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

Install Helperbird Google Docs and Slides add-on. Add accessibility features to your Google Workspace documents and presentations.

·

  • apps

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


Installing Helperbird for Google Drive

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 Drive.

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 Drive 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 Drive 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

Join over 1,000,000 people who use Helperbird every day.

It's helped me immensely with being able to focus and process words on any website

Emily Chan

Emily Chan

Helperbird user

Very easy to use.

Mokakoto

Mokakoto

Helperbird user

I purchased this for my daughter who has been having a lot of difficulty accessing the online work set remotely by her teachers during our National Lockdown because of Covid-19. Her dyslexia was really hindering her ability to complete tasks and keep up which in turn led to increased anxiety levels...a really horrid place to be in during a global pandemic! Helper bird has been a vast help and I fully recommend it and wish more schools knew about it. Thank You Helper Bird.

Michelle Howard-Price

Michelle Howard-Price

Assistive technology specialist

Simplemente increíble. Nunca he tenido una extensión con tantísimas opciones juntas. Como profesor, siempre la recomiendo a las familias de estudiantes con dificultades para mantener la atención, a la hora de leer, y otras necesidades específicas, aunque pienso que puede ser de uso para cualquiera. ¡Un 10!

Firefox user

Firefox user

Profesor / Teacher

Let me tell you, I didn't know how badly I needed this until I got it. It was much like when I got glasses, I had just assumed that was how everyone saw the world...then it wasn't. Thank you Helperbird for the efforts you put forth in this lovely extension for everyone to use. The fact that you can use so much on the free just goes to show that this is something to help aid people not just some money grab. However with the pricing it still couldn't be a money grab. Thank you all again for the efforts you put forth so others can enjoy the internet more fully.

Matthew Burns

Matthew Burns

Health care worker

Great features on the free side.

bookmouse

bookmouse

Helperbird user

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

Download Helperbird

Make browsing easier and more accessible with tools like Text to Speech, Immersive Reader, and more.