Helperbird Quick Start Guide

Get started with Helperbird in under 2 minutes. Learn how to install, pin, and use your first accessibility feature on any website.

Step 1: Install Helperbird

Go to your browser's extension store and search for Helperbird, or use one of these links:

Click Add to browser and follow the prompts to install.


Step 2: Pin Helperbird to Your Toolbar

After installing, pin the Helperbird icon so it is always visible:

  • Chrome — Click the puzzle piece icon in the top-right corner, find Helperbird, and click the pin icon
  • Edge — Click the three dots menu, go to Extensions, and pin Helperbird
  • Firefox — Click the hamburger menu, go to Add-ons, and pin Helperbird

For detailed steps, see our full pinning guide.


Step 3: Turn Helperbird On

Click the Helperbird icon (a small owl) in your toolbar. The Helperbird menu will open. Make sure the main toggle at the top is turned on — it will turn green when active.


Step 4: Try Your First Feature

Here are three great features to try first:

Text-to-Speech — Select any text on a webpage and have it read aloud to you. Find it in the Helperbird menu or use the Highlight Menu that appears when you select text.

Reading Mode — Click Reading Mode in the Helperbird menu to strip away ads and distractions from any article. Just the content, clean and easy to read.

Font Size — Increase the text size on any page to make it more comfortable to read. Find it in the Helperbird menu and use the slider to adjust.


Step 5: Explore More Features

Helperbird has over 40 features. To see them all, scroll down in the Helperbird menu and click All Features to expand the full list. You can also use the search bar at the top of the menu to find a specific feature by name.

Tip: Click the star icon next to any feature to add it to your favorites for quick access at the top of the menu.


What's Next?

Now that you are up and running, here are some helpful guides:


Video Tutorial

Coming soon


Need Additional Help?

If you have any questions about getting started, reach out to our Helperbird support team. We are happy to walk you through anything!

What People Are Saying

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

It's a great tool! Really simple to use and works as described.

shivashree vysali

shivashree vysali

Helperbird user

I am getting such great support from Robert. I enjoy working with him. He answers my questions very quickly. Thanks so much for your great support and a great product.

Terry Martin

Terry Martin

Assistive technology specialist

I have to admit, I have tried several other similar products which were awful. Helperbird is truly amazing! The font changes, colours, overlays, notes, text to speech and I love the 50 natural languages! 100% worth updating.

Ciarán Hyland

Ciarán Hyland

Helperbird user

So far ive got nothing but amazing things to say about this extension. It helps everyday life so much!

Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Helperbird user

The free version of this is so great and helpful to a LOT of people...but the upgraded version is next level:)

Mia Laudato

Mia Laudato

Helperbird user

This is my first google review ever! I have to share that the accessibility and support for independent access for students that Helperbird provides, is a game changer. It is constantly being updated with new features based on feedback and it is extremely user friendly. The ability to customize the settings allows students to have control over their own learning, aligning with Universal Design for Learning. Looking forward to sharing with students and fellow educators on a daily basis. Thanks, Helperbird team!

Kelli Suding

Kelli Suding

Assistive technology specialist

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.