and we'll help you smooth things out in no time.

What People Are Saying

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bookmouse

bookmouse

Helperbird user

This extension has been an absolute lifesaver. I have that fantastic combo of ADHD and Dyslexia while trying to go through college. I have difficulty keeping letters in order, seeing the gaps between words, and with ADHD on top, I lose focus A LOT. The immersive reader has been my new best friend. It drowns out the rest of the content on the page, changes the font to something I can read, and highlights the word as it reads to me. My eyes are forced to keep going in the right direction. I can slow down and pay attention to what I'm reading. I don't even have to go back and read the same paragraph 5 times to understand it! The screen overlay has been outstanding for eye strain and being able to distinguish between words and spaces. The custom font and spacing for research articles have been an enormous advantage! I can actually read the research papers now and not have this daunting 2 column fine print page to squint over.All around, this has been the best purchase I've ever had. I use this every day, with every assignment. I don't even struggle with story-based questions anymore. The immersive reader helps me read, listen, and understand the question all at once. I am still exploring what I can use this with and how it can make my academic career, and I keep getting impressed with every new way I find to use it. Seriously, try it out. You won't regret it at all. Even if you don't have dyslexia or ADHD, just try it out. You might find that it helps you understand the content you're trying to learn even better!

Mason Hunter

Mason Hunter

Helperbird user

It was helpful at all times for me! I love this tool!

Heather Shepard

Heather Shepard

Helperbird user

Really makes reading easier for dyslexics.

Máiréad Jones

Máiréad Jones

Helperbird user

Helperbird is one of the most helpful tools I've ever used. It has so many great features that not many other apps or software have. The free version can be installed and stay forever on your browser. Other companies don't always give you access for free or give access for free forever. When you do get access to the Pro version or other paid plans, you expand your opportunity to read and stay focused better. One of the other great things about Helperbird is their support service. They have a video for every single feature that you can use. They are simple and helpful videos that make the learning process a lot easier. In addition, they have great live chat support. They are super nice and helpful. They always encourage people to give suggestions on how to improve Helperbird. Why is this important? It shows they really care about people with disabilities or people in general.

Alex R

Alex R

Helperbird user

Amazing Extensions in chrome. I Installed in my parents computer, because my dad have a poor vision, due to bad eye surgery. this extension really helps to have able to manipulate the font and font size for more comfortable use instead of chrome zoom feature. Because the chrome zoom feature is its overly zoom will cause the page looking super weird.

Kai Tam

Kai Tam

Helperbird user

Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

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